How to Book a
Fancy / VIP Vehicle Number Online

What is a Fancy / VIP Vehicle Number Plate?

A fancy number (also called a VIP number, choice number, or special registration number) is a specific vehicle registration number that you choose — instead of being assigned a random sequential number by the RTO. These numbers are officially allotted by state transport departments through the Parivahan Fancy Number Allocation system at fancy.parivahan.gov.in.

Unlike personalised number plates in western countries where letters can be customised, Indian fancy numbers are limited to the four-digit numeric portion (0001–9999) of the standard registration format. You cannot choose letters or include names. The state code, RTO code, and series letters are assigned by the RTO.

Why Do People Choose Fancy Numbers?

• Numerology and astrology — certain numbers like 786, 0001, 1, 7, 8 are considered auspicious in Indian traditions
• Status and prestige — elite numbers like 0001 or single digits signal exclusivity on luxury cars
• Brand recall — businesses choose numbers matching their phone numbers or brand identity
• Personal significance — birth dates, lucky numbers, anniversary dates, or culturally meaningful combinations
• Easy recall — repeating patterns (1111, 9999) or round numbers (1000, 5000) are easy to remember

Types of Fancy Numbers — Categories and Demand

The Parivahan Fancy Number portal classifies numbers into categories based on their exclusivity and demand level. Higher-demand categories have higher reserve prices and almost always go to e-auction.

Who Can Apply for a Fancy Number?

• Private vehicle owners — both two-wheelers and four-wheelers (LMV) can participate
• Any Indian citizen — there are no special eligibility criteria; any person buying a vehicle can apply for a fancy number for that vehicle
• Pre-purchase booking — you can book a number before purchasing your vehicle. However, you must register a vehicle with that number within 90 days of allotment or the number lapses and your winning amount may be forfeited
• Commercial vehicles — generally not eligible for fancy numbers under the national Parivahan system. Some states have state-specific provisions, but check with your RTO
• Companies — a company can apply if the vehicle will be registered in the company's name

Step 1 — Check Number Availability

Before registering, check whether your desired number is available, already assigned, or currently under auction. This takes 30 seconds and requires no login.

• 1
  Go to fancy.parivahan.gov.in on your browser. The public homepage is visible without logging in.
  

  Visit fancy.parivahan.gov.in — check availability before registering
• 2
  Click on "Search by Number" from the public menu.
• 3
  Select your State and the specific RTO where you intend to register your vehicle from the dropdown menus.
• 4
  Enter the 4-digit number you want (e.g., 0001, 0786, 9999) and click Search.
• 5
  The status is displayed:

  • Available — the number can be booked. Proceed to register and apply.
  • In-Auction — bidding is currently active. You can join the live auction if the window is still open.
  • Assigned — already allotted to another vehicle. Choose a different number.
  • Reserved — blocked for a current auction cycle that hasn't started yet. Track the auction schedule.

Step 2 — Register on the Fancy Parivahan Portal

If your number is available or you want to participate in an auction, create an account on the Fancy Parivahan portal. Registration takes about 3 minutes.

• 1
  Go to fancy.parivahan.gov.in and click "Register Now" or "New Public User Registration" from the top menu.
• 2
  Enter your 10-digit mobile number and a valid email address. Click "Send OTP."
• 3
  Enter the OTP received on your mobile number. Verify your email via the link sent to your inbox.
• 4
  Complete your profile — full name, address, Aadhaar number, and create a password. These details must match your vehicle registration documents.
• 5
  Log in with your registered mobile number and password. You now have access to the Number Selection dashboard.

Step 3A — Direct Allotment (Fixed Fee — No Auction)

If only one person applies for a specific number during the registration window, and the number is a standard choice number (not ultra-premium), it may be allotted directly without going to e-auction — at a fixed, non-refundable fee.

• 1
  Log in to your Fancy Parivahan account and click "Number Selection" from the dashboard.
• 2
  Select your State and RTO. Browse or search for your desired number. If shown as "Available" with a fixed fee, you can proceed directly.
  

  Select your state, RTO, and desired number from the available list
• 3
  Click on your chosen number and click "Apply." Review the fee amount shown for that number and confirm.
• 4
  Pay the fixed allotment fee online via UPI, debit card, credit card, or net banking. The fee is non-refundable — even if you later decide not to use the number.
  

  Pay the non-refundable allotment fee online to secure your number
• 5
  After payment, an allotment letter is generated. Download it immediately. The allotment letter is valid for 90 days — you must register your vehicle with this number within this period.

Step 3B — E-Auction Process for High-Demand Numbers

For popular or premium numbers where multiple applicants compete, the Parivahan system conducts a transparent online e-auction. All interested bidders participate through the portal — no agents, no offline deals.

• 1
  Log in to your Fancy Parivahan account and navigate to "Number Selection" → select your State and RTO → find your desired number (showing status: "Auction Open" or "Registration Open for Upcoming Auction").
• 2
  Click "Register for Auction" for your chosen number. Pay the non-refundable registration fee (typically ₹1,000) to join the auction for that number.
• 3
  Pay the EMD (Earnest Money Deposit) / Reserve Price — this is the starting/minimum bid amount for your chosen number (e.g., ₹15,000 for a standard premium number, ₹1–5 lakh for 0001). This amount is refundable if you do not win. Payment via UPI, debit card, credit card, or net banking.
  

  Pay the EMD (reserve price) to confirm your e-auction registration
• 4
  Wait for the auction's Registration Window (typically 3 days) to close. Once all registrations are complete, the Bidding Window opens (typically 2–3 days). You receive an SMS and email notification when bidding opens.
• 5
  During the bidding window, place your bids on the portal. You can bid manually (enter your desired bid amount) or use the auto-bid feature (set a maximum you are willing to pay — the system bids on your behalf in increments up to your maximum). Monitor live bids via the "Live Auction" tab.
• 6
  The bidding window closes at the specified time. If a bid is placed in the last few minutes, the portal may automatically extend the window to prevent sniping. Results are announced on the same day via portal, SMS, and email.
• 7
  If you WIN: Pay the remaining balance (Final Winning Bid minus EMD already paid) online within 5 days. Download your allotment letter. You have 90 days to register your vehicle.
  
  If you LOSE: The EMD (reserve price) you paid is automatically refunded to your original payment source within 7–10 working days. The ₹1,000 non-refundable registration fee is not returned.

E-Auction Timeline and Bidding Rules

After Winning — Allotment Letter, RTO, and HSRP

Documents to Bring to the RTO

• Allotment Letter — downloaded from the Fancy Parivahan portal (valid 90 days from date of allotment)
• Form 20 — Application for registration of motor vehicle
• Vehicle sales invoice from the dealer
• Valid insurance certificate
• PUC certificate
• Identity proof — Aadhaar Card
• Address proof
• Road tax payment receipt (if not collected by dealer)

HSRP — High Security Registration Plates

All vehicles with fancy numbers must comply with the HSRP (High Security Registration Plate) mandate. HSRP plates are tamper-proof aluminium plates featuring a chromium-based hologram, laser-branded chassis code, and a unique 10-digit PIN. Fancy number plates must display the number on HSRP — custom font plates, acrylic plates, or non-standard designs attract fines of up to ₹5,000 under the Motor Vehicles Act.

• After vehicle registration at the RTO, book your HSRP through the authorised state portal or your vehicle dealer
• HSRP must be fitted at an authorised fitment centre — you cannot install it yourself
• The HSRP will bear your fancy number, state code, and RTO code exactly as allotted
• Keep your HSRP booking receipt safe — it confirms your plate complies with regulations

Fancy Number Prices and Fees 2026

Fancy number prices have two components: the reserve price (EMD) set by the state, and the final winning bid set by market competition. The EMD is the minimum you pay if you win; the actual cost can be far higher for sought-after numbers.

State-Wise Price Comparison

The same number (e.g., 0001) has very different base prices and competition levels across states. Metro-city RTOs see the most intense bidding.

Retaining or Transferring Your Fancy Number

Keeping Your Fancy Number When Selling a Vehicle

If you sell your vehicle but want to keep the fancy number for your next vehicle, you can apply for number retention through the RTO. Key rules:

• Apply for retention before completing the ownership transfer of the vehicle — not after
• Pay a retention fee (varies by state — typically ₹500–₹5,000)
• The number is held in your name for a fixed period (typically 1 year)
• You must register a new vehicle with the retained number within this period, or the number is cancelled
• Once retained, the number cannot be used on any vehicle until you register the new one

Can I Transfer a Fancy Number to Someone Else?

Direct sale of a fancy number to another person is not permitted in most states. The number is allotted to a vehicle — not to a person as a standalone asset. If you sell your vehicle with the fancy number, the number transfers with the vehicle as part of normal ownership transfer (Form 29/30). The new owner keeps the number.

If you retain the number (without the vehicle), you can only assign it to a new vehicle that you register in your own name — not sell the retained number separately. Unofficial trading of fancy numbers through agents or brokers is illegal and can result in cancellation of the allotment.

Beware of Fancy Number Scams

The market for VIP numbers in India has attracted numerous fraudsters. In 2025, Kochi police arrested individuals — including a minor — running a fake Parivahan app that collected fancy number fees and disappeared. Scams in this space are more common than most people realise.

Frequently Asked Questions