Green Number Plate in India: How to Apply, Fees, Eligibility

Vehicle registration is a mandatory legal procedure that every vehicle owner must complete before riding on Indian roads. After successful registration, you will receive a number plate that displays your registration number on the vehicle. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has introduced green number plates to identify battery-operated or electric vehicles (EVs). 

This creates a distinct visual identification for EVs and helps determine their eligibility for various state-level incentives. It’s allotted only to zero-emission vehicles and entitles them to special benefits, such as preferred parking access, reduced toll tax, etc. 

Read on to understand the eligibility criteria, application process, required documents, fees, and tips for a smoother registration process. 

What Is a Green Number Plate in India?

The government of India introduced green number plates in the late 2020s to distinguish zero-emission vehicles. They signify the eco-friendly nature of electric vehicles and promote the adoption of EVs. This makes it easier for the government to identify and incentivise EV adoption. This step was taken to support environmental sustainability initiatives. 

These number plates have a green background with white or yellow font. The green number plates with white font are used for private EVs, while the yellow font denotes commercial usage. All electric vehicle owners, both private and commercial, must obtain green number plates.  

Who Requires a Green Number Plate?

Any vehicle that runs entirely on battery qualifies for a green number plate in India. This can include: 

• Private EV Owners: All electric cars and two-wheelers, including scooters and bikes intended for personal use, must obtain a green number plate with white font. 
• Commercial EV Operators: All commercial electric vehicles, like taxis, delivery vans, electric auto rickshaws, ride-sharing fleets, and buses, must obtain a green number plate with yellow font. 
• Government Departments: All official government-owned electric vehicles must also be registered with a green number plate.  

Only zero-emission vehicles qualify for green number plates and the incentives linked to eco-friendly transportation. Both hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles that use a petrol or diesel engine with an electric motor don’t qualify for a green number plate. 

How to Apply For a Green Number Plate in India?

For a new electric vehicle, you don’t need to apply for a green number plate separately. 

Online Process:

Your dealer can handle the process through the Vahan Portal. Here’s a step-by-step guide: 

Step 1: Finalise the purchase with the authorised dealer, who will initiate the registration through the official Vahan Portal. 

Step 2: Obtain a motor insurance policy for your electric vehicle. 

Step 3: The dealer will duly fill in all the details and submit Form CMV20 under the Central Motor Vehicle Rules. 

Step 4: Then, upload scanned copies of all the supporting documents through the portal for proper verification.  

Step 5: Pay the registration fees online through the portal. 

Step 6: The RTO will then verify all the details and process your registration. After successful verification, the RTO will issue the registration certificate, and you will receive your vehicle registration number on a green number plate. 

Offline Process:

If you want to complete the process in person, visit your nearest RTO and apply offline. Here’s how to do it: 

Step 1: Submit a duly filled Form CMV20 along with all relevant details and self-attested photocopies of all important documents required for verification. 

Step 2: Pay the applicable fees at the RTO cash counter and collect your receipt.  

Step 3: An official from the RTO will conduct a physical inspection of your vehicle to verify its battery specifications. 

Step 4: Once approved, they will issue a permanent registration number on a green number plate for your vehicle.  

Important Documents Required For a Green Number Plate in India

Here are the important documents you need to obtain a green number plate in India: 

• Original sales invoice of the electric vehicle from the authorised dealer
• Duly filled vehicle registration application Form CMV20
• A copy of a valid motor insurance policy for the vehicle
• A copy of your identity proof(Aadhaar card, Voter ID, PAN card, Driving License, etc) 
• A copy of your address proof(Aadhaar Card, water/electric/telephone bill, Indian Passport, etc.)
• A copy of your PAN card for tax verification
• A copy of the temporary vehicle registration document provided by the dealer 
• Two passport-size photographs

Fees For Green Number Plate in India

You will need to pay the applicable fees for vehicle inspection and the issuance of a green number plate. The fee structure will vary depending on the region and specific requirements of your RTO. Sometimes, there can be some extra charges, like: 

• Dealer handling fees, if the dealer handles the entire process for you. 
• Fast-track processing fees in some city RTOs

If the application is rejected due to mistakes in the form or missing documents, the fee is not refunded. Always check the fee details properly with your local RTO. 

Difference Between Green and Other Number Plates

Different kinds of number plates are allotted to different types of vehicles. The colour-coded system for vehicle number plates in India is made to represent what a vehicle is used for. Here’s a tabular representation: 

Number Plate Colour	Vehicle Type/Purpose
White	Private Vehicles
Yellow	Commercial Vehicles
Green	Electric Vehicles
Black	Self-driven or luxury rental vehicles
Red	Temporary registration plate for new vehicles
Blue	Vehicles reserved for foreign diplomats

Penalties For Misuse of a Green Number Plate in India

Misuse of a green number plate is a serious offence, and it can attract heavy penalties and imprisonment. Common forms of misuse can include: 

• Placing a green number plate on non-electric vehicles.
• Using a fake or copied green number plate 
• Using a green number plate on commercial vehicles without proper commercial permits 
• Altering or tampering with the original green number plate 

If the vehicle is not properly registered, it can attract penalties. For the first offence, the fine can range from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000. A second or subsequent offence can attract a fine ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000, or imprisonment up to one year, or both.  

Also Read: Delhi Traffic Rules: Complete Guide to Rules, Violations, & Fines

Green Number Plates For Interstate Vehicle Purchase

A valid green number plate issued in one state is effective across India. So, private electric vehicles don’t need another green number plate for an interstate trip. You just need to carry the legal documents in physical or digital form. 

However, these green number plates are not linked to interstate vehicle registration, which will allow smoother movement of vehicles across states. A permanent move requires a new registration mark application when a vehicle registered in one state is kept in another for more than 12 months.  

Also Read: Delhi Car Deregistration: Everything you need to know

Tips For a Smooth Green Number Plate Application Process

Here are some essential tips to help you navigate smoothly through the green number plate application process: 

Let your authorised dealer handle the registration process for your new electric vehicle. 

• Properly check the Form CMV20 before submitting. Incomplete details, missing fields, and unsigned forms lead to rejection. 
• Keep all the important documents handy for submission during the application process. 
• Your identity proof, insurance, and registration form must show the same address to avoid any confusion during verification. 
• Only pure electric vehicles that are 100% battery-operated qualify for a green number plate. Don’t assume hybrid vehicles are EVs, as it will lead to rejection. 
• Check the registration certificate properly, confirm that it lists the correct fuel type, and see if your physical number plate has a green background.  

A green number plate helps visually identify electric vehicles and promote eco-friendly transport in India. It helps in spreading awareness regarding the benefits of EVs and the incentives linked to green number plates. This is a step taken with the intention of increasing the adoption of electric vehicles. 

To avoid any delay in registration, avoid any mistakes in the form or let your authorised dealer handle the process for your new vehicle. Keep all the supporting documents handy for a smooth application process. 

Also Read: Types of Number Plates in India

FAQs About the Green Number Plate in India