How To Apply For A Fancy Number Plate In West Bengal

In India, owning a vehicle is often associated with social status and a customised one is seen as an expression of one’s individuality. An expensive car or motorcycle becomes a statement of opulence where its owner would want to stand out from the rest with their purchase. Although customising a vehicle can make it uncommon, it is still replicable. So, one of the ways to truly make a vehicle unique is with a special or fancy number plate. 

Specifically referring to fancy number plates, they are individual to a vehicle and cannot be replicated, achieving the goal of personalisation with a distinct signature for the vehicle. In West Bengal, like in many other states in India, special , VIP or fancy number plates are highly sought after. Some people get fancy number plates for religious reasons, others for superstitious beliefs while some get them purely as a silent shout of their social eminence.

CARS24 has prepared this extensive guide to tell you everything you need to know about applying for a fancy number plate in West Bengal. Have a fancy number plate already installed on your vehicle? Share your experience of getting one on the CARS24 auto community, CLUTCH, where there are more interesting automotive discussions taking place.

What is a Fancy Number Plate?

Fancy number plates are unique car registration  plates that often feature memorable or aesthetically pleasing sequences of numbers. Fancy number plates are also referred to as VIP or special numbers and come at a premium cost, making them a symbol of prestige for owners. These types of number plates typically feature a combination of numbers that are easy to remember, have personal significance, or are associated with being lucky. In West Bengal and even other states, numbers like “0001”, “8055” referring to “BOSS”,  “0777” et al. are particularly popular. These plates are not only a statement of personal taste but also a reflection of one’s social status as some of these numbers are priced above ₹5 lakh.

The transport department of the government of West Bengal, allows vehicle owners to choose and apply for these special numbers. The process of acquiring one however, is competitive with many popular numbers being assigned through an e-auction system due to their high demand. This also means that coveted numbers with a base price of ₹5-6 lakh often end up selling for well over ₹20 lakh at auction, a substantial percentage of the value of the car that it will eventually adorn.

How to Get a Fancy Number Plate in West Bengal?

Getting a fancy number plate registered for your vehicle in West Bengal involves several steps, from selecting the desired number to participating in an e-auction in most cases. This process has been made easier over the years by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) through the Parivahan website that centralises the process in one place and categorises it state-wise.

An important point to keep in mind is that this process will have to be done just as soon as the vehicle is bought. You will also have to state the same to the dealership so that a request for a regular number and registration certificate isn’t generated. Else this may result in the vehicle getting registered with an in-series number and the process cannot be reversed. As a result, the fancy number plate application will automatically get rejected.

1. Using the Parivahan website

• Log on to the Parivahan Sewa website.
• Under the “Online Services” tab, click on “Fancy Number Booking”
• This will open a page dedicated to queries and applications for a fancy number registration.

2. Create an account as a “Public User”

Under the login section, if you have an existing account, you can directly login. Alternatively, you can create an account by selecting the “Public User?” tab and furnishing basic information to register and create an account.

3. Check availability of your desired number

• Before applying for your favourite fancy number, you will have to check its availability. This can be done through the “Search by Number” tab. A page then opens up requesting the State Name and Regional Transport Office (RTO) selection through a drop-down menu. After entering the “Verification Code” or “Captcha Code”, select “Check Availability”.

• This will then display the availability of the number against its corresponding RTOs in the selected State. You only need to enter the last four digits of your choice to check for availability of the number.

• If your number of choice isn’t available then you can search from a list of available numbers by selecting the tab “Choice Numbers” which will then prompt you to enter the State Name and RTO. This will display a list of available numbers and their corresponding prices. It’s worth noting here that only numbers marked as “Non-Transport” are applicable for private vehicles that include cars and motorcycles.

4. Register for an e-Auction

Upon logging in, you will get two tabs for selection. One redirects you to the registration process for an e-auction and the second selection is for a number allocation on first-come-first-serve basis. If the number you desire is high in demand or very popular then you will have to participate in an e-auction. This process allows multiple bids by interested parties and as auctions go, the one with the highest bid secures the number. You’ll need to register for the e-auction on the Parivahan Sewa e-auction portal by submitting the required documents, and paying a non-refundable participation fee.

5. Make the payment

Once your application is accepted, you will need to pay the requisite fee for the fancy number registration. Payment can be made online or directly at the RTO. After the payment, you will receive a confirmation receipt on email and as a text message, which will serve as proof of your application. The RTO will then process your request, and you will be assigned the fancy number plate. In case the incorrect RTO was selected during the application process and doesn’t correspond to your residential address then the application will automatically get cancelled.

What is the Price of a Fancy Number Plate in West Bengal?

The cost of a fancy number plate in West Bengal varies depending on the specific number and its popularity. The West Bengal government has categorised numbers into different slabs, with numbers that are higher in demand costing significantly more. Below is a breakdown of the prices for popular number plates in West Bengal.

These are just a handful of examples of popular numbers that are high in demand. The actual cost of a specific number plate can vary depending on its demand at the time of application. Due to this reason, a Super Elite 0001 starts at a base price of ₹6 lakh while it can see final bids upwards of ₹25 lakh or more. The bidding process is highly competitive at these levels while a number like 1110 can be had for as much as the listed base price of ₹50,000. Having a set budget in mind will help prevent overstretching for a number, if you’re flexible with getting the desired number in alternate sequences.

How to Check Fancy Number Plate Availability in West Bengal?

It is essential to check the availability of your fancy number of choice as going through the application process becomes otherwise redundant. Checking the availability of a fancy number plate in West Bengal is easy and involves logging into the Parivahan Sewa website. The detailed steps are as follows.

Step 1. Visit the official Parivahan Sewa Website.

Step 2. Navigate to the Fancy Number Booking Section under “Online Services”

Step 3. Here, you can either choose “Choice Number” or “Search By Number”

Step 4. On the following page, you will be asked to enter the “State” and “RTO”. Select your state of residence and the RTO jurisdiction under which your area of residence falls.

Step 5. Enter the last four digits of the number that you desire. If you are looking for number 7 then you will have to enter it as either “0007” or “7000”. Keep in mind that the number 7 can be had in different price categories, as a single-digit fancy number plate displayed as “0007” or a regular fancy number plate as “7000”.

Enter the desired number and click on “Check Availability”.

Step 6. On the results page, the system will display whether the number is available or not. If the number is unavailable, you might be given the option to choose similar numbers that are still available.

Step 7. If the number is marked for auction, you will be prompted to register for the e-auction process.

Checking availability online of your desired fancy number saves time and ensures that you can act quickly if it’s available.

E-Auction Process for Fancy Number Plate Registration in West Bengal

VIP or fancy numbers can be in high demand and its supply, naturally, is limited by the number availability per RTO. Every RTO in a city is allocated a set of numbers and they are limited as they cannot be replicated. Thus, with surging demand, the government can only allocate them via an online auction. This process not only makes it fair to meet the high demand but also helps generate a lot of revenue for the state.

The e-auction of fancy number plates makes obtaining your special number plate of choice viable, as long as you’re willing to pay the price for it. In case the VIP number isn’t available or the bids are too high, you can then select an alternative and participate in another auction for it. The e-auction process for premium number plates ensures fairness and transparency in allocating them. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the e-auction process for getting a VIP number plate registration in West Bengal.

Step 1 - Registration for E-Auction

You must first register yourself on the Parivahan Sewa’s e-auction portal. Provide your personal details for registration and generate a login ID and a password. Once logged in, you will be presented with an option to proceed with e-auction numbers.

Step 2 - Payment of Participation Fee

The fancy numbers are divided into various categories, each with its own participation/registration fees. Once registered, you will be required to pay a participation fee. This is typically a non-refundable deposit and the payment can be made online through the portal.

Step 3 - Bidding Process

The e-auction typically lasts for three days. During this period, you can place bids on your chosen number. The current highest bid is always shown and you can increase your bid if desired. The highest bid at the close of the auction period wins and gets the number allocated.

Step 4 - Winning the Bid

If you are the highest bidder when the auction closes, you will receive an email and an SMS confirmation of your successful bid. You’ll need to pay the final bid amount online or at the RTO. The final amount is the total bid minus the participation fee that was already paid.

Step 5 - Allotment of Number

After the RTO receives the full payment, it will officially allot the fancy number to your vehicle. You will receive a certificate or confirmation, which needs to be kept for your records.

Step 6 - Installation of Number Plate

With the official fancy number allotment, you can proceed to get your fancy number plate made and installed according to the government’s specifications for High Security Registration Plate or HSRP as it’s commonly known.

Conclusion

Acquiring a fancy number plate for your vehicle is an aspirational want for many buyers. However, the uniqueness of the number comes at a premium. In West Bengal, a fancy number for your vehicle can be had following a few steps that include checking availability of the number, participating in an e-auction and making the necessary payments for it. A fancy number plate is the ultimate expression of individuality for any vehicle thus they’re also competitively bid for. A popular single digit number is always high in demand and a large number of bidders apply for the e-auction process, thus, prices can touch much higher than the base price of the number. Price aside, the West Bengal Transport Department, together with Parivahan Sewa and MoRTH has made this process accessible and transparent through the e-auction process. The fact that the process can almost entirely be completed online is an added convenience.

FAQs

Q. What is the price for a “0001” number plate in West Bengal?

The “0001” fancy number plate in West Bengal is categorised as “Super Elite” and has a base price of ₹6 lakh. This number can only be availed through participation in an e-auction and final bids for the number can go as high as ₹25 lakh.

Q. What is the price for a “9999” number plate in West Bengal?

The “9999” VIP number plate is classified as a “Semi-premium” fancy number and has a base price of ₹2.5 lakh. This number can be availed via an e-auction.

Q. What is the price for a “0009” number plate in West Bengal?

The “0009” special number plate has a starting bid of ₹3.5 lakh as it’s categorised as an “Elite” fancy number in West Bengal.

Q. What is the price for a “0003” number plate in West Bengal?

The “0003” fancy number plate falls under the “Premium” category of VIP numbers as a single-digit number. It currently costs ₹3 lakh as base price for the e-auction.

Q. What is the price for a “0002” number plate in West Bengal?

The “0002” VIP number plate is priced at ₹3 lakh as a “Premium” category fancy number in West Bengal.

Q. How can I check the availability of my chosen number in West Bengal?

You can check the availability of your chosen number on the Parivahan Sewa website dedicated to Fancy Number Bookings. There, select your State and RTO, then search for your specific number of choice or check the list of available VIP numbers to see if your chosen number is available.

Q. How long does the entire process of getting a fancy number plate take in West Bengal?

The process of getting a fancy number plate can typically take up to two weeks or more. The registration process for an e-auction along with the bidding takes three days and then once the results are declared, you can get the allocation of the winning fancy number plate in West Bengal in the following days.