Fancy Number Plates in India: State-Wise Fees & Booking Guide (2026)

We’ve been discussing fancy number plates for a while here, and this particular blog is no exception. Also called ‘VIP number plates’, ‘choice number plates’ or ‘premium registration number plates’, they have become a prominent cultural and automobile phenomenon in India. Oftentimes, as we’ve discussed, they reflect the direct prestige and status of the owner his/herself.

That’s right. Whether it’s a 0001, 9999, 0786, or a clean 1212 pattern, lakhs of vehicle owners across Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities now aim to achieve an ideal VIP number plate that reflects an aspect of their personality. Be it health, wealth, financial status, or religious association. 

That’s right. Google and Perplexity searches abound for: “fancy car number plates in India” and “fancy number plates for bikes in India.” Our question is: do you happen to be one of them?

While so far, we have covered fancy number plates according to states, now it’s time to take a look at them in the context of the country overall. We’re excited to present this blog, designed to be one of the most comprehensive guides on fancy number plates in India.

Ready to explore? This guide breaks down all the important elements:

• How fancy numbers work in India
• Legal vs illegal plates
• Price brackets
• Full booking & auction process
• Smart bidding strategies
• 20+ deep FAQs
• Myths vs facts
• A national index to state-wise fancy number pages

Without further ado, let’s get started.

A fancy number plate is a legally allotted registration number that is unique, memorable, prestigious, or pattern-based.

These numbers are popular across India and include:

• 0001 (most premium in almost every state)
• Single-digit numbers (1–9)
• Repeating digits: 1111, 7777, 9999
• Mirror sequences: 1001, 1221, 2112
• Progression patterns: 1234, 2345
• Culturally significant numbers: 0786
  

In official terminology, these premium combinations are called ‘fancy numbers’, or ‘VIP numbers’, or ‘choice numbers’; due to their ability to reflect important aspects of the users.

People want to be known, seen, and heard. It’s just a fact of nature. And these ‘fancy number plates’ offer them the direct power of association to various elements (for other people to see and observe) in your life:

• Status symbol
• Numerology / religious significance
• Personal branding
• Easy recall
• Resale value
• Business identity (especially for fleets or luxury cars)
  

People often are the victims of their own subconscious (another nature-coded hard fact). Hence, they often fall prey to unclear facts and misinformation that is often present publicly. This is true for fancy number plates. Often, these are misunderstood in society.

Want to know what a fancy number plate is NOT? Well, now’s your chance.

A fancy number plate is NOT:

• A decorative plate
• A custom font plate
• A stylised plate with images, artwork, and 3D embossing
• A plate with forbidden characters or spacing

Let’s keep one thing in mind: Such plates are illegal, even if you purchased a VIP number.

What’s the Legal & Regulatory Framework? What’s Allowed, What’s Not

As per the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), every vehicle must follow the standard format:

State Code (e.g., TN, MH, UP) → RTO Code → Series Letters → 4-digit Number

Other legal requirements include:

• Mandatory HSRP (High-Security Registration Plate)
• Mandatory IND tag for private vehicles
• Fixed font, size, color, reflective material
• No stickers, symbols, calligraphy, italics, or decorative frames

It’s time to clear up one of the biggest confusions that can arise in terms of fancy number plates.

A fancy number = legal, purchased through RTO or Parivahan.
A fancy-styled plate = illegal and may result in fines.

Penalty for non-compliant plates can go up to ₹10,000 under the Motor Vehicles Act.

• A fancy number becomes part of the vehicle’s registration certificate (RC).
• Transfer varies state-to-state; many states allow:
  • Re-allotment on vehicle scrap
  • Transfer between owner’s vehicles
• Important: “0000” is not allowed anywhere in India.
  

Most states in India use the central fancy number portal

Most states in India use the central fancy number portal:  https://fancy.parivahan.gov.in

Key features:

• State selection
• RTO selection
• Availability search
• E-auction participation
• EMD payment
• Result announcement
• Allotment letter download

Here are the steps involved in the booking and auction of Fancy Number Plates:

1. Check number availability
2. Create VAHAN public user account
3. Enter vehicle & applicant details
4. Pay registration + EMD fee
5. Participate in e-auction (if more than one applicant)
   • Highest bidder wins
6. Pay balance amount
7. Download allotment letter
8. Get HSRP fitted at an authorised centre
   

Both individuals and companies can bid if:

• They have a valid ID (Aadhaar/PAN)
• They own or are buying a vehicle
• They have no major transport dues or challans
• Vehicle details are valid for the RTO
  

Once you’ve been successful in an auction. Here are the steps you have to follow:

• Pay the remaining amount within the deadline
• Download the Allotment Letter
• Proceed with vehicle registration
• HSRP is issued only after RC verification
• The number is now officially tied to the vehicle
  

Common Base Price Tiers Across India

These base prices vary, but the pattern remains consistent:

Premium Tier (Very Expensive)

• 0001
  
• 0002–0009
  
• 0786
  

Base price: ₹50,000–₹5,00,000 (varies widely)

Repeating Numbers (High Demand)

• 1111
  
• 2222
  
• 5555
  
• 7777
  
• 9999
  

Base price: ₹20,000–₹2,00,000 (depending on state)

Pattern Numbers

• 1000
  
• 1001
  
• 1212
  
• 2112
  
• 2002 (your keyword: 2002 car number India fancy)
  
• 1234
  

Typical base: ₹5,000–₹50,000

General Choice Numbers

• 4-digit picks
  
• User-selected favourite sequences
  

Base price: ₹3,000–₹10,000

Auctions, as we all know, can get chaotic and are often reliant on emotions rather than logic. Here are the key factors that influence them:

• Metro vs non-metro RTO competition
• How premium the number is
• Festival/auspicious timing
• Emotional value of the number
• Total number of bidders
• RTO zone popularity

For example:

The number ‘0001’ in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru often crosses ₹10–₹25 lakh+. The number ‘0001’ in smaller districts may close at  ₹20,000–₹80,000.

• Always shortlist 3–5 numbers, not just one
• Select a less-crowded RTO if allowed by state law
• Bid early to understand the competition
• Set a max budget and stick to it
• Avoid festival-time bidding spikes
• Check EMD refund terms clearly
  

Here are the legal compliances that you need to keep in mind.

DOs: Legal Requirements	DON’Ts: What You Must Avoid
Use HSRP-compliant plates	Decorative, stylised, or italic fonts
Use standard font, colour, size	Custom artwork, tinted plates, 3D plates
Install plates in prescribed positions	Incorrect spacing like: MH 04A B 1 1 1 1
Keep the allotment letter + RC safe	Using “0000” — illegal everywhere
Ensure visibility (night reflectivity rules)	Putting VIP numbers without RTO allotment

Penalties include fines up to ₹10,000 under the MV Act.

• Challans
• Confiscation of number plate
• Holding of RC verification
• Potential impounding in repeated cases

1. Is 0001 always available?

No, it is usually the most in-demand number and often auctioned at premium prices.

2. Can I choose a fancy number for bikes and scooters?

Yes, fancy number plates for bikes in India follow the same auction rules as cars.

3. Are fancy number plates legal?

Yes, if allotted via Parivahan/State RTO and displayed using legal HSRP plates.

4. Is decorative lettering allowed?

No. Custom fonts, italics, artwork = fines.

5. What is the Parivahan Fancy Number Portal?

 A central platform for fancy-number booking across Indian states.

6. Can I transfer a VIP number to another vehicle?

Only if the state allows re-allotment; rules vary.

7. Do fancy numbers cost differently for cars vs bikes?

No, the number cost is the same; registration charges may differ.

8. What if multiple people want the same number?

It goes to e-auction; the highest bidder wins.

Ideal for:

• Car/bike owners wanting personalisation
• Luxury vehicle buyers
• Business owners, fleet operators
• Numerology enthusiasts
• Collectors of automotive memorabilia
• People who value prestige or identity on the road

Make sure the cost aligns with your goals — it’s not for everyone.

You can always choose to be a ‘smart’ bidder  

• Shortlist multiple choices
• Check availability early
• Avoid bidding at peak festival moments
• Set a clear maximum budget
• Keep EMD and ID documents ready
• Always follow HSRP and RC compliance rules
  

Myth 1: Fancy number = decorative plate

Fact: Only numeric value is “fancy”. Styling is illegal.

Myth 2: Fancy numbers are illegal

Fact: They are legal if allotted by RTO/Parivahan.

Myth 3: 0000 is the best number

Fact: 0000 is invalid in India.

Myth 4: You can transfer numbers freely

Fact: Transfers depend strictly on state policies.

Myth 5: Fancy numbers are only for luxury cars

Fact: Two-wheelers and economy cars also use them widely.

1. Create VAHAN public user account
2. Shortlist 3–5 preferred numbers
3. Check availability
4. Pay registration/EMD fee
5. Join e-auction
6. Win the bid → pay balance
7. Download allotment letter
8. Register vehicle & install HSRP
9. Keep allotment + RC documents safe
   

Fancy numbers exist because:

• They generate additional revenue for state transport departments
• They ensure fair & transparent allocation
• They prevent black-market or unofficial number trading
• They give users a premium personalisation option

Pros	Cons
High prestige	High auction prices
Good resale potential for premium cars	Competitive process
Strong cultural or emotional value	No guarantee of winning
Uniqueness and identity	Legal risks if plate is stylized incorrectly

Fancy numbers in India are more organised, transparent, and accessible than ever. Whether you want a number for prestige, identity, numerology, or simply personal preference, the Parivahan-based booking system makes the process simple.

For more guides on number plates and registration rules, keep following Ecozaar.

Also Read:

• RTO Fancy number choice Maharashtra

• VIP number plate Chennai guide

• Bangalore fancy vehicle number guide

• Mumbai RTO fancy number auction

• Delhi fancy number auction details

• Haryana fancy number availability

• Punjab vehicle fancy number list

• Kerala fancy car number fees

• Karnataka premium number plate updates

• Fancy number plate in Chandigarh

• Fancy number plate in UP

• Hyderabad VIP registration numbers

• Rajasthan VIP car number price

• Fancy number plate in Himachal Pradesh

• How to get fancy number plates in Goa

• Bihar VIP number plate guide

• RTO Fancy vehicle numbers in Assam

• VIP car registration numbers in Arunachal Pradesh

• Fancy number plates for cars in Tamil Nadu