How to Get a Fancy Number Plate in Bihar: Detailed Guide

As an increasing number of people in Bihar are opting for luxury cars and bikes, the demand for fancy number plates is also rising in tandem. These number plates provide a unique identity to such luxury vehicles and serve as a way for people to express their individuality, religious or numerological beliefs, or elite status. 

A fancy number plate in Bihar is provided through the online e-auction process on the official website of the Parivahan department. Its rules and distribution are conducted by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, ensuring fair availability for all applicants. 

This guide will help you understand the entire process for obtaining speciality numbers in Bihar, including checking availability, eligibility, and the steps to obtain them for your desired vehicle. 

Types of Fancy Number Plates and Categories in Bihar

There are various types and categories of speciality numbers available in the state of Bihar, each with a categorically reserved price. The following table helps you understand the VIP numbers and the registration cost for each category:

Category	Example for Fancy Numbers	Fees
Semi-fancy Numbers	0100, 0111, 0200, 0222, 0300, 0333, 0400, 0444, 0500, 0555, 0600, 0666, 0700, 0777, 0800, 0888, 0900, 0999, 20000, 2222, 3000, 3333, 4000, 4444, 5000, 5555, 6000, 6666, 7000, 8000, 8888, 9000, 0101, 0108, 1008 & 1313	₹1 Lakh
Single Digit	0002, 0003, 0004, 0005, 0006, 0007, 0008, 0009	₹3 Lakh
Others	0786, 1111, 7777, 9999, and the numbers between 0010 and 0099	₹2 Lakh
Super Elite	0001	₹5 Lakh

The prices in the table above are the list price; that is, the base price from which the bidding starts. The final price you may have to pay depends on the number of people bidding for the same fancy number plate and their level of competitiveness. 

The super-elite fancy number plates in Bihar generally attract the highest bids due to their exclusivity. The single-digit and semi-fancy numbers, though more exclusive than the random state-generated numbers, have lower demand and thus come with a lower list price. 

Eligibility and Documents Needed for a Fancy Number Plate in Bihar

Before bidding for the fancy number plate in Bihar, interested applicants must be aware of the eligibility and required documents. This helps you get well-prepared for the bidding and experience a hassle-free registration process. The following table provides all the information on eligibility and required documents:

Document type	Requirement/note
Proof of Identity	Aadhaar card, PAN card, or any government-issued ID.
Address Proof	Aadhaar card, utility bill, or any government-recognised address proof.
Vehicle Identity	Vehicle invoice (if already purchased).
Mobile Number	For receiving One Time Password (OTP) and updates.
Details of Registration	Name, father’s name, address, email, Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP) ID for individuals or HUM ID for businesses, bank account with IFSC, and any other relevant information requested
Chassis Number	Required for new vehicles

Both private vehicle owners and registered dealerships can apply for the e-auction process. Commercial car dealers can bid on behalf of clients but must register the vehicle in the customer’s name. 

What’s more, you do not need to have a vehicle to apply for a fancy number plate in Bihar. You can apply for a number plate first and then get it affixed to your vehicle within 90 days of obtaining the allotment letter.  

How to Check Availability of Fancy Numbers in Bihar and Register Online?

Here are the steps to register online for a fancy number plate in Bihar:

Step-by-Step Process to Check Availability of a Fancy Number Plate in Bihar

• Step 1: Visit the Official Parivahan Website or MoRTH Portal

Navigate to the Parivahan Portal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and, under Online Services, click on “Fancy Number Booking”. 

• Step 2: Choose Your Preferred Option

Click on either the “By Number” or “All Available Numbers” option to begin the availability check.

• Step 3: Set the State & RTO

Now, select your state as “Bihar” and choose the respective RTO from the given list on the website.

• Step 4: Look for Available Fancy Numbers

After selecting the preferred RTO, the website will display a list of fancy numbers. Select the choices available to choose the desired number.

• Step 5: Proceed if the Number is Available

If your desired fancy number is available, proceed to make the online booking from the same website.

Step-by-Step Procedure to Register for a Fancy Number Plate in Bihar

• Step 1: You need to go to the official website of the Parivahan department and select Bihar as your resident state.
• Step 2: Register with your Email ID and mobile number on the portal to create an account. You will receive OTP and other updates for the fancy number registration on your registered number.
• Step 3: Choose your desired RTO from the BR series RTO codes in Bihar. For example (BR – 01, BR – 02, BR – 03, BR- 26, and so on.
• Step 4: Search for your desired fancy number as per the category depicted hereinabove or any preferred sequence.
• Step 5: You have to pay the mandatory Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) to participate in the auction. The EMD is refunded if you do not win the auction.
• Step 6: Participate in the auction process. You can do it manually or use the auto-bid option to increase the bid gradually up to your maximum limit.
• Step 7: If you win the auction for your desired fancy number, download the allotment letter from the portal and submit it to the chosen RTO for registration.

The E-Auction Process: Bidding & Payment

The e-auction process conducted on the Parivahan portal aims to give a fair chance to all interested individuals to participate in the bidding process. Here is a detailed overview:

Process Stage	Duration / Timeline	Action Required
Registration	First 3 days	Register, upload documents, and pay a non-refundable fee
Bidding	Next 2 days	Place and revise bids online
Result Declaration	End of Day 5	Highest bidder announced via SMS/email

How Bidding & Payments Work?

Before you proceed with the bidding, it is crucial that you understand the key differences between the registration fee and reserve price: 

• Registration fees are not refunded, irrespective of the auction result.
• Reserve price is the minimum bid amount, which can be refunded if the bidder loses the auction.

During the bidding process, participants can increase their bids in multiples of the amount shown in the portal, which is typically ₹10,000 in most categories and ₹1,000 in lower categories. The system also displays the highest current offer in real time.

There is a cooling-off period between bid increments. The winner is then given the fancy number plate. 

Post-auction: Allotment and Validity

After the bidding process is over, here is what you need to keep in mind:

Outcome	Next step	Time limit
Won the Bid	Pay the balance amount	Within 5 days of the result
Lost the Bid	Claim a refund of EMD	Refund processed within 5-7days
Validity Period	Register the vehicle at the RTO	90 days from the receipt of the allotment letter

For a successful bidder, an allotment letter is generated, which is valid for 90 days. Within this timeframe, you have to register the vehicle with the valid allotment letter for the fancy number at the RTO you have chosen. If the allotment letter is not used to register the car/bike within 90 days, it will be considered forfeited.

Things to Remember & Rules (HSRP, Refunds, Transfer)

Here are a few things to remember when applying for a fancy number plate in Bihar:

HSRP Compliance (Mandatory for All Vehicles)

A fancy number plate must fully comply with the standards of the High Security Registration Plate (HSRP). It should have no personalised fonts, distorted spacing, symbols, stickers, or decorations. 

The plate should be obtained from a certified supplier and meet the specifications of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. It is worth pointing out that the fancy number applies only to the assigned registration number, not to the design or appearance of the plate.

Refund Rules if You Lose the Bid

In case you lose the bid, the reserve price amount is automatically refunded to the same bank account you used for payment. However, the registration fee is strictly non-refundable. 

Furthermore, in some rare cases, where a bidder wins the auction but is unable to obtain the selected number due to a technical issue, a refund may be claimed as per the guidelines mentioned on the Parivahan portal.

Transfer or Retention of Fancy Number Plates

One can retain or transfer a fancy number plate in Bihar, subject to certain conditions:

• A No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued by the Bihar RTO is mandatory to transfer a fancy number from one vehicle to another within the state.
• Inter-state transfers are generally not permitted except within Bihar and must be RTO-authorised.
• Transfer fees tend to vary depending on the number of RTOs involved and can range from a few hundred to several thousand rupees.
• All prescribed legal procedures must be completed to transfer or sell a fancy number plate in Bihar.

Conclusion

Obtaining a fancy number plate is now simple and hassle-free in Bihar. You just need to understand the state RTO’s procedures and follow the steps in the respective portals. Remember to check the availability of your preferred fancy number before proceeding and ensure you submit all the documents and abide by the timelines to avoid unnecessary hassles.  

FAQs about Fancy Number Plate in Bihar