New Car PDI Documents Checklist
Form 20, 21, 22, Invoice & Insurance Audit

1. Complete Delivery Documents Verification Matrix

Before driving your car out of the showroom delivery bay, verify that each of the following 10 legal documents is in your possession and verified:

2. Understanding RTO Forms in Detail

Form 20: Application for Registration of Motor Vehicle

This is the statutory application form submitted by the dealership to your local Regional Transport Authority (RTO). Ensure that your name matches your Aadhaar and PAN card exactly. If you purchased the vehicle under a corporate name or GST number, ensure the corporate entity name and GSTIN are registered.

Form 21: Sale Certificate

Form 21 serves as the absolute title deed demonstrating that the vehicle has been legally transferred from the manufacturer/dealer to you. It specifies:

• Chassis Number: Complete 17-digit alphanumeric VIN.
• Engine Number: Stamped engine block code.
• Fuel Type & Seating Capacity: Petrol, Diesel, EV, or CNG and seating capacity (e.g., 5-seater).

Form 22: Roadworthiness & Pollution Compliance Certificate

Form 22 is issued directly by the manufacturing plant (e.g., Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., Hyundai Motor India, Tata Motors Ltd.). It certifies that the car complies with the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, including emission standards (BS6 Phase 2 Real Driving Emissions / RDE) and road safety standards.

Crucial Check: Form 22 states the exact month and year the vehicle was manufactured. If your car was dispatched in September 2026, but Form 22 says October 2025, your car has been sitting in stockyards for nearly a year!

3. Tax Invoice Audit: Beware of Illegal Dealer Charges

Carefully audit the line items on your Tax Invoice. In India, dealerships frequently slip in illegal or inflated charges:

4. Insurance Policy Verification: Don't Compromise on Add-ons

Your insurance policy must feature:

• Correct IDV (Insured Declared Value): For a brand new vehicle, IDV must be 95% of Ex-Showroom Price. Never accept an artificially low IDV just to get a cheaper premium.
• Bumper-to-Bumper Zero Depreciation: Guarantees 100% reimbursement on replacement of plastic, rubber, glass, and metal parts without depreciation cuts.
• Engine & Gearbox Protection: Protects against hydrostatic lock caused by driving through monsoon waterlogging or sudden oil sump damage.
• Return to Invoice (RTI): In the unfortunate event of vehicle theft or total constructive loss, RTI reimburses the full original on-road purchase price (including RTO road tax and registration).
• Key Replacement Cover: Smart key fobs cost ₹15,000 to ₹40,000 each if lost or damaged.

5. Physical Stamping vs. Document Verification Guide

Never rely solely on what is printed on paper. You must physically locate and cross-verify the vehicle's punch stamping:

6. The Delivery Handover Kit

Before driving out, confirm that the dealer hands over:

• 2 Master Smart Keys: Check that both key fobs lock/unlock the vehicle and start the engine. Confirm the metal key code tag is attached (required to program duplicate keys if lost).
• Physical Tool Kit: Jack, wheel nut spanner, reversible screwdriver, and screw-in front towing eye bolt.
• Spare Wheel: Inspect the spare wheel in the boot floor. Verify size, speed rating, and inflation pressure.
• Emergency Equipment: Reflective red hazard warning triangle and sealed first-aid medical kit.
• Owner's Manual & Service Booklet: Physical user handbook with warranty schedule.