If you have seen a 0001 number plate, you must already know how it can make the best of the cars look even more attractive. Your vehicle is automatically raised a notch above the rest and it runs on the road with an aura of wealth and exclusivity.
Are you interested in getting one for your car too? All you have to do is follow a certain process to bid for a 0001 number plate in Puducherry, and if you get lucky, you might get one within just a few days. Keep reading as we decode everything step-by-step!
What is the 0001 number plate?
This special number, also known as a VIP or fancy number, isn’t just randomised digits issued when you register for a vehicle after purchasing it from a dealership. The 0001 number plate in Puducherry is the first in the series of VIP numbers, so the numero uno status has an exceptional appeal among the elite crowd. But remember, the availability of these VIP numbers is limited, as only a few are assigned to one particular Regional Transport Office (RTO).
How to apply for a 0001 number plate in Puducherry?
You have to take part in an e-auction, and to do so, it is important to register ASAP and place your bid. Take a look:
- You can register as a public user on the Ministry of Road Transport and Highway (MoRTH) website. It takes only a few minutes.
- You are issued a Unique Acknowledgement Number, after which you can log in with the username and password.
- Go to the fancy number allocation portal and select the 0001 number along with the RTO.
- Pay the registration fee, along with the initial amount for the bid.
- The e-auction goes on for 3 days. Once you are notified about the e-auction starting, you can go ahead and place your bids. It is advisable to figure out how to place bids beforehand so you don’t end up bidding an unusually large sum of money that you can’t afford. The higher the bid, the closer you come to winning.
- Bids are evaluated after the e-auction closes. If you place the highest bid, you will be declared the winner and notified via SMS.
- An allotment letter is issued as proof of your win, so remember to print it out as soon as possible. The letter is required during number plate registration.
- You will then need to pay the balance within 5 days of winning. The balance is the total amount you bid minus the registration fee and initial bid amount.
- If you don’t win, you can reclaim a refund for the initial bid amount, but the registration fees are non-refundable.
Price of the 0001 Number Plate
The minimum bid for a 0001 number plate in Puducherry is Rs. 5 lakh, and the amount increases as more bids come in.
Check 0001 Number Availability
There is no point in investing time and effort if the 0001 number plate in Puducherry isn’t available. Checking for availability is a must:
- Go to the MoRTH website or the Parivahan portal and click on the fancy number allocation tab. Under this tab, you will see a “search by number” option.
- Enter parameters like state, RTO, the VIP number you are searching for, etc.
- A new page will pop up, where it will be mentioned if the 0001 number is available or not.
As this fancy number is in huge demand, obtaining it is a lot more complex than getting the regular registration numbers. However, the e-auction establishes fair rules and gives everyone an equal opportunity to bid and win.
Summary:
The MoRTH and Parivahan Sewa are the only two portals that conduct e-auctions of the 0001 number plate in Puducherry, so it is important to be cautious and not get involved in a scam where false promises are made to secure the number for you through an easy process. Since this number plate is available in limited quantities, prepare yourself for the possibility that you might not win in the first round. If this happens, check back a few months later to see if the particular number is available.
FAQ’s
Q. Is there a tried-and-tested bidding strategy?
Unfortunately, there is no way to guarantee a win. You can decide before participating in the e-auction as to how much you can afford to bid, but beyond that, you have to hope that your bid amount is the highest.
Q. How long is the allotment letter valid?
An allotment letter is only issued once you win the bid successfully. It is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance, so make sure you get the vehicle registered during that time.
Q. Can one apply for a VIP number after their car has been registered?
Once your vehicle gets registered, there is no turning back, so you can’t re-apply for a fancy number. If you do so, your application is automatically rejected. Notify your dealership immediately after purchase about your intention to apply for the 0001 number plate in Puducherry.
Q. Is there any specific legal requirement for the 0001 number plate in Puducherry?
A legal mandate issued by the MoRTH requires that both new and old vehicles be fitted with a high-security registration plate (HSRP), which also applies to special numbers. These plates are made of aluminium and have a chromium layer. A 10-digit pin and hologram are also incorporated to enhance the security of your vehicle and help track it during thefts.
Q. What happens to the 0001 number plate if you scrap your vehicle?
If you decide to scrap the car, you can retain the 0001 number plate. Just notify your RTO before removing the plates.
