How to Get a Fancy Number Plate in West Bengal: Detailed Guide

In West Bengal, high-end vehicles convey the owner’s status, individuality, and personal preference. A fancy or VIP plate, such as 0001, 0886, 0786, or 8055, provides an extra distinction on the roadway and often carries cultural or prestige significance.

With the increasing demand in cities such as Kolkata, Durgapur, and Siliguri, the fancy number plates in West Bengal are now allocated via an open e-auction process to ensure equal access. This guide will explain who is eligible and the entire procedure for obtaining a fancy number plate on the Parivahan portal.

Keep reading to know more.

Types of Fancy Number Plates & Pricing Categories in West Bengal

In West Bengal, fancy number plates are divided into clear pricing categories based on exclusivity, demand, and pattern. Each category has an initial reserve price, the minimum price required to participate in the e-auction.

In the table below, we have discussed further:

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 top of the list is Super Elite numbers, such as 0001, 0007, and other highly sought-after combinations. These numbers attract significant competition, particularly in cities such as Kolkata and Howrah. They are often sold at multiple times the initial price due to their status and significance.

Below this category are single-digit, repeated, and pattern-based numbers, which still carry prestige but generally face slightly lower bidding pressure. Then, there are the “Choice Numbers” and semi-fancy series.

They are generally less expensive and a good choice for buyers who want an individual registration number without competing in bidding battles. All of these categories are auctioned openly using the Parivahan portal and allow car owners to select the number that best suits their preferences and budget.

Eligibility & Documents Required

Applying for a fancy number plate in West Bengal is straightforward; however, you must meet specific eligibility criteria and have the required documents ready to proceed through the online auction process.

Below are the necessary documents required:

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	A valid mobile number or email ID is required to use OTP verification, auction notifications, bid confirmations, and bidding alerts.

Individual vehicle owners (public users) and vehicle dealers are qualified to apply for a unique number plate. A valid and active mobile phone number is required, as all OTP verifications and bidding notification result alerts are transmitted digitally to ensure you can participate in the auction.

It isn’t always required to own the vehicle before booking an expensive number. The applicants can initially reserve their number and apply it to their vehicle later within the timeframe set by the RTO.

How to Check Fancy Number Plate Availability in West Bengal & Register Online?

In West Bengal, checking the availability of a unique number plate and registering it online have become transparent processes thanks to the Parivahan portal. This is a step-by-step guide to guide you through the procedure:

Step-by-Step Process to Check Fancy Number Plate Availability in West Bengal

Step 1: Visit the Official Parivahan or MoRTH Portal

Visit the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) Parivahan portal and click on ‘ Fancy Number Booking’ beneath the Online Services menu.

Step 2: Select the Availability Option

You can look up the numbers by “By Number” or “All Available Numbers.” This allows you to filter by preference or examine the entire list of unreserved numbers.

Step 3: Select State and RTO

Select “West Bengal” as your state and select the appropriate RTO from the drop-down menu. This will ensure that your results are based on the specifics of your district or city.

Step 4: View Available Fancy Numbers

The website will display the list of possible fancy numbers. Look through the options to determine the most suitable combination.

Step 5: Proceed to Booking

If you come across the number you are interested in, you can proceed with online registration. The most sought-after numbers may necessitate participation in an online auction.

Step-by-Step Procedure to Register for a Fancy Number Plate in West Bengal

Step 1: Register as a Public User

Sign up on the Parivahan portal with an email address and mobile number that are valid to generate your Unique Acknowledgement Number (UAN).

Step 2: Log in and Select Your Number

Log in and find the available numbers for your preferred RTO and category. For highly demanded numbers, such as 0001, or for patterns that repeat, you’ll need to join an e-auction.

Step 3: Pay Registration and Reservation Fee

You must pay the non-refundable registration cost to secure your auction participation. This includes the reserve cost for the selected number.

Step 4: Participate in the E-Auction

The auction window usually lasts for 2 days. Bids can be placed in multiples required by the auction category.

Step 5: Result Declaration and Payment

The bidder with the highest bid is notified via email and SMS. The remaining amount must be paid online within the specified timeframe. If a bidder fails, they will be refunded the reservation fee.

Step 6: Download Allotment Letter

Once you have completed the payment and downloaded the allotment letter from the portal, it will be valid for 90 days. You must register your vehicle with the RTO.

The E-Auction Process: Bidding & Payment

For high-demand fancy number plates in West Bengal, allocation is strictly done via an online auction to ensure transparency and fairness. The process is conducted through the official Parivahan platform and applies to popular numbers that attract many buyers.

Here are the most important steps involved in the e-auction process:

Process Stage	Duration/Timeline	Action Required
Registration	First 3 days	Register on the official website of the MoRTH, generate a UAN (Unique Acknowledgement Number), pay the registration fee, and reserve the price
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

The registration fee isn’t refundable, regardless of whether or not you win or lose the auction. To the contrary, the reserve price stands for the lowest bid amount for the particular number and is returned if you lose.

After registration closes, the bidding window opens. The bids must be raised in fixed increments of ₹10,000 in categories 1 to 4, and the bid for category 5 is ₹1,000. In live auctions, the “Current Situation” site displays the highest bid in real-time.

After bidding begins, a short cooling-off period allows bidders to adjust their bids before the auction closes. Registration takes three days, followed by a two-day bidding period. After the procedure, the special number is assigned to the bidder with the highest bid. They must pay the remainder within the specified timeframe to obtain the number legally.

Post-Auction: Allotment & Validity

A fancy number plate won at auction is only a small part of the procedure. When the results are announced and the deadlines are set, strict rules must be followed to obtain and use the numbers in West Bengal.

A delay could cause cancellation, even if a bid is successful. Below is an outline of the post-auction 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
Validity Period	Use the allotment letter to register the vehicle	90 days from issue date

If you’re an auction winner, you must pay the remaining balance within 5 days from the announcement of the results. If you cannot pay within the timeframe, the allotment may be immediately cancelled. Once the payment is confirmed, the allotment letter is prepared and accessible for download.

The allotment letters are in effect for 90 days. Within 90 days, the vehicle must have been registered with the proper West Bengal RTO under the assigned number. If registration can’t be completed within 90 days, the number is lost, and no refund will be granted.

If bidders fail to win the auction, then the reserved amount will be refunded, but the registration fee is not refundable. Careful monitoring of the auction schedule is vital to ensure the fancy number plate is allocated without issues.

Things to Remember & Rules (HSRP, Refunds, Transfer)

The procedure for applying for a fancy number plate in West Bengal involves specific legal and formal requirements. Being aware of these rules will ensure that your number is valid and secure.

HSRP Compliance (Mandatory for All Vehicles)

Even if you’ve got the most fancy or VIP number plate, you must follow the rules of the High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) guidelines. It means that no customised designs, such as fonts, stickers, font symbols, spacing, or decorative designs, are allowed.

The plate must be purchased from a licensed dealer according to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Be aware that a fancy plate will only alter the digits that appear on it.

Refund Rules if You Lose the Bid

If you don’t win the auction, the reserve will be credited automatically to the bank account used to make the payment. The registration fee isn’t refundable.

If technical problems prevent the winner from receiving the winning bidder’s number, they cannot request a refund by following the instructions on the Parivahan website.

Transfer or Retention of Fancy Number Plates

Fancy number plates can be transferred or retained, however, only in accordance with legal guidelines:

• A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the RTO is required to transfer the number to a different vehicle in West Bengal.
• Inter-state transfers are not permitted. The number is only valid within the state.
• Transfer fees vary by RTO, generally between hundreds and a few thousand rupees.
• The number cannot be sold or transferred freely without completing the required formalities.
• The number cannot be transferred or sold without having completed the necessary formalities.

Following these rules will ensure that your personalised number plate is legal and valid for the duration of your vehicle.

Summary

Obtaining a fancy number plate in West Bengal is simple and generally done online. From determining the availability of your preferred number through the Parivahan portal to participating in the e-auction process and completing payment, the system guarantees fairness and transparency for all vehicle owners.

It is a great idea to check online for the availability of fancy numbers before purchasing your next car or bike, and to set your bidding time so that you give your vehicle the distinctive edge on the road.

FAQs about Fancy Number Plate in West Bengal