To demystify the often opaque process of acquiring a personalised license plate for your vehicle, one auto enthusiast has shared a comprehensive guide on navigating the bureaucratic maze without relying on RTO agents or brokers. BHPian Akhilshenay recently took to a popular automotive forum to detail their firsthand experience of obtaining a coveted number for their vehicle, Elevate, shedding light on a simplified process accessible to all.
Step 1: Checking Number Availability
Before embarking on the journey to secure a personalized license plate, the first step is to verify the availability of your desired number. Prospective applicants can visit the Parivahan website's "Show Open Series" link to ascertain if their preferred number is up for grabs. It's important to note that not all numbers between 1 and 9999 may be available at any given time, as RTOs typically release a limited set for booking.
Step 2: Account Registration on the Vahan Fancy Number Portal
Navigating to the Vahan Fancy Number portal, aspiring applicants are required to register an account. The registration process is simple and sets the stage for subsequent interactions with the portal.
Step 3: Number Selection and Base Price
Upon successful registration, users can proceed to the number selection section. Here, they can choose their respective RTO and browse through available numbers from both older and running series. Each series may entail different base prices, which can vary by state.
Step 4: Application and Payment
Moving forward, applicants are prompted to fill out the necessary details and make the requisite payment. This includes providing the application number of the temporary registration against which tax has been paid. Once filled, applicant information auto-populates, facilitating a seamless payment process. Base prices vary depending on the type of number sought, with standard numbers typically priced at around 3000 INR.
Step 5: Auction Process
With applications submitted, the auction period commences, spanning one week. In instances where multiple applicants vie for the same number, an auction is conducted, allowing participants to place bids online. Successful bids are subject to payment, typically in multiples of 1000 INR.
Step 6: Confirmation and RTO Processing
Winning bidders receive SMS and email confirmations, signalling the commencement of RTO processing. Once the complete bidding amount is settled, the RTO proceeds with permanent registration, a process typically finalized within two days.
Step 7: Post-Bid Options
For unsuccessful bids, applicants may opt to reapply for a new choice number by paying the base price again. Refunds for the base price of lost bids are issued accordingly. Alternatively, those open to random numbers can directly request one from the RTO.
Step 8: RTO Approval and Number Plate Order
Upon RTO approval, applicants receive confirmation via SMS. They can then liaise with their dealer to order the number plate, a procedure typically completed within two days, culminating in the affixing of the plate to the vehicle.
By navigating the process independently, enthusiasts like Akhilshenay empower fellow drivers to personalize their vehicles with ease, circumventing the need for intermediaries and streamlining the journey to securing a coveted license plate.