Fancy number plates Booking, also known as VIP numbers or special registration numbers, are unique vehicle registration numbers that are considered prestigious and lucky by many vehicle owners. These numbers typically feature repeating digits, sequential patterns, or combinations that are easy to remember.
The Regional Transport Office (RTO) allows vehicle owners to book these special numbers for their vehicles through a regulated process that involves additional fees. This guide covers everything you need to know about the fancy number booking process in India.
Table of Contents
Benefits of Fancy Numbers
- Enhanced vehicle identity and prestige
- Easy to remember registration numbers
- Potential lucky charm for superstitious owners
- Higher resale value for the vehicle
- Distinctive appearance on the road
Types of Fancy Numbers
Fancy numbers come in various patterns and categories, each with different popularity and pricing:
Single Digit Repetition
Numbers like 0001, 1111, 2222, etc.
Most common and highly sought after
Sequential Numbers
Numbers like 1234, 5678, 2468, etc.
Easy to remember patterns
Mirror Numbers
Numbers like 1001, 2332, 5005, etc.
Palindromic patterns
Lucky Numbers
Numbers like 786, 108, 7, 9, etc.
Religious or culturally significant
VIP Numbers
Numbers like 0001, 0007, 0009, etc.
Single and low digit numbers
Year Patterns
Numbers like 1984, 2001, 2023, etc.
Birth years or significant years
Eligibility & Requirements
Who Can Book a Fancy Number?
Fancy numbers can be booked by:
- Individual vehicle owners
- Companies for their corporate vehicles
- NRIs with vehicles registered in India
- Government officials (with certain restrictions)
Required Documents
- Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)
- Valid Insurance Documents
- PUC Certificate
- Address Proof
- Identity Proof (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.)
- Passport-sized photographs
- Form 49 (for address verification)
Important Notes
- Fancy numbers can only be booked for vehicles registered in your name
- The process varies slightly between states
- Some numbers may be reserved for government use
- Fees are non-refundable once the number is allocated
- The number remains with the vehicle, not the owner
Booking Process
Check Number Availability
Visit the Parivahan website or your state's transport department portal to check if your desired fancy number is available for booking.
Check AvailabilitySubmit Application
Fill out the required application form (usually Form 49) with your personal and vehicle details along with your preferred fancy number choices.
Pay the Fees
Pay the prescribed fee for the fancy number category. Payment can typically be made online or at the RTO counter.
Number Allocation
If your chosen number is available, it will be allocated to your vehicle. For popular numbers, an auction may be conducted.
Receive New Number Plate
Once allocated, you'll receive a new registration certificate with the fancy number and can get the number plate made from an authorized vendor.
Fee Structure
| Number Type | Base Fee | Additional Charges | Total Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Fancy Number | ₹1,000 | ₹500 | ₹1,500 |
| Single Digit Repetition | ₹5,000 | ₹1,000 | ₹6,000 |
| VIP Numbers (0001-0009) | ₹25,000 | ₹5,000 | ₹30,000 |
| Auction Numbers | Starts from ₹10,000 | Varies | ₹10,000 - ₹10,00,000+ |
| Lucky Numbers (786, etc.) | ₹2,000 | ₹500 | ₹2,500 |
Additional Costs to Consider
- Number plate fabrication charges: ₹300-₹800
- Agent fees (if using a service): ₹500-₹2,000
- Travel costs to RTO (if applying offline)
- Document photocopying charges
Online Booking Process
Visit Parivahan Portal
Go to the official Parivahan website and navigate to the "Fancy Number" or "Choice Number" section.
Visit Parivahan PortalSelect Your State
Choose your state from the dropdown menu to access your regional transport department's services.
Check Availability
Use the number search tool to check if your desired fancy number is available in your RTO.
Fill Application Form
Complete the online application form with your personal details, vehicle information, and preferred number choices.
Make Payment
Pay the required fees online using net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI.
Download Acknowledgement
After successful payment, download and print the acknowledgement receipt for future reference.
Benefits of Online Booking
- Convenient process from home
- Real-time number availability check
- Faster processing times
- Digital payment options
- Online tracking of application status
Offline Booking Process
Visit Your RTO
Go to the RTO where your vehicle is registered during working hours (typically 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM).
Collect Application Form
Get Form 49 and the fancy number application form from the RTO counter or download it in advance.
Fill and Submit Form
Complete the form with accurate details and submit it along with required documents at the designated counter.
Pay Fees
Pay the prescribed fees at the RTO cash counter and collect the payment receipt.
Receive Acknowledgement
Get an acknowledgement slip with a reference number to track your application status.
Collect New RC
Once processed, collect your new Registration Certificate with the fancy number from the RTO.
Auction Process for Premium Numbers
For highly sought-after numbers (like single digits, repeating patterns, or culturally significant numbers), RTOs conduct auctions where interested buyers can bid for these premium numbers.
Auction Announcement
RTOs publish auction notices in local newspapers and on their official websites with details of available numbers and auction dates.
Registration for Auction
Interested bidders must register for the auction by submitting required documents and paying a registration fee.
Participate in Bidding
Attend the auction in person or through authorized representatives and participate in the bidding process.
Winning the Bid
The highest bidder wins the number and must complete the payment within the specified timeframe.
Number Allocation
After payment confirmation, the fancy number is allocated to the winner's vehicle.
Auction Tips
- Research previous auction prices for similar numbers
- Set a maximum budget before bidding
- Ensure all documents are ready before registration
- Arrive early on auction day
- Understand the payment terms and deadlines
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can transfer a fancy number to another vehicle, but both vehicles must be registered in the same name and at the same RTO. The process involves surrendering the current number, applying for retention, and then assigning it to the new vehicle with applicable transfer fees.
When selling a vehicle with a fancy number, you have two options: 1) Transfer the number to your new vehicle (if eligible) before selling, or 2) Sell the vehicle with the fancy number, which often increases the vehicle's resale value. The number stays with the vehicle unless formally transferred.
Yes, you can book a fancy number for a new vehicle during the registration process. You need to apply for the fancy number before the regular registration is completed. The RTO will issue a temporary registration first and then complete the process with your chosen fancy number.
The processing time varies by RTO but typically takes 7-15 working days for standard fancy numbers. For auction numbers, the process may take longer (15-30 days) depending on the auction schedule and payment processing.
Yes, some restrictions apply: 1) Certain numbers may be reserved for government officials, 2) Offensive number combinations are not allowed, 3) Some states have specific rules about which numbers can be booked as fancy numbers, and 4) There may be limits on how many fancy numbers one person can own.
No, not every number can be booked as a fancy number. Each RTO has a list of numbers designated as "fancy" or "VIP" numbers that are available for booking at a premium. Common patterns include repeating digits, sequential numbers, single digits, and culturally significant numbers.
Check Fancy Number Availability
Parivahan Helpline
If you face any problem in driving license, document update, vehicle details check and pay your vehicle challan, you can contact using below details –
| Problem | Email ID | Contact Number | Timings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Registration, Fitness, Tax, Permit, Dealer | helpdesk-vahan[at]gov[dot]in | +91-120-4925505 | 06:00 AM - 12:00 Midnight |
| Learner License, Driving License | helpdesk-sarathi[at]gov[dot]in | N/A | N/A |
| mParivahan Services | helpdesk-mparivahan[at]gov[dot]in | N/A | N/A |
| eChallan Services | helpdesk-echallan[at]gov[dot]in | N/A | N/A |