Every once in a while, we notice a car not because of how fancy the car is, but because of its unique number plate. You might have seen number plates with numbers like 0001, 0007, or 0786, and wondered how these cars ended up with such unique combinations. Well, it’s not just luck that got these people their special number plates. These numbers are in high demand, and have a specific process that you need to follow, which is thankfully quite easy (and completely online!). So if you want a number that holds a special and personal significance or one that just simply stands out, then you’re at the right place!
What is a Fancy Number Plate?
A fancy number plate is essentially a vehicle registration plate with a special combination of numbers, rather than regular, randomised numbers . These plates are often easily recognisable numbers like 0001, 1111, or other combinations that have an aesthetic appeal, reflect status or hold personal / cultural significance.
How to Apply for a Fancy Number Plate
The cost of a 0001 number plate varies by states and also depends on how popular it is. To begin the bidding procedure, one must first pay a fee. Once the auction begins, other people can submit larger bids, which means the final price you pay may differ dramatically from the sum you started the bid with. The highest bidder gets the number plate. To determine the basic price, you can refer to this table of 0001 number plate pricing in various states.
A base price is fixed for each of these number plates, and the bidding then begins accordingly. Here is the process of bidding for a fancy car number:
- Start by registering online with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highway (MoRTH) as a public user.
- Once you sign up and log in to your account, select the fancy number of your choice.
- Pay the necessary fees for registration and reserve the number.
- Start the bidding process for the VIP car number.
- Once the result is declared, you can pay the balance or collect the refund accordingly.
- Print the allotment letter for your reference.
Once you have submitted the application and paid the fees, the RTO will process your request. The fancy number plate is then allotted, usually through a random lottery system or on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on the region.
Categories of Fancy Number Plate
| Category | Example of Numbers | Booking Amount |
| Super Elite | 0001 | Rs. 5 lakh |
| Single Digit | 0003, 0007, 0009, and so on | Rs. 3 lakh |
| Semi-Fancy Numbers | 0100, 0666, 4444, 7000 etc. | Rs. 1 lakh |
| Others | 0786, numbers from 0010 to 0099, and several others | Rs. 2 lakh |
Check Fancy Number Availability
Say you have a prefixed choice of a fancy number, and you wish to check its availability online. There are several types of fancy numbers for cars and bikes online, where the availability can be seen in the MoRTH’s portal. Here are the steps involved:
- Visit the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
- At the bottom right of the page, choose “Choice Number”.
- You will be redirected to a new page. Here, you will have to select the state and the RTO name.
- The new page will redirect you to a page where you will have a list of fancy car numbers you can choose from.
E-Auction of Fancy Registration Numbers:
Here is the process involved during the e-auction of a fancy registration number:
- Register on the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and get the unique Acknowledgement Number (UAN).
- Pay a registration fee (non-refundable) and reserve the price for the fancy registration plate.
- Now, select the desired registration number of your choice to block the number.
- There will be a registration window which will be open for three days from the start of the e-auction and the bidding will take place on the subsequent two days.
- You can then change the bid in multiples of Rs.10000 for category 1 to 4, while for category 5, you can bid in multiples of Rs.1000.
- The successful bidder at the end of the auction will be notified through either SMS or e-mail.
- Make sure that you deposit the balance amount within 5 days from the date of the declaration.
- The allotment letter will be generated once you are done paying the deposit amount online. The letter is valid for 90 days.
Summary
Fancy number plates are pretty common in India now and are acquired by several VIPs to establish their status and fame. These plates took a lot of time and money earlier and were difficult to get. But now the process is streamlined and much more efficient. One can use the services available through e-auction on the MoRTH website to procure a number plate of their choice
Each number available on the list has a specific base price, post which the auction starts, and the highest bidder eventually receives the number plate of their choice. Cars are exponentially growing as symbols of status in India, and users spend a large sum of money on acquiring these fancy license plates. Although the process is long and cumbersome, this article makes it easier for you to understand the steps involved in getting your own fancy number plate.
FAQs about Fancy Number Plates
Q: How do I get a fancy number plate for my car?
A: Through an e-auction, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has simplified the procedure of acquiring a fancy license plate number of your choice. Register on the website, choose from a variety of fancy numbers up for auction, and acquire the number of your choice from the MoRTH website.
Q: What is the validity of the fancy registration number allotment letter?
A: The allotment letter is valid for 90 days for the registration of the vehicle at the designated RTO. Within this time, make sure that the vehicle is registered at the RTO. The processing time can vary depending on the state and the number chosen.
Q: What are the eligibility criteria for acquiring Fancy number plates?
A: There are no specific eligibility criteria, although the RTO might have specific rules depending on the state you apply for and the specific number you have chosen.
Q: What are the benefits of VIP number plates?
A: A VIP number is a personal identification number that your vehicle bears. It is basically a combination of numbers that may seem unique such as 0001, or repeated digits such as 1111, 4444 etc., that can immediately stand out from the other cars on the road.
Q: What is the processing time for getting a fancy number plate?
A: To complete the process of bidding for a fancy vehicle number, it will take approx. 5 days from the time you register. Bidding usually begins on the 4th day after you register and will continue until the 5th day. Once you receive the allotment letter, the user will have a time period of 90 days to register the car with their respective RTO.
