How to Get a Fancy Number for a Bike/Car in 2025?

What is a Fancy Number Plate?

Before we understand how to get fancy or VIP number plates, let us understand what exactly these numbers are. Fancy Number Plates or VIP plates are a combination of digits and alphabets instead of a random number plate that represent certain words (like BOSS), lucky numbers (like 7777), or any special combination of numbers that hold sentimental value to the buyer.

These numbers do come at a cost, and can be purchased (or rather booked) from the RTO of the state or through official portals of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. It generates loads of revenue for the state (hundreds of crores in the country in a year) as the popularity and demand for fancy number plates keep on increasing.

How to Book a Fancy Number Plate?

There are multiple ways to book a Fancy Number Plate in India, that includes both offline and online methods. Online methods generally require you to register and login at the state RTO website or through Parivahan portal. The offline method requires you to physically go to the nearest RTO and get information from there. Here is a quick run-through on how to book fancy number plates in India:

• Register and Login at State RTO portals or Parivahan website

• Search for your desired fancy number

• Pay the prescribed fees for that number

• Sometimes, a number that is high in demand requires an auction

• Once the payment is done or you win the auction you will be given an allotment letter

• You can show that allotment letter at the time of registration of your car and then get your Fancy Number Plate.

This is just the normal gist on how the booking process works for fancy number plates, we will see the detailed step-by-step guide ahead.

How to Check the Fancy Number Plate Availability?

You can check the availability of fancy number plates for your vehicle in India through offline and online means:

Check the Fancy Number Plate Availability for Car and Bike Offline:

• Visit the nearest RTO in your state

• Inquire about the current series for fancy number plates available for your vehicle

• Ask for a form to book or participate in the bidding process for that specific number plate

• The RTO official will provide you with the information about the available fancy number plates.

Check the Fancy Number Plate Availability for Car and Bike Online:

• Visit the state’s official RTO website

• Head over to the Fancy Numbers or VIP Number Plates section

• Enter your vehicle details (or login if required)

• Select from the list of available number plates.

NOTE: Only certain vehicle types have certain VIP number plates, also every state has its own process for booking fancy number plates, visit the official RTO website of your state for precise information.

Online Process for Booking a Fancy Number Plate

The process of booking a fancy number plate has been made easy by going digital. You can now book VIP number plates at the ease of your chair at home. No need for going physically for auction bids and getting in lines at RTO. Here is the entire online process for booking a number plate:

1. Visit the Official RTO Portal

• Go to your State’s RTO/Transport Department Portal or Parivahan Portal

2. Register or Login

• If you’re a new user, create an account with your mobile number and email ID

• Existing users can log in directly

3. Choose "Fancy Number" Option

• Find the section for "Fancy Number Booking" or "VIP Number Auction"

4. Search Available Numbers

• Check the list of fancy numbers available in your series

• Some numbers may require bidding if multiple people want the same number

5. Auction (if needed)

• If the number is in demand, it will go to an online auction

• You can place your bid and track it live

• You will get a Unique Acknowledgement Number (UAN) after registering for the number plate

• You will be required to pay a registration fee and then the auction takes place for 3 days where bidding is done in 2

• The winner must pay the remaining amount in 5 days in order to get the allotment letter

6. Apply and Pay

• Fill out the application form

• Pay the registration fees or place your bids in the auction (Starts from ₹5,000 to ₹6,00,000 or as much as the auction goes)

7. Winning Confirmation

• If you win or if your number is allotted, you’ll receive a Letter of Allotment

• This document is needed when registering your vehicle at the RTO

8. Final Step: Vehicle Registration

• Use your fancy number allotment letter while completing the standard vehicle registration process at the RTO.

Offline Process for Booking a Fancy Number Plate

You can also book fancy number plates offline by visiting the RTO in your state. Follow these steps:

• Visit the nearest RTO

• Inquire about the availability of fancy number plates

• Fill out the application form

• Pay the prescribed registration fee

• You will receive the allotment letter after payment of fees.

NOTE: In case multiple people apply for the same number, generally the person with the highest paid road tax will be allotted the number.

Documents required for Booking a Fancy Number Plate

The following documents are required for booking a fancy number plate:

• Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, etc.)

• Address Proof (Utility bill, Voter ID, Driving Licence, etc.)

• Vehicle Purchase Documents (Proforma Invoice or Booking Receipt from the dealer)

• PAN Card Copy (Mandatory for high-value payments)

• Photographs (Passport-size, if required)

• Authorisation Letter (If applying through an agent or on behalf of a company)

What are the Charges for a Fancy Number Plate?

The charges for a fancy/VIP number plate are fixed by the state RTO. To participate in an auction you need to pay certain auction registration fees as a “deposit”. Here are the charges for a fancy number plates in different states of India:

Fancy Number Plate Charges in Maharashtra

Note: (Prices may vary in different cities)

Fancy Number Plate Charges in Delhi

Note: (Prices may vary in different cities)

Things to Consider Before Booking a Fancy Number Plate

Make sure of certain things before considering buying fancy number plates in India.

• Fancy/VIP Number plates are expensive

The registration and booking fees for these number plates are high, and they are still not the final price, the final price is decided as per the auction which can get very expensive.

• Check availability of the desired number plate

Make sure your desired number plate is available. You can check the availability of the number plates through Online portals or through RTO offices.

• Check the dates of auctions

Typically, these auctions happen only once a year. Do not miss out if you are planning to purchase a fancy number plate.

• Pay the auction amount instantly

You have a small window of 3-5 days in order to complete the payment of the auction you just won.

• Check the validity of the allotment letter

Mostly, the allotment letter is valid for 90 days. Make sure you register your vehicle with the allotment letter within that period to receive the fancy number plate.

• Retention Rules

If you plan to change your vehicle with the fancy/VIP number plate, make sure you read the retention rules before doing so. There is also a retention fee for your fancy number plates if you plan to use it again for a different vehicle.

• HSRP Plate

Even though you have a fancy or VIP number plate, having an HSRP plate is still mandatory by law.

How to Transfer Fancy Number Plates?

You can retain your fancy number plate after you sell/scrap the vehicle and decide to buy a new vehicle. However there are many conditions before you can do that. Here is the process for transferring or rather, retaining the fancy number plate to a new vehicle:

• Check Eligibility

Check if the fancy number plate is eligible for your new vehicle.

• Apply for Retention

If you're selling your old vehicle but want to keep the fancy number for a new vehicle, apply for "Retention of Number".

• Pay Applicable Fees

Retention fees or transfer fees depend on the type of number and your state's transport department.

• Get NOC from RTO

Certain states require NOCs from the state in order to get retention of the number plate. Also submit Form V317 (if selling/scrapping) when selling or scrapping your vehicle, inform the RTO that the fancy plate needs to be removed.

• Submit the Application and Fees at the RTO

Submit all the necessary documents along with the application at the RTO and apply for the new vehicle RC.

NOTE: Most states do not allow transfer of fancy number plates, however, some states do permit transfer of fancy number plates within the state.

Conclusion

Having a fancy number plate or a VIP number plate is a sign of status or symbol, or just for religious/sentimental values. These number plates do cost a lot of money and have even a bidding process (because of the demand). Fancy number plates or not, one thing is more important for sure – having bike insurance and car insurance. Get the best insurance quotes for your bike and car today.

You May Also Read

• Two wheeler traffic rules in INDIA

• MCWG in Driving License: Benefits, Eligibility and Application Process

• What Is Covered in Your Two-Wheeler Insurance Policy?

Frequently Asked Questions