Fancy number plate price in India: All you need to know

Cars are more than just machines. They are a part of who we are. From bossy SUVs to elegant sedans, cars speak a lot about those who drive them. But with several cars of the same make and model plying on the road, the best way to give your car an identity of its own is to get a fancy number plate. Adding a sense of uniqueness to everyday drives, a fancy number can make your car something worth remembering. So if you are interested in giving your car the personality it deserves, then this article is surely for you. From the application process to overall costing, this article dives deep into the world of fancy number plates in India.

What is a fancy number plate?

A fancy number plate is a purpose-bought/allotted number plate that generally features a VIP number, or a numeric sequence that is considered memorable, unique, or culturally significant. The most common examples of a VIP number plate include numeric sequences such as 0001, 0007, 9999, etc. 

With attractive uniqueness, a fancy number plate with a VIP number is a distinctive identity that your vehicle flaunts. Unlike conventionally issued number plates, a fancy number plate is not issued by the RTO and is usually acquired through a bidding process.

Acquiring a customised VIP number plates is often preferred by those who believe their car’s identity is synonymous with theirs and should project a part of their style. There are several ways in which car owners can use VIP number plates to emphasise their personality. For most, an exclusive number acts as a status symbol and signifies their social standing. For example, several of Mukesh Ambani’s cars have the premium 9999 VIP number. 

How much does a fancy number plate cost?

Since Fancy numbers are never randomly assigned to vehicles by the RTO, they are auctioned to the highest bidder via an online bidding process. For the purpose of the e-auction, fancy number plates are classified into different categories depending on the state.

Each fancy number has a base amount from which the bidding starts. The base amount depends on which category the number belongs to and the state in which the number goes up for sale. Since most states follow a similar pattern when it comes to fancy number plate pricing, with Delhi and Uttar Pradesh pricing tables underneath, you can have a fair idea about fancy number plate pricing in India:

Fancy Number Plate Price in Delhi

Fancy Number Plate Price in Haryana

How to get a fancy number plate with a VIP number

Planning to get a fancy number plate for your car? Here's how you can get one via the online auction of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

• Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Go to parivahan.gov.in, click on “Online Services” and select “Fancy Number Booking”

• Step 2: Log In/Register

Log in with your user ID and password or register as a new user and sign up (for first-time users)

• Step 3: Log In and Begin e-Auction Process

After successful login, begin the e-auction process

• Step 4: Select a Fancy Number

Choose your preferred fancy number from the available list and click on the "Continue" button

• Step 5: Proceed to Registration

Click the "Continue" button again to move to the registration process

• Step 6: Fill Registration Form

Complete the Applicant Registration Form by filling in all relevant details

• Step 7: Verification and Payment

Fill the captcha, select the checkbox (agree to terms), and click "Pay"

• Step 8: Redirect to Payment Gateway

You will then be redirected to the SBI Multi-banking Payment Gateway. Select SBI e-Pay and click "Continue"

• Step 9: Complete Payment

Choose your preferred payment method and fill in the payment details accordingly

• Step 10: Final Steps After Bidding

After a successful bid, pay the balance amount and download the allotment letter
(Valid for 90 days only)
 

High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) mandates and legal standards for VIP number plates

The Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, state that from 1st April 2019, all new cars in India, even those having VIP number plates, are mandated by law to be equipped with HSRP, for the convenience of buyers. Here's what you need to know about HSRP number plates: 

• HSRP number plates are standardised aluminium plates, hot-stamped with chromium, which feature a 10-digit PIN along with a hologram. These plates enhance the security and traceability of vehicles. 
• HSRP plates can be tracked using laser recognition systems and also detected by on-road cameras that are ANPR-enabled.
• These plates cannot be duplicated or altered by those with malicious intent.
• The latest HSRP plates come with standardised fonts and styles, as opposed to user-customised plates, which makes it easier to track vehicles.
• All VIP number plates must meet the exact specifications of the Central Motor Vehicles Act, 1989, to abide by the legal standards. 

Additionally, check out the new BH number plates implemented in India.

Exclusive VIP number plate

While it is possible to buy any number plate of your choice, owing to availability, there are certain categories of VVIP fancy number plates that are exclusively reserved by different states. These numbers can be issued by a state without going through the regular allotment process. These numbers are usually assigned to vehicles belonging to VVIPs like the President of India, governors, army personnel, diplomats, or members of the state government.

How to check the availability of a fancy number

To find out the availability of a fancy number, such as the highly sought-after 0001 series, or any series of your choice, follow these simple steps:

• Visit the official Parivahan website: https://parivahan.gov.in
• Go to the “Fancy Number Allocation” section.
• Click on “Search by Number”.
• Select your State and RTO (Regional Transport Office).
• Enter the numeric part of the fancy number you’re interested in.
• Fill in the verification code as prompted.
• Check if your selected number is available or already allotted.

Processing time for obtaining a fancy number plate

Once you have paid the balance amount after winning the bid for your fancy number, you are issued an allotment letter for the number. This letter is valid for 90 days, within which you must register your number to your car. Processing times for allotment letters and vehicle registration may differ depending on the chosen number and the state where the RTO is located. Processing time may be longer for numbers that are in higher demand.

*Please note that the timelines are only indicative. The final turnaround time might vary depending on the state and other government machinery involved.