Kolkata: Ownership transfers of private vehicle and registration renewals would now be possible at any registering authority within Bengal, regardless of the buyer's address or location of residence, announced the state transport department on Wednesday. The move, aimed at simplifying vehicle-related procedures and improving the ease of doing business, will do away with the earlier requirement of a seller's physical presence before the registration authority, where the purchase is made. The earlier rule was a major hurdle when a car buyer and its seller were from different districts. So much so that many owners reportedly sold their vehicles to people in other districts without completing the mandatory ownership transfer required under Sec 50 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.Following complaints, the state implemented the new rule, applicable on non-public transport vehicles registered and sold in Bengal, introducing flexible ownership transfer. Under the new norms, a mandatory seller verification will be carried out, requiring the seller to appear physically before the registering authority to confirm the transfer. Their photos and ID proofs will be uploaded on VAHAN portal. Buyers have the option of appearing physically or virtually.Even renewal of registration for private vehicles, registered in Bengal, can be done at any registering authority within the state without requiring a change of address in the Registration Certificate (RC). For the renewal, digital verification has been made mandatory. A photo of the vehicle has to be taken using an authenticated NIC app, with location verification to ensure transparency, similar to the system for issuing of certificates of fitness. A state transport official pointed out that the move would particularly help vehicle owners, who need to shift residences or occupation addresses across districts, reducing bureaucratic hurdles. "It is also aimed at preventing frauds, bring greater transparency and making the process more citizen-friendly," the notification noted.Pollution control norms will continue to apply to vehicles even after ownership transfer or registration renewal. The new system takes effect immediately