What High Security Registration Plates (HSRP)?

Do you know that your vehicle needs a special kind of number plate called High Security Registration Plates or HSRPs?

With the government making HSRPs mandatory, you must know what they are and how to get them for your vehicle. 

This is an essential guide to help you understand the process and cost of getting High Security Registration Plates.

What is a High Security Number Plate?

High Security Number Plates are registration plates electronically linked to their vehicles. These are aluminium plates containing the following elements and characteristics.

• A chromium-based hot-stamped Ashoka Chakra symbol in a blue-coloured hologram is located on the upper-left corner of the plate. It is supposed to measure precisely 20 mm in length and 20 mm in width.

• A unique 10-digit PIN or Permanent Identification Number is engraved through laser technology on the lower-left corner of the HSRP plate.

• Hot-stamped alphabets and numerals denoting the state code, district code, and a unique alpha-numeric identification number for a vehicle. Each numeral/alphabet is branded with a film containing the word “INDIA” at an angle of 45 degrees.

• India’s international registration identification code “IND” is branded below the Ashoka Chakra hologram. 

As per the guidelines of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), all motor vehicle owners must install an HSRP by July 2022. All vehicles purchased after the year 2019 already have HSRP. Thus, owners who bought their vehicles before 2019 need to replace the number plates with the HSRPs.

Also, read: Types of number plates in India and their meaning

How to apply for a High Security Number Plate online?

The online services related to HSRP are currently available in a few states only. However, you can visit your nearest RTO or search for an authorised automobile dealer where HSRP plates are provided.

If your vehicle was originally registered in Delhi or Uttar Pradesh, you can use the online portal Book My HSRP to apply for this number plate and get it delivered to your home. 

Here are the steps to follow when applying for an HSRP online. 

• Step 1: Visit the official Book My HSRP website.

• Step 2: Enter the required information such as your vehicle number, engine number, chassis number, fuel type, contact number, etc.

• Step 3: Fill in the captcha code as given on your screen and select “Click Here”.

• Step 4: Choose a preferred fitment location and appointment slot to get the number plate installed on your vehicle.

• Step 5: Review and verify your booking details and make the required payment.

• Step 6: Download the generated payment receipt.

• Step 7: You will get a mobile notification when your HSRP gets ready.

The authorities will get your plate ready within the provided time slot. Based on the availability, you can get the home delivery or have it installed at one of the authorised fitment locations.

HSRP number plates for old/new vehicles

MoRTH has made HSRP plates mandatory for all vehicles (including old and new) in the year 2022. Number plates purchased beyond April 2019 already have HSRP characteristics. Hence, vehicles sold before April 2019 must obtain High Security Number Plates online/offline in 2022. 

HSRP registration for old vehicles involves the same steps as mentioned earlier. You can choose to apply online for a vehicle registered in Delhi or Uttar Pradesh. However, in other states, you may have to visit an RTO for a High Security Number Plate for an old vehicle. 

High Security Number Plate price

The Government of India is yet to regularise the HSRP number plate cost across the country. This is why the High Security Number Plate charges differ from one state to another. Here is a basic idea of the price you may be paying for an HSRP.

Benefits of an HSRP number plate

HSRP plates have brought along the following benefits for road transport in India.

Difficult to remove and tamper with

Prior to HSRP, vehicle number plates were pretty easy to remove, change or tamper with. It made it easier for thieves to change number plates after stealing a vehicle. 

The High Security Registration Plates are installed using a non-reusable and non-removable lock. Hence, it reduces the chances of vehicle theft and increases the traceability of stolen vehicles as well. 

Authorised installation of number plates

One can purchase HSRPs only from state-authorised automobile dealers or private vendors. The process requires vehicle owners to provide details such as the chassis number, engine number, vehicle registration number, etc. Hence, every High Security Number Plate is assigned to a particular vehicle.

Also, read: How to Find Chassis Number, VIN and Engine Number of Your Car?

Vehicle data collection

HSRPs have offered a new channel of vehicle information accumulation to authorities. It helps to create a central database of details like chassis number, engine number, etc. Hence, authorities can easily track vehicles if needed.

Easily visible fonts

Before HSRPs, vehicle number plates had a variety of styles and fonts. Vehicle owners used to customise the number plates as per their taste. In some cases, styles and fonts made registration numbers difficult to read for traffic officers, especially while the vehicles were in motion.

The HSRP system has unified the style and font of alpha-numerals on vehicle number plates, making it easily comprehensible. 

What is the HSRP colour-coded sticker?

Along with the number plate, you need to purchase an HSRP windshield sticker. The colour-coded sticker costs about Rs. 100 and you can buy it separately or along with your HSRP.

The significance of the High Security Number Plate sticker lies in the following factors.

• The colour coding of an HSRP sticker indicates the fuel type of the vehicle it's installed on.

• Electric vehicles get a green-coloured sticker, petrol/CNG vehicles get a blue-coloured sticker, and diesel vehicles obtain an orange-coloured sticker.

• A green-coloured line is given on the top of the sticker for BS6-compliant motor vehicles.

With the help of these colour-coded stickers, the government expects to ease the process of identifying old vehicles in traffic based on fuel type and the latest emission compliance standards. It will help traffic officers to enforce laws around fuel emissions. 

How to check the online status of your HSRP number plate application?

It can take some time between your application and delivery of the HSRP, depending on the available slots. During this time, you can track the status of the High Security Number Plate application.

The following steps will help you check your HSRP number plate status online.

• Step 1: Visit the Book My HSRP website.

• Step 2: Click on the option “Track Your Order” visible on the home page.

• Step 3: Fill in details such as your order number and vehicle registration number.

• Step 4: Enter the captcha code visible on your screen.

• Step 5: Click on the “Search” button to obtain the High Security Number Plate online status.

However, this service is currently available only for vehicles registered in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. 

How to get a duplicate HSRP number plate?

In case the HSRP plate on your vehicle gets damaged, you can get it replaced. The online platform “Book My HSRP” allows damaged HSRP number plate replacement. This service is available for plates with a damaged front, damaged rear or damages on both sides. However, only the vehicles registered in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Daman & Diu and Andaman and Nicobar Islands can currently utilise this facility online.

During HSRP online registration for replacement, you can book an appointment slot based on the earliest availability. Here are the steps to get an online appointment for HSRP replacement.

• Step 1: Visit the website https://www.bookmyhsrp.com/.

• Step 2: Click on “Replacement Booking” on the top-centre of the home page.

• Step 3: Enter vehicle details like your vehicle registration number, engine number, and chassis number.

• Step 4: Select the state where your vehicle has been registered.

• Step 5: Fill in the captcha code and select “Click Here”.

• Step 6: Choose a location for fitment and select an appointment slot.

• Step 7: Review and verify your booking details.

• Step 8: Make the required payment and download the receipt. 

If for any reason, you want to reschedule your HSRP fitment appointment, here is how you can do it. 

• Step 1: Visit the Book My HSRP portal.

• Step 2: Click on the option called “Reschedule Appointment” available on the top-right corner of the home page.

• Step 3: Fill in your order number and vehicle registration number.

• Step 4: Input the captcha visible on your screen.

• Step 5: Click on “Search” to find the available appointment slots. 

HSRP rules and guidelines

Based on the guidelines issued by the Delhi Transport Department and MoRTH, here are the major rules around HSRPs.

• It is mandatory for all vehicles (including the vehicles sold before April 2019) to have an HSRP and a colour-coded sticker.

• Currently, July 2022 has been given as the deadline for all vehicle owners to obtain a High Security Number Plate.

• Driving a vehicle without an HSRP plate can result in a penalty between Rs. 5,000 and Rs. 10,000. 

Frequently asked questions

Below are a few more questions related to High Security Registration Plates.

Is a High Security Number Plate mandatory for old vehicles?

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has made HSRP number plates mandatory for all vehicles, including old vehicles that were purchased before 2019. So, you must get your High Security Number Plate if your vehicle was purchased before 2019.

How to get an online appointment for HSRP?

While raising a request for a new HSRP or HSRP replacement online via Book My HSRP, you will be asked to select an appointment slot. You can select any available slot to get the HSRP delivered accordingly. However, the service is available for the state where your vehicle is registered.

Are new vehicles coming with HSRPs right from the dealership?

All vehicle number plates assigned after April 2019 comply with the HSRP standards. Authorised automobile sellers and RTOs provide High Security Registration Plates only. So, if you buy a new vehicle, it should come with an HSRP.

I own an old vehicle, can I get an HSRP online or offline?

You will have to choose a method based on the state where you have registered your vehicle. The online HSRP booking is available for several states like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, etc. However, other states have appointed automobile dealers and RTOs for offline HSRP booking.

Can I order my HSRP outside the state where my vehicle was registered?

Currently, the HSRP service is provided by the RTO where a vehicle is registered. So, if you move to another state, complete the vehicle registration transfer process first. Then, you can order your HSRP at the new RTO where the vehicle is registered.

Do I need to get an HSRP for my electric vehicle?

Like all vehicles, HSRPs are mandatory for electric vehicles as well. So, you must ensure that your EV number plate complies with the High Security Number Plate standards.

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