VIP Vehicle Numbers in India: Rules, Costs, Bidding, and Process Explained

How to Get a VIP Vehicle Number Plate in India: A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to owning a vehicle, many enthusiasts take pride in having a unique and personalized VIP number plate. Whether it’s for your car, bike, or scooter, a distinctive number adds a touch of prestige and personality. In this article, we’ll unravel the process of acquiring a VIP number plate in India, addressing common doubts and providing a detailed guide to ensure you make an informed decision.

Why Are VIP Numbers So Popular?

Over the last 5 - 10 years, the demand for VIP or choice numbers has skyrocketed. What used to be a privilege of the influential - secured through recommendations or connections - has now become accessible to anyone willing to pay. Governments recognized the growing interest and began monetizing this demand, creating a transparent and profitable system.

The result? A win-win situation where enthusiasts get their desired numbers while governments generate significant revenue.

How to Get a VIP Number Plate

If you're planning to buy a new vehicle or transfer a favorite number to an old one, here's a step-by-step guide to make the process seamless:

1. Understand the Basics of Temporary Registration

• When purchasing a new vehicle, you are assigned a temporary number valid for up to 6 months.
• During this period, you can apply for your desired VIP number. However, ensure that your local authorities permit this, as procedures may vary across states.

2. Know Your Options

• VIP numbers are categorized differently depending on whether they are issued at the head office (numbers 1-999) or the district office (100-9999).
• The bidding process is now standard, eliminating the first-come-first-served method previously used for assigning numbers.

3. Participate in the Bidding Process

For premium numbers, a bidding system is used. Some numbers attract significant attention, leading to competitive bids.

For example:

• A VIP number in Haryana recently sold for ₹26,35,000.
• Another fetched an impressive ₹28,00,000 in the previous series.

Base prices differ for private and commercial vehicles:

• Private vehicles: ₹5,00,000 for top-tier numbers.
• Commercial vehicles: Starting at ₹1,00,000.

4. Online Booking Made Easy

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) now offers a streamlined online system to book and purchase VIP numbers.

Here's how:

1. Visit the official MoRTH portal.
2. Register by entering your details and verifying via OTP.
3. Search for available numbers in your desired series.
4. Place your bid or make a direct purchase if the number is not contested.
5. Complete payment via digital methods (credit card, UPI, etc.).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my VIP number from one vehicle to another?

Yes, many states allow the transfer of VIP numbers between vehicles (e.g., from a bike to a car), provided the policies for your state permit it. Note that Delhi does not allow cross-category transfers (e.g., bike to car).

What if I purchase a vehicle from another state?

If you buy a vehicle from a different state and wish to register it in your home state, you must:

• Pay the applicable road tax for your state.
• Follow guidelines for transferring registration.

Can I book a VIP number without owning a vehicle?

Absolutely! The online portal allows you to reserve a number without purchasing a vehicle. However, you must attach the number to a registered vehicle within 30 days, failing which the number will be reallocated, and your payment will be non-refundable.

Pro Tips for Smooth VIP Number Acquisition

• Plan Ahead: Before registering your vehicle, decide whether you want a specific VIP number. This saves you the hassle of re-registering or dealing with penalties.
• Check State Policies: Since rules vary across states, confirm whether your state supports the retention and transfer of VIP numbers.
• Understand Bidding Dynamics: If you're targeting a popular number, set a budget and be prepared to compete.

Conclusion

Acquiring a VIP number plate is now a transparent and accessible process thanks to advancements in technology and government initiatives. Whether you're a car enthusiast or just someone looking for a personalized touch, owning a choice number is an exciting way to stand out on the road.

Got questions? Drop them in the comments, and we’ll be happy to help!