Hypothecation is the process wherein you pledge the ownership of your vehicle to the lender. Once you take a vehicle loan, the hypothecation request is submitted to the regional transport officer with the loan details. Even though the vehicle's ownership remains with the lender, your name and address are mentioned in the vehicle's RC book. It means you will be legally liable for everything related to the vehicle. Once you have completely paid your loan off, you should get the hypothecation removed. You cannot sell your vehicle without removing it.