A fancy number plate, also known as a VIP registration number, is one with distinctive or auspicious digits (for example, 0001, 1111, 9999, 0786) that make a vehicle stand out on the road. In Meghalaya, these unique plates have become symbols of status and personal expression, going beyond simple identification.
To obtain such a number, the Meghalaya Transport Department allocates special registration numbers through the official Parivahan portal, using the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) online e-auction system.
This guide will walk you through the eligibility, pricing categories, and the entire step-by-step e-auction process. Keep reading to learn how to bid and secure a fancy number plate in Meghalaya.
Types of Fancy Number Plates & Pricing Categories in Meghalaya
Fancy number plates in Meghalaya are organised into categories based on their patterns and demand. The state RTO sets an opening reserve price (base price) for each category, which becomes the minimum bid in the auction. The final auction price may far exceed the base price depending on demand.
The table below shows the main categories of fancy numbers, example patterns, and their base price as per Meghalaya RTO rates:
| Category | Example Numbers | Reserve Price (Base Price) |
| Super Elite | 0001 | ₹5,00,000 |
| Single Digit | 0002, 0003, 0004, 0005, 0006, 0007, 0008, 0009 | ₹3,00,000 |
| Other Popular | 0786, 1111, 7777, 9999 (any from 0010–0099) | ₹2,00,000 |
| Semi-Fancy | 0100, 0222, 0333, 0444, 0555, 0666, 0777, 0888, 0999, etc. | ₹1,00,000 |
Super Elite vs. General Choice Numbers
Not all fancy numbers carry the same prestige:
Super Elite Numbers
Super Elite like 0001 is the most valuable; it has the highest base price (₹5 lakh) and usually attracts intense bidding battles.
General Choice Numbers
In comparison, the other repeating or patterned numbers like 0011, 0120, 0786, 1111 belong to the lower category of prices with a base price of ₹2–3 lakh. These are mostly semi-fancy numbers that still render uniqueness but at a lower price. To several customers, such patterned plates present an upscale appearance at a non-super-elite cost.
Eligibility & Documents Required for a Fancy Number Plate in Meghalaya
Both individuals and registered dealers can bid for a fancy number plate in Meghalaya. There are no special eligibility criteria beyond being an adult with valid documentation. Applicants should be at least 18 years old and, ultimately, the legal owner of the vehicle on which the number will be used.
The vehicle must have no pending dues or fines. (Note: You can win a fancy number plate even before buying the vehicle, but you must later use the number on a registered vehicle. If you fail to do so within the stipulated time, the allotment is forfeited.)
Applicants need to submit standard KYC and vehicle documents during registration:
| Requirement | Details |
| Proof of Identity | Government-issued ID (Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, driver’s licence, etc.) |
| Proof of Address | Aadhaar, utility bill, passport, or any accepted proof of address |
| Vehicle Details | If you already own a vehicle, provide the purchase invoice and/or the Registration Certificate (RC). If you don’t own a vehicle yet, you can still apply, but must later use the number on a registered vehicle (usually within 90 days of winning) |
| Mobile Number & Email | A valid phone number and email address (for OTPs and notifications) |
| Bank Account Details | Account number and IFSC (used to refund your EMD if you don’t win) |
| Parivahan ID (PPP) | Optional entry during online registration; helps pre-fill details (vehicle owner ID) |
Dealers applying on behalf of businesses should also upload their trade licence or business registration (for example, an MSME/Udyam certificate). After you complete registration on the Parivahan portal, you will receive a Unique Acknowledgement Number (UAN) via SMS/email, which you can use to track your application and future updates.
How to Check Fancy Number Plate Availability & Register Online?
Checking availability and registering your interest in a fancy number is done online through the Parivahan portal.
Step-by-Step Process to Check Availability of a Fancy Number Plate in Meghalaya
Step 1: Visit the Official Parivahan Website or MoRTH Portal
Navigate to the Online Services tab in the Parivahan portal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and click on “Fancy Number Booking”.
Step 2: Choose Your Desired Option
Select either the “By Number” or “All Available Numbers” option to begin the availability check.
Step 3: State & RTO Choice
Set your state as “Meghalaya” and choose your preferred RTO from the list.
Step 4: Look for Available Fancy Numbers
Browse the available fancy number plate choices.
Step 5: Proceed if the Number is Available
If the desired fancy number plate is available, you can proceed with the online booking from the same website.
Step-by-Step Procedure to Register for a Fancy Number Plate in Meghalaya
Step 1: Complete Registration as a Public User
Visit the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) portal and create an account as a public user by providing your valid mobile number and email ID.
Step 2: Log in and Select the Number
After you create an account, log in and navigate to the existing fancy numbers in your chosen category and RTO.
Step 3: Complete Registration & Reservation Fee Payment
Pay the non-refundable registration fee to book your place in the e-auction. Then, pay the reservation fee for your selected fancy number.
Step 4: Participate in the e-Auction
Place your bids within the live auctioning window. The bidding process will continue for 2 days until the auction closes, with specific bid increments.
Step 5: Result Declaration & Payment
Once the winning bidder is announced, he/she is expected to pay the balance within the specified timeframe, and the other bidders are refunded their reserve price payments.
Step 6: Download the Allotment Letter
After making the successful payment, download and print the allotment letter. It is essential for vehicle registration at the RTO. This entire online process enables simple, transparent, and traceable allocation of a fancy number plate in Meghalaya.
The E-Auction Process: Bidding & Payment
Meghalaya’s fancy number auctions follow a fixed schedule. After the registration window closes, the bidding typically runs for two days. The process is outlined below:
| Stage | Timeline | Action Required |
| Registration Period | Around 3 days before auction | Register with Parivahan, obtain a UAN, and pay the registration fee and the EMD (reserve price) to block your desired number. |
| Bidding Period | 2 days (starting 4th day) | Place bids on your chosen number. Bids must increase in multiples of ₹10,000 (for top categories) or ₹1,000 (for lower categories). The portal shows the current highest bid in real time. You can bid manually or use the auto-bid feature up to your maximum limit. |
| Result Declaration | Immediately after bidding | The auction closes. Winners are notified by SMS/email. Each winner must then pay the remaining balance of the bid amount (minus the EMD already paid) within 5 days. |
| Allotment Letter | Upon full payment | Once payment is confirmed, the RTO generates an Allotment Letter for the number. This letter (a legal document) is valid for 90 days to register the number on a vehicle. |
Registration Fee vs Reserve Price
- Registration Fee: To participate, you pay a small registration fee (usually a few hundred rupees) that confirms your application; this fee is non-refundable.
- Reserve Price: The reserve price (EMD) is the minimum bid (base price) for the number; this amount is held during the auction and refunded in full if you do not win.
How Bidding Works?
During the e-auction, all participants compete by placing higher bids. Key points about the bidding process:
- Increment Rules: Bids must go up by fixed increments. In Meghalaya, you typically bid in ₹10,000 steps for top categories and ₹1,000 steps for lower categories. You cannot bid between these increments.
- Real-Time Tracking: The auction portal shows the current highest bid at all times. You will see when other bidders place new bids, and you can decide how much higher to go.
- Cooling-off Interval: After each bid, the system enforces a short pause (cooling period) before the next bid can be placed, giving everyone time to reconsider.
- Auto-Bid Feature: The portal allows you to set a maximum bid limit in advance. The system will automatically place bids on your behalf (up to this limit) whenever you are outbid. This helps you stay competitive even if you cannot watch continuously.
- Auction End: Bidding runs for the allotted period (usually two days). Popular numbers often see last-minute bidding wars. Many portals include an automatic extension if bids keep coming in during the final minutes, so no one is unfairly locked out.
Once the auction closes, the highest bid wins. In case two people bid the same final amount at the exact last second, the system typically gives priority to whoever placed the bid first.
Post-Auction: Allotment & Validity
After the e-auction ends, the next steps depend on whether the bidder wins or loses. Keeping track of the deadlines is essential:
| Outcome | Action Required | Deadline |
| Won the Bid | Pay the remaining amount | Within 5 days |
| Lost the Bid | Receive a refund of the EMD | 5–7 working days |
| Allotment Validity | Register the vehicle | 90 days |
For those who successfully secure a fancy number in Meghalaya, the balance payment must be completed online within 5 days of the auction results. Once the payment is made, an allotment letter is issued, which remains valid for 90 days. During this period, the vehicle must be registered with the Meghalaya RTO; otherwise, the allotment will lapse.
Bidders who do not win will have their EMD refunded within 5–7 working days. Since the 90-day validity is strictly enforced, timely registration is crucial. If the vehicle is not registered within this window, the fancy number will be forfeited.
Things to Remember & Rules (HSRP, Refunds, Transfer)
When aiming for a fancy number plate in Meghalaya, keep these important points in mind:
HSRP Compliance
The final licence plate must be a High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP) as mandated by law. You cannot use custom fonts or designs outside the standard HSRP format.
Refund Policy
Only the reserve price (EMD) is refundable if you do not win the bid. The registration or application fee is non-refundable. Refunds are processed back to the same bank account used for payment.
Number Transfer
If you later sell the vehicle, the fancy number can be transferred to another car within Meghalaya. You will need an NOC from the RTO and must pay any applicable transfer fees. Interstate transfer of the fancy number is not permitted.
Registration Deadline
You have 90 days to register the vehicle number after winning. If you miss this window, the allotment will be cancelled, and you will lose the fee.
Legal Compliance
All normal vehicle regulations still apply. Your vehicle must have valid insurance, PUC, and timely road tax payments. Any violation (such as tampering with the HSRP) can lead to penalties.
Auction Monitoring
Before bidding, always double-check the availability and reserve price on the Parivahan portal. On auction days, log in a few minutes early and be ready to bid promptly if needed.
Following these guidelines will help ensure your bidding process is smooth and legally compliant.
Conclusion
Securing a fancy number plate in Meghalaya requires planning and timely action, but the process is straightforward thanks to the online auction system. By checking availability on the Parivahan portal, registering early, and understanding the fees and bidding rules, you can navigate the system smoothly.
Whether you set your sights on the coveted 0001 or another unique number, being well-informed will help you succeed. Good luck with your auction bid, and enjoy the prestige of your new fancy number plate!
FAQs about Fancy Number Plate in Meghalaya
Q. How long does it typically take to complete the fancy number plate process in Meghalaya?
The entire process, which includes registration and the online bidding phase, generally takes around five days. Successful bidders are typically confirmed by the fifth day, after which the allotment letter is issued.
Q. What are some popular fancy number examples in Meghalaya?
Frequently chosen fancy numbers include 0001, 1111, 9999, 0786, and other numbers with repeating or distinctive digit patterns. These numbers are often preferred for their visual appeal or perceived auspicious value.
Q. Is there any eligibility requirement for applying for a fancy number plate in Meghalaya?
There are no special eligibility conditions or reserved categories. Any individual aged 18 or above, including vehicle dealers, can apply. Applicants must have valid identification and vehicle-related documents, as the number will be assigned to a vehicle they legally own.
Q. How can one view the list of available fancy numbers in Meghalaya?
To check the available fancy numbers, visit the official Parivahan portal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Navigate to the “Choice Number” or “Fancy Number” option, select Meghalaya, and choose the relevant RTO to see the current list.
Q. What is the procedure for participating in the fancy number auction in Meghalaya?
Applicants need to register on the Parivahan website, select their preferred number, and pay the required Earnest Money Deposit (EMD). Once registered, they can participate in the online auction by placing bids during the scheduled bidding period.
Q. What is the base price for the 0001 fancy number plate in Meghalaya?
The starting bid for the 0001 number plate is ₹5 lakh. However, the final price depends on auction competition and may rise significantly if multiple bidders participate.
