For many vehicle owners in Maharashtra, a luxury car or premium bike feels incomplete without a unique identity. Fancy number plates provide your vehicle with a unique identity and a status symbol. Numbers like 0001, 8055, or 786 carry prestige, cultural significance, and personal importance.
Allocating a fancy number has become a recent trend among vehicle owners for several reasons, including religious beliefs, status symbols, and numerology. In this article, we’ll detail the entire process for obtaining a fancy number plate in Maharashtra.
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Types of Fancy Number Plates & Pricing Categories in Maharashtra
Choosing a fancy number plate in Maharashtra depends on category-based pricing set by the RTO. Here are the categories and estimated reserves of fancy number plates available in Maharashtra:
| Category Name | Example Numbers | Estimated Reserve Price (Base Price) |
| Super Elite | 0001 | ₹5,00,000 |
| Single Digit | 0002, 0003, 0004, 0004, 0005, 0006, 0007, 0008, 0009 | ₹3,00,000 |
| Others | 0786, 1111, 7777, 9999, and numbers between 0010 and 0099 | ₹2,00,000 |
| 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 | ₹1,00,000 |
The starting bid reserve price referred to above is not the cost. The cost of a fancy number plate in Maharashtra depends on the number of bidders for the same number in the e-auction.
The Super Elite series, such as 0001, has the highest demand and bidding, resulting in a higher value than other series. On the other hand, the general choice and semi-fancy series exhibit relatively low bidding competition, making them a better buying option for those seeking uniqueness without spending too much.
Eligibility & Documents Required
Applicants seeking to buy a fancy number plate in Maharashtra must meet the basic eligibility criteria and be prepared with the required documents.
Here are the required documents that need to be submitted at the time of registration and bidding:
| Document Type | Requirement / Notes |
| Proof of Vehicle Insurance | Attested copy of a valid motor insurance policy or cover note |
| Proof of Identity | Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, or Voter ID |
| Proof of Address | Aadhaar Card, Passport, utility bill, or other valid address proof |
| PAN Card | Mandatory for high-value transactions |
| Dealer Invoice | Original dealer invoice along with manufacturer invoice |
| Mobile Number | An active mobile number is required for OTP verification, bidding alerts, and auction notifications |
Individual vehicle owners and commercial vehicle dealers can apply for a fancy number plate in Maharashtra. It is essential to have a valid, active mobile number to receive all notifications regarding OTP verification, bids, and results, which are sent through digital channels.
It is also necessary that vehicle ownership is not required before availing of the number. This is because one can hold the fancy number first and then apply it to the car at a later stage, within the duration decided by the RTO. This flexibility is beneficial for buyers waiting for vehicle delivery.
How to Check Fancy Number Plate Availability in Maharashtra & Register Online?
Follow the given step-by-step procedure to understand the availability check and online booking process in Maharashtra.
Step-by-Step Process to Check Fancy Number Plate Availability in Maharashtra
Step 1: Access the Official Parivahan/MoRTH Portal
Visit the Parivahan portal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) or click on the ‘Fancy Number Booking’ services.
Step 2: Choose the “Choice Number” Option
On the portal, click the “By Number” and “All Available Numbers” options to initiate the availability check.
Step 3: State & RTO Choice
Now, you can choose your state as Maharashtra. Then select your respective RTO from the list.
Step 4: Look for Available Fancy Numbers
After choosing the RTO, the system then provides a list of available fancy/VIP numbers. Browse the page to view the number of available and unreserved choices for a fancy number plate in Maharashtra.
Step 5: Proceed if the Number is Available
If the desired number is available, you can proceed to make the online booking directly on the same site.
Step-by-Step Procedure to Register for a Fancy Number Plate in Maharashtra
Step 1: Visit the MoRTH Website
Register on the “Booking of Registration Mark of Choice” subsite of the Parivahan platform.
Step 2: Choose the Fancy Number
Choose the desired number and ensure that the correct RTO and vehicle type are selected.
Step 3: Add Required Details
Add details, such as proof of address, and pay the reservation fee.
Step 4: Visit the RTO and Submit the Required Documents
You need to go to the respective RTO with the e-receipt, Form 20 (Application for Registration of a Motor Vehicle), and other documents within 30 days of reserving the number.
Step 5: Pay the Registration Fee to Reserve the Number
The reservation fee for the premium number is non-refundable, and the number is non-transferable.
After this, you can proceed with the auctioning procedure.
The E-Auction Process: Bidding & Payment
The allotment of fancy number plates takes place through a carefully planned e-auction process available on the MoRTH or Parivahan portal for high-demand fancy number plates in Maharashtra, which provides equal opportunities for all bidders bidding for fancy numbers.
Here are the core steps involved in the e-auction process:
| Process Stage | Duration/Timeline | Action Required |
| Registration | First 3 days | Register on the portal, generate a UAN, pay the registration fee, and reserve the price |
| Bidding | Next 2 days | Place and revise bids within permitted bid multiples |
| Result Declaration | End of Day 5 | Winning bidder notified via SMS and email |
Understanding the clear difference between the Registration Fee and the Reserve Price is essential for applicants. The registration fee is non-refundable, regardless of the auction outcome, whereas the reserve price acts as the base bid amount and is refundable if you lose the auction.
Once registered, the selected number is temporarily held. The bid opens after registration closes. The bid has fixed intervals for increasing bids. These are ₹10,000 for categories 1-4 and ₹1,000 for category 5. The “Current Status” reflects the highest bid placed for the selected number.
After this, there is a cooldown period during which bidders may change their bids before the auction ends. After the cooldown period, the fancy number is awarded to the highest bidder, and the results are relayed after the five-day auction cycle ends.
Post-Auction: Allotment & Validity
After the declaration of the winner, the applicant must meet certain deadlines to obtain the fancy number plate in Maharashtra. Here are the processes involved in the post-auction period:
| Outcome | Next Step | Time Limit |
| Won the Bid | Pay the remaining balance amount online | Within 5 days of the result declaration |
| Lost the Bid | Claim a refund of the reserve price | As per the portal refund process |
| Validity Period | Use the allotment letter to register the vehicle | 90 days from issue date |
After winning the bid, you will be required to pay the balance amount within five days of the result declaration date. Non-payment can result in the allotment being cancelled. After the payment is made, the allotment letter is produced online.
This allotment letter is valid for 90 days, during which the vehicle must be registered at the respective Maharashtra RTO using the allotted fancy number. If the vehicle is not registered within this 90-day window, the number is forfeited, and no refund is issued.
For unsuccessful bidders, the reserve price is refunded, while the registration fee remains non-refundable. Adhering to these timelines is essential to ensure a smooth and successful fancy number plate registration process in Maharashtra.
Things to Remember & Rules (HSRP, Refunds, Transfer)
Requesting a fancy number plate in Maharashtra involves several legal and procedural formalities. Hence, it is essential to stay aware of these details to prevent any fines or cancellation of the application.
- HSRP Compliance (Mandatory for All Vehicles)
Even if the vehicle has a fancy or VIP number, it must strictly comply with the High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) rules, which prohibit customised fonts, spacing, stickers, signs, and stylish designs.
Moreover, the number plate should be purchased from an authorised dealer, and it should be in accordance with the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Fancy numbers affect the numbers that you obtain, not the design of the plate.
- Refund Rules if You Lose the Bid
If the applicant fails to win the bid, the reserve price will be refunded automatically to the same bank account used to make the payment, whereas the registration fee is not refundable under any circumstances.
In exceptional situations in which the bidder may have won the bid but failed to obtain the required number of licenses due to a technical issue, a refund can be claimed under the Parivahan refund process.
- Transfer or Retention of Fancy Number Plates
Fancy number plates in Maharashtra can be retained and transferred if the applicant follows the guidelines specified by the RTO.
- A No Objection Certificate (NOC) is required from the RTO to transfer a fancy number from one car to another.
- Inter-state transfer is not allowed anywhere except in Maharashtra and must be signed by the RTO.
- Transfer charges may vary depending on the number of RTOs and can range from a few hundred to several thousand rupees.
- The number cannot be freely transferred or sold unless the legal formalities are fulfilled.
By adhering to these norms, your personalised number plate will remain valid, legal, and trouble-free for its entire lifetime once it is attached to your car.
Summary
Getting a fancy number plate registration in Maharashtra involves a simple, transparent, and online process if done properly. The Parivahan portal has laid down clear guidelines, from searching for the availability of preferred number plates on the Parivahan site to completing the process post-auction.
With the increasing demand for fancy numbers, you can also register your favourite fancy number, as it provides your vehicle with a unique identity and is legal under Maharashtra RTO rules.
FAQs about Fancy Number Plate in Maharashtra
Q. How long does it take to get the fancy number plate in Maharashtra?
It takes around 5 days to process fancy number plates in Maharashtra, which includes the entire process from registration to result declaration.
Q. Is there any eligibility factor to own an elite number plate in Maharashtra?
There is no eligibility factor involved in getting an elite number plate in Maharashtra, as all car dealers and individual car owners are eligible to register themselves through the Parivahan portal to get a fancy number plate in Maharashtra.
Q. Can personalised number plates be used on all types of vehicles?
Yes, personalised or fancy number plates can be applied to all vehicles, including cars, motorbikes, or commercial vehicles, after meeting standards set by the respective RTO.
Q. Is it possible to customise the font or design of a premium number plate?
No, it is not permitted to customise the font or design of a premium number plate, as all fancy number plates must comply with the HSRP Norms and the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which allows the use of predefined fonts only.
Q. Can a customised plate number be transferred to another vehicle?
A customised number plate can be transferred to another vehicle after obtaining a No Objection certificate and completing the legal transfer procedures from the Maharashtra RTO.
