How to get a 1234 Number Plate in India: A Comprehensive Guide

Fancy or VIP registration numbers in India refer to some of the most sought-after number plates. These numbers attract a lot of car enthusiasts, which makes its price higher than the rest.  A well-known example is the 1234 number plate.

The automobile owners love these number plates due to their limited availability, easy-to-recall numerical sequence, and they also serve as a symbol of status and prestige. These plates are unique as they are available only through auctions held by the respective RTO. 

Continue reading to know more about 1234 number plates in India, the eligibility criteria, the 1234 number plate price, and other essential aspects.

What is a 1234 Plate and Why is it Special?

A 1234 number plate is a registration for an automobile that follows a continuous sequence for the numerical part. This distinguishes it from the rest of the number plates, which have random digits in the numerical part. This special sequence is what is precious to many car enthusiasts. 

In recent times, the demand for these fancy numbers has gone up pretty high. These fancy number plates are quite expensive because they are limited in number and unique. The surge in demand is driven by individuals who seek a status symbol or just want an easy-to-recall number.

Types of VIP/Fancy Number Plates in India

In India, VIP or fancy number plates are a symbol of status and prestige. They are offered in various fashions, each of which has its cultural importance and visual appeal.

1. Golden Number Plates in India

Some of the special numbers are considered “golden” due to their high demand. These number plates usually get the highest bids at the auction:

• 0001: The fanciest number plate one can get with a price tag of ₹5 lakh or more.
• 0007: Due to being featured in James Bond movies.
• 0786: Considered lucky in some Indian communities.
• 7777/9999: Repeating sequences like this seem lucky/premium.
• 8888: Lucky number in Asian cultures, it is often in high demand.
• 1234/2345: Sequential patterns are easy to recall and seem attractive.

2. Special Number Series

Special number plates include unique patterns that set them apart. The numbers included in the special series categories are auctioned at a premium base price.

• Numbers like 0001, 0007, 9999, 1234, and any other repeating or meaningful combination.

RTO Auction Categories for Fancy Number Plates

Category	Examples
Super Elite Numbers	0001
Single-digit Numbers	0002 to 0009
Semi-Fancy Numbers	0100, 0101, 4444, 1234, 0700, etc.
Other Popular Numbers	0786, 8055, 7777, 9999, Numbers between 0010 and 0099

Eligibility to Apply for a 1234 Number Plate

Any individual who meets the basic requirements of the RTO is eligible to apply for a fancy number plate.

• Ownership of the Vehicle: The vehicle must be registered under the applicant’s name.
• Age: The applicant must be 18 years or older.
• Documentation: The applicant must submit their valid ID proof, vehicle registration papers, and any relevant documents required.
• No Pending Challans: The applicant must not have any pending challans or fines at the RTO.

Vehicle Types Allowed for Fancy Registration

• In most Indian states, fancy or VIP number plates can be allotted to all kinds of personal vehicles, including both bikes and cars.
• Company-owned private vehicles are also allowed at the auction.
• Usually, commercial vehicles like trucks and buses refrain from using fancy number plates and/or follow a different numbering system.

Note: All vehicles still have to comply with the High Security Registration Plate (HSRP), which is mandatory by law. Having a fancy number plate does not exempt one from following the standard rules and regulations.

How to Apply for a 1234 Number Plate in India?

You can apply for a fancy number plate either through an online process or through your local RTO.

Online Process

1. Visit the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways’ Parivahan portal and register yourself as a Public User.
2. Log in using your ID and password.
3. Once you are logged in, browse through the available fancy numbers. Choose the 1234 number if available.
4. Once you have selected your desired number, pay the registration fees to book it.
5. Fill up the application form and submit it. You will receive an acknowledgement receipt.
6. You need to participate in the e-auction. Select the ‘Auction Services’ from the portal and then choose ‘Bidding Process’. 
7. You will then have to place your bids at the e-auction using the acknowledgement number.
8. Keep increasing your bids to stay competitive.
9. If your bid wins, you will be notified via SMS and e-mail notifications.
10. Settle the remaining balance online within the deadline specified to confirm your fancy number plate.
11. Once you complete the payment, you will receive an acknowledgement receipt. 

Offline Process

1. Visit your nearest RTO.
2. Submit a ‘choice number’ application along with the required documents.
3. You will be shown a list of available VIP numbers. Choose the 1234 number if available.
4. Pay the registration fees and an additional fee for the VIP number you selected.
5. If no one else contends the number you chose, the RTO will allocate the number to you.
6. In case multiple people want the same number, you might have to go through a local auction or a lucky draw.
7. Once you win, the entire sum needs to be settled, along with the formalities completed. The RTO would then allocate the fancy number to you.

1234 Number Plate Price in India

VIP number plates like 1234 come with varying price tags depending on the category they fall in. Here’s a table showing prices for different categories of number plates.

Category	Example Numbers	Base Price
Super Elite	0001	₹5 lakh
Single Digit	0003, 0005, 0007, and so on	₹3 lakh
Semi-Fancy	0100, 4444, 0700, 8888, 0101, etc.	₹1 lakh
Other Popular	0786, 1234, numbers from 0010 to 0099	₹2 lakh

These denote the base prices, and the final prices can go much higher at the auction.

Factors Affecting Fancy Number Plate Price

The 1234 number plate price can vary depending on various factors. Some of them have been listed below:

• Location: The prices can vary according to the state and city where the RTO is located.
• Demand: If the demand for a particular number is high, the prices soar.
• Type of Vehicle:  Luxury cars usually get higher bids for the elite numbers.
• RTO Policy: Local RTO rules and auction regulations impact the amount you have to pay.

Fancy Number Plate Auctions: How Bidding Works

Fancy number plate auctions are usually e-auctions, held on the Parivahan portal, with rare offline local auctions. Here’s how they work:

1. Registration and Reservation

• Go to the official MoRTH Parivahan portal.
• Register as a public user to get your Unique Acknowledgement Number (UAN).
• Log in and navigate to the ‘choice number’ section and select the desired number.
• Pay the non-refundable registration fees and the refundable base reserve price for the 1234 number.

2. Bidding Phase

• The bidding starts after the registration window ends. Log in during the specified time to place your bids.
• Use your UAN to place your bids.
• Keep on increasing the bids to stay competitive.

3. Winning and Payment

• Once the auction is over, the individual with the highest bid is declared the winner.
• The winner will be notified via SMS and e-mail.
• Post notification, the person has 5 days to complete the payment.
• Non-compliance with this will lead to the next highest bidder receiving the number.

4. Allotment

• Once the payment is done, the RTO will issue an allotment letter for the number.
• This letter can be used for the final registration of the vehicle.

Documents Required for 1234 Number Plate Registration

When you apply for a fancy number plate, you need to submit standard identity and vehicle documents:

1. Identity and Address Proof: Any government ID with a photo and address proof( Aadhaar, Driving Licence, Voter ID, or Passport)
2. Vehicle Documents: Registration Certificate, Insurance Papers, PUC Certificate, and Sale or Purchase Receipt for the vehicle, if the vehicle is bought recently.
3. Auction Proof: Auction receipts and acknowledgement receipts need to be shown as well.
4. Application forms: Form 1 for the new vehicles and Form 20 for the old ones.

The RTO will verify all these documents to confirm your identity and place of residence. Post verification and settlement of the remaining sum for the fancy number, you will be allocated the fancy number.

How Long Does it Take to Get a 1234 Number Plate?

Once the auction has been completed, the winner will receive an acknowledgement receipt. After the acknowledgement receipt has been issued, verification of documents takes around 3 to 5 days. Once the verification process has been completed, you will be receiving an issuance letter within 1 to 2 days.

Possible Delays & How to Track the Application

The main causes of delays can be pending payments, incomplete documentation, or RTO backlogs. To avoid such delays, make sure all your documents are complete and valid. Clear your pending challans and dues beforehand.

You can track your application by going to the official Parivahan portal and using your application number to track your application.

Benefits of Having a 1234 Number Plate

• It serves as a symbol of prestige and sets your vehicle apart, adding an aura of elegance.
•  These number plates are limited in availability, adding a sense of exclusivity and individuality to your vehicle.
• Many people consider these numbers to be lucky according to numerology.

Important Rules & Legal Guidelines for Fancy Number Plates

In India, fancy number plates with special colours and fonts are illegal on the road. The Motor Vehicle Act strictly mentions that:

• Colours: The private vehicles should have black letters on a white background, whereas the commercial vehicles should have black letters on a yellow background.
• Font: Only standard English font is allowed. No fancy fonts or pictures, or names are allowed.
• Size: The size of the plate depends on the size of the vehicle.
• Placement: The number should be displayed both in the front and in the back.
• HSRP: High Security Registration Plates have been made mandatory for all, including older vehicles.

Failure to comply with the above-mentioned standards can attract fines of up to ₹5,000. The authorities will likely halt your vehicle on the road if you use modified fonts or hide your number plate. 

Having a VIP number plate like 1234 depicts your taste for style and luxury. These number plates are exclusively available through auctions held by the RTO. If you are looking forward to make your vehicle stand out in the crowd, then the 1234 number plate would be a wise choice for you.

FAQs About 1234 Number Plate