Fancy Parivahan - Open Series Status | Fancy Number

Fancy vehicle registration numbers, also known as VIP or personalized number plates, are unique combinations of digits and letters that vehicle owners in India can acquire to add distinction, status, or personal significance to their cars or bikes.

These numbers, such as 0001, 9999, or 1111, are highly sought after and often fetch premium prices through e-auctions.

This guide outlines the process, requirements, costs, and regulations for obtaining a fancy registration number in India, based on the latest available information.

Process to Get a Fancy Registration Number

The process is managed through the MoRTH’s Vahan portal - https://fancy.parivahan.gov.in/ via an e-auction system, ensuring transparency and equal opportunity. Follow these steps:

Fancy Parivahan Portal
  • Check Availability:
    • Use the Search By Number service to select your state and RTO and view available fancy numbers (e.g., 0001, 9999, 1234).
    • Verify if your desired number is available for bidding.
Search By Number
  • Pay Registration and Reservation Fees:
    • Pay a non-refundable registration fee and the reserve price for the chosen number.
    • Fees vary by state and number of categories (see “Costs” section below).
  • Block the Number:
    • Reserve your selected number by completing the payment.
    • If multiple applicants choose the same number, it proceeds to e-auction.
  • Participate in the E-Auction:
    • The registration window is open for three days, followed by a two-day bidding period, trackable via the e-Auction Cycle Status service.
    • Bid in multiples of ₹10,000 for categories 1–4 (premium numbers like 0001, 9999) or ₹1,000 for category 5 (less premium numbers).
    • Monitor bids in real-time using the Bidding Updates service under the “Live Auction” tab.
  • Await Results:
    • Check the e-Auction Result service to view the highest bidder, winning bid amount, and allocated number, announced via the portal, SMS, or email (e.g., at 9:00 PM PST for Punjab).
    • Pay the balance amount online within five days.
  • Receive Allotment Letter:
    • After payment, an allotment letter is generated, valid for 90 days.
    • Present the letter and required documents at the designated RTO for vehicle registration.
  • Complete Vehicle Registration:
    • Submit documents like Form 20, Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, sales invoice, roadworthiness certificate, and identity proof.
    • The RTO will assign the fancy number and issue an HSRP.

Timeline

  • Registration and bidding: 5 days (3 days for registration, 2 days for bidding).
  • Payment and allotment: Within 5 days post-auction.
  • Vehicle registration: Within 90 days from allotment.

Services Available on the e-Auction Portal

The Vahan portal offers several tools to streamline the fancy number allocation process. These services ensure transparency and accessibility:

  • e-Auction Result:
    • Displays auction outcomes, including the highest bidder, winning bid amount, and allocated number.
    • Results are announced on the same day the auction ends (e.g., 9:00 PM PST for Punjab) via the portal, SMS, or email.
e-auction Result
  • Bidding Updates:
    • Provides real-time updates on ongoing bids during the auction period.
    • Bidders can track bid amounts, the current highest bid, and their bidding status through the “Live Auction” tab or similar interface after logging in.
Bidding Updates
  • Search By Number:
    • Enables users to check the availability of specific fancy numbers (e.g., 0001, 9999) for their state and RTO.
    • Accessible under the “Choice Number” or “Fancy Number” section by selecting state, RTO, and desired number.
  • e-Auction Cycle Status:
    • Tracks the stage of the e-auction process (e.g., registration open, bidding active, or results announced).
    • Displays timelines, such as the 3-day registration window and 2-day bidding period, helping bidders meet deadlines.
e auction status
  • Series Status:
    • Shows the availability of registration number series for a specific RTO or state.
    • Users can view current or upcoming series (e.g., new series opening for bidding), aiding in planning bids.
Series Status

Costs Involved

Costs vary by state, vehicle type, and number of popularity. Below are indicative fees based on Telangana’s structure (as an example):

Category Examples Cost
Premium Numbers 1, 9, 999, 9999 ₹50,000
High-Demand Numbers 99, 333, 555, 777, 8888 ₹30,000
Popular Numbers 123, 222, 369, 1111 ₹20,000
Other Numbers - ₹5,000 (four-wheelers), ₹2,000 (two-wheelers)
Current Series Numbers - ₹1,000 (reservation)
Registration Fee - ₹1,000–₹5,000 (non-refundable, varies by state)
Auction Bids e.g., 0001 Can reach ₹1,00,000+ (e.g., Delhi)
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Note: Prices for premium numbers like 0001 or 9999 can reach ₹1,25,000 or more in states like Maharashtra. Check your state’s RTO portal for exact fees.

Important Regulations

  • HSRP Mandatory: All fancy plates must comply with High-Security Registration Plate rules, featuring a hologram and 10-digit PIN.
  • No Full Customization: Only numbers from the RTO’s list can be chosen; full personalization (e.g., names) is not allowed.
  • Non-Transferable: Transferring fancy numbers to another vehicle requires RTO approval and additional fees.
  • Legal Compliance: Plates must use Latin letters and Arabic numerals, adhering to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
  • No Refunds: If the 90-day validity expires or the vehicle isn’t registered, fees are forfeited.

What is a Fancy Vehicle Registration Number?

A fancy registration number is a unique licence plate with memorable or significant combinations, such as repeating digits (e.g., 1111, 9999), single digits (e.g., 0001), or patterns (e.g., 1234).

These plates are considered status symbols and are often chosen for aesthetic appeal, numerological beliefs, or personal milestones like birth-dates. Unlike regular plates assigned by the Regional Transport Office (RTO), fancy numbers are allocated through a competitive bidding process.

Structure of a Vehicle Registration Number

  • State Code: The first two letters indicate the state (e.g., KA for Karnataka, DL for Delhi).
  • RTO Code: The next two digits represent the Regional Transport Office (e.g., 01, 02).
  • Series: One or two letters denote the vehicle series or classification.
  • Unique Number: The last four digits (0001 to 9999) are unique to the vehicle. Fancy numbers are typically within this range.
  • IND: Indicates the vehicle is registered in India.

Why Choose a Fancy Number?

  • Status Symbol: VIP numbers like 0001 or 9999 are associated with prestige.
  • Personalization: Reflects personal preferences, lucky numbers, or significant dates.
  • Cultural Beliefs: Many choose numbers based on numerology or astrology for prosperity.
  • Uniqueness: Makes the vehicle stand out.

Eligibility and Restrictions

  • Eligible Vehicles: Fancy numbers are available for light motor vehicles and two-wheelers. Commercial vehicles are generally excluded.
  • No Specific Criteria: Anyone can apply, but higher fees apply compared to regular plates.
  • State-Specific Rules: Some states may restrict certain numbers to specific vehicle types or limit ownership transfers.
  • Compliance: Fancy plates must adhere to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and use High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) with a 10-digit PIN and hologram.
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Fancy numbers are a global trend, with plates like “1” in Dubai fetching millions. In India, they’re coveted by celebrities, politicians, and enthusiasts. The e-auction system, supported by services like e-Auction Result and Series Status, has democratized access, allowing anyone to bid, unlike earlier dealer-driven processes.