Fancy Vehicle Number Plate Booking Online: Process & Fees

What is Fancy Number Plate Booking?

Fancy or choice vehicle number plates allow vehicle owners to select a preferred registration number instead of accepting a randomly assigned one. In India, Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) conduct auctions for special or "VIP" numbers through both online and offline modes. The process is governed by the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and respective state transport department rules.

Popular fancy numbers include single-digit numbers (0001), repeated digits (1111, 9999), palindromes (1001), and numbers with personal significance like birth dates.

Who Can Book a Fancy Number Plate?

• Any individual or organization registering a new vehicle
• The vehicle must be purchased from an authorized dealer
• Valid identity and address proof required
• Booking must be done at the time of new vehicle registration or within the state-prescribed window

How the Auction System Works

RTOs classify registration numbers into categories based on demand:

Note: Reserve prices vary significantly by state. Metropolitan RTOs (Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru) typically have higher reserve prices than smaller cities.

Step-by-Step Process: Online Booking

Step 1: Visit the Parivahan or State Transport Portal

Go to parivahan.gov.in or your state's transport department website. Some states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Delhi have dedicated online auction portals.

Step 2: Register or Log In

Create an account using your mobile number and Aadhaar. If you already have an account, log in with your credentials.

Step 3: Select RTO and Vehicle Details

• Choose your RTO location
• Enter the vehicle chassis number or temporary registration details provided by the dealer

Step 4: Browse Available Numbers

The portal displays available numbers for your RTO series. Numbers are categorized by tier with reserve prices shown.

Step 5: Place Your Bid

• Select your preferred number
• Enter your bid amount (must be equal to or above the reserve price)
• For auction-based numbers, bidding windows are typically open for 3–5 days

Step 6: Pay the Auction Fee

• Payment via net banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI
• A refundable deposit may be required for premium numbers
• Successful bidders receive a confirmation receipt

Step 7: Complete Vehicle Registration

• Visit the RTO with your auction receipt, vehicle documents, and insurance
• The chosen number is assigned to your vehicle registration certificate (RC)

Step-by-Step Process: Offline Booking

1. Visit your local RTO office with Form 20 (vehicle registration application)
2. Request the list of available choice numbers
3. Fill out the choice number application form
4. Pay the prescribed fee at the RTO counter
5. For auction numbers, attend the scheduled RTO auction on the designated date
6. Highest bidder wins the number and completes registration

Fees and Charges

Fees are state-specific. Check your state transport department website for exact rates.

Processing Time

• Online booking: Instant confirmation after payment; registration within 1–3 working days
• Offline auction: Depends on RTO auction schedule (usually weekly or monthly)

State-Wise Online Portals

Important Tips

1. Book early — Popular numbers get booked quickly, especially new RTO series
2. Check state rules — Each state has different auction categories and reserve prices
3. Keep documents ready — You need dealer invoice, insurance, Form 20, and identity proof
4. Budget wisely — Premium numbers at metro RTOs can go for lakhs in competitive bidding
5. Verify online portal authenticity — Only use official .gov.in websites to avoid scams

FAQs

Q1: Can I book a fancy number plate for an old vehicle?

No, fancy number booking is typically available only during new vehicle registration. For existing vehicles, you would need to apply for re-registration, which is state-specific and may not offer choice numbers.

Q2: What happens if I lose the auction?

Your bid deposit is refunded if you don't win. The refund typically takes 7–15 working days to process back to your payment method.

Q3: Can I transfer my fancy number to another vehicle?

Yes, number retention and transfer is possible under certain conditions. You need to apply at the RTO with Form 27 and pay the prescribed transfer fee. Rules vary by state.

Q4: Is the fancy number valid across India?

Yes, the registration number is valid across India. However, if you relocate to another state permanently, you may need to re-register the vehicle under the new state's RTO.

Q5: What is the most expensive number plate sold in India?

Premium single-digit numbers like 0001 have fetched over ₹20 lakh in metro cities during RTO auctions. The prices depend entirely on demand and bidding competition.

Q6: Can I book a fancy number online in all states?

Not all states offer full online auction facilities. Many states still conduct physical auctions at RTOs. Check your state transport portal for availability.

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent informational platform and is not affiliated with any government department. Information is compiled from official sources and may change. Always verify current fees and processes on your state's official transport portal.