What is a Fancy Number Plate
A VIP number plate with unique numerals is another name for a fancy number plate. Pseudonyms like "0001," "1111," or "4444", or numerals with cultural significance like "0786" could be among them. People spend lakhs of rupees on registration numbers to stand out from the traffic. Sometimes, they will pay a hefty price for an eye-catching number plate. The Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Tamil Nadu oversees the complicated procedure of obtaining these plates.
How to Get a Fancy Number Plate
In Tamil Nadu, obtaining a fancy number plate requires completing a few crucial stages, including online registration and auction-based number acquisition. This is how it operates.
Online Registration
You must start the process by registering on the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) website. This is your first step to participating in the fancy number auction.
- Visit the MoRTH website.
- Sign up as a public user.
- Log in to your account.
- Choose the fancy number you want from the list.
- Pay the registration fee to reserve the number.
After this, you can move on to the auction part of the process.
E-Auction Process
Joining the e-auction is the next phase, where you will bid against other participants to obtain the fancy number.
- Take part in the e-auction after registering.
- The auction lasts five days (three days for registration and two days for bidding).
- Place your bids in steps of ₹10,000 (some categories allow smaller increments).
- The highest bidder wins the fancy number.
Post this, all you'll need to do is to finalise the process.
Final Payment and Allotment
You must acquire your number and finish the payment after winning the auction.
- If you win the bidding, you'll get a notification via SMS and email.
- Pay the remaining amount within five days.
- Get your allotment letter, which is valid for 90 days.
- Use this letter to complete the vehicle registration.
Your car may now show off its new, stylish license plate!
Things to Remember While Applying for a Fancy Number Plate
Applying for a fancy number plate in Tamil Nadu can be exciting, adding a unique identity to your vehicle. However, it’s essential to follow specific guidelines and legal requirements to ensure a smooth, hassle-free process.
- Check Availability: You can verify the availability of your desired VIP or fancy number through the Parivahan website or by visiting a nearby RTO in Tamil Nadu.
- Refund Policy: If you don’t receive your chosen number plate after winning the bid, you are eligible to claim a refund.
- Timely Payment: Once you win the bid for your preferred number plate, make the payment promptly to confirm the allocation.
- Mandatory HSRP Plate: Ensure that your vehicle has a High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP), as it is required for all vehicles, including those with fancy plates.
- Follow Motor Vehicle Laws: Adhere to all rules under the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, even with a fancy number plate on your vehicle.
Fees and Charges
Depending on the kind of number you select, there are different prices associated with getting a fancy number plate in Tamil Nadu. The several fancy number categories are displayed in the table below:
Category | Examples | Base Price for 2 - wheeler; 4 - wheeler |
| Super Elite Numbers | 0001 | ₹2 lakh |
| Single Digit Numbers | 0002, 0003, 0004, 0005, 0006, 0007, 0008, 0009 | ₹1 lakh |
| Other Popular Numbers | 0786, 1111, 7777, 9999, Numbers between 0010 to 0099 | ₹60,000 |
| Semi-Fancy Numbers | 0100, 0222, 0333, 0444, 0555, 0666, 0777, 0888, 0999, etc. | ₹40,000 |
How to Check Availability of Fancy Number Plates
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to find out if a fancy number plate is available in Tamil Nadu:
Step 1: Visit the MoRTH Website
- Go to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) website.
Step 2: Select 'Choice Number'
- Look for and click the 'Choice Number' option on the website.
Step 3: Choose State and RTO
- Select Tamil Nadu as your state, then choose your respective Regional Transport Office (RTO) from the provided list.
Step 4: View Available Numbers
- After selecting your state and RTO, you can see a list of available fancy numbers.
Step 5: Proceed with Registration
- If your preferred number is available, you can proceed with the registration and bidding process by following the instructions on the website.
Challenges and Considerations
In Tamil Nadu, obtaining a decorative license plate might be exciting, but additional considerations and hurdles are involved. A systematic summary of these elements is provided below:
Competitive Bidding Process
- Rising Costs: Exotic number plate bidding is very competitive, frequently resulting in quickly rising costs. Due to the possibility that popular numbers could sell for lakhs of rupees, this may make it impossible for average customers to get their desired numbers.
- Transparency Concerns: There have been times when people have questioned whether the bidding procedure is transparent. Concerns regarding the auction system's fairness have arisen due to accusations of favouritism and manipulation.
Legal Compliance
- Misuse of Plates: To make fancy number plates more eye-catching or distinctive, some car owners have tried to modify the appearance of their plates. The Tamil Nadu Transport Department has tight rules about the type and design of number plates; therefore, their misuse may result in legal issues.
- Penalties: The department takes aggressive measures to ensure compliance, and any departure from the guidelines—such as using unapproved typefaces, sizes, or symbols—may lead to penalties.
Customisation Restrictions
- Standard Format: Customisation of fancy number plates in any way beyond the standard format is not allowed. The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, requires all license plates to adhere to strict design, size, and font requirements.
- Non-Compliance: Legal fines may be imposed for any deviation from these requirements, underscoring the need to follow the specified format.
How to Transfer Fancy Number Plates
- A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the RTO is required before you may move a beautiful number plate from one car to another.
- This step is essential to make sure that the law accepts the transfer.
- The cost to transfer a beautiful number plate varies based on the RTO and the particular number.
- Usually, it falls between a few hundred and a few thousand rupees.
- It is crucial to remember that the number can only be transferred to a different owner if the correct legal procedures are followed, and the transfer may only be completed within the same state.
Conclusion
In Tamil Nadu, fancy number plates provide a unique fusion of custom, prestige, and individuality. These plates can be obtained through a clearly defined process, including online registration, an e-auction, and final payment. However, it also necessitates having a thorough awareness of the related expenses and legal requirements. Due to cultural and individual preferences, the tendency will only expand, making the Tamil Nadu Transport Department's auctions a popular destination for people looking to make a statement on the roads.
The procedure provides a way to obtain the number plate that most accurately captures your identity, regardless of your motivations—status, superstition, or desire for a distinctive number.
Frequently Asked Questions
