A fancy number plate can be a great way to personalise a vehicle. Special numbers include 0001, 0007, 0786, 1111, 7777 and 9999 because they are memorable, uniquely identifiable or associated with other beliefs and numerology.
In Delhi, you can legally apply for a fancy or choice registration number through the official e-auction process. However, there is an important difference between a fancy number and a fancy physical plate. The number can be special, but the number plate must still follow legal rules.
There are designated rules for issuing fancy registration numbers. The owner is allowed to select any special number of their choice, such as DL XX XX 0001, but they are not allowed to use some existing fonts, logos, designs, symbols and colours. After all the formalities are completed, the number must be displayed on a legal High Security Registration Plate.
Here is a complete guide to fancy number plates in Delhi, including fees, eligibility, application process, auction rules, validity and penalties.
Table of Contents
What is a Fancy Number Plate in Delhi?
A fancy number plate is a unique car registration number selected by its owner. According to some authorities, this kind of number is officially called a choice registration mark, VIP number or fancy registration number.
Popular examples include:
- 0001
- 0007
- 0786
- 1111
- 1234
- 7777
- 8888
- 9999
Fancy number plates are always available for auction, which means that they are not distributed in a usual manner. The owner has to pay a registration fee, the auction price, and take part in the auction process.
Fancy Number vs Fancy Plate: What is Legal?
A fancy number is legal. A fancy physical plate is not always legal.
Legal
The Delhi Transport Department provides a registration number which is shown on the standard number plate that follows the HSRP rules.
Illegal
A number plate with designer fonts, stickers, symbols, religious marks, caste names, logos, changed spacing, hidden digits or non-standard colours.
So, the number can be premium, but the plate must remain standard, clear and readable.
Who Can Apply for a Fancy Number in Delhi?
Citizens of Delhi have the opportunity to obtain a preferred registration number via the e-auction method of bidding. Only one condition exists for eligibility: vehicles must be registered in Delhi, and all the due processes of auctioning and registration must be duly adhered to by the applicant.
For most private car buyers, the process is linked to a new vehicle registration. If the vehicle is being bought through a dealer, the dealer may also help with linking the allotted number to the final registration process.
Before applying, make sure:
- You have Delhi address proof
- Your vehicle purchase or booking details are ready
- You can pay the reserve price online
- You can complete registration within the allotment validity period
- You are applying through the official portal, not an unofficial agent
Fancy Number Plate Fees in Delhi
Delhi follows a system of reserve prices in the custom registration process. The total sum can be more than the reserve if there are others bidding for the same registration number.
| Category | Registration Marks | Minimum Reserve Price |
| Category 1 | 0001 | ₹5,00,000 |
| Category 2 | 0002 to 0009 | ₹3,00,000 |
| Category 3 | 0010 to 0099, 0786, 1000, 1111, 7777, 9999 | ₹2,00,000 |
| Category 4 | 0100, 0111, 0200, 0222, 0333, 0444, 0777, 0888, 2222, 3333, 4444, 5555, 8888, 9000, 1008, 1313 and similar listed numbers | ₹1,00,000 |
| Category 5 | Other choice numbers not covered above | ₹20,000 |
A bidder must also pay ₹1,000 as the e-auction fee, which is a non-refundable amount. Therefore, reservation of numbers in any auction cycle requires the needful payments for registration and the reserve amount online.
The reserve price is only the starting point. If more than one applicant bids for the same number, the final price can increase.
How to Apply for a Fancy Number Plate in Delhi
In Delhi, the fancy number procedure is done via the official e-auction online platform.
Step 1: Visit the Official Fancy Number Portal
Go to the official fancy number booking portal and select Delhi as the state. Choose the relevant registration series and vehicle category where applicable.
Step 2: Create Your Login
To use the website, you need to register and create a user profile. You need to provide your name, mobile phone number, email, address, and car details.
Step 3: Check Number Availability
Search for the number you want. Availability depends on the active registration series and auction cycle. Popular numbers may not always be available.
Step 4: Pay Registration Fee and Reserve Price
After you pay ₹1,000 for registration and pay the reserve price of a chosen number, the number will be reserved for the e-auction period.
Step 5: Participate in E-Auction
The registration window is generally open for three days, followed by a two-day bidding window. If more than one person applies for the same number, the highest valid bidder wins.
Step 6: Pay the Balance Amount
If your bid is successful, make sure to pay all the required amounts before the deadline. You will be provided with all the relevant instructions and updates through the portal.
Step 7: Download the Allotment Letter
After successful payment, download the allotment letter. This letter is required for completing vehicle registration with the allotted number.
Step 8: Complete Vehicle Registration
When you provide the allotment letter and documents required for the registration of your vehicle, this process will be completed, and the car will be fitted with an HSRP and allotted the desired number.
How the Delhi Fancy Number Auction Works
The e-auction process is simple, but timing matters. Delhi follows a fixed auction cycle for registration marks of choice.
On the whole, the process of auctioning higher category numbers follows a periodic pattern that occurs according to an established monthly schedule. Category five enjoys auctions at a higher frequency compared to other categories. The site has everything possible, including active series, registration and auction periods, results and payments.
One applicant can bid for multiple registration marks under one application, but only one number can be allotted against one Unique Acknowledgement Number. If someone wants choice numbers for more than one vehicle, separate registrations may be needed.
Because famous numbers can become prohibitively expensive, it would be prudent to decide on your spending limit prior to getting ready for the auction.
Documents Required for Fancy Number Booking in Delhi
The exact documents may vary depending on whether the car is new, financed, dealer-registered or being registered directly. Commonly required documents include:
- Applicant identity proof
- Delhi address proof
- PAN card or Form 60, where applicable
- Vehicle invoice
- Form 20
- Form 21 sale certificate
- Form 22 roadworthiness certificate
- Valid insurance
- Loan or hypothecation documents, if applicable
- Road tax and registration fee payment proof
- Fancy number allotment letter
- Dealer registration documents, if applicable
If the dealer takes care of registration, you need to ensure that you hand in your allotment letter once it is issued.
Validity of Fancy Number Allotment in Delhi
After allotment, the chosen number must be used for vehicle registration within the allowed validity period. Delhi fancy number allotment is generally valid for 90 days.
In case you miss registration in this period, you run the risk of postponement of your allotment and losing your money. So, do not book your number too soon if the vehicle is yet to be delivered.
Rules for Displaying a Fancy Number Plate
Even after winning a fancy number, the physical number plate must follow legal requirements.
A legal number plate should:
- Display the allotted registration number clearly
- Use the correct HSRP format
- Use standard font and spacing
- Be fitted on the front and rear of the vehicle
- Use the correct colour format for the vehicle category
- Avoid stickers, symbols, logos or decorative designs
- Avoid altered digits or unreadable styling
The registration number is very important, while the plate design carries less significance. You may be penalised for any plates making it hard to read the number.
Can You Transfer or Retain a Fancy Number in Delhi?
Delhi allows retention of a vehicle number for a new vehicle after completion of the required ownership period, subject to applicable rules. The Delhi Transport Department notes that a registered vehicle number is normally linked to that vehicle, but retention for a new vehicle may be possible after three years if the owner details remain the same.
This is not an automatic transfer. You will need to complete the RTO procedure and pay the requisite fees as well as the necessary eligibility conditions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these mistakes when applying for a fancy number in Delhi:
- Using agents who promise guaranteed allotment
- Paying outside the official portal
- Booking before vehicle delivery is confirmed
- Ignoring auction deadlines
- Bidding above your budget
- Assuming reserve price is the final price
- Using a designer plate after allotment
- Missing the 90-day registration window
- Applying under the wrong vehicle or RTO details
The best way is to access the official portal and get in touch with your dealer before applying.
Is a Fancy Number Plate Worth It in Delhi?
A fancy number is worth it if the number has personal, business, sentimental or numerology value. It can make the car easier to identify and more personalised.
However, this would not guarantee better performance, safety or resale for the vehicle. Some buyers may feel their money is better spent on other things such as insurance or accessories.
Buy a fancy number only if it genuinely matters to you and fits your budget.
FAQs
Q. What is a fancy number plate in Delhi?
A fancy number plate usually means a special vehicle registration number such as 0001, 0786, 1111 or 9999. The number can be reserved through e-auction, but the physical plate must follow legal HSRP rules.
Q. How much does 0001 cost in Delhi?
The minimum reserve price for 0001 in Delhi is ₹5 lakh. The final price can be higher if more people bid for the same number.
Q. What is the fee for 0007 in Delhi?
Numbers from 0002 to 0009 fall under the ₹3 lakh reserve price category in Delhi. This includes 0007.
Q. What is the fee for 0786 and 9999 in Delhi?
Numbers such as 0786 and 9999 fall under the ₹2 lakh reserve price category in Delhi.
Q. Who can apply for a fancy number in Delhi?
Delhi residents, individuals or entities, can apply for a registration mark of choice through the official e-auction process, subject to vehicle registration requirements.
Q. Is the ₹1,000 registration fee refundable?
No. The ₹1,000 e-auction registration fee is non-refundable.
Q. How long is a fancy number allotment valid in Delhi?
The allotment is generally valid for 90 days. The vehicle should be registered with the allotted number within this period.
Q. Can I use stylish fonts on a fancy number plate?
No. Even if you get a fancy number, the number plate must follow standard legal rules. Designer fonts, logos, symbols and altered spacing are not allowed.
