How to Check the Fitness Certificate of a Vehicle Online

Manoj Kumawat
Written by Manoj Kumawat
08 July 2025
 How to Check the Fitness Certificate of a Vehicle Online

“What is the validity of my vehicle’s Fitness Certificate?” If you are looking for an answer to this question, then here is the right guide for you!

The fitness certificate is an important document that confirms your vehicle is safe to drive on the roads. To make it effective, it is important to keep an eye on its validity and process to check it online. You will have to pay the penalty amount once it expires.

In this guide, we will walk you through the simple steps to check the fitness certificate of a vehicle online using the official VAHAN portal.

Fitness Certificate Validity

There is a certain validity of the Fitness Certificate after which you have to renew it. To understand it in a better way, here is the tabular explanation:

Type of Vehicle Validity Period
Private Cars 15 years from registration
Two-Wheelers 15 years from registration
Commercial Vehicles (?8 yrs) 2 years

Penalties for Expired Fitness Certificate

If your Vehicle fitness Certificate expires and you are unable to renew it immediately, then you become liable for paying fines for it. Here is the list of them:

Offence Type Penalty
First-time offence ?2,000 to ?5,000
Repeat offence Up to ?10,000 + possible imprisonment
Late renewal fine ?50 per day (as per MV Act, 1988)

How to Check the Fitness of a Vehicle Online?

Follow these given steps to verify your vehicle's fitness status online in a simple way:

  • Step: Visit the official VAHAN Vehicle Search Portal.
  • Step: Log in using your ID or register if you are a new user.
  • Step: Enter your vehicle registration number and the captcha code.
  • Step: Click on the "Vahan Search" button.
  • Step: On the next page, you will see your vehicle’s details, including the fitness certificate validity, registration info, and other key information.

Know - Download Fitness Certificate PDF of a Vehicle

Why Is It Important To Check the Fitness Certificate of a Vehicle?

fitness certificate (FC) of a vehicle is important to ensure that your vehicle is safe, roadworthy, and legally compliant. Here is why it matters:

1 Renewal

The scheme provides coverage for one year and is renewable annually.

2 Avoid Fines

Driving with an expired FC leads to heavy penalties and even imprisonment for repeat offences.

3 Legal Requirement

It is compulsory under the Motor Vehicles Act, especially for commercial vehicles.

4 Road Safety

A valid fitness certificate confirms that the vehicle has passed the necessary safety and emission tests.

5 Smooth Renewals

Regular checks help you stay updated and renew the fitness certificate on time.

6 Essential for Selling

A valid FC is needed if you plan to sell or transfer your vehicle.

Conclusion

Checking the fitness certificate of your vehicle online is an easy and helpful process. It lets you know whether your vehicle is still fit to run on roads and helps you avoid penalties for expired certificates. You just need to visit the VAHAN portal, enter your vehicle details, and check the status in a few clicks. Make sure to check it regularly so that you stay updated and drive without any legal issues or safety concerns.

FAQs

Manoj Kumawat
Written by Manoj Kumawat
08 July 2025

Mr. Manoj Kumawat is an intrinsic character of Square Insurance Brokers Private Limited since the start of the organization.

Disclaimer* :- This article is shared to help inform the public and is for general information only. Please do not treat this article as the final word on the topic. We recommend that you do more research or talk to an expert if you need more advice.
Buy Motor Insurance Online at 💰2094*

By clicking on You, Agreed to our Privacy Policy & Terms of use *Disclaimer

  • rating
  • rating
  • rating
  • rating
  • rating
  • 5.5 CoreRegistered Consumers
  • 50+Insurance Partners
  • 3.4 CorePolicies Sold

Calculate your Car IDV

Select Brand
Select
Select Year