Fancy Number Plate for Cars: What is It and How To Get It

In recent years, the demand for fancy number plates in India has been on the rise. These unique and personalised number plates allow vehicle owners to add a touch of style and individuality to their cars. With various options and customisation choices available, fancy number plates have become a popular trend among car enthusiasts. This article explores the concept of fancy number plates in India, highlighting the process of getting one and the regulations.

What is a Fancy Number Plate?

Fancy number plates, also known as personalised or VIP number plates, are vehicle registration plates that comprise a unique combination of numbers. Unlike regular number plates, these registration plates feature a unique combination of numbers (such as 0001). Fancy number plates offer vehicle owners the opportunity to make their vehicles look unique and stand out from the crowd.

How to Get a Fancy Number Plate

Here are the steps to get a fancy number plate for your car.

Step 1: Go to the official website of MoRTH and complete the registration process as a public user.

Step 2: Select your desired fancy number plate.

Step 3: Pay the required registration and booking fee for the VIP number you want.

Step 4: After submitting the fees, participate in the bidding process for the number you wish to purchase.

Step 5: Depending on the auction results, you may be allocated the number you bid for. If you win the auction, you must immediately pay the remaining balance amount.

Step 6: Once you have successfully won the bid, make all the necessary payments and obtain the allotment letter.

Step 7: In case you are unable to secure your preferred number, you have the option to claim a refund for the fee.

Fees for Fancy Number Plate

It's important to note that the registration fee for a fancy number plate varies across different states. Thus, it is necessary to be aware of the fee applicable in your specific state of residence. Apart from the registration fee, there might also be an additional advance payment required to reserve a particular number plate. The amount of this payment depends on the type of number you desire. The following table provides more information about the fees for VIP number plates.

Please note that the booking amount may not be the final amount you need to pay for a fancy number. The final amount is determined after the bidding process. In case you lose the bidding, the booking amount will be refunded to you.

Fancy Number Plate Online Auction and Bidding Process

The online auctions for vehicle fancy number plate registration are conducted by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). To acquire a distinctive registration number through this process, you can refer to the following steps.

Step 1: Register on the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to receive a Unique Acknowledgement Number (UAN).

Step 2: Make the non-refundable registration fee payment as well as the reserve price for the fancy number you intend to bid on.

Step 3: Choose your preferred registration number to block it and secure your position in the auction.

Step 4: The e-auction registration window will be open for three days, followed by two days of bidding.

Step 5: Place your bids on the selected number, ensuring multiples of Rs.10,000 for categories 1 to 4 and multiples of Rs.1,000 for category 5.

Step 6: The successful bidder will be notified via SMS and email.

Step 7: Within five days of the declaration, make the remaining balance payment online.

Step 8: After completing the online deposit, the allotment letter will be generated, which remains valid for 90 days for vehicle registration purposes.

How to Check Fancy Number Plate Prices and Availability Online

Here are the steps to check the prices and availability of the VIP number plate online.

Step 1: Access the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

Step 2: In the lower right-hand corner of the webpage, click on the 'Choice Number' option.

Step 3: This will redirect you to a new page where you will be required to select your state and the appropriate Regional Transport Office (RTO) name.

Step 4: After choosing the state and RTO, a list of available fancy car numbers will be displayed for you to browse through.

Step 5: The displayed list will provide information such as the registration number, reserve price, and category of each number. The categories range from 1 to 5, with Category 1 being the most expensive and Category 5 being the least expensive.

Step 6: To refine your search, you have the option to filter the list based on category, registration number, or reserve price.

Step 7: Once you find the ideal number plate for your vehicle, you can proceed with the registration process. Alternatively, if it is a VIP number, you can participate in an online auction to bid for it.

Fancy Number Plate Processing Time

The following points throw light on the processing time for VIP or fancy number plates.

• The processing time for obtaining a fancy number plate begins when you register on the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

• Following registration, the bidding process typically takes approximately 5 days to complete. The bidding period starts on the 4th day and continues until the 5th day.

• Upon conclusion of the bidding process, the successful bidder is promptly notified via SMS and email.

• The bidder is then required to make the remaining balance payment online within 5 days from the date of the declaration.

• Once the payment has been successfully made, the allotment letter will be generated, which remains valid for 90 days for vehicle registration.

• It is worth noting that the processing time for fancy number plates may vary depending on your location and the demand for specific numbers.

• In some instances, if there is a high demand for a particular number, the processing time may be extended. It is advisable to contact your local RTO to obtain more precise information about the processing time for fancy number plates,

Additional Information About Fancy Number Plates

Here are a few points that you should know about VIP number plates.

• Every vehicle, including those with VIP number plates, must be fitted with HSRP (High-Security Registration Plates) as per the regulations.

• The HSRPs are made of aluminium and have hot-stamped Chromium, with each plate featuring a 10-digit PIN and an attached hologram.

• Even if your car bears a VIP number plate, it is essential that the plates comply with the specifications outlined in the Central Motor Vehicles Act of 1989.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are a few commonly asked questions and their answers related to fancy number plates.

How long does it take to obtain a fancy number plate in India?

The registration process takes approximately three days, followed by a two-day bidding period. The remaining steps of the process are completed within the subsequent five days.

What are the requirements for obtaining a fancy vehicle number?

There are no specific eligibility criteria, but acquiring a fancy number plate for your vehicle requires payment of higher charges compared to regular registration numbers.

Can I retain my number plate when selling my car?

Yes, you have the option to retain your fancy number plate when selling or scrapping your car.

Do different states have distinct choices for vehicle registration numbers?

Yes, each state has its own selection of fancy numbers for vehicles.

Do I need to have an HSRP number plate to get a fancy number?

Yes, the HSRP number plate is mandatory for all vehicles, irrespective of the type of registration number.

Disclaimer: The above content is for informational purposes only. It is recommended to take the help of an expert before making a decision.

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