Transferring a Car from Chennai to Bengaluru: The Real Cost
Moving a 3-year-old ₹10 lakh petrol car from Chennai to Bengaluru costs about ₹1,27,150–₹1,28,250 upfront — Karnataka charges 15.5% road tax on the car's depreciated value — and roughly ₹1,04,000 of the tax you originally paid in Tamil Nadu is refundable afterwards. Guides that say "₹3,000–10,000" are counting only the paperwork.
Cost by vehicle age (₹10 lakh petrol example)
| Car's age | Karnataka tax due | Tamil Nadu refund | Net cost (incl. fees) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | ₹1,44,150 | − ₹1,21,333 | ₹24,417–₹25,517 |
| 3 years | ₹1,25,550 | − ₹1,04,000 | ₹23,150–₹24,250 |
| 5 years | ₹1,06,950 | − ₹86,667 | ₹21,883–₹22,983 |
| 8 years | ₹83,700 | − ₹60,667 | ₹24,633–₹25,733 |
Estimates from Karnataka's published slab applied to a typical age-depreciation schedule; exact tables vary by state — the BengaluruRTO's computation is final. The refund arrives separately after filing, often months later.
Your own numbers
Enter your car's original invoice price and the estimate appears here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to transfer a car from Chennai to Bengaluru?
For a 3-year-old car bought at ₹10 lakh: roughly ₹1,27,150–₹1,28,250 upfront (Karnataka road tax on the depreciated value at 15.5%, plus RTO fees), of which about ₹1,04,000 comes back later as a pro-rata refund from Tamil Nadu. Cheaper/older cars pay less; use the calculator below for your exact numbers.
Do I need to re-register in Bengaluru at all?
Yes, if the car stays in Karnataka beyond 12 months — and the road tax is due much sooner than that in practice. The sequence: NOC from your Chennai RTO, pay Karnataka road tax, re-register at the local RTO, then claim the Tamil Nadu refund with proof of re-registration.
How do I claim the Tamil Nadu road-tax refund?
After re-registering in Karnataka, apply to your original Chennai RTO with the new RC, a copy of the NOC, and the original tax receipt. Most states refund pro-rata on the unexpired portion (15-year basis). Expect the process to take months and to need written follow-up — but on a newer car the amount is well worth it.