Given the rising number of luxurious cars and high-end bikes in Tamil Nadu, the demand for fancy number plates is increasing in tandem. Numbers like 0001, 4444, or 9999 are more than numbers. They represent status, belief, and personal preference.
Thus, to ensure fair availability across all vehicle owners, the Parivahan portal conducts an e-auction process, which enables interested parties to bid for their preferred fancy number plate in Tamil Nadu.
This guide explains who is eligible to apply, the current pricing structure, the best way to verify the availability of numbers, and the complete step-by-step e-auction process on the Parivahan portal. Read on for detailed insight!
Types of Fancy Number Plates & Pricing Categories in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu follows a categorical system in which fancy numbers are classified according to demand, uniqueness, and number patterns. In the table below, we have further discussed the following:
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Others | 0786, 1111, 7777, 9999, and numbers between 0010 and 0099 | ₹2,00,000 |
The Tamil Nadu Transport Department follows a reserve-price system, in which each category has a fixed base price. The reserve price is the beginning point. The final price will depend on the number of bidders competing for the same fancy number during the online auction through the Parivahan Portal.
The top of the list is Super Elite numbers, such as 0001, which receive the most attention and often attract a hefty bid. Single-digit and repeated numbers fall into the premium category and are popular with buyers who want to be noticed but do not want to stray into the premium category.
Semi-fancy numbers, such as patterns and culturally significant ones like 0786 and 8055, strike a balance between originality and affordability. These numbers are ideal for those seeking a fancy registration number without bidding pressure.
Eligibility & Documents Required for Fancy Number Plate in Tamil Nadu
The documents needed to obtain a fancy number plate in Tamil Nadu through the online auction process are listed below:
| Document Type | Requirement / Notes |
| Proof of Identity | Aadhaar Card (mandatory) |
| Proof of Address | Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, Utility Bill, Ration Card, Electricity Bill, Rental Agreement, etc. |
| PAN Card | Mandatory for high-value bidding |
| Vehicle Details | Vehicle invoice or temporary registration (if purchased) |
| Mobile Number & Email | An active mobile number or email ID is required for OTP verification, auction notifications, and bidding alerts. |
In Tamil Nadu, applying for a unique number plate is available to both private vehicle owners and authorised dealers. A private user can apply directly for a preferred number, while dealers are allowed to bid on behalf of customers during the registration process. In both instances, the possession of a valid mobile number is required because all OTP verifications, as well as bidding alerts and allotment updates, are transmitted digitally through the Parivahan Portal.
One of the major advantages for buyers is that having the car at the moment of bidding isn’t always mandatory. In a lot of cases, the fancy number can be booked first and then linked to the vehicle within the validity period set by the RTO.
This is particularly beneficial for those waiting for a new bike or car delivery but wish to reserve their preferred registration number beforehand.
How to Check Fancy Number Plate Availability in Tamil Nadu & Register Online?
You can check the availability and register for your preferred fancy number plate in Tamil Nadu online via the Parivahan portal. Check out the steps below:
Step-by-Step Process to Check Fancy Number Plate Availability in Tamil Nadu
Step 1: Visit the Official Parivahan or MoRTH Portal
Visit the Parivahan portal operated by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and click on “Fancy Number Booking” under Online Services.
Step 2: Select the Required Option
Select the “By Number” option in case you already have a particular number in mind, or choose “All Available Numbers” to see the complete list.
Step 3: Choose the State and RTO
Select Tamil Nadu as the state and choose the relevant RTO in which your car will be registered.
Step 4: Look for Available Fancy Numbers
The system will show a real-time listing of VIP and fancy numbers that are currently available under the specified RTO. You can see which numbers are available, reserved, or booked.
Step 5: Proceed if the Number is Available
If the preferred number is available, go forward with online booking on the same page.
Step-by-Step Procedure to Register for a Fancy Number Plate in Tamil Nadu
Step 1: Sign-up as a Public User
Register an account on the MoRTH platform by using your active mobile number and an email ID. This is necessary to enable OTP verification as well as auction notification.
Step 2: Log in and Choose the Fancy Number
After logging in, browse to the fancy number list that is based on your chosen RTO as well as the category you are in, and then select the number you would like to bid on.
Step 3: Pay the Registration Fee and Reserve Price
You must pay the non-refundable registration cost along with the reserve fee to secure the bid for the auction.
Step 4: Participate in the e-Auction
The registration window is open for three days, and then there are two days of live bidding. Bids can be increased by specified multiples based on the number category.
Step 5: Result Declaration and Balance Payment
After the auction results have been declared, the winner must pay the balance in five days. Bidders who do not win the auction will receive a full reimbursement of their reserve amount.
Step 6: Download the Allotment Letter
Once you have made a successful payment, download the allotment letter online. The letter will be valid for 90 days. It has to be utilised to register the vehicle at the relevant RTO located in Tamil Nadu.
The E-Auction Process: Bidding & Payment
To obtain a fancy number plate in Tamil Nadu, interested persons have to go through the e-auction process via the official MoRTH or Parivahan portal. The system provides equal opportunities for all bidders while also making the process transparent and well-structured.
The e-auction process involves the following major steps:
| Process Stage | Duration/Timeline | Action Required |
| Registration | First 3 days | Register on the official website of the MoRTH, generate a UAN (Unique Acknowledgement Number) and pay the registration fee |
| 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 |
It is essential to have a clear understanding of the two different terms, the registration fee and the reserve price. The registration fee is non-refundable in all cases, and it serves as your proof of being in the auction, regardless of the final result. On the other hand, the reserve price is the lowest offer that can be made for the number, and it is refundable if you lose.
How Bidding & Payments Work?
The registration gives the bidder a temporary hold on the chosen number. After the registration period has ended, bidding starts with predetermined additions of ₹10,000 for categories 1 to 4 and ₹1,000 for category 5. The “Current Status” is shown by the portal in real time, indicating the highest bid for the chosen number.
A very short period after the bidding phase is designated as a cooling-off period for participants to adjust their bids before the auction ends. The fancy number ultimately goes to the highest bidder, and an SMS and an email are sent as confirmation. The winning bidders are required to pay the remaining balance through the online payment system within five days. After that, they will receive the allotment letter, which will be valid for 90 days for vehicle registration.
Post-Auction: Allotment & Validity
The e-auction win is just one part of the entire deal. To get the fancy number plate in Tamil Nadu, the successful bidder has to carry out the rest of the procedures within the specified time. Following is the detail of the post-payment procedure:
| Outcome | Next Step | Time Limit |
| Winning the Bid | Pay the remaining balance amount online | Within 5 days of the result declaration |
| Losing the Bid | Claim a refund of the reserve price | As per the portal refund process |
| Allotment Letter Issued | Use the allotment letter to register the vehicle | 90 days from issue date |
The winning bidder must pay the remaining amount online through the Parivahan Portal within 5 days of the result declaration. If the payment is not made within the specified timeframe, the allotment will be cancelled automatically. Once the total amount is paid, the allotment letter is generated online.
The allotment letter is valid for 90 days. During this time, the vehicle must be registered with the respective RTO in Tamil Nadu using the allotted fancy number. The reserve price is automatically refunded to the bidders who do not win the auction, while the registration fee is still non-refundable.
It is very important to strictly follow these timelines to avoid losing the fancy number after a successful bid.
Things to Remember & Rules (HSRP, Refunds, Transfer)
To apply for a fancy number plate in Tamil Nadu, there are a few essential rules which every vehicle owner should know. Check them out below:
- HSRP Compliance (Mandatory for All Vehicles)
High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) norms must be strictly followed even for VIP or fancy number plates. No custom fonts, altered spacing, symbols, stickers, or decorative designs may be used under any circumstances.
The plate must be made only by an authorised vendor and must comply with the requirements of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. A fancy number only alters the registration number but does not change the physical design of the number plate.
- Refund Rules if You Lose the Bid
If you do not win the auction, the reserve price (EMD) will be automatically refunded to the same bank account used for payment. Usually, the refund takes about 3 to 10 working days to be processed.
Regardless of the circumstances, the registration fee is non-refundable. Under rare circumstances, when you are unable to secure your desired fancy number plate even after winning, due to a technical glitch, refunds will be issued in accordance with the rules on the Parivahan portal.
- Transfer or Retention of Fancy Number Plates
In Tamil Nadu, fancy number plates are allowed to be transferred or re-allotted, but only if certain procedures and conditions are met:
- A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the RTO is essential to transfer the fancy number from one vehicle to another within Tamil Nadu.
- Inter-state transfers are not allowed.
- Based on the number of RTOs involved, the transfer fees can range from a few hundred to several thousand rupees.
- Fancy number plate holders should complete all legal procedures as specified by the Parivahan portal when initiating a transfer.
Summary
Obtaining a fancy number plate in Tamil Nadu is now a hassle-free and completely digital process through the Parivahan Portal. The availability checking, bidding, and post-auction allotment are being made easier through the Parivahan Portal, which also allows vehicle owners from different RTOs to participate without any confusion.
In large cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, and Trichy, the demand and supply situation varies a lot among RTOs; hence, it is always wise to check your desired number early, preferably before finalising your car or bike purchase.
If you plan properly, gather the necessary documents, and set a determined budget, acquiring a fancy number plate will no longer be a struggle. Instead, it will become a convenient process to personalise your vehicle while adhering to the RTO rules in Tamil Nadu.
FAQs about Fancy Number Plate in Tamil Nadu
Q. What are the steps to get the fancy two-wheeler number in Tamil Nadu?
In Tamil Nadu, you need to apply via the relevant RTO or the official Parivahan portal to get a fancy number for a two-wheeler. You have to deposit a registration fee and pay the reserve price to take part in the e-auction and place your bid during the bidding process. If you win the bid, you have to deposit the balance amount within the set duration to get the allotment letter. You can use it to get the fancy number plate and affix it to your vehicle.
Q. What is the cost of the 0001 number plate in Tamil Nadu?
In Tamil Nadu, the 0001 number plate is undoubtedly the most luxurious choice. The reserve price for it is approximately ₹5 lakh, and the final amount can be even more depending on the competition in the e-auction.
Q. Is it possible to transfer a VIP number to another vehicle?
A VIP or fancy number can indeed be swapped, but the existing vehicle’s registration certificate has to be cancelled first. The swapping is then subject to RTO’s approval and the fulfilment of all legal procedures.
Q. Can I transfer my fancy number plate to another state?
No, a fancy number plate cannot be transferred to another state.
