An old vehicle does not have to be scrapped simply because it has crossed a particular age. For a private vehicle, the initial registration is generally valid for 15 years, after which renewal is possible subject to the applicable requirements. The Vehicle S
Scrappage Policy focuses on fitness and registration status rather than treating age alone as an automatic reason for scrapping.
The situation changes when the vehicle can no longer meet the requirements for continued registration or falls under a local restriction. At that point, the owner may need to stop using it or consider formal scrapping through a Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility (RVSF). Scrapping can also generate a Certificate of Deposit (CD), which has separate value and can be traded through DigiELV.
An “overage vehicle” generally refers to a vehicle that has reached or exceeded an age at which additional registration, fitness or scrapping requirements may apply. It is important not to confuse this with an automatic scrapping requirement.
For a private vehicle, the initial registration period is 15 years. After that, renewal is subject to the applicable registration and fitness requirements. Under the Vehicle Scrappage Policy, private vehicles can enter the end-of-life framework based on fitness or failure to renew registration, while commercial vehicles follow different fitness requirements.
Local restrictions can also change the position. In the National Capital Region, for example, diesel vehicles over 10 years old and petrol vehicles over 15 years old are subject to restrictions based on Supreme Court and NGT orders.(Press Information Bureau)
Enforcement there is currently tied to emission standards: the Supreme Court has directed that no coercive action be taken solely on the ground of age against BS-IV and newer vehicles, while diesel and petrol vehicles meeting only BS-III or older norms can face enforcement action such as impoundment and fines. These restrictions should not be treated as a nationwide rule, and NCR owners should check the latest court and CAQM directions.
Reaching 15 years does not automatically mean that a private vehicle must be scrapped. Instead, the owner needs to consider whether the vehicle remains eligible for registration renewal and meets the applicable fitness requirements.
For non-transport vehicles, the renewal application is made through Form 25. The official form is specifically prescribed for renewal of registration of a motor vehicle other than a transport vehicle. (Parivahan)
The Vehicle Scrappage Policy also introduced higher registration and fitness-related fees for older vehicles as a disincentive to continuing with ageing vehicles. The Ministry has stated that increased renewal registration fees apply to personal vehicles above 15 years, while fitness-related fees also increase for older vehicles.
Keeping an old vehicle is possible where its registration remains valid or can be renewed and it meets the applicable requirements. The consequences arise when the vehicle becomes difficult or impossible to keep legally registered, or when local restrictions prevent its use.
Once the initial registration period ends, the owner must follow the applicable renewal process rather than continuing to rely on the original registration. Renewal requirements can include the prescribed documentation and fitness certification.
The vehicle's physical condition becomes part of the decision when fitness is required. The scrappage framework uses fitness as a key mechanism for identifying vehicles that should no longer remain in use. (Press Information Bureau)
The central framework provides for higher registration renewal and fitness-related fees for older vehicles. This means the cost of keeping an ageing vehicle legally registered can increase even when renewal remains possible.
A vehicle that can be renewed under the general registration framework may still face restrictions in a particular jurisdiction. NCR's age-based restrictions for petrol and diesel vehicles are a notable example, although current enforcement there is linked to BS-IV emission compliance following the Supreme Court's December 2025 order.
Age also changes the financial calculation. Repairs, maintenance and the vehicle's remaining market value need to be considered alongside registration and fitness costs. These are ownership considerations rather than automatic legal consequences of age.
Yes, an old vehicle can continue to be used where its registration is valid, it satisfies the applicable requirements and no local restriction prohibits its use. Being 15 years old does not by itself create a nationwide ban on private vehicles, although government-owned vehicles older than 15 years are treated differently and are not renewed. (Press Information Bureau)
However, the position changes when registration is not renewed or when a vehicle fails the applicable fitness requirements. In such cases, the vehicle may enter the end-of-life framework rather than continuing as an ordinary road-going vehicle.
When a vehicle cannot continue under the applicable registration or fitness requirements, formal scrapping becomes an option. The Vehicle Scrapping Policy provides for Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities to receive and process end-of-life vehicles through a regulated system. (Press Information Bureau)
The RVSF verifies the vehicle and ownership records, accepts the vehicle for scrapping and issues a Certificate of Deposit. The rules define the CD as the certificate issued by an RVSF to recognise submission of the vehicle for further treatment. (V Scrap)
This is an important distinction between formal scrapping and simply selling an old vehicle to an informal scrap dealer. Formal scrapping creates a documented process connected to the vehicle's official records and produces a CD that can have value after the vehicle itself has left the road.
Scrapping does not necessarily mean that the CD has to be used by the same owner for a replacement vehicle. A CD can be traded, which creates another route for an owner who does not intend to buy a new vehicle.
DigiELV is a MoRTH-authorised, VAHAN-integrated marketplace for buying and selling Certificates of Deposit. The platform connects CD owners with buyers and provides a digital process for listing, negotiating and transferring certificates.
This means the value created through formal scrapping is not limited to the immediate scrap payment. Depending on the applicable rules and market demand, the owner can either use the CD for an eligible replacement vehicle or explore its sale through the formal digital trading process.
Once you have a Certificate of Deposit and choose to sell it, the process moves from the physical vehicle to the digital certificate.
Register as a CD owner: Complete the required registration and KYC details associated with your certificate.
List the CD: Select the certificate you want to sell and create an offer with your preferred price.
Receive buyer offers: Buyers can view available CD offers and submit bids based on the relevant vehicle category.
Accept an offer or use Instant Sell: You can review available offers or use DigiELV's Instant Sell option to sell at the available market price.
Complete the transfer: Once the transaction is confirmed, the CD is transferred to the buyer and the transaction is recorded on the platform. DigiELV also provides transaction records and invoices.
The buyer can then access the transferred certificate through the platform for its applicable use.
The decision should not be based on vehicle age alone. Compare the vehicle's legal status, likely renewal costs, condition and remaining usefulness against the value created through formal scrapping.
Factor | Continue with the vehicle | Scrap through an RVSF |
Registration | Must remain valid or be renewed | Vehicle enters the formal scrapping process |
Fitness | Applicable requirements must be met | Vehicle is processed as an end-of-life vehicle |
Ongoing use | Possible where legally permitted | Vehicle is removed from active use |
Immediate value | Depends on condition and resale market | Scrap consideration from the RVSF |
Certificate of Deposit | Not generated | CD issued through the formal process |
Future benefit | Depends on keeping the vehicle | CD may provide applicable benefits or be traded |
For a vehicle that remains reliable, legally usable and economical to maintain, renewal may remain practical. When registration, fitness, local restrictions or ownership costs make continued use less viable, formal scrapping creates a documented exit route and a Certificate of Deposit with potential additional value.
Nothing happens automatically simply because a private vehicle becomes old. Where permitted, its registration can be renewed subject to the applicable requirements. The position changes when registration cannot be renewed, the vehicle fails applicable fitness requirements or a local restriction prevents its use.
No. The 15-year point should not be treated as a universal national scrapping deadline for private vehicles. A private vehicle's initial registration is generally 15 years, after which renewal may be possible subject to the applicable requirements. Different rules apply to other vehicle categories and jurisdictions.
Yes, where renewal is permitted and the vehicle satisfies the applicable requirements. Form 25 is the prescribed application for renewal of registration of a motor vehicle other than a transport vehicle.
A vehicle that fails the applicable fitness requirements may no longer qualify for continued registration or use under the relevant framework. At that point, the owner needs to follow the applicable regulatory route, which can include formal scrapping through an RVSF.
Formal scrapping provides the owner with a Certificate of Deposit and the applicable scrap consideration. The CD may provide access to government or manufacturer benefits when purchasing an eligible replacement vehicle, subject to state, vehicle-category and other applicable conditions.
Yes. DigiELV provides a digital marketplace for CD owners and buyers. Sellers can list their certificates, receive buyer offers and complete the transfer through the platform.
Formal scrapping takes the vehicle through an authorised RVSF process and generates the required documentation and Certificate of Deposit. Simply leaving or disposing of an old vehicle does not create the same documented scrapping record or CD-linked benefits.