A fancy number is a vehicle registration number that you pick yourself instead of taking the next number in the series. People also call it a choice number, VIP number or fancy no. Numbers like 0001, 0007, 1111, 9999 or 1234 are the most wanted. You still get the normal state code, RTO code and letter series. Only the last four digits are your choice.
Fancy numbers are not sold by private sellers. They are allotted only by the state transport department through the RTO. Any site or person offering to "sell" or "transfer" a VIP number outside the official process should be avoided.
How fancy number allotment works
Each state makes its own rules and fee list for choice numbers. The general pattern is the same in most states:
- Premium numbers go to e-auction. Numbers like 0001 have a base price. If more than one person applies, they bid online and the highest bidder gets the number.
- Other choice numbers are given on a fixed fee. If you are the only applicant, or the number is in a lower category, you pay the set fee and the number is reserved for you.
- The number must be used within a time limit. You have to register your vehicle on the number within the period your state sets, or you can lose the number and the money.
- The number belongs to the vehicle owner who booked it. In most states it cannot be sold or handed to another person.
Where to apply for a fancy number
Most states run choice number booking through the official Parivahan fancy number service, which is part of Parivahan Sewa and is linked to the Vahan registration system. Some states list their own process on their transport department website. Open your state transport department site first and follow its fancy number link, so you reach the right portal.
Steps for online fancy number booking
- Open the official fancy number service and choose your state and RTO.
- Register as a new user with your mobile number and email. You may need details from your vehicle invoice or temporary registration.
- Search the available fancy number list for your RTO and check if the number you want is open.
- Pay the non refundable registration or application fee online and note your application number.
- If other people want the same number, take part in the e-auction during the bidding window. Bid in the steps your state allows.
- If you win, pay the balance amount within the deadline shown. You then get an allotment letter.
- Give the allotment letter to your dealer or RTO so the vehicle is registered on that number.
Fancy number fees differ by state
There is no single national price for a VIP number plate. Each state notifies its own categories and base prices, and the final price in an auction depends on bidding. Two examples from official state pages are given below. Always check the latest notice for your own state, because fees are revised from time to time.
Example 1: Bihar (Transport Department e-auction notice)
| Category | Sample numbers | Base price, private (non transport) | Base price, transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0001, 0003, 0005, 0007, 0009 | Rs 1,00,000 | Rs 35,000 |
| 2 | 0002, 0004, 1111, 9999 | Rs 75,000 | Rs 25,000 |
| 3 | 1100, 1234, 0786 | Rs 50,000 | Rs 20,000 |
| 4 | 0120, 1221, 1857 | Rs 25,000 | Rs 15,000 |
| 5 | Other choice numbers | Rs 15,000 | Rs 10,000 |
In Bihar the application fee is Rs 1,000 per number and is not refunded. The winning bidder must pay within seven days of the auction closing and register the vehicle within 90 days. Category 5 choice numbers are given on a first come, first served basis.
Example 2: Andhra Pradesh (Transport Department number reservation page)
The Andhra Pradesh page lists a reservation fee of Rs 2,00,000 for 9999 and Rs 1,00,000 for 1, 9 and 999. Many other listed numbers cost between Rs 10,000 and Rs 50,000. Any other number can be reserved for Rs 5,000, or Rs 2,000 for a two wheeler. If more than one person applies for the same number on the same day, it goes to e-bidding that afternoon.
Fancy number in your state
Readers often search for a fancy number in Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra or Telangana. The idea is the same everywhere, but the categories, fees, bidding times and rules for two wheelers and cars are different. Some states run auctions every few days for a new series. Others allow booking at any time. Check with your RTO or your state transport department website before you pay anything.
To understand what the rest of the plate means, read our number plate format guide. You can also look up your office in the Haryana RTO code list, the Delhi RTO code list or the Karnataka RTO code list.
Things to keep in mind
- A fancy number does not change plate rules. Your plate must still be a proper HSRP number plate in the standard font and style.
- Writing numbers in a design, adding names or making digits look like words is not allowed, even on a VIP number.
- Book only through the official service. This site is an independent guide and does not book numbers.
- Keep the receipt and allotment letter safe until the RC is issued.
Questions people ask
What is a VIP number?
A VIP number is a registration number with a special pattern, like 0001, 0786 or 9999. It is the same as a fancy or choice number. You get it from your state transport department by paying an extra fee or by winning an e-auction.
How can I do RTO choice number online booking?
Open your state transport department website and follow its fancy number link, which in most states goes to the official Parivahan fancy number service. Register, pick your RTO and number, pay the application fee and bid if needed. If you win, pay the balance on time and give the allotment letter to your dealer or RTO.
How much does a fancy number cost?
It depends on your state and the number. For example, Bihar lists a base price of Rs 1,00,000 for 0001 on private vehicles, while Andhra Pradesh lists Rs 1,00,000 for number 1 and Rs 2,00,000 for 9999. Auction prices can go higher. Check your state's latest fee notice.
Is there online VIP number booking for free?
No. Every state charges an application fee and a number fee for choice numbers. Be careful of anyone offering a free or cheap VIP number outside the official process.
How do I check fancy number availability?
Log in to the official fancy number service for your state and choose your RTO. It shows which fancy numbers are open in the current or coming series. Availability changes fast, so check close to the date you register your vehicle.