Transport Service
1. What information or documents do we need while applying for vehicle registration?
A person applying for vehicle registration shall:
- submit duly filled and signed application Form-I available on BCTA webpage https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QNX9p3ocsvAoWSeTngeBA7HzsfVJqA-5/view
- submit a copy of Citizenship Identity Card or any form of identification documents
Issued by Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs for the Bhutanese Nationals and Passport/recognized identification documents for Non-Bhutanese as proof of identity, age and eligibility; - submit import declaration and commercial invoice issued by manufacturer/principal Company duly endorsed by DRC at the point of entry, original invoice of dealer and emission compliance certificate;
- Pay the fee specified in Schedule-I of the road safety and transport Regulations 2021; and
- produce certificate of incorporation for registration in name of registered company;
- Certificate of registration or authorization from relevant authority for registration in the name of any entity established under the law;
- in case of a vehicle on, entitled as per vehicle import quota rules, a letter (import authorization) to this effect, along with a copy of Tax clearance certificate;
- Letter from the Ministry of Finance for allotment of BG registration number;
- In the case of a vehicle purchased from other countries by the owner directly without involving local dealer(s), the vehicle shall be registered based on the Department of Revenue and Customs certified documents.
2. Procedure for Registration Certificate replacement in case of damage or lost
- The vehicle owner can apply for the Registration Certificate replacement in person or online https://eralis.rsta.gov.bt/services/vehicles/search?serviceType=rc-replacement.
- Nu. 500 shall be applicable fees for issuance of new registration certificate.
3. Procedure for cancellation of the motor vehicle registration certificate?
The BCTA shall cancel the registration of a motor vehicle:
- At the written request of a registered owner to cancel registration;
- The Authority, upon physical verification, found the motor vehicle in un-roadworthy conditions or
- The cancellation is deemed necessary for the purpose of road safety
The owner must produce a Central Registry Secured Transaction (CRST) Report prior to cancellation of motor vehicles.
The vehicle registration number will not be revived once canceled at the written request of a registered owner.
4. What will account to unlawful alteration and modification of motor vehicles?
An act of unlawful modification to a vehicle shall be considered, if a person: a. changes the color of the vehicle without informing the BCTA;
- Use tinted glass on any of the car windows;
- Use tinted lighting system in a vehicle;
- Affix additional features of lights in a vehicle that are unsafe for other road users, other than those fixed by manufacturing company;
- Extend the size of the vehicle beyond what is specified by the manufacturer; f. modifies horn with an intention to produce excessive noise; and
- Any alteration which is deemed inappropriate as per the Road Safety & Transport Regulations or as may be determined by the BCTA.
5. When should we transfer the ownership?
A person selling a vehicle shall, within 15 days of sale, apply for ownership transfer of the vehicle in the name of the person buying the vehicle.
6. What information or documents do we need while doing ownership transfer of a motor vehicle?
An application for transfer of ownership of a vehicle shall be accompanied by:
- A deed of sale which includes the sale price of the vehicle and the signature of the seller and buyer, signed across a legal stamp and a witness from each party; Central Registry Secured Transaction for verification of hypothecation status by the BCTA;
- Copy of Citizenship Identity Card of buyer;
- Recent passport size photograph of buyer;
- The registration certificate of the vehicle; and
- Property transfers tax and, other fees or charges for change of ownership, specified in Schedule-I of Road safety and transport Regulations 2021, unless otherwise granted exemption under this Regulations;
- Certificate of incorporation for registration in the name of registered company in addition to other requirements;
- Death certificate or certified letter from competent authority along with no objection from family members and family tree for transfer of vehicle from a deceased registered owner to the next of kin;
- Death certificate and marriage certificate or certification from competent authority in case of ownership transfer from the deceased registered owner to his/her spouse; clearance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in case of CD vehicle; or Letter of handing-taking or letter from Ministry of Finance in case of BG registered vehicle
7. Who is liable to pay the property transfer tax (Vehicle ownership Transfer tax)?
He responsibility for payment of property transfer tax shall be as per the Deed of Sale executed between the Seller and the Buyer.
8. Who is exempted from payment of property transfer tax?
The payment of property transfer tax is exempted if a vehicle ownership is transferred: between immediate family members, (immediate family members shall refer to parent, children and spouse);
- From grandparents to grandchildren;
- From a sibling who is the legal custodian of the inherited property to other biological or legally adopted siblings;
- Returned to the main house after the death of the person;
- Split as one share of property under joint ownership;
- Shared under a divorce settlement agreement as per the Marriage Act of Kingdom of Bhutan;
- To registered Religious Organizations and registered public benefit organization registered under Chhoedey Lhentshog and Civil Society Organizations respectively; between exempt international organizations;
- From children to the parents;
- To Zhung Dratshang or Dratshang Lhentshog;
- Between members registered under the same census record; and
- Between Government Agencies
9. Is change of vehicle registration number allowed once being registered in another region?
No. Change of vehicle registration number is not allowed. However, conversion of registration from taxi to private is permitted.
10. Can a second hand/reconditioned vehicle be permitted to be imported into the country?
The BCTA shall neither permit nor register a second hand/reconditioned vehicle imported into the country.
Nonetheless, an expatriate may bring a used vehicle on posting in Bhutan with a condition that the vehicle shall be re-exported upon completion of term of employment in the country.
11. What is the procedure to obtain a learner license?
BCTA shall require an applicant for a learner license to:
- Be 17 years of age or more;
- Produce Citizenship Identity Card or other forms of identification documents issued by Ministry of Home for Bhutanese Nationals, and passport or other form of identification document in case of non-Bhutanese in professional and managerial level;
- Produce latest passport-size photograph in national dress for Bhutanese;
- Produce a medical screening certificate duly sealed and signed by a certified medical doctor within the country;
- Shared under a divorce settlement agreement as per the Marriage Act of Kingdom of Bhutan;
- To registered Religious Organizations and registered public benefit organization registered under Chhoedey Lhentshog and Civil Society Organizations respectively; between exempt international organizations;
- From children to the parents;
- To Zhung Dratshang or Dratshang Lhentshog;
- Between members registered under the same census record; and
- Between Government Agencies
- Submit a duly filled application Form-I; and
- Pay fees applicable fees
12. What are different categories of driving license in Bhutan?
Driving license in Bhutan is categorized as:
- Learner Driving License;
- Ordinary Driving License; and
- Professional Driving License
13. What is the age requirement to obtain a Professional Driving License to drive a Taxi?
21 years & possess 3 years of experience of driving light vehicles.
14. Procedure to obtain an ordinary driving license?
- be 18 years of age or more at the time of applying for a light, two-wheeler; – be 21 years or more of age to sit for medium, heavy and equipment license – Possess Learner license at least six months (self-learner) & three months for trainees passed out from Driving Training Institutes;
- produce certificate of one day introductory course conducted by driving training institute or certificate of having attended road safety awareness provided by the Authority; – undergone both theoretical & practical tests in person and achieved the min. pass score set; – produce a copy of the latest passport-size photograph in national dress for Bhutanese; – produce Citizenship Identity Card or other forms of identification documents for Bhutanese Nationals, and passport or other identification cards in case of foreigners; and – pay fee applicable fees.
15. Procedure to replace driving license in case of loss or damage?
Visit near BCTA office with an application for replacement or avail online at https://eralis.rsta.gov.bt/services/driving/search?serviceType=driving-replacement
16. How many days a driving license is issued after having a successful driving test?
In three days the driving license shall be ready in hard copy. While it will be digitally available online by the afternoon of the same day on which driving test was conducted.
17. What is the minimum age in Bhutan to obtain a driving license?
18 years
18. What is the minimum age in Bhutan to obtain a Learner License?
17 years
19. Who is eligible to own & drive a Taxi?
An applicant must:
- Possess Professional Driving License for light vehicle
- Must be Bhutanese Citizenship identity card holder
- Only one taxi against a CID no.
- be 21 years old or more.
20. What is the validity of a driving license?
- 5-10 years for ordinary driving license
- 3 years for a provisional driving license.
21. What is the acceptable level of Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)?
- Zero tolerance for a person with driving experience of 3 years & below and professional driving license holders.
- 0.08g/100ml for a person holding an Ordinary Driving License with more than 3 years driving experience.
22. What is the permitted time period for payment of Traffic Infringement Notice (TIN)?
- The fine imposed should be paid/cleared within 7 days from the date of the notice. – An additional amount of Nu.750/ week shall be imposed for failing to pay within the provided time frame.
- The driving license will be punched for failing to pay after four weeks time.
23. Can we choose the vehicle registration numbers?
- Yes, a vehicle owner may choose a registration number upon the payment of non refundable fee of Nu.100,000 per the request.
24. Is it possible to transfer an existing vehicle registration number?
- Yes it is allowed to transfer his/her existing vehicle number registered in his/her name to a new vehicle (to be registered in his/her name) after the payment of non refundable fee of Nu. 100,000. However, transfer of registration number from one vehicle to another vehicle which is already registered with the Authority is not allowed.