Maharashtra Introduces New RTO Code MH-61 for Pune
The Maharashtra government has added a new vehicle registration code, MH-61, for Pune, effective November 1, 2026.
MH-61 code introduced for Pune due to exhaustion of MH-12 combinations.
Maharashtra's vehicle registration codes range from MH-01 to MH-61.
24 Regional Transport Offices and 34 Deputy Regional Transport Offices operate in the state.
In a significant update to its vehicle registration system, the Maharashtra government has introduced a new registration code, MH-61, specifically for Pune, effective from November 1, 2026. This change comes as a response to the depletion of available registration combinations under the previous code, MH-12, which had been in use for over 37 years.
The introduction of MH-61 marks a pivotal moment in Maharashtra's vehicle registration history. The state is home to 24 Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) and 34 Deputy Regional Transport Offices (Dy. RTOs), which are responsible for vehicle registrations, issuing driving licenses, and collecting road taxes. The new code will help accommodate the growing number of vehicles in Pune, where the old MH-12 code ran out of unique combinations, including the last ZZ series.
As of now, the complete list of Maharashtra's vehicle registration codes spans from MH-01 to MH-61. The newly introduced MH-61 will serve as the registration code for new vehicles, including both two-wheelers and four-wheelers. The Pune RTO has already begun issuing registrations under this new code, starting with the format MH-61 A 0001.
The impact of this change is expected to be substantial for vehicle owners in Pune, as it ensures that the registration process continues smoothly without interruptions. Moreover, the Maharashtra government has also updated some district names associated with RTOs, reflecting administrative changes, such as renaming Ahmednagar to Ahilyanagar and Aurangabad to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
Looking ahead, while MH-12 will not be entirely phased out, it will be supplemented with a new format, MH-12 1A, pending regulatory approval. This dual approach aims to preserve the legacy of the MH-12 code while accommodating the increasing demand for vehicle registrations in Pune. The Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Department continues to adapt to the evolving needs of its residents, ensuring efficient transport services throughout the state.
