VIP Number Plate Price in India (2026) - Complete Cost List, Fancy Number Prices & Online Booking Guide

A number plate with more swagger than a Bollywood cameo can turn a quiet driveway into center stage. In a country where small details carry big statements, a VIP number can feel like a lucky charm, a status badge, or just a little treat for the heart. What draws you to a fancy registration? Is it a favorite date or a lucky sequence?

Whatever the reason, these fancy number plates can cost as much as a luxury splurge. Some buyers chase symmetry, some chase meaning and some simply enjoy the thrill of owning a number that stands out in traffic. How do you decide what feels worth the price?

This guide walks through VIP number plate prices in India for 2026, the full cost list, how premium categories work and how to book one online without confusion. Curious to dive deeper and find the right fit for your budget and style? Read on in the article below.
 

What Is a VIP or Fancy Number Plate?

A VIP or fancy number plate is a vehicle number that someone chooses, not one that gets assigned by chance. It usually looks clean, short, or familiar at first glance. Sometimes it repeats. Sometimes it carries meaning. And sometimes, it just feels right to the owner.

In India, these numbers are part of the official registration system. They are issued by the RTO through a government process. There is nothing informal or under-the-table about it. You pick the number, place a bid or pay the listed price and once approved, it becomes part of your vehicle’s identity.

People go for fancy numbers for different reasons. Some like the attention. Some believe certain numbers bring good luck. Others want something that is easy to remember or matches a business brand. And yes, for a few, it is also about status.

A VIP number plate does not change the vehicle itself. But it does change how the vehicle is seen.
 

Key Characteristics of VIP or Fancy Number Plates

Let’s take a look at the key characteristics of VIP/Fancy number plates one-by-one:

• First, they are not common. Only a limited set of numbers in each series are marked as fancy. Once taken, they are gone.
• Second, they come at a price. Regular numbers are free with registration. Fancy numbers are not. The cost depends on demand and popular numbers can go very high during auctions.
• Third, they are fully legal. These numbers are allotted through official portals linked to transport authorities. No middlemen. No grey area.
• Fourth, they stand out easily. Short numbers, repeated digits, or clean patterns catch the eye without effort.
• And finally, they need to be handled carefully. If you plan to keep the number while changing vehicles, there are rules and timelines to follow. Miss those and the number may be lost.
   

Types of VIP or Fancy Number Plates in India

Fancy numbers come in many forms. Some are valued for how they look. Others for what they mean. Here are the most common types you will see on Indian roads.

• Single-Digit Numbers
  Numbers like 1, 3, or 9 are considered premium because they are extremely rare. These almost always attract heavy bidding and are usually picked up by collectors or high-profile buyers.
   
• Repeating Numbers
  This includes plates such as 0001, 1111, 4444, or 9999. They are simple, bold and easy to spot from a distance. That simplicity is exactly what drives demand.
   
• Sequential Numbers
  Plates like 1234 or 2345 appeal to people who like balance and order. They feel neat and intentional, even if they are less flashy than repeating numbers.
   
• Lucky or Belief-Based Numbers
  Many buyers choose numbers based on personal belief. For some, 7 feels fortunate. For others, 8 represents growth or success. These numbers may not always look fancy, but they matter deeply to the owner.
   
• Date-Based Numbers
  Birthdays, anniversaries, or other personal milestones often show up on number plates. These combinations may look ordinary to outsiders, but they carry emotional value.
   
• Pattern or Custom Numbers
  Some people prefer patterns like 1010, 2020, or numbers that reflect initials or business branding. Their price depends on how unique the combination is and how many others want it.
   

Different Colors in Vehicle Number Plates

In India, a number plate’s color is not about style. It quietly tells a story about how the vehicle is used. Before spending money on a fancy number, this part matters more than most people realise.

The number may be fancy, but the color must always match the vehicle’s purpose. There is no flexibility on that.
 

How Fancy Numbers Are Allotted in India?

Fancy numbers are not picked casually at the RTO desk. There is a clear process behind them. In India, these numbers are allotted through four main routes.

• e-Auction Through the Parivahan Fancy Number Portal
  This is the most common method today. The process runs through the official portal under Parivahan. You start by creating an account using your mobile number. After logging in, you can view the list of available fancy numbers for your state and vehicle type. Once you select a number, you pay a registration fee to enter the auction.
  Auctions run in cycles, usually for five days. During this time, bidders can place bids or revise them. When the cycle ends, the highest bidder wins the number.
  After winning, the remaining amount must be paid within the given deadline. If the payment is missed, the number is cancelled and put back into the pool.
   
• Fixed-Fee Allotment in Some States
  In some states, certain fancy numbers are offered at fixed prices instead of auctions. These numbers fall under predefined slabs. For example, numbers like 0007 or 0786 may have a set cost. You pay the amount and the number is allotted directly, without bidding.
  This route is simpler, but availability is limited. The most in-demand numbers usually still go to auction.
   
• Reserved or Special Government Numbers
  Some numbers are never open for public booking. These include protocol numbers reserved for senior government officials, constitutional authorities, or specific departments. They do not appear on auction portals and cannot be purchased. No matter how high the demand, these numbers stay reserved.
   
• Transfer and Re-Assignment of Fancy Numbers
  Fancy numbers are linked to the owner more than the vehicle.
• • If you sell your vehicle and want to keep the number, you can apply for retention and later assign it to another vehicle. There are fees involved and timelines must be followed closely.
  • If the rules are not met, the number can be cancelled or reassigned.

How Much Does a Fancy Number Plate Cost?

There is no single price for a fancy number plate in India. And that is usually the first surprise.

Some people pay a few thousand rupees and walk away happy. Others bid for days and end up paying more than the cost of the vehicle itself. The gap is wide because fancy numbers are priced on demand, not logic.

And demand changes with the number, the state and sometimes even the mood of the auction.

VIP Number Plate Price: Category-Wise Explanation

 

State-Wise Price Ranges and Recent Auction Trends (2024–2026)

Fancy number prices are not uniform across India. Location matters more than most people expect.

In states like Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, competition is strong. Urban demand, higher vehicle density and greater awareness push prices up. For example, premium repeating numbers in these states regularly cross Rs. 5 lakh at auction. Single-digit numbers often move into eight-figure territory.

In mid-sized states, prices tend to stay calmer. Repeating numbers may close between Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 3 lakh, while good-looking sequences stay under Rs. 50,000. Auctions still see action, but bidding wars are less common.

Smaller states and union territories usually see the lowest prices. Here, even popular combinations may sell close to their base price. That does not make them less official. Just less contested.

Between 2024 and early 2026, one trend has stayed consistent. Demand keeps rising. Online auctions have made access easier and more buyers are willing to bid instead of settle for random numbers. Electric vehicles have added another layer of interest, especially for clean, modern-looking numbers.
 

How to Book a Fancy Number Online Through Parivahan?

Booking a fancy number today is not complicated. Most of it happens online and you do not need an agent if you are comfortable following steps. Everything runs through the official portal under Parivahan

Here is how people usually go about it:

• You start by visiting the fancy number section on the portal and creating an account using your mobile number. An OTP confirms the login. Once inside, you choose your state, RTO and vehicle type.
• After that, you can browse available fancy numbers. The list updates regularly, so if a number is not available today, it might appear in a future cycle.
• When you spot a number you like, you pay a small registration fee to take part. This does not mean you own the number yet. It simply allows you to bid when the auction opens.
• If the number falls under fixed pricing in your state, you pay the listed amount and move ahead. If it goes to auction, you wait for the bidding window to begin.
• Once you win the number and complete payment, the allotment letter is generated online. You then use this while registering your vehicle at the RTO.

And that is it. No paperwork and middlemen calls.
 

How Auction Pricing Works and Why Final Prices Vary?

Fancy number auctions look simple on the surface. But a few rules quietly decide how high the price can go.

➔ How to Check Availability of a Fancy Number
Availability is shown directly on the portal. Numbers are listed by RTO and series. If a number is already taken or reserved, it will not appear. Some numbers return to the pool if previous winners fail to pay on time. That is why checking regularly helps.

• Reserve Price and Bid Increments
  Every fancy number comes with a reserve price. This is the minimum amount set by the transport authority. Auctions do not allow random jumps. Bids increase in fixed steps, usually in multiples decided by the category of the number. This keeps bidding structured but still competitive.
   
• Bid Window and Auction Cycles
  Auctions run in cycles, usually lasting five days. During this time, bidders can place new bids or increase existing ones. There is no limit on how many times you revise a bid, as long as the window stays open. Once the cycle ends, bidding stops instantly. The highest bidder at that moment wins.
   
• Payment Rules and Forfeiture
  Winning the auction does not end the process. The remaining amount must be paid within the deadline shown on the portal. Miss it and the allotment is cancelled. The registration fee may also be forfeited, depending on the case. The number then goes back into the next auction cycle.

➔ Processing Time for Getting the Fancy Number Plate
After full payment, the allotment letter is issued almost immediately. Actual number plate installation happens during vehicle registration or re-assignment at the RTO.
In most cases, the entire process fits comfortably within a few weeks, provided documents are in order.

➔ How Auction Mechanics Affect the Final Price
Final prices depend on timing and competition. If two or more bidders want the same number badly, prices rise fast. If interest is low, numbers sometimes close to their reserve price.
State demand, vehicle trends and even festive seasons influence bidding behavior. That is why the same number may sell for very different amounts in different cities.
 

Insurance and Tax Implications of a VIP Number Plate

A fancy number looks premium, but it does not change how insurance or road tax is calculated. This is where many people overthink things.

Motor insurance is always based on the vehicle. Its engine capacity, model, age, fuel type and Insured Declared Value. The number plate, no matter how expensive, does not increase or reduce your insurance premium.

But there is a practical angle to keep in mind:

• If your vehicle has a high-value fancy number, insurers may expect accurate paperwork. The registration certificate must clearly reflect the allotted number. Any mismatch can slow down claims later.
• Road tax works the same way. It is paid on the vehicle cost and category, not on the number. Even if you spent several lakhs on a VIP number, road tax does not change.
• That said, a premium vehicle with a premium number deserves proper coverage. At SMC Insurance, we help you compare motor insurance plans from leading insurers so everything stays aligned. The number, the vehicle and the paperwork.
   

How to Transfer or Sell a VIP Number Plate?

Yes, VIP numbers can be transferred or sold. But only if you follow the rules closely. First, the number belongs to the owner, not permanently to the vehicle. That is why transfer is even possible.

• If you are selling your vehicle but want to keep the fancy number, you must apply for number retention. The number is temporarily parked with the RTO. You then have a fixed time window, usually a few months, to assign it to another vehicle registered in your name.
• If you are selling the number itself to another person, the process is stricter. Direct sale is not allowed in most cases. The number usually has to be surrendered and then re-allotted through official channels. This prevents unofficial trading.

There are transfer fees involved and in some cases, applicable taxes. The exact amount depends on the state and the type of transfer. Miss deadlines or skip steps and the number can be cancelled without refund. That part catches many people off guard.
 

Safety, Fraud and Best Practices

Let’s look in detail:

• One common risk is fake agents promising guaranteed VIP numbers. If someone claims they can bypass auctions or get you a reserved number, that is your signal to step away.
• Always use official portals and government channels. Payments should be made only through authorised platforms. Never transfer money to personal accounts.
• Another mistake people make is bidding emotionally. Auctions move fast and it is easy to overshoot your budget. Set a clear limit before bidding. Walk away if the price crosses it.
• Keep digital copies of everything. Allotment letters, payment receipts and confirmation emails matter later during registration or transfer.
• And finally, align everything. The vehicle registration, the number allotment and the insurance policy should all reflect the same details. That consistency saves time, stress and money later.
   

Latest Government and RTO Updates (2024–2026)

The fancy number space has changed quite a bit over the last two years. And most of it points in one direction. More transparency. More bidding. More money flowing into state coffers.

The biggest shift continues to be through the official Parivahan Fancy Number portal. This is now the primary place where live e-auction cycles, bidding status, and final results are published. Anyone can log in, track ongoing auctions, and even see how much a number finally sold for. That visibility has made the process cleaner and far more competitive.

Tamil Nadu has also been moving steadily toward full e-bidding for fancy numbers. Earlier, many numbers were offered at fixed fees. But draft notifications and recent updates indicate a push toward auction-based allotment instead. The goal is simple. Reduce discretion, increase transparency, and ensure the state captures fair market value. Early reports suggest better revenue and fewer disputes at the RTO level.

And the numbers back this up:

Between 2025 and 2026, several record-breaking auctions made headlines. In Noida, the number 0001 reportedly sold for around Rs. 27.5 lakh, showing just how aggressive bidding can get in high-demand regions. Pune RTO collections from fancy number auctions also surged, crossing Rs. 71.5 crore in a single year. These are not isolated cases. They reflect growing awareness and willingness to bid openly through official platforms.

In short, fancy numbers are no longer a niche interest. They are now a structured, revenue-generating system with clear rules and public outcomes.
 

Fancy Registration Numbers Owned by Indian Celebrities

Celebrities have played a quiet but powerful role in making VIP numbers aspirational. Over the years, several well-known figures have chosen distinctive registration numbers that match their image or personal beliefs.

• Shah Rukh Khan is known for using the number 555 on many of his vehicles, a number he has spoken about fondly.
• Salman Khan has often opted for repeating number patterns, keeping things bold and unmistakable.
• Virat Kohli has been associated with numbers that reflect personal milestones rather than flashy patterns.
• Mukesh Ambani reportedly owns vehicles with highly sought-after low-digit numbers, reflecting both rarity and stature.

When people see these numbers up close, on social media or in real life, it normalises the idea of paying extra for a registration number. It no longer feels unusual. It feels intentional.
 

Why Do People Pay for VIP or Fancy Number Plates?

At first glance, paying lakhs for a number plate sounds excessive. But talk to owners, and the reasons are rarely shallow. Some people want control. They do not like randomness, even in something as small as a registration number.

Others see it as identity. A clean or repeating number becomes part of how the vehicle is recognised. Almost like a signature. For many, belief plays a role. Lucky numbers, dates, or patterns tied to success stories hold emotional weight. And emotion often outweighs logic in buying decisions.

There is also the visibility factor. A fancy number stands out quietly. It does not shout, but it gets noticed. And then there is resale value. While not guaranteed, premium numbers often retain demand. In some cases, they outlive the vehicle itself.

In the end, a VIP number is not about need. It is about choice. And people are willing to pay when that choice feels personal.

A premium number draws attention. But long-term peace of mind comes from proper protection. At SMC Insurance, we help you compare motor insurance plans from leading insurers so everything behind that number stays secure. Because once the novelty fades, coverage is what really matters.
 

 

Wrapping Up,

VIP number plates are no longer rare or confusing. The system is open, online, and rule-based. Anyone can apply, bid, and own a fancy number if they follow the process and stay within budget.

Prices vary widely. Some numbers cost very little. Others break records. What matters is understanding how auctions work, knowing the rules around transfer and payment, and using only official channels.