How to Book a Fancy Number Plate in Mumbai and What are Its Charges?

Getting a fancy number plate in Mumbai is an exciting way for vehicle owners to customise their cars and bikes. While vehicle modifications have always been common in India, the interest in unique number plates has seen a steady rise. 

Fancy number plates offer a legal avenue for owners to add a personalised touch to their vehicles, allowing them to stand out on the road. Although the process comes with specific rules and steps, it provides a distinctive option for customisation. 

This article explains the steps and costs of obtaining a fancy number plate for cars and bikes in Mumbai.

A fancy number for your vehicle is something like 8888, 0022 or 1111. It can be a number that is significant to you, for example, the number of your birthday or that you like because of astrology or numerology. In any case, it has a price if you want to designate a specific number for your vehicle.

By the provisions of The Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, it is mandatory for every vehicle owner to get the vehicle registered with the RTO number plate and the same number to be placed at the front and rear sides of the car. The above rule applies to all vehicles regardless of whether the number plate is classy. 

In Mumbai, as in the rest of Maharashtra, these regulations are strictly enforced, so all residents must adhere to the law outlined in the Act.

To book your preferred fancy number in Mumbai, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Register as a public user on the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways website. 
• Step 2: After creating your account and logging in, select the fancy number you want. 
• Step 3: Make the payment for the registration fee, which varies based on the chosen number.
• Step 4: Participate in the bidding process for your selected VIP number. 
• Step 5: If the bid is unsuccessful, the balance must be paid and if it is successful, you can request a refund. 
• Step 6: Finally, print the allotment letter for your records.

Before applying for a VIP number plate in Mumbai, it is crucial to verify if your preferred number is available. Follow these steps to check your fancy number availability in Mumbai:

• Step 1: Go to the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

• Step 2: Scroll down and click on the 'Choice Number' option.
• Step 3: A new page will open, where you will need to select your state and RTO location.

To book a fancy number online in Mumbai, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Visit the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) portal and navigate to the Parivahan Sewa portal under the 'Road Transport' section.

• Step 2: From the ‘Online Services’ menu, select the 'Fancy Number Booking' option.

• Step 3: Log in using your user ID and password.

Follow these steps to book a fancy number offline in Mumbai:

• Step 1: Visit your nearest RTO office in Mumbai. 
• Step 2: Inquire about the available fancy numbers in the current series. 
• Step 3: Select your preferred number and fill out the application form for that specific number.
• Step 4: Pay the required fee to reserve your chosen number. If multiple people apply for the same number, it is usually given to the person who pays the highest road tax.

Here are a few key points you need to keep in mind when applying for a fancy number plate in Mumbai:

• The availability of the desired VIP or fancy number can be ascertained through the Parivahan website or by contacting the respective RTO.
• If you manage to win the bid but the number selected is not given to you, you are entitled to a refund.
• After you have secured the bid for your preferred number plate, you are expected to pay instantly.
• Vehicles with fancy number plates must also have an HSRP (High-Security Registration Plate), as it is mandatory for all vehicles.
• Even if you have had the privilege of having a special number plate for your vehicle, you still have to observe all the legal requirements provided for under the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988.

To participate in the e-auction for a VIP number plate in Mumbai, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Register on the official Ministry of Road Transport and Highways website to obtain a Unique Acknowledgement Number (UAN).
• Step 2: Deposit the non-refundable registration fee plus the reserve price for the desired VIP number.
• Step 3: Choose and block your desired registration number.
• Step 4: The e-auction registration will last for three days while the bidding will be done for two days. The successful bidders will be contacted through SMS and email.
• Step 5: Pay the remaining balance online within five days of the auction result.

After completing the payment, an allotment letter will be issued, valid for 90 days to register your vehicle.

Overall, it is quite easy to obtain a fancy number plate in Mumbai provided the above steps are followed properly. Regardless of whether you are applying online or physically to your local RTO, it is vital that you verify the number and engage in the bidding process if necessary. It is always advisable to follow all regulations under the Motor Vehicles Act and ensure that you make payments on time so that you get your most wanted VIP number.