Fancy number plate in Karnataka – Price, auction process & availability

Buying a new car or bike is a proud moment for many, and what better way to make it stand out than with a fancy number plate? In Karnataka, many vehicle owners choose VIP or lucky registration numbers like 0001, 0786, 9999 or 6666 for personal, sentimental, or even astrological reasons.

Unlike many states that follow an e-auction system, Karnataka RTOs conduct physical open auctions for these special numbers. The transport department has been running auctions for fancy numbers since 2015 with e-auctions still in the proposal stage and not yet implemented. 

Whether you’re after a specific fancy number in Karnataka, want to know the cost of 0001 or 9999, or simply want to check the RTO choice number list, this blog will help you understand the process. We’ll cover how to check the availability of VIP numbers, how the auction works, and how much you can expect to pay.
 

What is a Fancy Number Plate in Karnataka 

A fancy number plate is a unique vehicle registration number that stands out for its pattern, symmetry, or sentimental value. Think of numbers like 0001, 0786, 1111, or 9999, these aren’t just random digits, but choices often driven by beliefs, luck, or personal significance.

In Karnataka, these numbers are allocated slightly differently compared to other states. Here’s how it works:

• Numbers from 0001 to 1000 in the current running series are assigned by the RTO.
• Numbers from 1001 to 9999 in the same series are handled by the Transport Commissioner’s office.

Whether you own a bike or a car, you can apply for a fancy number plate in Karnataka. The only catch is that you’ll need to go through a physical auction process. Prices vary depending on whether you choose a running series or an advance number, and they differ for two-wheelers and four-wheelers.
 

How to Apply for a Fancy Number Plate in Karnataka?

Getting a VIP number plate in Karnataka isn’t an online process (yet). The transport department here follows an offline auction-based system. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to get one:

• Visit the RTO in person to fill out an application form for a fancy number.
• Submit a Demand Draft (DD) along with your application.
  • The DD should be made in favour of “The Secretary, State Transport Authority, Bengaluru.”
  • The amount depends on the type of number:
    • ₹20,000 for a running series fancy number
    • ₹75,000 for a fancy number from the advance series
• Participate in the physical auction conducted by the RTO. Bidding happens on the spot, and the number is awarded to the highest bidder.
• If you win the bid, you must pay the full amount within two working days.
• Complete the rest of your vehicle registration as usual. However, you must register your vehicle within 90 days, or your fancy number and the amount paid will be forfeited.
   

What is the Price of a Fancy Number Plate in Karnataka?

The cost of getting a fancy number plate in Karnataka depends on how unique or desirable the number is. While some numbers receive just a few bids, others—especially those like 0001 or 9999, can go for lakhs of rupees.

As per the Karnataka RTO, the base price for a running series fancy number is ₹20,000, and for an advance series number, it’s ₹75,000. This amount must be paid upfront via demand draft and is non-refundable, even if you don’t win the auction. Keep in mind, this reservation fee is separate from the winning bid amount.

Based on previous auctions, these are the prices one can expect to pay for a fancy no plate in Karnataka, including a 0001 VIP number plate price:

These figures show just how competitive the bidding can get for premium numbers in Karnataka. If you're eyeing one of these iconic plates, be ready for some tough competition and deep pockets.

How to Check Fancy Registration Plate Availability in Karnataka?

While it isn’t possible to obtain a fancy registration number in Karnataka through the website, it is possible to check fancy number plate availability online. Availability of a specific fancy number, or RTO choice number as it’s also known, can be done through the Parivahan Sewa portal.

• Visit the Parivahan Sewa portal
   

  

   

• Select the ‘View registration series’ or ‘Choice number’ tab to see the available numbers

   

  

   

• Select the state as ‘Karnataka’ and select the relevant RTO to you
   

  

   

• Search for your desired number/fancy number from the list of available numbers in each series
   

E-Auction Process for Fancy Number Plate Registration in Karnataka

The State Transport Authority has previously issued a proposal towards moving fancy no plate registration in Karnataka, as early as 2018. As of 2024, the proposal is still under review. Currently, there is no e-auction process for fancy reg plate registration in Karnataka. For owners looking for fancy plates, the steps outlined above to the physical auction are the only option.

Conclusion

Unlike VIP number plate registration in states like Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, Kerala and others, the process to acquire a fancy number plate in Karnataka is more tedious. The fancy reg plate price in Karnataka can also be considered among the most expensive in India thanks to the local tax structure. That said, it is still possible, it just requires more effort and possibly the right connections to know when upcoming fancy number auctions are going to be held.

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