Getting a personalized number plate is a way to express your individuality and stand out from the crowd. While anyone can obtain a special number plate, it often comes at a high price. Fancy Number plates or VIP number plates are available through e-auctions held by the Regional Transport Office (RTO), providing individuals with the opportunity to bid for their desired number plate. If your bid is successful, you will receive a receipt, and the number plate will be yours.
So, if you’ve admired fancy cars with unique number plates and wish to have one for yourself, let’s delve deeper into the process of acquiring fancy car numbers or a VIP number for your vehicle.
What are Fancy Number Plates?
Fancy number plates consist of a specific set of numbers in a serial order that are considered special. These plates are not specially manufactured; rather, they are part of the regular number series, such as 0001, 0100, 1111, 4444, 0786, etc. When such a series becomes available, the RTO auctions it, and individuals are willing to pay significant amounts of money for these plates due to personal preferences. The primary purpose of auctioning these number plates is to raise funds that can be used for road and traffic-related development.
How to Obtain Fancy Number Plates for Cars?
The process of obtaining a fancy number plate has become more convenient with online applications. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Step 1: Register online as a Public User on the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
- Step 2: Sign up and log in to your account.
- Step 3: Select the respective RTO and choose the desired fancy number from the provided list. You can also search for the availability of a specific fancy number by entering the desired digits. The reservation fee for the number will be displayed alongside.
- Step 4: Pay the required registration fees and reserve the number.
- Step 5: Participate in the auction process for your desired fancy number plate. Enter your bid amount and monitor the bids to increase your bid if necessary when another bid is accepted.
- Step 6: Once the auction results are declared, pay the remaining balance or collect the refund, as applicable.
- Step 7: Print the allotment letter for reference.
Now that you know how to obtain a fancy number plate for your car, it’s essential to obtain a High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) for your vehicle. Even if you have a fancy number, having an HSRP is mandatory.
Checking VIP Number Plate Availability Online
If you have a specific fancy number plate in mind, the official MoRTH website offers a convenient way to check its availability.
- Step 1: Visit the MoRTH website and click on the ‘Choice Number’ button at the bottom of the page.
- Step 2: Select the state and respective RTO to view all available numbers.
- Step 3: Enter specific numbers you prefer to search for them among the available options.
Fees for VIP Number Plates
As mentioned earlier, VIP number plates or fancy number plates are acquired through an auction process, and there is a minimum bidding amount or fee. The bidding prices vary in each state. Let’s take a look at the bidding prices for fancy numbers in Delhi:
Please note that the bidding prices may change, so it’s essential to check the latest information from the official sources or the respective RTO.
By following these steps and staying updated on the relevant information, you can increase your chances of acquiring a fancy number plate or VIP number for your car, enabling you to express your individuality on the road.
|
Category |
Registration Marks/Numbers |
Four Wheeled Vehicle |
Mode of Allotment |
|
1 |
0001 |
Rs. 5 Lakhs |
Through E-Auction |
|
2 |
0002 to 0009 |
Rs. 3 Lakhs |
|
|
3 |
0010 to 0099 0786, 1000, 1111, 7777 and 9999 |
Rs. 2 Lakhs |
|
|
4 |
0100, 0111, 0200, 0222 0300, 0333, 0400, 0444 0500, 0555, 0600, 0666 0700, 0777, 0800, 0888 0900, 0999, 2000, 2222 3000, 3333, 4000, 4444 5000, 5555, 6000, 6666, 7000, 8000, 8888, 9000, 0101, 0108, 1008 & 1313 |
Rs. 1.5 Lakhs |
|
|
5 |
Any other registration mark which is not mentioned in category no. 01 to 04 is sought by a person as a registration mark of choice by jumping the chronological order of numbers in a series of registration marks. |
Rs. 25,000 |
The allotment shall be made on payment of additional fee online on First Come First Serve basis |
|
6 |
Retention of existing Registration mark on purchase of new non- transport Four Wheeled vehicle |
10% of the minimum Reserved Price of the category of the number to be retained or Rs. 25,000/- whichever is higher. |
The retention shall be allowed on payment of additional fee as applicable. |
Read More: Must-Have Tools for Every Car Owner’s Tool Kit
Important Information Regarding E-Auction Registration
1. Non-Refundable Registration Fee: A registration fee of Rs. 1000 is applicable for e-auction participation. Please note that this fee is non-refundable.
2. Retention of Previously Registered Number: If you wish to retain a previously registered number, it is possible only if the registration mark has been in your name for a minimum period of three years as of the date of your application for retention.
3. Minimum Reserve Price: For categories 1, 2, 3, and 4, there is a minimum reserve price set for the auction. The reserve price ensures that the bidding starts at a reasonable value.
4. Additional Fee for Category 5 and 6: In addition to the reserve price, there is an extra fee applicable for categories 5 and 6. Please refer to the auction guidelines for specific details regarding the additional fee for these categories.
List of VIP Number Plates and their Prices Based on Category
|
Category |
Example of Numbers |
Booking Amount |
|
Super Elite |
0001 |
Rs. 5 lakh |
|
Single Digit |
0003, 0005, 0009, and so on |
Rs. 3 lakh |
|
Semi-Fancy Numbers |
0100, 0666, 4444, 8000, etc. |
Rs. 1 lakh |
|
Others |
0786, numbers from 0010 to 0099, and many others |
Rs. 2 lakh |
Special VIP Number Plates
Different Types of Fancy Number Plates for Cars:
1. Special Plate for Dignitaries: Distinguished individuals such as the President of India, Governors, and State Government officials use a red-colored plate adorned with the national emblem. This exclusive plate sets them apart and signifies their high position and authority.
2. Military/Army Officials’ Plate: Reserved exclusively for military and army personnel, a unique number plate featuring an upward-pointing arrow is permitted for their vehicles. This distinct symbol helps identify and distinguish their vehicles from others on the road.
3. Diplomatic Vehicle Plate: Diplomats and foreign embassy officials have a distinctive number plate designating their vehicles as part of diplomatic service. These plates are characterized by a blue background with numbers written in white. This special plate helps to easily recognize vehicles associated with foreign embassies and diplomatic missions.
These various types of fancy number plates serve specific purposes and aid in the identification and differentiation of vehicles belonging to individuals of special stature, military personnel, and diplomatic personnel.
FAQ’s about Fancy Number Plates
Q. Are there any additional costs associated with acquiring a fancy number plate?
A. Yes, there are additional costs involved in acquiring a fancy number plate. Apart from the bidding amount that you need to pay if you win the auction for your desired number, there may be other charges such as registration fees, taxes, and any applicable service charges. These costs may vary depending on the state and the category of the fancy number you choose.
Q. Can I transfer my fancy number plate from one vehicle to another?
A. Generally, fancy number plates are non-transferable between vehicles. Once a fancy number is allotted to a particular vehicle, it cannot be transferred to another vehicle. If you purchase a new vehicle, you would need to go through the process again to obtain a fancy number plate for the new vehicle.
Q. Can I personalize my fancy number plate with specific characters or words?
A. The availability of personalized characters or words on fancy number plates depends on the rules and regulations set by the respective Regional Transport Office (RTO) in your state. Some states may allow customization, while others may have specific guidelines or restrictions on the characters or words that can be used. It is advisable to check with your local RTO for specific rules regarding personalization of fancy number plates.
Q. Are there any restrictions on the usage of fancy number plates?
A. Yes, there are certain restrictions on the usage of fancy number plates. The number plate should comply with the prescribed rules and regulations, including the font style, size, color, and placement. It should be clearly visible and legible. Additionally, using a fancy number plate for illegal activities or misrepresenting the identity of the vehicle is strictly prohibited.
Q. Can I get a refund if I change my mind after winning a bid for a fancy number plate?
A. No, typically there are no refunds provided if you change your mind after winning a bid for a fancy number plate. Once you have successfully won the bid and paid the bidding amount, it is considered final, and the number plate is allotted to you. It is important to carefully consider your decision before participating in the bidding process.
Please note that the process and regulations regarding fancy number plates may vary depending on the country and local authorities. The above answers are based on general information related to fancy number plates in India.
Also Read: BH Series Number Plate – Benefits & Procedure to Apply
