A luxury car or a high-end bike requires more than pure performance; it requires an individual identity expression while driving. In Karnataka, especially in Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Mangaluru, “fancy” number plates have acquired the status of an unspoken status symbol. Numbers such as 0001, 0786, 0777, or 8055 are no longer just registration marks; they reflect aspiration, numerology, business branding, and personal pride.
A fancy number plate, or a VIP number plate, is essentially the special registration number plate assigned to a vehicle, as opposed to a randomly allotted number plate. As demand and stiff competition have reached an all-time high, the Karnataka RTO allocates fancy numbers via an online e-auctioning system available on Parivahan.
This detailed guide walks through everything, from eligibility rules and updated fees to checking number availability and completing the step-by-step e-auction process online.
Table of Contents
Types of Fancy Number Plates & Pricing Categories in Karnataka
Exclusive number plates in the state of Karnataka are categorised into strict pricing categories. This helps car owners understand what they can afford and decide on the number plate that suits them. Here is an overview:
| 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 (VIP/Choice Numbers) | 0786, 1111, 7777, 9999 and numbers between 0010 and 0099 | ₹2,00,000 |
| Semi-Fancy Numbers | 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 above reserve price is only the opening offer fixed by the Karnataka RTO. This is not the final pricing. To begin with, the prices of fancy number plates are fixed through online e-auctions conducted on the Parivahan website itself, where several interested people bid for the same number combination.
Numbers in high demand often sell for multiple times their original value. Super Elite series numbers, particularly ‘0001‘, command the highest bids and the most attention. These series are usually preferred by corporate executives, politicians, and those who possess luxury cars, and as a result, they are considered the costliest series available in Karnataka.
On the other hand, the General “Choice Numbers” or the Semi-Fancy numbers tend to be a less expensive alternative. Even though they are aesthetically pleasing, they tend to attract fewer bids, making it possible for the buyer to obtain a prestigious-looking registration number. The selection of the appropriate category ultimately depends on the extent of exclusivity that the number needs to reflect and how far a person is willing to stretch in the bidding process.
Eligibility & Documents Required for Fancy Number Plate in Karnataka
Adhering to the eligibility conditions and keeping handy the required documents is a must before bidding in the premium number plate auction in Karnataka. The process is mainly digital, but accuracy in documentation plays a critical role in avoiding delays or disqualification during bidding or allotment.
The list of documents required for a fancy number plate application is as follows:
| Document Type | Requirement / Notes |
| Proof of Identity | Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, or Voter ID |
| Proof of Address | Aadhaar Card, Utility Bill, Passport, or Driving Licence |
| Vehicle Details (if purchased) | Invoice, chassis number, or temporary registration details (if available) |
| Mobile Number (for OTP) | Mandatory for login, bidding, payment confirmation, and auction alerts |
Who Can Apply & Important Conditions
Those who own individual vehicles (or public users) and authorised dealers of cars are eligible to apply for fancy number plates in Karnataka. Individuals who own individual vehicles apply for fancy plates for private as well as commercial use, while dealers apply on behalf of their customers when purchasing vehicles.
An active mobile number linked to the applicant is essential. All critical steps, including logging into an account, OTP receipt, confirmation of bids, payment notifications, and notifications regarding auction outcomes, are performed via SMS and emails. A problem with OTP reception could hamper participation in an auction.
Interestingly, an applicant need not necessarily purchase a vehicle while applying for a fancy number. In Karnataka, as it is for other states, an applicant can apply for and acquire a fancy number first and then allocate it to a vehicle within a set timeframe. This flexibility is beneficial for buyers planning to take delivery of a new car or bike.
Once assigned, the number remains valid for the lifespan of the vehicle, with the possibility of transfer, as per the Motor Vehicles Act. Processing of the number takes 3 to 7 working days once the auctioning process is closed.
How to Check Fancy Number Plate Availability in Karnataka & Register Online (Step-by-Step)
In Karnataka, fancy number plates are allotted only through an online e-auction system, making the process transparent and accessible from anywhere. Before placing a bid, it is essential to first check whether the preferred number is available under the chosen RTO. Once confirmed, the same portal allows seamless registration, payment, and bidding.
Step-by-Step: Check Fancy Number Plate Availability in Karnataka
- Step 1: Access the Parivahan Portal
Click the official website of Parivahan Sewa to go to Online Services.
- Step 2: Choose the Fancy Number Option
Click on “Fancy Number Allocation,” and this redirects you to the specific page for elite number allocation. Select “By Number” or “All Available Numbers.”
- Step 3: Choose State and RTO
Enter Karnataka as the state, and then choose the correct RTO number, like KA-01, KA-03, or KA-05, from the dropdown menu.
- Step 4: Enter the Desired Number
Enter the numerical part of the registration number (for example, “0001,” “0786,” or “7777”) and click on “Check Availability.” The portal will immediately display whether the number is available, reserved, or already assigned.
Step-by-Step: Register for a Fancy Number Plate Online
- Step 1: Registration as a Public User
Create an account on the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) website by registering as a Public User through your valid mobile number and email ID.
- Step 2: Log in and Select the Number
After logging in, browse the available fancy numbers listed under your selected RTO and category.
- Step 3: Pay Registration & Reservation Fees
Pay the mandatory non-refundable registration fee to secure your chosen number for the upcoming auction.
- Step 4: Participate in the E-Auction
Submit your bids within the live auctioning window. The process of bidding will continue up until the closing of the auction, based on specific bid increments.
- Step 5: Result Declaration & Payment
After announcing the results, the highest bidder has to make the balance payment within the allotted time. The other bidders get their reserve amount refunded.
- Step 6: Download the Allotment Letter
After a successful payment, download and print the allotment letter, which is needed during vehicle registration at the RTO. This entire online process enables easy, transparent, and traceable allocation of a fancy number plate in the state of Karnataka.
The E-Auction Process: Bidding & Payment
Once a fancy number is shortlisted, the Karnataka RTO follows a structured online e-auction process to ensure fairness and transparency. Understanding every step involved, ranging from registration to payment, is essential for all participants.
The several stages involved in the process of e-auctioning fancy number plates in the state of Karnataka are as follows:
| Process Stage | Duration/Timeline | Action Required |
| Registration | First 3 days of the auction cycle | Register on the MoRTH portal, pay the registration fee and reserve price, and block the preferred number |
| Bidding | Next 2 days | Place bids online within allowed bid increments |
| Result Declaration | After bidding closes (Day 5) | Check results, receive SMS/email notification |
A vital consideration that is usually overlooked by the bidders is the distinction between the Registration Fee and the Reserve Price. Registration Fee is non-refundable; it includes the processing charges. However, the reserve price would be the starting point of the bid. It is refundable if the bidder fails to win the auction.
After the registration period, the bidding process commences. For Category 1 to 4 numbers, bids must increase in multiples of ₹10,000, while Category 5 numbers allow smaller increments of ₹1,000. Participants can revise their bids multiple times within the bidding window to stay competitive.
During the course of the auction, the portal provides a “current status” for each number, indicating whether it is “active,” has competing bids, and is leading by virtue of having the highest bid, among others. To conclude, a brief “cooling-off period” may be allowed before closing the bid. After the bid has closed, the system freezes the numbers and declares a winner based on the highest bid.
Post-Auction: Allotment & Validity
The post-auction process is also time-sensitive and demands quick action to protect possession of the desirable number. Failure to act on time can cause a forfeiture, even if an auction is won. Here are the outcomes and the next steps that should be taken post-auction:
| Outcome | Next Step | Time Limit |
| Won the Bid | Pay the remaining balance online | Within 5 days of the result declaration |
| Lost the Bid | Claim a refund of the reserve price | Automatically processed |
| Validity Period | Register the vehicle with the allotted number | Within 90 days |
In case the individual is declared as the highest bidder, they have to pay the balance amount, as specified, within 5 days from the date of the announcement. Any default in this payment can lead to cancellation of the allotment. Only after full payment is the allotment letter created online.
The allotment letter is critical and acts as proof of ownership of the fancy number. It is valid only for 90 days, during which time the car needs to be registered with the respective RTO of Karnataka.
Such a tight schedule enables proper distribution of premium numbers and avoids the situation of indefinite blocking. Adherence to these time limits is critical in achieving the aim of acquiring and retaining an elite number plate in the state of Karnataka.
Things to Remember & Rules (HSRP, Refunds, Transfer)
Prior to bidding for a luxurious number plate in Karnataka, it is essential to take note of a few legal requirements. They will help a bidder follow regulations governing transport while avoiding any financial losses during and after the auction process.
- HSRP Compliance is Mandatory
Even the most elite and VIP number plates will have to conform to the norms of the High Security Registration Plate (HSRP). Additionally, the number plate cannot have any custom fonts, designs or styles.
- Refund Rules: What to Expect if Lost
On failure to win a bid, a complete refund of the reserved price is allowed, which will be done automatically and credited to the same account. However, the registration fee is non-refundable, as it covers participation and administrative costs.
In rare cases where a technical or eligibility issue prevents allotment after winning, the reserve amount can also be claimed back as per the portal guidelines.
- Transfer & Retention of Fancy Numbers
An elite number plate is conventionally and generally attributed to the car and cannot be freely transferred, unlike an individual’s personal property. Retention or transfer to another vehicle is permitted only under specific conditions and strictly as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, subject to RTO approval and applicable fees.
Re-allotment is typically allowed only after vehicle de-registration or scrappage. Although customised number plates provide uniqueness and luxury, they still function within the boundaries of the specified regulatory framework. Adhering to the HSRP regulations, terms, timelines, and transfer requirements results in a smooth and penalty-free ownership experience.
Conclusion
Obtaining a fancy number plate from Karnataka is no longer a complicated process. Everything, from the check for availability to bidding, paying, and allocation of a number plate, is planned and transparent via the Parivahan e-auction system for online auctions. May it be for status, numerological significance, or brand reasons, every bidder gets a fair chance with the system.
The critical thing to remember is that planning ahead is the key. It’s always important to check if your desired fancy registration number is available before buying the vehicle, bike, or car, and this planning will also help you meet the requirements, like the 90-day validity period.
When done right, securing a fancy number plate in Karnataka is smooth, legal, and rewarding.
FAQs about Fancy Number Plate in Karnataka
Q. How long does processing take for a fancy number plate in Karnataka?
In most cases, the total time involved in processing takes about 5 days, from bidding to the declaration of the results.
Q. How can I check the fancy number list in Karnataka?
You can visit the Parivahan Fancy Number website, click on “By Number” or “All Available Numbers,” and enter Karnataka as the state to see what numbers are available.
Q. What is the charge for the Super Elite number with 0001 in Karnataka?
The starting reserve price is set at ₹5 lakh, but ultimately it will be significantly higher, as it is an auction sale.
Q. Which Karnataka RTOs have the most bidding activity?
KA-03 (Indiranagar) and KA-51 (Electronic City) often witness the highest bidding due to high demand.
Q. Can I port my fancy number to another car?
Yes, but under certain norms of the Motor Vehicles Act and after approval from the RTO.
