Delhi Vehicle Fitness Certificate 2025 – When It's Mandatory & How to Get FC Online/Offline

Introduction

If you own a vehicle registered in Delhi, the term Vehicle Fitness Certificate (FC) in 2025 is no longer just a routine formality. It is directly connected to whether your vehicle is treated as an End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV), whether you can legally refuel older diesel/petrol vehicles in Delhi, and whether a commercial vehicle can run, renew its permit or enter NCR without problems.

This guide is 100% Delhi-specific and updated for 2025, especially in the context of:

• No-fuel rules for overage diesel and petrol vehicles in Delhi, and
• The rollout of Automated Testing Stations (ATS) for transparent, automated fitness checks.

Whether you run a goods carrier, school bus, tourist taxi, e-rickshaw or city bus, understanding how fitness, ELV rules and permits link together in Delhi will decide whether your vehicle can stay on the road.

1. What is a Vehicle Fitness Certificate (FC) & how is Delhi different in 2025?

Across India, a Vehicle Fitness Certificate (FC) confirms that a vehicle is roadworthy and meets basic safety and emission standards. Under Central Motor Vehicle Rules, the broad pattern is:

Private non-transport vehicles (cars, bikes)

• Automatic fitness validity for 15 years from first registration.
• In most states, FC renewal is then done every 5 years.

Transport / commercial vehicles

• FC valid for 2 years up to 8 years of vehicle age.
• Thereafter, FC is typically renewed every year.

But Delhi adds an extra layer with its 10-year diesel and 15-year petrol ban, driven by court orders and CAQM directions:

• Diesel vehicles registered in Delhi are treated as overage after 10 years – no re-registration, no fitness renewal, effectively no FC.
• Petrol vehicles registered in Delhi are treated as overage after 15 years – again, no FC renewal.

Such vehicles become End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) in Delhi – they cannot legally be used on the road or refuelled in Delhi, regardless of mechanical condition.

In practical terms, for Delhi-registered private cars and bikes:

• FC renewal after 15 years (like in many other states) is not practically available,
• Because the vehicle itself is not allowed to run in Delhi beyond 15 years (petrol) or 10 years (diesel).

2. When is a Fitness Certificate mandatory in Delhi in 2025?

In 2025, a valid Fitness Certificate is non-negotiable for almost every commercial / transport vehicle that touches Delhi roads.

2.1 Vehicles registered in Delhi where FC is mandatory

All transport vehicles with yellow plates must have a valid FC, including:

• Goods carriers (LCVs, HCVs) – for example DL1L, DL1M series.
• Contract carriage taxis such as tourist taxis and DL1RT series cabs.
• Auto-rickshaws & e-rickshaws with commercial registration.
• School buses, staff buses, company buses.
• RTVs / cluster buses, mini / midi buses.
• Aggregator cabs (Ola, Uber etc.) with Delhi commercial registration.

Even if a vehicle visually looks like a private car, if its registration category is transport, a valid Fitness Certificate is compulsory.

Vehicles needing permit renewal / countersignature

No stage carriage, contract carriage or tourist bus/taxi permit in Delhi or NCR is renewed without a valid FC updated in the Vahan system.

Vehicles asking for NOC or "Conversion" fitness in Delhi

A valid FC is also important when:

• A Delhi-registered commercial vehicle seeks NOC to another state.
• A vehicle seeks conversion – for example, change of body type or permit category.

The Delhi Transport Department lists services such as Renewal of Fitness Certificate, Duplicate Fitness Certificate and Fitness for NOC / Conversion – all largely aimed at transport vehicles.

2.2 Private vehicles registered outside Delhi but running inside Delhi

If your car is registered in another state (for example HR26, UP16), FC/registration renewal is handled by that state RTO. However, in 2025, fuel-ban and ELV rules in Delhi still apply to vehicles that cross 10 years (diesel) or 15 years (petrol) while operating inside the city, a development also highlighted by Hindustan Times in its coverage of the no-fuel rule for ELVs .

Practically, you may hold a valid FC from your home state, but if the vehicle is overage under Delhi rules, it should not be refuelled or used in Delhi.

If you decide to move such a vehicle out of Delhi permanently rather than run it under Delhi ELV limits, you will likely need a NOC (No Objection Certificate). For example, Fateh Legacy helps with NOC-related work through services like:

NOC in DL09 (Palam, Delhi) – Support for moving vehicles out of Delhi

3. ELVs & the 2025 fuel-ban: why fitness alone is not enough in Delhi

3.1 No fuel for old diesel/petrol vehicles

From 1 July 2025, Delhi began strictly enforcing a no-fuel rule for ELVs — diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years at petrol pumps. Even if such a vehicle hypothetically had fitness from some other state, Delhi petrol pumps are not supposed to refuel it.

But beyond fuel, the underlying 10-year diesel / 15-year petrol ban under NGT / Supreme Court + CAQM directions still stands. Once a Delhi-registered vehicle becomes an ELV, it simply cannot lawfully ply in Delhi.

3.2 What this means for you in 2025

• If you own a 2014 diesel car registered in Delhi, it is already 11 years old in 2025 – an ELV – no FC, no re-registration, not supposed to ply or refuel in Delhi.
• If you own a 2010 petrol car registered in Delhi, it is 15+ years old and treated as an ELV too.
• If your vehicle is commercial but still under the age limits (for example a 7-year-old diesel truck), FC remains mandatory every year; without FC + PUC + permit, it can be impounded or pushed toward scrapping under Delhi’s policy.

For vehicles with an active bank loan, hypothecation removal (HP removal) on the RC becomes important before scrapping, sale or certain transfers. Fateh Legacy assists owners with this RC clean-up through services such as:

Hypothecation Removal in DL13 (Surajmal Vihar, Delhi) – Clear bank loan from your RC

Clearing hypothecation is often a practical prerequisite before deciding whether to scrap, transfer or move an overage vehicle out of Delhi.

4. Delhi’s Automated Testing Stations (ATS): where FC tests actually happen

Delhi is steadily shifting vehicle fitness testing from manual, inspector-based checks to Automated Testing Stations (ATS).

A model ATS at Jhuljhuli already conducts fully automated fitness tests covering brakes, suspension, underbody, emissions and more with minimum human discretion, as reported by The Times of India . Subsequent reports have highlighted new facilities being set up at locations like Nand Nagri depot with capacity to test tens of thousands of vehicles annually.

In 2025, most standard commercial vehicles in Delhi will find their fitness appointments scheduled at ATS once they apply online. These centres are designed to be objective, transparent and technology-driven, reducing subjectivity in pass/fail decisions.

5. Documents required for Fitness Certificate in Delhi (commercial vehicles)

For a typical Delhi-registered transport vehicle (for example DL1x series), keep the following documents ready for FC-related work:

• Original RC (Registration Certificate) – smart card or digital (DigiLocker / Parivahan).
• Valid Insurance Certificate – at least third-party cover.
• Valid PUC Certificate – emissions within prescribed norms (very strictly checked in Delhi).
• Valid permit – goods carriage permit, tourist permit, contract carriage, RTV permit etc.
• Tax payment proof – road tax / MCD fees where applicable.
• Identity proof of the owner or authorised representative.
• Previous Fitness Certificate – if applying for renewal.
• Any special approvals – modifications, CNG/LPG kit endorsement, speed governor details where relevant.

Keep original physical documents handy even if details appear in Vahan; during surprise checks or ATS visits, enforcement teams in Delhi often insist on seeing the originals.

If your RC is lost or badly damaged, it is wise to first obtain a Duplicate RC before FC-related work so your vehicle data and ownership record are clear. Fateh Legacy supports this through services like:

Duplicate RC in DL11 (Rohini, Delhi) – If your RC is lost or damaged

6. Step-by-step: How to apply for Delhi Vehicle Fitness Certificate online

Most FC work in Delhi today is done through Parivahan/Vahan combined with Delhi Transport e-services and ATS slot booking. A typical process looks like this:

Step 1 – Check age eligibility

First confirm that your vehicle is not overage under Delhi ELV rules:

• Diesel vehicles: age must be ≤ 10 years.
• Petrol vehicles: age must be ≤ 15 years.

If the vehicle is overage, focus on NOC or scrapping instead of fitness.

Step 2 – Ensure mobile number & records are updated

Make sure your mobile number is updated in Vahan/Sarathi, as MoRTH repeatedly recommends. Many services, including FC, use OTP-based authentication.

Step 3 – Apply online for FC renewal / fresh FC

On the official Parivahan/Vahan portal or Delhi Transport online services:

• Select State: Delhi and your registering authority (for example, DL-01 Mall Road, DL-09 Janakpuri).
• Choose the relevant FC service – Renewal / Fresh / Duplicate / Fitness for NOC/Conversion.
• Enter key details like:
  • Registration number
  • Last 5 digits of chassis number
  • Engine number if prompted

The system will show your vehicle details, FC expiry, tax and penalty (if any).

Step 4 – Pay FC fee, user charges & green tax (if applicable)

Fees depend on vehicle type and age.

After recent Union government revisions, FC tests for vehicles between 15–20 years can have significantly higher charges for motorcycles, three-wheelers, LMVs and heavy vehicles, a change highlighted by The Times of India .

For commercial vehicles in Delhi, expect:

• Fitness fee
• User charge for ATS
• Possible green tax / environment compensation for older but still permitted categories.

Step 5 – Book ATS slot

Once payment is successful, you can book a time slot at an Automated Testing Station such as Jhuljhuli, Nand Nagri, Tehkhand or other notified centres. Try to choose a slot before FC expiry to avoid penalties and permit issues.

Step 6 – Present the vehicle at ATS

On the test day, the actual vehicle must reach the ATS with:

• All original documents listed in the previous section.
• A driver holding a valid commercial driving licence (and badge, where required).
• The vehicle in good mechanical condition – no oil leaks, bald tyres, or non-working lights/wipers/horn.

The ATS runs automated tests on:

• Brakes (roller test)
• Side-slip & alignment
• Suspension
• Headlight aim
• Underbody
• Emissions

Step 7 – FC result & digital certificate

If the vehicle passes, its fitness status is updated in Vahan and a digital FC is issued, usually viewable in Parivahan or DigiLocker. If it fails, you receive a defect sheet and a retest window after rectifying faults (with applicable fees).

7. Offline / semi-offline FC scenarios in Delhi

Although Delhi promotes faceless / online services, some FC-related situations still involve semi-offline or manual touchpoints:

• Very old permits or special-purpose bodies such as cranes or rigs may require initial scrutiny at Zonal Office / STA before ATS booking.
• Where fitness has lapsed for a long period and permits are also expired with heavy penalties, owners may be called to the concerned RTO/STA for clarification before FC is granted.
• In rare cases, vehicle owners who contest ATS results may represent their case to the Motor Vehicle Inspector or higher authority.

However, for the vast majority of school buses, taxis, goods carriers and autos, application, fee payment and slot booking are fully online, and the actual testing is at an ATS.

8. Penalties & enforcement if you run without FC in/around Delhi

Under the Motor Vehicles Act, driving without a valid Fitness Certificate can attract:

• Fines of around ₹2,000–₹5,000 for a first offence, and
• Up to ₹10,000 and imprisonment for repeat offences.

In addition, permits can be cancelled or suspended. Delhi and neighbouring states have repeatedly seized buses and commercial vehicles that lacked FC or violated safety norms, sometimes after serious accidents.

Post ELV fuel-ban discussions, enforcement in Delhi increasingly relies on:

• ANPR cameras at fuel stations,
• Joint teams from Transport, Traffic Police and MCD, and
• Impounding + scrappage for overage or non-compliant vehicles.

For a Delhi commercial vehicle owner, running without FC is simply not worth the risk. A single random check or accident can lead to seizure of the vehicle, heavy fines and long-term permit complications.

9. How Delhi has given temporary reliefs in the past (late FC renewals)

Historically, Delhi has occasionally offered temporary relief on penalties for fitness delays, especially for school buses and RTVs:

• In May 2022, the Delhi Transport Department waived late fees for RTV and minibus fitness renewal to support financially stressed operators, a development covered by The Indian Express .
• In March 2022, a similar penalty waiver for delayed fitness and permit renewal for school buses and cabs was announced, as reported by India Today , to help ensure smooth school transport operations after Covid disruptions.

The key message is:

• Fitness remains compulsory for commercial vehicles.
• Temporary waivers, when announced, are usually one-time reliefs and should not be relied upon as a long-term strategy.

10. Practical Delhi use-cases (2025)

Case 1 – Okhla-based transporter with an 8-year-old diesel LCV

Vehicle: 2017 diesel LCV, Delhi-registered.
Status in 2025: 8 years old – still allowed, but needs annual FC.

The owner must:

• Apply online for FC renewal well before expiry.
• Book an ATS slot and ensure PUC, tax and insurance are valid.
• Plan the bigger decision before 2027, when the LCV will hit 10 years and become an ELV under Delhi diesel rules.

Case 2 – Dwarka school with a 12-year-old CNG bus

Vehicle: 2013 CNG school bus, Delhi-registered.
Since ELV rules primarily target diesel and petrol, CNG buses may still be allowed subject to FC, PUC and school-bus safety norms.

The school must:

• Maintain strict fitness schedules.
• Ensure all school bus safety requirements (emergency exits, fire extinguishers, speed governor etc.) are met at the time of FC.

Case 3 – Delhi tourist taxi doing airport + outstation runs

Vehicle: Commercial Innova (DL1 taxi series) used for NCR and outstation runs.

Compliance must include:

• Annual FC at an ATS.
• Valid permit (often All India Tourist Permit).
• Up-to-date tax payments in all states regularly visited.

A failed fitness test during peak travel season can mean immediate business loss, so owners usually pre-check tyres, brakes, lights and leakages a week or two before their ATS slot.

If you plan to eventually sell or transfer such a vehicle instead of continuing under the Delhi ELV regime, you may also need clean ownership and RC records. Fateh Legacy supports this via:

Ownership Transfer in DL08 (Wazirpur, Delhi) – RC transfer & documentation support

11. Quick checklist for Delhi vehicle owners (2025)

• Know your vehicle age precisely from the RC (date of first registration), not memory.
• If diesel & 10+ years or petrol & 15+ years and Delhi-registered, treat it as an ELV – focus on scrapping or NOC instead of FC.
• For commercial vehicles:
  • Track the FC expiry date in a calendar.
  • Apply online at least 30 days before expiry.
  • Keep insurance, PUC, tax and permit valid at all times.
  • Book ATS slots early at high-demand centres like Jhuljhuli or Nand Nagri.
• Use mParivahan / DigiLocker to store digital copies of RC, FC and insurance.
• If you receive any SMS or notice from the Transport Department regarding FC, do not ignore it – Delhi enforcement drives are often sudden and strict.

Alongside vehicle FC, make sure your drivers hold valid driving licences mapped to the correct vehicle category. If you or your drivers need help with DL services in West Delhi, Fateh Legacy also assists with:

Driving License in DL04 (Janakpuri, Delhi) – Fresh DL, renewals & upgrades

Conclusion

In 2025, managing a commercial or high-usage vehicle in Delhi requires more than just mechanical upkeep. You must align with Fitness Certificate rules, ELV bans, ATS testing and permit conditions – all under the spotlight of pollution control and stricter enforcement.

• Make sure your vehicle is within age limits — diesel up to 10 years, petrol up to 15 years for Delhi registration.
• Track and renew FC, PUC, insurance and permits on time.
• Use the online Parivahan/Vahan systems and ATS slots wisely.
• When approaching the ELV boundary, plan for NOC, ownership transfer or scrapping instead of last-minute panic.

If you feel stuck at any step — from FC renewal and ATS slots to NOC, Duplicate RC or hypothecation removal — Fateh Legacy is ready to help you navigate Delhi’s RTO maze so that your vehicles remain legally and operationally fit for the road.

How Fateh Legacy helps with Fitness Certificate & related RTO work in Delhi

A clean Fitness Certificate record rarely stands alone. In real life, Delhi vehicle owners face a chain of linked issues: ELV bans, NOC requirements, hypothecation on RC, duplicate documents and DL compliance. This is where Fateh Legacy can act as a structured RTO partner.

With Fateh Legacy, you get:

• Guided support for FC-related workflows – ensuring your vehicle is eligible, documents are in order and ATS appointments are planned sensibly.
• Expert help with NOC and movement out of Delhi when ELV cut-offs are approaching.
• Support for ownership change, Duplicate RC and hypothecation removal so that your RC data is clean before FC, NOC or scrapping.
• Assistance with driving licence services for owners and drivers so that vehicles and driver documents are both compliant.