Vintage Vehicles in India: 50-Year Rule, Special 'VA' Series Number Plates & Form 20A (2026)

Published by Adv. Rajesh Verma on 19 October 2026

1. The 50-Year Vintage Criteria & Scrappage Exemption

Under MoRTH Notification G.S.R. 492(E) and Rule 81A to 81G CMVR:

  • All motorized two-wheelers and four-wheelers older than 50 years (measured from the date of first registration) qualify as Vintage Motor Vehicles.
  • National Scrappage Exemption: They are officially exempt from end-of-life scrappage and commercial emission restrictions.

    • 2. Special 10-Character "VA" Series Registration Plates

    Vintage vehicles are issued distinct registration marks:

    $\text{Format: } \mathbf{XX} \text{ (State Code)} - \mathbf{VA} \text{ (Vintage)} - \mathbf{YY} \text{ (Series)} - \mathbf{XXXX} \text{ (Number)}$

  • Example: DL-VA-AA-0001 or MH-VA-AB-1934.
  • High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) with black lettering on silver-white background.

    • 3. Form 20A Application & ₹20,000 Registration Fee

  • Submit Form 20A on Parivahan with clear photographs of the vehicle (Front, Rear, Side, Engine Bay).
  • Pay the statutory fee of ₹20,000 for new registration (Valid for 10 years; Renewal every 5 years is ₹5,000).
  • Vintage Scrutiny Committee approves original body and mechanical chassis authenticity.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which vehicles qualify as "Vintage Motor Vehicles" in India?

    Under Rule 81A of CMVR, any two-wheeler or four-wheeler that is more than 50 years old from its initial registration date, maintained in original un-modified condition, qualifies as a Vintage Vehicle.

    Are vintage vehicles exempt from the 15-year scrappage policy and NGT ban?

    Yes. Registered Vintage Motor Vehicles with "VA" series plates are legally exempt from mandatory vehicle scrappage and NGT bans, permitted for historic rallies, maintenance runs, and exhibitions.

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