How to Apply for a Fancy Number Plate for Your Car in India

For many people, owning a car is all about meeting a dream, but for many the ambition doesn’t stop tere. They might be looking for their car to symbolize one of the many things like personality, status, or a lucky charm. One of the simplest and easiest vehicles to differentiate and give some kind of identity is  via a fancy number plate.

These ‘fancy’ or ‘VIP’ number plates are not only particular in terms of their visual design, but having different or in many instances particular numbers is what makes them fancy. For example, 0001, 9999, 1111, 0707, 786, 1234, and so on! .The good thing is that there are no more middlemen or shady agents you need to work with. The Indian Government is using an online e-auction system, and the process for applying for fancy number numbers and plates is much easier and more transparent.

If you are asking yourself – “How do I get a Fancy Number Plate on my Car?” The blog here provides you everything you need to apply, a cost breakdown, and advice on how to get that special number you are looking for.

What is a Fancy Number Plate?

A fancy number plate is a vehicle registration number that is unique, memorable or considered fortune friendly.  Fancy number plates are categorized by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) as a VIP registration number. 

Some examples of popular fancy numbers include: 

• 0001, 0007, 0786 – Special VIP numbers.
• 1111, 2222, 3333 – Repeated digit numbers. 
• 1234, 4321, 2525 – A sequence or pattern.

Numbers are not allotted randomly. They are sold via an online auction by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for a Fancy Number Plate Online

Here is a comprehensive process for you to get your fancy number plate:

1.  Log on to Parivahan Website

• Visit parivahan.gov.in
• Then click on the link ‘Fancy Number Booking’

2. Register Yourself

• Create your profile using your mobile number, email ID, and Aadhaar-linked details.
• Choose your state and RTO where your vehicle is/will be registered.

3. Availability of Numbers

• Look through the available fancy numbers in your RTO region.
• Short-list the numbers you want, before bidding starts.

4. Pay your Registration Fee & Security Money

• A registration fee (approximately ₹1,000) will be applied.
• You will also need to pay a security amount of refundable money based on the category of number.
  • E.g.: For a VIP number like 0001, a deposit of ₹5,00,000 is applicable.

5. Bidding in an Online Auction

• The e-auction will last for 3 days.
• You can make a bid, and even update your bidding amount, if some makes a higher bid.
• The number belongs to the highest bidder at the end of this period.

6. Get the Allotment Letter.

• Once you have won the bidding auction, then download the allotment letter from the portal and submit it at the RTO to have the number registered to your car.

Offline Fancy Number Application

While the vast majority of RTOs have converted their processes to the online e-auction system, there are still some situations where you can apply for a fancy number offline, through your local RTO. 

Here’s what the offline process generally looks like: 

• Go to your Regional Transport Office (RTO) in person.
• Get the fancy number application form.
• Look at the list of fancy numbers available at the RTO counter.
• Pay the RTO cash counter reservation fee and security deposit.
• In case multiple people apply for the same number, an offline auction/draw process will take place.
• Once allotted, the RTO will issue you an allotment slip, which is to use during registration. 

Documents Required for Fancy Number Application

Keep both originals and photocopies ready to avoid delays during verification.

VIP Number Plate Cost in India

The price of a fancy number plate in India depends on the category of the number:

The final cost may go much higher depending on demand during the auction. For example, the number 0001 in Delhi has gone for over ₹25 lakhs in some cases.

Also Read: Mahindra XUV700 & Skoda Kylaq New GST Rate – Latest Price Update

How Long Does It Take to Get a Fancy Number Plate?

•  When the auction ends and you are the winning bidder, you will receive your allotment letter in up to 1-2 working days.
• The allotment letter is valid for the next 90 days from the date of allotment, during which time you must register your vehicle.
• At this point you have the official registration (i.e. the number is allocated) and you can put on the flashy number plate.

In most cases, the whole process will take 7–15 days, depending on how ‘fast’ your RTO is.

Transfer of Fancy Number Plates

Yes, you are able to transfer a fancy number plate, but you must follow certain conditions:

1. Within One State

• If you sell your car, you can apply to keep the fancy number with your new car. 
• The transfer of the number plate may be approved by the RTO, providing that all of the relevant documentation and fees are presented.

2. Between Different States

• If you move to another state, you will re-register your vehicle in the new state. 
• Fancy numbers can also be retained if approval is granted under the regulations of individual states, or the RTO.

3. Transfer After Selling Vehicle

• The buyer of your old car will not just keep the fancy number plate without you transferring it.
• You need to surrender to the RTO your fancy number plate and request that it be transferred to your new vehicle.

Make sure you always apply for transfer before selling your old vehicle otherwise the number may get cancelled.

Important Rules for Fancy Number Plates

Consider the following before applying:

• Fancy numbers are only allotted by RTO’s auctions, ignoring illegal agents.
• The allotment letter is valid for 90 days, you must register the vehicle within this time.
• Fancy numbers cannot be transferred to another person without authorization from the RTO.
• Bids cannot be transferred after being placed.
• All RTOs have slightly different security deposit slabs.

Benefits of Having a Fancy Number Plate

• Mark of Status – Helps your car standout on the road.
• Personalized Identity – Great for birthdays, lucky numbers or religious numbers.
• Higher Resale Value – Premium number plates generally will attract higher resale values.
• Easier to Recollect – Memorable numbers are easier to remember.

Conclusion

Obtaining a fancy number plate is no longer a difficult process. With the introduction of the online Parivahan e-auction system, the complete process is now online, transparent, and easy.

If you have always wanted a number plate with a special number (0001, 9999, 0707), all you need to do is register, place a good bid on your number, and secure it. Just remember that the more unique the number, the more bidders and price competition.

So, why go with an ordinary plate when you can have a truly unique car!!