Know the Rules for Your Move in India

Vehicle permits and registration are administered state-by-state, similar to Canada or the US, under a national Motor Vehicles Act framework — and India has one of the largest documented gaps between registered and unregistered movers of any market covered so far.

Before you rely on this

India’s Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 sets the national legal framework, but permits are issued and administered by state-level Regional Transport Offices (RTOs), each operating under its own state Transport Department. A vehicle permit valid in one state doesn’t automatically cover others — a separate National Permit exists specifically for multi-state operation. GST registration and consumer protection are governed nationally. Always confirm current requirements directly before hiring a mover.

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What kind of question is it?

Business & GST registration

Company/business registration plus mandatory GST registration for goods transport, with movers explicitly classified as a Goods Transport Agency (GTA) category that names household goods specifically.

India →

Vehicle permits

A State Permit (intrastate only) or a National Permit (multi-state), issued by the home-state RTO under the Motor Vehicles Act — administered state-by-state, with real local variation (see the India page for a Delhi-specific example).

Covered within the India page

A note on “IBA approval”

Widely advertised by Indian movers, but this is not a government transport licence — see the India page for what it actually is.

Covered within the India page

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India

Business/GST registration plus a Motor Vehicles Act goods carriage permit required — administered by state-level RTOsView requirements

Moving within India?

Select a state

Delhi

Business/GST registration plus a Delhi-issued goods vehicle permit required — with hard, court-mandated age bans and an entry-level environmental charge unlike anywhere else built so farView requirements

Haryana

Business/GST registration plus a Haryana-issued goods vehicle permit required — Gurgaon operations sit inside the Delhi-NCR region and inherit some of Delhi’s restrictions directlyView requirements

Karnataka

Business/GST registration plus a Karnataka-issued goods vehicle permit required — including a distinctive Green Tax on older vehiclesView requirements

Maharashtra

Business/GST registration plus a Maharashtra-issued goods vehicle permit required — state road tax and permit rules are set under Maharashtra’s own statutesView requirements

Tamil Nadu

Business/GST registration plus a Tamil Nadu-issued goods vehicle permit required — including specific reciprocal tax arrangements with neighboring statesView requirements

Telangana

Business/GST registration plus a Telangana-issued goods vehicle permit required — with a Green Tax structure that differs meaningfully from Karnataka’sView requirements

Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only. Regulations may change and vehicle permit administration varies by state. Always confirm current requirements directly with the relevant state RTO and GST authorities before hiring a mover.

Last updated: not stated

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