How to Legally Change Your Car’s Colour — Avoid These Costly Errors!

How to Legally Change Your Car’s Colour in India: Complete Procedure, Documents, Rules & Insurance Impact

Changing your car’s colour is one of the most effective ways to refresh its appearance and even enhance resale value. But in India, a colour change is not just a cosmetic upgrade—it’s a legal modification that must comply with the Motor Vehicles Act, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, and RTO regulations. Failing to follow these rules can lead to penalties, RC issues, and even rejected insurance claims.

This comprehensive guide brings together everything you need to know: legal procedures, required documents, RTO rules, insurance impact, wrapping vs. repainting, common mistakes and more.

Why Changing Car Colour Requires RTO Approval

Under the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 and CMVR Rule 47, any modification that alters a vehicle’s registered particulars—including body colour—must be reported to the Regional Transport Office (RTO). Once the colour is changed, the new shade must be approved by the RTO and updated on your Registration Certificate (RC). Driving a vehicle with an unapproved or mismatched colour can attract fines, RC suspension, vehicle detention, and may cause insurance claims to be rejected.

Step-by-Step Procedure to Legally Change Car Colour in India

1. Visit your RTO & fill Form NAMV or Form 33 — Submit an application for vehicle alteration using the NAMV (Notice for Alteration in Motor Vehicle) or Form 33 (for updating RC details). Include vehicle details and the exact new colour/shade.
2. Submit required documents — Original RC, valid insurance policy, PUC certificate, identity & address proof (Aadhaar/DL/Passport), passport-size photos, colour sample swatch, and an invoice/estimate from the workshop.
3. Obtain RTO approval — The RTO will verify the request, may reject prohibited shades, suggest permissible alternatives, and give a date for post-modification inspection.
4. Get the car painted or wrapped — Use a professional, authorised service centre; ensure the final shade matches the one approved by the RTO. Keep invoices as proof.
5. Return to RTO for inspection — After modification, present the vehicle for physical verification.
6. RC update — Once verified, the RTO will update the VAHAN database and reissue the RC with the new colour details.

Important Things to Remember

• Prohibited colours: Avoid shades reserved for emergency or government vehicles (police, ambulance), military olive greens, or reflective chrome finishes.
• Quality matters: Choose high-quality paint or wrap — peeling or low-grade finishes can cause problems during inspection.
• Always update the RC: An updated RC is essential for legal compliance, resale and insurance claims.

How a Colour Change Affects Your Insurance

A colour change counts as a vehicle modification. Your insurer must be informed because insurance policies are linked to your RC. If the vehicle colour in reality does not match the policy details, insurers may reject claims—especially theft or total-loss claims where identification is crucial.

Most insurers do not raise the premium solely for a colour change. However, failure to notify your insurer is a breach of policy terms and can lead to claim denial. Companies like Bajaj General Insurance Limited advise prompt notification so they can endorse the change on your policy and keep coverage intact.

Car Wrapping vs Repainting — Legal & Insurance Insights

Aspect	Car Wrapping	Repainting
Legal Status	Legal but must be declared if it alters appearance	Fully legal with mandatory RC update
RTO Requirement	Required if wrap changes >50% of vehicle	Mandatory update
Insurance Implication	Inform insurer to avoid claim issues	Inform insurer; records must be updated
Cost	Usually lower	More expensive
Reversibility	Removable	Permanent
Durability	3–5 years (quality dependent)	7–10 years (with care)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Changing colour without RTO approval
• Choosing shades reserved for official vehicles
• Not informing your insurer
• Using unauthorised workshops
• Not retaining invoices or skipping RTO inspection

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Unauthorised alterations can attract penalties under the Motor Vehicles Act. Typical consequences include fines (approx. ₹1,000–₹5,000), RC suspension, and possible vehicle detention. In serious or repeated violations, additional legal action may follow.

Quick Checklist Before You Change Colour

1. Verify your chosen shade is not prohibited.
2. Visit RTO for pre-check (if available).
3. Get a formal approval (NAMV/Form 33) and keep records.
4. Use a certified workshop and retain invoices.
5. Get RTO inspection after modification and update RC.
6. Inform your insurer and get an endorsement on the policy.

Conclusion

Changing your car’s colour in India is legal, but it requires adherence to RTO rules and insurer notification. Follow the prescribed steps—seek RTO approval, use professional services, keep documentation, and promptly update your RC and insurance policy—to enjoy a fresh look without risking penalties or claim rejections.

FAQs

Is it legal to change my car's colour in India? Yes — provided you update the change with your RTO and get the new colour recorded on your RC.

What documents are required? Original RC, valid insurance copy, PUC, Form NAMV/Form 33, address proof, colour invoice, passport photos and applicable fee receipts.

Will changing the colour increase my premium? Generally no — insurers rarely change premiums for colour change alone, but you must notify them to avoid claim issues.

Is car wrapping legal? Yes — but if it alters more than 50% of the appearance, you should inform the RTO and insurer.

What are penalties for not updating RC? Penalties can include fines (₹1,000–₹5,000), RC suspension, or vehicle detention under the Motor Vehicles Act.