Fancy Number Plate in India Price, Rules, And How to Apply

What is a Fancy Number Plate?

A fancy number plate is a vehicle registration number with distinctive, memorable numerical combinations. Unlike an RTO choice number, it features repeating digit combinations that are easy to remember or a number with cultural or personal significance. Common examples of fancy number plates include 0001, 2222, 9999, 0786, 007, 8888, and 555.
 

Why Do People Choose Fancy Numbers?

Fancy number plates can cost up to several lakhs and even crores, if many people bid for them. It can make you wonder why people pay such exorbitant prices for a simple number plate. The answer is fairly simple. People are choosing fancy numbers for the following reasons –

● Prestige and Exclusivity

Some fancy numbers, such as 0001, are now considered prestigious because they’ve become a visible marker of societal status, wealth, and influence. For some vehicle owners, securing such a number is an easy way to distinguish their vehicle from others. The exclusivity comes from the limited availability of the combination, which usually attracts substantial bids.

● Numerology or Cultural Significance

There’s a growing trend of choosing a vehicle’s number plate based on numerology or cultural beliefs. People choose certain numbers because they believe it will bring prosperity and success. The number plate 0786 is a good example. Some people prefer buying it because it holds deep cultural/religious significance for them.

● Investment Purpose

Less common than the previous two points, some people vie VIP number plates as an investment. They buy a specific number combination they believe will appreciate in the coming years, so they can sell it for a substantial profit.
 

How is the Fancy Number Price Decided?

Fancy number plate prices aren’t uniform across states. It’s determined based on a combination of factors, such as the ones listed below –

● The Number’s Category

Each number is assigned to a particular category based on its demand and allocation rules. Highly popular numbers, such as 0001, belong to the super premium or ultra-VIP category, where they command a higher minimum reserve price. Similarly, numbers with repeating/identical sequences such as 1111 or 5555 are assigned to a different category. Their minimum reserve price is lower than that of ultra-VIP numbers. Hence, check your chosen number’s category, as it determines the base price.

● State-Specific Prices

Each state has its own reserve prices, booking fees, and allocation rules. This can significantly influence fancy number prices in India. For example, the minimum reserve price for numbers like 1111 and 7777 is approximately ₹2,00,000 in Delhi, but ₹50,000 in Haryana. It highlights a significant location-based difference.

● Auction Competition

While the minimum reserve price sets the starting benchmark, the e-auction determines the final price of a number plate. If several people bid for the same number, the cost can rise significantly, and the number goes to the highest bidder.
 

How to Apply for a Fancy Number Plate Online

The fancy number plate registration process is fairly straightforward. You can apply for it by visiting the Parivahan Fancy Number website and then following the below-mentioned steps –

● Log In/Create an Account

Log in if you already have an account or create a fresh account by clicking on ‘User? Register Now’ option located below the CAPTCHA.

● Choose the Right Location

After creating your account, select the right state/union territory, then the relevant RTO or registering authority.

● Explore the Available Numbers

Go to the Open Series section or the tab that shows available number options. If you cannot find it after logging into your account, simply click on Status Details → Available Number Search → View All Available (Fancy/Choice) Numbers from the website’s homepage.

● Complete the Application Details

Once you’ve explored and chosen an available fancy number, you can purchase it by entering the details displayed on the screen. Follow the portal’s instructions to finish the application process.

● Make the Payment or Participate in E-Auction (If Required)

If you can purchase your chosen number by paying a fixed fee, proceed by making the payment. However, if your shortlisted number requires bidding in a fancy number auction, then register for the bidding cycle and pay the necessary non-refundable registration fee + advance minimum reserve price.

● Check the Auction Results

For an auctioned number, you should check the results after the bidding cycle ends. If you’ve won the bid, you can make the balance payment to initiate the release of an allotment letter. This letter can be used to complete the fancy number plate registration on your name.
 

How to Check Available VIP Numbers Online

You can easily check the available VIP number plates online on the Parivahan Fancy Number portal. Simply visit the portal and click on the ‘Status Details’ option available on the homepage. Under this tab, you’ll find the ‘Available Number Search’ option. To view a list of all available VIP number plates, click ‘View All Available (Fancy/Choice) Numbers.’ Those looking for a specific number can choose the ‘By Number’ option to check the availability.

Documents Required for Fancy Number Registration

You’ll need the following documents for successful fancy number plate registration –

• Identity and address proof, including a PAN card, Aadhaar card, Passport, etc.
• Form 20 for new vehicle registration
• Form CMV 20A/state-specific application form
• Valid vehicle insurance certificate
• Road tax payment receipt
• Vehicle invoice
• NOC (for vehicles obtained on loan)

These are a few standard documents that are usually required for registration. However, the required document list may vary slightly by state, so check the full list for your state.
 

How to Bid for a Fancy Number at an Auction

If you want to bid in a fancy number auction, follow the steps listed below –

• Log in to your registered account on the Parivahan Fancy Number portal.
• Navigate to Auction Services → Bidding Process.
• Click on the unique acknowledgement number linked to your payment of the number’s minimum reserve.
• After selection, a table will display, highlighting your bid amount in green and the current highest bid in red. Click the ‘Change Bid Amount’ button or use the ‘Up/Down’ button to adjust your bid.
• Once you’ve chosen the bid amount, click on ‘Submit.’ Click ‘OK’ if a confirmation message appears.

You should wait for the auction to end to check the results. The system will automatically display the results after the auction cycle ends.
 

Fancy Number Plate Rules You Should Know

If you’re planning to purchase a fancy number plate in India, ensure you’re aware of the following rules -

● Fancy Number Plates Must Follow the Prescribed Format

Even if you’ve won the right to use a particular fancy number, your vehicle’s physical number plate must still comply with the format specified in the Motor Vehicles Act. You cannot use custom fonts, stickers, tinted backgrounds, or off-center plates as they’re illegal. Doing so can attract a fine of up to ₹10,000.

● Fancy Number Must be Obtained Through an Official Platform

The best way to avoid unwanted hassles in the future is by obtaining the fancy, VIP number plate through an authorised platform, such as the Parivahan Fancy Number portal. Don’t rely on any unofficial agent or non-government website to prevent possible scams.

● Highly Popular Fancy Numbers Require Bidding

Fancy numbers that are highly in-demand aren’t easy to purchase. You’ll have to participate in the online auction process and place a bid to earn the particular number. Once the bidding cycle ends, the highest bidder usually gets the VIP/fancy number. Ensure you read the full terms and conditions for the bidding process before participating.

● Rules Can Vary Across States or Union Territories

Although the broader framework around fancy number plate registration remains similar, you can find slight variations across states and union territories. Rules on fancy number auctions, bidding, non-refundable registration fees, and availability may vary by state, so always check the latest rules for your state.
 

Is a Fancy Number Plate Legal in India?

Yes, fancy number plates are legal in India if you’ve acquired them through the official registration process from the Parivahan portal. However, don’t confuse the legal validity of the chosen number with the physical number plate. For example, if you’ve won the rights to a fancy number such as 8888 or 1313, you can use it on the number plate. However, the fonts, styling, spacing, and overall design of the physical number plate must comply with the Motor Vehicles Act rules. You cannot alter any of it, as it’s illegal and can attract hefty penalties.
 

Important Things to Check Before Choosing a Fancy Number

Don’t rush the process of applying for a fancy number for your vehicle. For a smooth experience, check the following before selecting a fancy number.

● Current Demand for the Chosen Number

Some people mistakenly assume the minimum reserve price is the approximate cost of acquiring a fancy number. In reality, it’s merely the minimum amount you may end up paying. If your chosen fancy number is in high demand and attracts competitive bidding, the actual cost can rise significantly. So, analyse the existing demand and minimum reserve price in your state to see whether it’s economically viable to proceed with your chosen number.

● Read the Auction & Refund Rules

You’ll have to participate in an online auction to secure highly popular fancy numbers. Since the highest bidder wins the number, check the refund rules for people who don’t win. Auction rules, refund policies, bidding systems, etc., can vary by state, so check them before proceeding.

● Verify the Registration Timeline

Winning a bid and getting an allotment letter doesn’t guarantee the ownership of a fancy number. You must register the number with your car within a specified period, which varies by state. For example, people in Delhi and Telangana have up to 90 days from the allotment letter issuance date to register their vehicle with the fancy number. In Maharashtra, the duration is up to 30 days. Hence, check the timeline applicable for your state, so you can finish registration on time.

Conclusion

Luxury vehicles are no longer the sole status symbol in India. People are now turning to fancy, VIP number plates as a visible symbol of their power, influence, and societal standing. Some even choose unique numbers for their cars because they believe they hold cultural, religious, or numerological benefits. If you’re also interested in getting a fancy number plate, you can use the details shared in this blog to proceed with the purchase. Ensure you also keep the vehicle well protected by securing it under a dependable Car Insurance plan. You can explore Third-Party, Comprehensive, and Standalone Own-Damage Protection plans at Shriram General Insurance if you prioritise sufficient coverage with personalisation options.
 

FAQ

Can I choose any fancy number for my car?

No, you cannot choose any random number for your vehicle. You must check the list of fancy numbers available on the Parivahan Fancy Number portal and choose one from the given list.

Are fancy number plates legal in India?

Yes, fancy number plates like 0001, 1111, 1515, 8888, etc., are legal in India. Get these numbers from authorised government platforms by following the official application process.

Can I customise my car’s number plate?

No, you cannot make changes to your car’s physical number plate as it’s illegal. If you’ve recently purchased a VIP number for your car, you can use it on the number plate. However, you cannot use customised fonts, stickers, tinted backgrounds, or any styling changes that violate the rules set out in India’s Motor Vehicles Act.

Are all fancy numbers uniformly priced across all Indian states and union territories?

No, the price isn’t uniform. The final cost of acquiring a fancy number will depend on the number’s minimum reserve price, state-wise fee, popularity of the number, and numerous other factors.

Do all fancy numbers require compulsory auction participation?

No, not all numbers require bidding in online auctions. Some options are available through a prescribed fee-based reservation process. The number’s popularity, demand, and applicable state rules determine which numbers require mandatory auction participation and which don’t.