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June 12, 2025

How to Get a Fancy Number for Your Car/Bike in Maharashtra

Be it your first vehicle or a new addition, every car or bike holds a special place in your heart. For auto enthusiasts, one way to make your valuable machine truly exclusive is by customising it with a fancy number plate. It offers a unique combination of numbers, symbols, patterns, or sequences to give your vehicle a clear identity and distinguish it from the crowd.

However, the process of obtaining a fancy number can feel overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. This guide will walk you through the entire fancy number booking process — from registration to final allocation — helping you make this important milestone even more memorable.

What is a fancy number?

A fancy number, also known as the VIP number or special registration number, refers to a personalised registration number that the Regional Transport Office (RTO) does not assign automatically during vehicle purchases.

People often choose fancy numbers that have aesthetic or symbolic significance, such as lucky numbers, the date of birth, or repeated digits with deeper meaning. You can select your desired fancy number through the Parivahan Sewa official site, either by direct purchase or bidding.

Breakdown of a vehicle’s registration number

Here’s a closer look at the components of a vehicle number plate ‘MH 47 AB XXXX’

Components Breakdown
MH The first two letters show the state where the vehicle is registered. For example, ‘MH’ indicates Maharashtra.
47 These two numbers are the code of the Regional Transport Office (RTO). The number varies based on multiple districts within the state, as all districts have different RTOs. In this case, ‘47’ is the RTO for Borivali (Mumbai, Maharashtra)
AB ‘AB’ is a pair of letters representing the alphabetical order series in which all cars are registered in a specific RTO.
XXXX The last four digits represent the unique registration number allotted to the vehicle.
IND To ensure road safety and prevent theft, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has made it mandatory for all vehicles in India to have High Security Registration Plates (HSRPs) with the ‘IND’ marking (indicating India). This applies to vehicles registered before April 1, 2019, as those after this date already include HSRPs.

Types of fancy numbers with charges in Maharashtra

Buyers decide the final price through e-auction bidding. The following detailed chart shows different fancy numbers and their costs in Maharashtra:

Category Fancy Number List Approximate Fees
Super Elite 0001 ₹5 lakh
Single Digit 0002, 0003, 0004, 0005, 0006, 0007, 0008, 0009 ₹3 lakh
Semi-Fancy Numbers 0100, 0111, 0200, 0222, 0300, 0333, 0400, 0444, 0500, 0555 0600, 0666, 0700, 0777, 0800, 0888, 0900, 0999, 2000, 2222 3000, 3333, 4000, 4444, 5000, 5555, 6000, 6666, 7000, 8000, 8888, 9000, 0101, 0108, 1008, 1313 ₹1 lakh
Others 0786, 1111, 7777, 9999, and numbers between 0010 and 0099 ₹2 lakh

How to check the availability of a fancy number plate

The following are the steps to check the availability of a fancy number plate:

  • Visit the official website of the Parivahan Sewa portal (Government of India)
  • Navigate to the ‘Search by Number’ option
  • Select the state, choose the RTO name where you plan to register, enter the fancy number of your choice, and type in the captcha code
  • Click the ‘Check Availability’ tab to see if the fancy number is available
  • You can select from the available numbers and series

How to book fancy numbers online in Maharashtra

Follow these simple steps to register, place your bid, and secure the perfect fancy number for your car or bike:

  1. Register or log in

    Visit the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) 's official or Parivahan Sewa website. If you are a new applicant, sign up for ‘New Public User’ and fill in the mentioned columns, such as state, name, email ID, and mobile number, and verify using OTP. If registered, log in to your existing account.

  2. Enter details

    Once logged in, search for the ‘Number Selection’ option from the main menu. Enter details of your preferred RTO office, vehicle type, category, and the fancy number series you desire to obtain.

  3. Check availability

    Check if your desired vehicle’s fancy number is available for purchase. You can initiate the payment process and reserve the vehicle number instantly for direct purchase if the number is available.

  4. Place a bid

    If your reserved VIP number is being auctioned, you can place a bid to compete for it. If you win the auction, you must pay the remaining balance for your desired number plate. If things don’t work out as you wish, you can collect your initial payment refund.

  5. Print the allotment letter

    Ensure you print the allotment letter after making the payment, since it officially confirms your transaction and the ownership of the fancy number.

How to book a VIP number offline in Maharashtra

The following are the steps to book a fancy number offline in Maharashtra:

  • Visit the nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) from where you wish to apply for your vehicle registration
  • Fill the Form 20 — Application form for fancy number
  • Enquire about the availability of your preferred fancy number. If it has more than one request, compete in the bidding process
  • Pay the registration fees and any additional costs in case you win the bidding
  • Once your VIP number is confirmed, the RTO will issue an allotment letter to get your fancy number plate

What is the E-Auction process for fancy numbers in Maharashtra?

Here are the simple steps to participate in the e-auction process for fancy number plates:

  • Register on the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways website (MoRTH) to get the Unique Acknowledgement Number (UAN)
  • Pay the non-refundable registration fee and the reserved price for the fancy registration number
  • After making the payment, select and block the fancy number of your choice from the available registration numbers
  • The e-auction registration window is open for 3 days, followed by a 2-day bidding process
  • For categories 1 to 4, you can change the bids in multiples of ₹10,000. For category 5, bids can change by ₹1,000
  • E-auction winning bidders receive notifications via SMS and email
  • Deposit the remaining balance online within 5 days of the declaration date
  • An allotment letter will be generated after settling the balance.
  • The said allotment letter will be valid for 90 days for vehicle registration

Key considerations when applying for a fancy Parivahan number

Remember these key points while reserving your preferred RTO choice number list for a car/bike through the online booking:

  1. Regional differences

    The process and availability differ from region to region in PAN India. Check for the respective region beforehand, as some states may have tighter regulations or an increased fee.

  2. Limited availability

    In recent years, fancy phone numbers or unique license plate numbers have caught almost everyone’s eyes. Limited availability, high demand, and auctions make it tough to grab the VIP number you want.

  3. Additional costs

    Apart from the application fee, know the costs involved in auction fees, taxes, or other hidden charges. Be wary to avoid surprises and complications during the procurement process.

  4. Time-consuming process

    Securing a fancy number can be lengthy, especially when an auction round or administrative processes are involved. In such cases, gather all the required documents and prepare to dedicate enough time to the process.

  5. Processing time

    The processing time for fancy numbers allotted through a Parivahan Sewa is generally around 5 days. Once you complete registration, the bidding process starts on the fourth day and continues until the fifth day. Register the vehicle with the relevant RTO within 90 days of receiving the allotment letter.

Getting a Parivahan fancy number for your car or bike in Maharashtra is a great way to customise your vehicle and make it worth watching on the road. The Parivahan Sewa portal makes the process simple: check availability, book, purchase/bid, and secure your fancy number plate online. As demand increases, familiarise yourself with the vehicle number details, vehicle registration details, and the required documents. So, ensure your vehicle’s fancy number plate is ready to hit the road legally and in style.

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