Owning a 0001 number plate is one of the most visible status statements an Indian car owner can make. Whether you are a business owner in Mumbai, a politician in Lucknow or a collector in Bengaluru, this single registration number signals exclusivity. But before you bid, you need to know two things: the actual price in your state, and the exact e-auction process run by the Parivahan portal. This guide covers both, along with the eligibility rules, vehicle-wise differences, and how the purchase ties back to your car insurance.
What is a 0001 Number Plate?
A 0001 number plate is a fancy registration number issued by Regional Transport Offices through a competitive online auction. Falling under the Super Elite category, the 0001 plate is reserved for vehicles whose owners place the highest winning bid during an e-auction held on the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways portal. The number itself does not change the legal status of the vehicle. It still requires a High Security Registration Plate, valid Registration Certificate and active motor insurance. What changes is the visual identifier on your car or bike, and the social value attached to it.
0001 Number Plate Price in India: State-Wise Reserve Price
The base or reserve price for the 0001 number plate in most Indian states is ₹5,00,000 for the Super Elite category. The actual amount you pay depends on the bidding intensity in your local RTO. In high-demand zones like Noida, Mumbai and Gurgaon, the final price has crossed ₹25 lakh. In smaller cities, the number is sometimes allotted at the reserve price itself when there is no competing bidder.
State / UT | Reserve Price | Estimated Auction Range |
|---|---|---|
Delhi | ₹5,00,000 | ₹5 lakh to ₹15 lakh |
Uttar Pradesh | ₹5,00,000 | ₹5 lakh to ₹27 lakh (Noida) |
Maharashtra | ₹5,00,000 | ₹5 lakh to ₹20 lakh |
Haryana | ₹5,00,000 | ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh |
Punjab | ₹5,00,000 | ₹10 lakh to ₹35 lakh |
Karnataka | ₹5,00,000 | ₹5 lakh to ₹15 lakh |
Tamil Nadu | ₹5,00,000 | ₹5 lakh to ₹12 lakh |
Gujarat | ₹5,00,000 | ₹5 lakh to ₹15 lakh |
Rajasthan | ₹5,00,000 | ₹5 lakh to ₹30 lakh |
West Bengal | ₹5,00,000 | ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh |
Madhya Pradesh | ₹5,00,000 | ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh |
Assam | ₹5,00,000 | ₹5 lakh to ₹8 lakh |
Note: The reserve prices shown above are based on Parivahan portal and respective RTO notifications as of 2026. Auction outcomes vary and the figures listed are indicative ranges based on recent auction records. Confirm the exact reserve price with your local RTO before bidding.
VIP Number Plate Categories and Booking Amount
Most state RTOs follow a four-tier system for fancy numbers. The 0001 plate sits at the top. Here is how the categories typically break down:
Category | Example Numbers | Reserve Booking Amount |
|---|---|---|
Super Elite | 0001 | ₹5,00,000 |
Single Digit | 0002, 0003, 0007, 0009 | ₹3,00,000 |
Other Premium | 0010 to 0099, 0786 | ₹2,00,000 |
Semi-Fancy | 0100, 0111, 0200, 1000, 4444, 7777, 8000 | ₹1,00,000 |
General Fancy | All other selected combinations | ₹20,000 |
Eligibility to Apply for the 0001 Number Plate
The eligibility rules are simple but absolute. You must meet all of these conditions before placing a bid:
You must be the registered owner of the vehicle, or have a valid power of attorney
The vehicle must fall under the same RTO jurisdiction where the 0001 number is being auctioned
All previous taxes, fines and challans against the vehicle must be cleared
You must complete a Public User registration on the Parivahan portal
You need to pay a non-refundable registration fee plus the reserve deposit before the auction starts
There is no income criterion, no celebrity criterion and no waiting list. Any private vehicle owner who clears the financial bar can participate.
How to Apply for a 0001 Number Plate (Step-by-Step Process)
The entire process runs online through the Parivahan e-auction system. Follow these seven steps:
Register on the Parivahan portal: Visit the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways website and create a Public User account. You will receive a Unique Acknowledgement Number after submission.
Select your state and RTO: Choose your state and the exact RTO code (for example, MH-12 for Pune, DL-3 for South Delhi, UP-16 for Noida). The 0001 number must be available in the current running series of that RTO.
Reserve the number: Pay the non-refundable registration fee, which is typically ₹1,000, along with the reserve booking amount of ₹5,00,000 for the 0001 plate. The deposit is refunded if you do not win the auction.
Wait for the auction window: The bidding window opens three days after registration and stays open for two days. Note these dates carefully.
Place your bids: Bidding moves in increments of ₹10,000. If the previous bid is ₹5,50,000, your next bid must be at least ₹5,60,000. Keep checking the dashboard, as other bidders can outbid you in the final hours.
Pay the balance after winning: If your bid is the highest when the auction closes, you will get a confirmation by SMS and email. You must deposit the balance amount within five days. Missing the deadline forfeits your number.
Download the allotment letter: Once the full payment is recorded, the system issues an allotment letter that is valid for 90 days. Take this letter to your dealer or RTO to complete the High Security Registration Plate fitment and update your Registration Certificate.
How to Check 0001 Number Plate Availability Online
Before you spend the registration fee, check whether the 0001 number is open in your RTO. Here is the quickest way to verify:
Go to the Parivahan portal and click on Vehicle Related Services.
Open the Fancy Number Allocation tab and select Search by Number.
Pick your state and the specific RTO code from the dropdown.
Type 0001 in the search field and enter the captcha code.
The system shows whether 0001 is available in the running series, the reserve price applicable, and the auction window dates.
If the number is taken in the current series, the system may display availability in the next upcoming series. You can choose to wait for that window or pick an alternative number.
0001 Number Plate Price for Bikes and Two-Wheelers
The 0001 number plate auction is held separately for two-wheelers and four-wheelers in most states. The reserve price for a bike or scooter 0001 plate is generally lower than the car category, ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000 depending on the state. For example, in Maharashtra and Delhi, two-wheeler reserve prices for 0001 typically start around ₹1,00,000. The bidding mechanism, registration fee and 90-day allotment validity remain the same. Always verify the two-wheeler-specific reserve price with your local RTO.
Vehicle Models Often Seen With 0001 Plates
Search trends show that high-end vehicles draw the most 0001 plate buyers. The most common pairings are:
Toyota Fortuner and Fortuner Legender
Mahindra Scorpio N and Scorpio Classic
Mahindra Thar and Land Rover Defender
Range Rover, G-Wagon and other luxury SUVs
Royal Enfield, Splendor and premium two-wheelers (in the bike category)
The choice of vehicle does not influence the auction itself. The reserve price applies uniformly within the category, regardless of brand or model.
How a 0001 Number Plate Affects Your Car Insurance
Buying a fancy registration number does not directly change your premium, but it does require some paperwork updates with your insurer. Here is what you need to keep in mind:
Update your Registration Certificate immediately after the new plate is fitted, then share the updated RC with your insurance provider
Request your insurer to update the registration number on your active policy. This is usually a free endorsement, but rules vary by insurer
If your vehicle is financed, inform the lender. Hypothecation records must reflect the new number
Confirm that your Insured Declared Value remains accurate. The plate itself does not change the IDV, but any premium add-ons or modifications to the vehicle should be re-evaluated
Comprehensive cover and zero depreciation add-ons are strongly recommended for high-value vehicles that typically carry 0001 plates
Zurich Kotak General Insurance allows quick endorsements for registration number changes through the customer portal. Your policy continuity is preserved as long as the change is reported within the standard window.
Things to Consider Before Bidding for a 0001 Plate
Set a hard ceiling on your bid amount. In high-demand cities, the final price can be five to ten times the reserve
Check whether the seller side of any second-hand offer can legally transfer a fancy number. The 0001 plate is tied to the vehicle, not the person
Factor in the High Security Registration Plate cost, road tax differences and insurance update charges
Confirm that the RTO will issue the plate within the 90-day allotment window. Delay can lead to forfeiture
Conclusion
The 0001 number plate is the top tier of India's fancy registration system, with a reserve price of ₹5,00,000 in most states and final auction values that can run several times higher in metro RTOs. The process is fully online through the Parivahan portal. After winning, you get a 90-day allotment window to fit the new HSRP and update your RC. Once that is done, remember to update your motor insurance policy so that all your vehicle records stay aligned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting price of a 0001 number plate in India?
The reserve price for the 0001 number plate is ₹5,00,000 in most Indian states. This is the minimum amount you must deposit to enter the auction. The final price depends on bidding.
Is the 0001 reserve deposit refundable if I lose the auction?
Yes. The ₹5,00,000 deposit is refunded to your registered bank account within 7 to 14 working days if your bid is not the highest. The smaller registration fee is non-refundable.
Can I get a 0001 number plate for my bike or scooter?
Yes. Two-wheelers have a separate auction with a lower reserve price, generally between ₹50,000 and ₹2,00,000 depending on the state.
How long is the 0001 allotment letter valid?
The allotment letter is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. You must complete vehicle registration and HSRP fitment within this period.
Why is the 0001 number plate so expensive in Noida and Mumbai?
These cities have a high concentration of corporate buyers and luxury vehicle owners. The competitive bidding pushes auction prices significantly above the reserve, sometimes crossing ₹25 lakh.
Can I transfer my 0001 number plate to another vehicle later?
The 0001 number is allotted to a specific vehicle. Transferring it to another vehicle requires a fresh application and approval from the RTO, and is not guaranteed.
Do I need a separate insurance policy for a vehicle with a 0001 plate?
No. The same comprehensive car insurance or two-wheeler insurance covers the vehicle. Just ensure the registration number is updated on the policy through an endorsement.
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