How to get Fancy Number Plates for Cars – VIP Number Plates

Many people consider having a fancy plate as a way to create an identity for their vehicle by using numbers such as 0001, 0007, 1111, 9999 or 0786. These could be memorable, or they may also be seen as good luck, have a high value to them, or be important to them personally.

But here’s the important part. In India, a fancy registration number and a fancy number plate are not the same thing.

A registration number considered fancy/VIP/legal is one assigned by the RTO as per the rulebook laid out by the Ministry of Road Transport, Government of India. The number must meet the requirements set forth and must be registered in the RTO’s records.

So, if you want a special number for your car, you can apply for it legally. What you cannot do is change the way the number is displayed on the plate.

This blog explains the steps to obtain a fancy/VIP registration number in India and provides information on how to participate in the online auction, how the fee process works, and all the rules associated with number plates.

What is a Fancy or VIP Registration Number?

A fancy or VIP registration number is a special vehicle registration number that is chosen by the vehicle owner instead of being randomly allotted. These numbers are usually popular because they are easy to remember, repeated, symbolic or considered lucky.

Common examples include:

• 0001
• 0007
• 0009
• 0786
• 1111
• 2222
• 5555
• 7777
• 9999
• Numbers linked to birthdays, anniversaries or business branding

Most states have VIP numbers through the state transport department or through the Parivahan e-auction. When you have two or more people who want the same VIP number that they have bid on, it is usually awarded by auction value on that bid(s).

Are Fancy Number Plates Legal in India?

Fancy registration numbers are legal when allotted by the RTO. Fancy number plates with non-standard styling are not legal.

This difference is important since traffic police can give challans for registrations that do not meet their required format. No matter whether you own a VIP number (for example: 0001 or 9999) legally, you must have these numbers shown on a properly compliant number plate.

A legal number plate must follow rules around:

• Font style
• Letter and number size
• Spacing
• Plate colour
• Reflective material
• HSRP format where applicable
• Front and rear display
• No extra stickers, symbols or decorative elements

Even if you have a VIP number, it simply gives you legal rights to use this registration number – it does not give you legal rights to make your own plate design. For example: 

Type	Legal Status	Example
RTO-allotted VIP registration number	Legal	MH 12 AB 0001
RTO-allotted repeated number	Legal	DL 01 XX 1111
Number written in a stylish font	Illegal	Digits designed to look like words
Number plate with caste/community name	Illegal	“JAT”, “RAJPUT”, “GURJAR” instead of proper number
Plate with logos, stickers or symbols	Illegal	Crown, photo, religious symbol or brand logo
Number with incorrect spacing	Illegal	Digits spaced to form a name or word
Standard HSRP with allotted VIP number	Legal	Proper HSRP plate with approved number format

To get a VIP number, you need to follow the formal application process. If you want to have something decorative/different than what is normally used, then it is better to avoid that option.

Also Read: Types of Number Plates in India

How to Check Fancy Number Availability Online

You can check fancy number availability online through the Parivahan Fancy Number portal or your state transport department’s official website. The process may vary slightly depending on the state and RTO.

The usual steps are:

1. Visit the official Fancy Number service on Parivahan or the state transport portal.
2. Create a public user account if required.
3. Select your state and RTO.
4. Choose the vehicle category.
5. Check the current series or available registration numbers.
6. Search for the number you want.
7. Check whether the number is available, reserved or open for auction.

When looking for a new vehicle’s fancy number plate, some states display their available numbers in a series, while others highlight any notified VIP number plates as separate from the regular choice number plates. Always confirm the rules associated with your chosen RTO prior to making a payment.

How to Apply for a Fancy Number Plate Online

The online process for applying for a fancy registration number is simple, but the exact flow depends on your state. In most cases, you need to apply before the vehicle registration number is finally allotted.

Step 1: Visit the official portal

To choose a fancy number plate for your new vehicle, choose either the Parivahan Fancy Number portal or the official state transport department website. Avoid using unofficial websites or third-party agents that require payment outside of the official process for fancy number plates.

Step 2: Create an account

Create a public login using your mobile number, email ID and basic details. Keep the login credentials safe because you may need them to check auction status, payment status and allotment details.

Step 3: Select state, RTO and vehicle category

Select the state where you want to register your car, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) you would go to, and the type of vehicle it would be. All vehicle registration information that determines the price of your number plate will rely heavily on these choices.

Step 4: Search for the number

Search for your preferred number. If the number is available, the portal will show whether it can be booked directly or whether it needs to go through an auction.

Step 5: Pay the registration or reserve amount

You may need to pay a registration fee, reservation price, or investment before taking part in the auction for the premium number. The amount varies by state, number type, and car type (motor or non-motor).

Step 6: Participate in the auction

If the number is auctioned, place your bid during the bidding window. You can increase your bid as per the rules shown on the portal.

Step 7: Pay the balance amount if you win

If you are successful in winning the auction, you must pay the remaining amount by the deadline shown on the portal. If you do not make this payment on time, your allotment may be cancelled.

Step 8: Download the allotment letter

After successful payment, download the allotment letter or confirmation receipt. This document is required for vehicle registration with the selected number.

Step 9: Complete vehicle registration

You will also need to submit details of your allotment to the dealer or RTO, whichever is applicable. After completing the registration process, your vehicle will be registered against the VIP number.

Fancy Number E-Auction Process

Most premium numbers are allotted through e-auction. This is done because multiple buyers often want the same number.

Here is how the process usually works:

Step	What Happens
Registration	Applicant registers on the portal for the desired number
Reserve payment	Applicant pays the base amount or participation fee
Bidding window	Eligible applicants place bids for the number
Highest bid	The highest valid bidder wins the number
Final payment	Winner pays the balance amount within the deadline
Allotment letter	Portal issues the allotment confirmation
Vehicle registration	Number is used during vehicle registration

Each state has its own auction timelines; therefore, registration can be available for several days in certain states but could take longer in other states. You’ll be able to see the bidding dates, bid increments, when payments must be made, and the state’s refund policy on the portal based on the state and RTO you choose.

Do not assume that the auction process is identical across India.

Fancy Number Plate Price in India

The price of a fancy number plate or VIP registration number varies widely across states. There is no single all-India price for numbers like 0001, 0007, 1111 or 9999.

The final cost depends on:

• State
• RTO
• Vehicle category
• Number category
• Reserve price
• Number of bidders
• Final auction bid
• State-specific taxes or charges

For instance, 0001 could be an extremely different starting price in one state versus the other states. Sequentially numbered numbers such as 1111 or 9999 may also be placed into different designated categories based upon notification rules for each state.

Number Type	Usual Demand Level
0001	Very high
Single-digit numbers	High
Repeated numbers like 1111, 7777, 9999	High
Lucky or religious numbers like 0786	Medium to high
Birth dates or personal numbers	Depends on availability
Non-premium choice numbers	Usually lower

To ensure you get the exact price for a Number, you can visit the official portal for your State, RTO, and Vehicle Category. If a number goes up for auction, final prices may be significantly higher than the reserve price due to other bidders’ interest in that number.

What Happens After You Win a Fancy Number Auction?

If you win the auction, you must complete the next steps within the deadline given by the portal. Winning the bid does not automatically complete the vehicle registration.

After winning, you usually need to:

• Pay the balance bid amount
• Download the allotment letter
• Share the allotment details with the dealer or RTO
• Complete vehicle registration within the validity period
• Get the number plate fitted in the approved format

Your allocation letter is valid only for the time period allocated to you by the State or portal. The length of this time period may vary. Never assume that you will have an unlimited amount of time in which to keep the number in your possession. 

What Happens If You Lose the Auction?

If you do not win the auction, refund rules will depend on the portal and state. Some amounts may be refundable, while some registration or processing fees may not be.

You should check:

• Whether the participation fee is refundable
• Whether the reserve amount is refunded
• How long the refund takes
• Whether the refund goes back to the original payment method
• Whether you can use the amount for another number auction

Most government portals have a way of showing you all your payments made on their site and how to track refunds requested. Be sure to save your transaction receipt as well as any application details until the actual refund has been issued.

Rules for Displaying a VIP Number on Your Car

After getting a VIP number, the actual number plate must follow the same rules as any other registration plate. You cannot use special styling just because the number is special.

Follow these rules:

• Use the approved number plate format
• Use the correct font and size
• Keep proper spacing between letters and numbers
• Display the number clearly on front and rear plates
• Use HSRP where required
• Do not add stickers, logos or symbols
• Do not alter digits to look like letters
• Do not use decorative borders that affect readability

You cannot affect the appearance of any number by substituting a letter with its equivalent numeric value example, 4141 cannot appear like DADA; 8055 cannot appear like BOSS. Thus, you will use the number in the same way it originally appeared or as when registered.

Illegal Fancy Number Plates: What Not to Do

Illegal fancy number plates are a common reason for traffic challans. These plates may look stylish, but they make vehicle identification difficult and violate number plate rules.

Avoid these illegal number plate styles:

• Stylish or calligraphy fonts
• Digits shaped like letters
• Wrong spacing to create words
• Names written instead of numbers
• Caste, community or political labels
• Stickers, crowns, flags or symbols
• Reflective stickers that hide the number
• Tiny, oversized or uneven letters
• Missing front or rear plate
• Fake HSRP or look-alike IND plates

A number plate must be able to easily identify the vehicle in standard traffic, via CCTV or through an enforcement system. If designed to attract attention and/or increase visibility due to high-contrast colour, the plate could potentially cause trouble if it has less visibility.

Can You Get a Fancy Number for a Used Car?

Fancy numbers are usually booked during new vehicle registration. If you are buying a used car, the existing registration number normally stays with the vehicle.

This means that you cannot just take a VIP number off of a car that has been used and transfer it to a new car unless the state allows you to do this, which may not be the case in all states. Some states may allow for limited transfer or retention of a VIP number under restricted/defined conditions; however, there will be some states that allow for no transfer.

Before buying a used car mainly for its VIP number, check:

• Whether the number is valid and correctly registered
• Whether the number can be retained or transferred
• Whether the vehicle has HSRP
• Whether the RC details match the car
• Whether ownership transfer is possible without issues
• Whether the number is linked to any pending challans or disputes

Don’t presume that there are VIP numbers as independent assets available for purchase, sale or transfer from one vehicle to another without restriction.

Benefits of Getting a Fancy Registration Number

A fancy registration number is not necessary, but many buyers still prefer one because it adds a personal touch to the vehicle.

Some common reasons include:

• Easy recall
• Personal or lucky number
• Business branding
• Family significance
• Premium appearance
• Preference for clean or repeated digits

It may be emotional to some potential buyers; others may see VIP number purchases in a different way (as status symbols or due to memorable things). Regardless, VIP numbers should be acquired through legal means and appropriately displayed.

Things to Check Before Applying for a Fancy Number

Before you pay for a fancy number, check the rules carefully. Fees and auction rules can vary a lot between states.

Use this checklist:

What to Check	Why It Matters
State and RTO rules	Fancy number prices and auction rules vary
Number availability	Your preferred number may already be reserved
Base price	Some numbers have high reserve prices
Auction schedule	Missing the bidding window can cancel your chance
Refund rules	Not all fees may be refundable
Allotment validity	You must register the vehicle within the validity period
Display rules	VIP number still needs a legal number plate
Transfer rules	VIP numbers cannot always be transferred freely

By following these steps, you will reduce the risk of missing payments and deadlines or making incorrect assumptions about the ownership of your number.

FAQs on Fancy Number Plates