Long story short: The ultimate resource for those seeking a motorcycle fancy number plate in India. Learn the bike fancy number booking process, steps, price, and how to stand out from the crowd.
Fancy number plates are unique vehicle identifiers that add personalisation and exclusivity. These plates often feature specific sequences of numbers or letters that hold personal significance, stand out, or are easily remembered. However, before learning about the fancy number and steps to take for your motorcycle, you must understand Temporary Permits (TP) in depth, including their benefits and limitations. So, let’s get into the topic.
What is a Temporary permit (TP)
In India, dealers issue temporary permits to new motorcycle owners who have not yet received their permanent registration. The dealership that handles motorcycle purchases assigns a temporary registration number valid for six months. This short-term registration allows you to use your motorcycle while authorities process your permanent registration.
Legal Requirements of TP
The Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR) mandate displaying the temporary registration number on the motorcycle in a specific format, using only capital letters in English and numerals. The CMVR also specifies the dimensions of the numbers and letters on the number plate to ensure uniformity and readability.
Practical Considerations of TP
Motorcycle owners must ensure their temporary registration number is displayed correctly and legibly to avoid penalties. Once you obtain the permanent registration and fancy number plate, you must immediately replace the temporary number to comply with legal requirements. Using a temporary number plate displaying “Applied For” or without a number plate can incur significant penalties under the CMVR and Motor Vehicle Act.
Limitations of TP
- While driving the motorcycle with TP, you can only travel within your registered motorcycle state.
- Validity of six months (is extendable)
Relation between bike Temporary permit & fancy number
A motorcycle owner can legally use a temporary registration number until they secure a desired, fancier number. This means that while a motorcycle owner waits for their customised fancy number plate, they can use a temporary registration number. However, the temporary number must still comply with the CMVR regulations regarding format and visibility.
What is a motorcycle fancy number plate?
A fancy number plate is a customised registration plate for a motor vehicle designed to give it a unique identity. These plates often feature specific sequences, such as 0001, 9999, or other combinations that are easy to remember or hold personal significance. They make vehicles distinctly noticeable and add a touch of style and individuality.
Documents required for booking a motorcycle fancy number
1. Proof of Identity
You must provide valid identification documents to participate in the e-auction with a fancy number. Acceptable forms of ID include:
- Aadhaar card
- PAN card
- Passport
2. Bank Passbook Details
Transferring the amount to the customer’s bank account is mandatory in the event of an unsuccessful bid.
3. Temporary Permit Details
This is mandatory, and only after getting TP from the dealer can you apply for a fancy number.
What are the steps to obtain a motorcycle Fancy Number in India?
Step 1: Online Registration
To begin the process, applicants must register online as public users on the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). This registration will provide a Unique Acknowledgement Number (UAN), essential for further steps. Please note that bike dealers can also do this, and they can do the same for you.
Step 2: Selection of Fancy Number
After logging into the account, applicants can select their desired fancy number from the available list. This step involves navigating through the MoRTH website to select the “Choice Number” option, then choosing the state and RTO name to view the list of available fancy numbers.
Step 3: Payment of Fees
Applicants must pay a non-refundable registration fee (often 30% of the base bid) and the reserve price for the fancy bike number. This payment is necessary to block the selected number and participate in the e-auction.
Step 4: Participation in E-Auction
E-auction or bidding will only occur when more than one user bids for the same number. The e-auction process typically spans five days, with the registration window open for the first three days and bidding on the subsequent two days. During this period, applicants can place their bids in multiples of Rs 10,000 for categories 1 to 4 and in multiples of Rs 1,000 for category 5.
Step 5: Declaration of Results
The authorities inform successful bidders via SMS after the e-auction closes. The winning bidder must deposit the balance online within five days from the declaration date.
Step 6: Allotment Letter
After you pay the balance, the system generates an allotment letter, valid for 90 days, which you must present at the designated RTO for final registration.
Are there additional fees associated with obtaining a motorcycle fancy number in India?
Yes, obtaining a fancy motorcycle number plate through e-auction comes with significant additional fees:
- Reserve Price: This sets the minimum starting point for bids. For example “0001”: ₹50,000+
“0002–0009”: ₹30,000+ and Popular patterns: ₹15,000–₹30,000+. For exact price, please visit the official website or the nearest RTO - Advance Deposit: A portion (often 30%) of the reserve price, non-refundable if you do not win.
- Bid Increments: Subsequent bids required to increase by a set amount (usually ₹10,000 for high-demand numbers).
- Final Payment: Winning bidder pays the final auction price within the stipulated time. Non-payment results in the forfeiture of the deposit and, in some cases, a ban from future auctions.
What are the different scenarios in motorcycle fancy number E-auction in India?
Scenario 1: Successful Bidder
If an applicant successfully wins the bid, they will be notified via SMS. After two days, it will be reflected on the MVD website every Saturday. They must then pay the remaining balance within five days and obtain the allotment letter for vehicle registration, valid for 90 days.
After that, the dealer will apply for the HSRP plate, and it will take around 2-4 days for the dealer to receive it. One additional note is that the RC will only be sent to your home address by post once the dealer updates the registration number on the HSRP website.
Scenario 2: Unsuccessful Bidder
If an applicant does not win the bid, they can try again in the next auction and must request a refund of the bike fancy number reserve price. With the same reserved amount, you cannot apply for another fancy number. The registration fee, however, is non-refundable.
Scenario 3: Non-Payment of Balance
Suppose the successful bidder fails to pay the balance within the specified time frame. In that case, their application will be cancelled, and the number will be returned to the pool of available fancy numbers.
Scenario 4: Checking Availability
Applicants can check the availability of their preferred fancy numbers on the MoRTH website or by visiting the local RTO. This step is crucial before making any payments or participating in the auction.
Scenario 5: State-Specific Variations
The fees and registration charges for fancy numbers vary from state to state. Applicants should check their state-specific requirements and costs before proceeding.
What if multiple bids are there for the same motorcycle fancy number?
E-auction platforms are designed to handle competition for popular numbers.
- Highest Bid Wins: At auction close, the highest unique bidder secures the number.
- Transparent Bidding: All eligible bidders can increase their offers during the bidding window, ensuring fairness.
- Result Declaration: The winner is announced on the portal. The winner must pay the remaining amount to complete registration of that number.
- Tie-breakers: In rare cases of identical final bids, tie-breaking rules (such as the time of the last bid or re-auction) are applied according to official guidelines.
What are the reserved series of motorcycle fancy numbers not available for public users?
Certain series of motorcycle fancy numbers in India are reserved and not available for normal users. These reserved series are typically set aside for government officials, diplomatic vehicles, law enforcement, or other special purposes, and thus are excluded from public bidding or allocation through the e-auction system.
- “0000”: Generally reserved for government and official use; not allotted to private individuals.
- Single-digit numbers like “0001”: In many states, numbers such as “0001” are reserved for top dignitaries like the Governor, Chief Minister, or for official government vehicles.
- Diplomatic series: Plates starting with prefixes like “CD” (Corps Diplomatique) or “CC” (Consular Corps) are exclusively for diplomatic and consular vehicles.
- Numbers with special prefixes or suffixes: Those having “G”, “Govt”, or other official tags are reserved for government departments.
- Police and Defense series: Distinct number series or special patterns are exclusively designated for police and armed forces vehicles.
- State-specific reserved numbers: Some states reserve particular number ranges or patterns for emergency services, state officials, or charity vehicles.
- Reserved numbers and series are not displayed or available on public e-auction portals such as the official Parivahan portal.
- When you check number availability online, these reserved numbers will typically show as “reserved” or “blocked”.
- Besides the above, other high-demand numbers are generally available to the public through auction but with high reserve prices.
The official Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) or individual state’s RTO may update reserved series status, so checking their portals or notifications is essential for the latest list. This ensures that prestigious or government-related numbers are appropriately set aside and the public can bid only on numbers allocated for normal users. If you want specific reserved number series for a particular state or detailed lists, those are typically available on the state’s transport website or the official Parivahan fancy number booking portal.
Frequently Asked Questions about motorcycle fancy number
1. Can we book a fancy number before getting a Temporary Permit?
No, you won’t have the option to book a fancy number for your motorcycle until after you’ve received your TP.
2. Can we extend the Temporary Permit for motorcycles?
Typically, the duration is 45 days, and within that period, the process must be completed. Earlier, there was an extension, but now that option is cancelled. In exceptional cases, please visit or contact the nearest RTO ASAP.
3. What is the cost of a fancy number plate in India?
The cost varies significantly depending on the state and the specific number chosen. For example, the number 0001 can be very costly. The minimum amount starts from Rs 3,000 and can extend up to Rs 1 lakh and even beyond that.
4. Can I cancel the already booked fancy number and return to the normal number on a motorcycle?
No, you can only book fancy numbers or select numbers from the same range.
5. Can I keep my fancy number plate if I sell or scrap my motorcycle?
Yes, you can retain your fancy number plate even if you decide to sell or scrap your vehicle.
6. How do I check the availability of a fancy number?
You can check the availability of your preferred fancy number on the Parivahan website or by visiting your local RTO.
7. What if I do not pay the final auction amount after winning the bid?
Failing to pay the winning bid by the stated deadline may result in cancellation of your claim, forfeiture of your deposit, and sometimes a ban on future bidding. The number may then be offered to the next highest bidder.
8. Are fancy numbers available on a first-come, first-served basis?
No. Premium and VIP numbers are typically only allotted through the auction process. However, a few less sought-after numbers may be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
9. What happens if multiple people bid for the same number?
The number goes to the highest bidder. If the highest bid is tied, the system may award the number to the earliest final bid or conduct a re-auction, as per portal guidelines.
10. Is there an advance deposit or registration fee to participate?
Yes. You must pay a non-refundable registration fee plus a refundable base price/caution deposit for the desired number. The deposit is refunded if you do not win the auction, but the registration fee is not.
Myths about bike fancy number booking in India
1. Fancy Numbers Are Only for Luxury Bikes
Many people assume fancy number plates are reserved for luxury cars or high-end motorcycles. In reality, owners of any class of motorcycle—costly or affordable—can apply for a fancy number if they’re willing to pay the fees set by their local RTO.
2. You Need an Agent to Secure a Fancy Number
A persistent myth is that obtaining a fancy number requires hiring a tout or agent. The process today is fully transparent and digital: you can apply and bid online directly on official government portals, eliminating the need for intermediaries.
3. Fancy Number Plates Are Illegal
Some confuse “fancy numbers” (special registration numbers) with “fancy” or illegally designed number plates. Fancy numbers, when properly allotted via the RTO and displayed on standard, legally compliant plates, are entirely legal. What is illegal are plates with unauthorised fonts, sizes, or decorative elements.
4. Fancy Numbers Guarantee High Resale Value
While a distinctive number can attract attention, it does not automatically translate to a higher resale value. Only certain numbers with strong popular appeal may slightly influence the price; most do not add significant value on their own.
5. Fancy Numbers Can Be Bought Anytime
Unlike regular numbers, most sought-after fancy numbers are available only through scheduled auctions or in limited series, rather than being readily available throughout the year. Instant purchase is rare and restricted to select numbers on a first-come, first-served basis.
6. All High-Demand Numbers Are Always Expensive
Not every attractive number results in fierce bidding or exorbitant prices; some popular options carry relatively reasonable base prices, especially in less competitive markets or number series.
7. There’s No Refund or Appeal if You Lose the Auction
The registration or processing fee for participating in a fancy number auction may be non-refundable. Still, the bulk of the deposit is typically returned if you do not win the bid, subject to local rules.
8. Once Won, Fancy Numbers Can Be Freely Sold or Transferred
Contrary to popular belief, fancy numbers are usually non-transferable except in specific cases (such as inheritance or legal business transfer). You cannot legally sell your number independently for profit.
9. Only Wealthy People Bid for Fancy Numbers
Enthusiasm for fancy numbers isn’t limited to the wealthy or celebrities; regular riders, young professionals, and even scooter owners frequently participate for reasons ranging from personal significance to astrology or numerology.
10. The Process Is Not Transparent or Fair
Modern e-auction systems are designed to be open and fair. Bidders can see real-time updates, and stringent anti-fraud measures and dispute resolution protocols are now in place, making the process highly transparent.
Useful links for bike fancy number booking
- Parivahan E-auction results
- Parivahan bidding updates
- Parivahan E-auction status
- Parivahan state wise fancy number user manuals
- Parivahan Open series status
Other related articles from Bikeleague India
- Bike number plates in India – Everything you need to know
- Motorcycle RC book in India: Exploring Book vs Digital
- Second hand motorcycle:Things to know when buying It
- Which bike chassis is right for your riding style
- Bike fitness certificate guide – All you need to know
Conclusion
Bike fancy number plates offer a unique way to personalise your motorcycle and make it stand out. These number plates are obtained through online registration and e-auction systems, making them accessible to all motorcycle owners. By understanding bike fancy number booking, steps, price, FAQ and myths, you can make an informed decision about acquiring a bike fancy number plate for your motorcycle in India.
If you have any other doubts or queries about bike fancy number booking, email us at bikeleague2017@gmail.com. You can also share your doubts or opinions in the comments section below. We are always eager to help and assist you. Additionally, there are several social media platforms associated with Bikeleague India that may raise your suspicions.
