The car or bike number is a distinctive number allotted by the RTO. Although each number is different, many car and bike lovers favour making their vehicles distinctive by choosing a fancy car number. People choose a fancy number plate for the recognition it gets.
For some people, these numbers symbolise status and exclusivity, while for others they have cultural, religious, or sentimental meanings. With a proper, transparent process in place, it is now more straightforward and legitimate to have a fancy number.
Whether you are in Kerala or anywhere else in India, you can have a fancy number plate assigned for your much-loved car or bike through the proper government process.
Types of Fancy Number Plates & Pricing Categories in Kerala
The fancy numbers in Kerala are divided into specific categories that depend on demand, uniqueness, and the bidding amount. Some numbers witness high bids because of their prestige, but other numbers are selected for specific cultural and personal reasons.
Every category also has a reserve price, which marks the beginning of the auction process. Below is an explanation of the major categories of fancy numbers as accepted by the Kerala RTO:
| Category Name | Example Numbers | Estimated Reserve Price (Base Price) |
| Super Elite | 0001 | ₹5 Lakh |
| Single Digit | 0002, 0003, 0004, 0004, 0005, 0006, 0007, 0008, 0009 | ₹3 Lakh |
| Others | 0786, 1111, 7777, 9999, and numbers between 0010 and 0099 | ₹2 Lakh |
| Semi-Fancy | 0100, 0111, 0200, 0222, 0300, 0333, 0400, 0444, 0500, 0555 0600, 0666, 0700, 0777, 0800, 0888, 0900, 0999, 2000, 2222 3000, 3333, 4000, 4444, 5000, 5555, 6000, 6666, 7000, 8000, 8888, 9000, 0101, 0108, 1008, & 1313 | ₹1 Lakh |
The reserve price mentioned above is simply the minimum amount required to enter the auction, and it does not reflect the final cost of the fancy number. The actual amount depends on the level of competition throughout the entire bidding process.
Super Elite number plates, including 0001, command significant interest and bidding, making them the most expensive options. Single-digit numbers are also in high demand, especially among luxury car owners and collectors who value exclusivity.
In contrast, choice or semi-fancy number plates command relatively lower costs, though they still offer a degree of distinctiveness. The organised pricing strategy ensures that the sale of fancy number plates in Kerala is within reach not just of the elite but also of all car enthusiasts.
Eligibility & Documents Required
A bidder must meet the basic qualifications before placing an offer for a prestigious number plate in Kerala and have the required documents on hand. This is an electronic process, but document particulars should be accurate.
Some of the documents needed for the fancy number plate auction are:
| Document Type | Requirement / Notes |
| Proof of Identity | Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, or Voter ID |
| Proof of Address | Aadhaar, Utility Bill, Passport, or Driving Licence |
| Vehicle Details | Required if the vehicle is already purchased |
| Mobile Number | Must be active for OTP verification and auction alerts |
Who Can Apply?
- Both individual car owners and companies are eligible to bid.
- The applicants should have valid identification and no pending transport dues or challans.
- Dealers can trade on behalf of their customers, but will require that the registration be under the buyer’s name.
Another significant advantage of the system is that you do not necessarily need to own the car to book the premium number. The number may be booked in advance and later allocated to the vehicle during the stipulated validity period.
Moreover, having an operational, easily reachable mobile number is mandatory. All functionalities, such as OTP verification, bid confirmations, payment notifications, and auction updates, are performed online through the Parivahan Sewa Portal. Hence, connectivity via a mobile phone is necessary for a smooth bidding process.
How to Check Fancy Number Plate Availability in Kerala & Register Online?
Before placing a bid, it is essential to confirm whether the desired fancy number is available and understand how to register for it officially. The Government of India has streamlined this entire process through the Parivahan Sewa portal, making it transparent and accessible to everyone.
From searching for available numbers to registering for an auction, every step can be completed online without visiting the RTO in person.
Step-by-Step Process to Check Availability of a Fancy Number Plate in Kerala
Step 1: Visit the Parivahan Sewa Portal
Access the official Parivahan Sewa website under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
Step 2: Select “Fancy Number Booking” / “Choice Number”
Under the Online Services section, click on Fancy Number Booking or Choice Number to proceed.
Step 3: Choose State and RTO
Select Kerala as the state and then choose the relevant RTO from the list provided.
Step 4: Search for Numbers
You can either:
- Use Search by Number to check a specific preferred number, or
- Browse through All Available Numbers listed for your chosen RTO.
Once the list appears, you can immediately see whether the number is available for auction or offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Step-by-Step Process for Online Registration of a Fancy Number Plate
Step 1: Register as a Public User
On the Fancy Number Booking page, click on New Public User Registration and create an account using your name, mobile number, email ID, and state (Kerala).
Step 2: Log in to Your Account
After successful registration, log in using your credentials on the Fancy Number Booking portal.
Step 3: Select the Desired Number
Choose the available fancy number. You will be shown whether it falls under the auction category or the first-come, first-served category.
Step 4: Pay the Registration Fee
For auction numbers, pay the non-refundable registration fee and upload the required documents to complete registration.
Once you register, you can participate in the online auction of that number.
The E-Auction Process: Bidding & Payment
The e-auction system provides fairness to all applicants who wish to bid for the highly sought-after fancy number licenses. After registration, all bids are handled according to an allotted timeline and rules.
The e-auction timeline & process is as follows:
| Process Stage | Duration / Timeline | Action Required |
| Registration | First 3 days | Register, upload documents, pay 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?
It is essential to make a distinction between the Registration Fee and the Reserve Price:
- Registration fees are non-refundable, irrespective of the outcome of the auction.
- The reserve price is the minimum bid amount, which can be refunded if the bidder does not win the auction.
Bidders can also increase their bid amounts in multiples of the quantity specified on the portal, usually ₹10,000 in most categories and ₹1,000 in lower categories. The current highest bid is also displayed in the system in real time.
A brief cooling-off period is implemented towards the end of the auction to prevent last-minute manipulation. The status of each number changes dynamically from Available to Under Bidding and finally to Allotted.
Post-Auction: Allotment & Validity
After the auction process is complete, the following events will depend on the result and thus relate to whether the applicant has won or lost the bid. The process is time-sensitive because it directly affects the acquisition of the fancy number.
| Outcome | Next Step | Time Limit |
| Won the Bid | Pay the remaining balance online | Usually within 5 days |
| Lost the Bid | Claim a refund of the reserve price | As per the portal process |
| Allotment Letter Issued | Register the vehicle at the RTO | Within 90 days |
If the applicant wins the bid, the balance amount must be paid within the stipulated time period, which is 5 days from the date of the announcement of the results. After that, an allotment letter is generated online.
This allocation letter is valid for 90 days. During this time, the vehicle has to be registered with the Kerala RTO. If the vehicle is not registered within the stipulated 90-day period, the fancy number is cancelled. This final stage makes timely payment and registration crucial to successfully owning a fancy number plate in Kerala.
Things to Remember & Rules (HSRP, Refunds, Transfer)
Even when applying for a premium/VIP number plate in Kerala through an online process, there are a couple of key guidelines a candidate should keep in mind. Understanding these aspects in advance ensures a smooth experience from bidding to final vehicle registration.
- HSRP Compliance is Mandatory
Even if you have been allotted an elite or VIP registration number, the vehicle must comply with the norms specified under the High Security Registration Plate (HSRP).
Use of fancy fonts, artistic lettering, variation in letter space, logos, graphics, or any other decorative composition is strictly not allowed. The number can be marked only on the official HSRP number plates, as designated under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
- Refunding Rules for Unsuccessful Bidders
When an individual fails in an auction, there is no reason to be concerned about the amount of the bid. The reserve price paid during the registration process is refundable and, in most cases, repaid to the individual using the same banking account used for payment.
However, the registration or participation fee is always refundable, regardless of the outcome of an auction. In rare cases where a number is not allotted despite a valid bid, the refund can be claimed through the Parivahan portal in accordance with the prescribed process.
- Transfer or Retention of Fancy Number Plates
Fancy number plates can be retained or transferred, but only by following the official procedure. If a fancy number is to be transferred to another car, an NOC must be obtained from the concerned RTO regarding pending liabilities.
The transfer process typically involves submitting a formal application, producing valid registration documents, and paying the applicable transfer fee, which may range from a few hundred rupees to several thousand rupees for highly sought-after numbers.
In typical scenarios, this formality can occur within a particular state, while other states may require different formalities. Adopting these guidelines will ensure that obtaining an elite number plate remains a hassle-free experience in the state of Kerala.
Summary
A fancy number plate in Kerala symbolises individuality and prestige in a manner that comfortably falls within the boundaries of law. Because of the transparent Government Parivahan method for conducting an e-auction in Kerala, checking for availability, registering, bidding, and allocation are made easier for all.
Whether it is for cultural belief, aesthetic appeal, or simply standing out on the road, owning a fancy number plate in Kerala is a realistic and rewarding goal when approached with the correct information and timely action.
By following the official process and adhering to legal requirements, applicants can secure their desired number without complications and enjoy a unique identity for their vehicle.
FAQs about Fancy Number Plates in Kerala
Q. What is the processing time for a fancy number plate in Kerala?
The overall processing time, including registration and bidding, usually takes around five days, after which the auction results are declared.
Q. Are fancy number plates subject to regular inspection in Kerala?
Yes, it has to undergo the exact legal and safety requirements as general number plates. Not following the requirements may lead to fines for the respective owner.
Q. Can I change my fancy number after registering in Kerala?
No, once a fancy number is assigned and registered with a car, it can’t be changed. It can only be transferred by following the official transfer process.
Q. What happens if I don’t pay the final amount after winning the auction in Kerala?
If the balance amount is not paid within the stipulated time, the allotment is cancelled, and the number is put up for auction again.
Q. Can fancy number plates be transferred across states?
No, fancy numbers are state-specific. Interstate transfer of fancy number plates is generally not permitted.
