Format: SS-DD-XX-NNNN where SS=State code (MH/DL/KA), DD=RTO district number (01-99), XX=Series letter(s), NNNN=4-digit unique number. Example: MH01-AB-1234 means Mumbai South RTO.
What does the letter series mean?+
Letter series (A, AA, AB) indicates registration sequence. When 9999 numbers exhaust in one series, next series starts. Letters I and O skipped to avoid confusion with 1 and 0.
What are red and yellow number plates?+
Yellow plate + black text = Commercial vehicles (taxis, trucks, buses). Red plate + white text = Temporary registration. Black plate + yellow text = Self-drive rental vehicles. Green = Electric vehicles.
What is HSRP plate?+
High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) is mandatory chrome-based hologram plate with laser-etched code. Required for all vehicles registered before April 2019. Apply via bookmyhsrp.com.
Cost of fancy/VIP numbers?+
Fancy numbers (0001, 9999, single digits) auctioned online. Costs: Rs 50,000 for state-level fancy to Rs 25 lakh+ for ultra-premium. Book through state RTO portals.
BH series vs regular plate?+
BH series (Bharat) for transferable employees - allows registration in any state without re-registration. Regular plate is state-specific - need transfer when moving states.
Can I keep number when moving states?+
No, when transferring registration to new state, you get new number from new RTO. Exception: BH series allows keeping number across all states. Some states allow choosing similar fancy number on payment.
Penalty for unreadable number plate?+
Driving with unreadable/damaged plate: Rs 1,000-5,000 fine plus possible vehicle seizure. Get HSRP replacement immediately via bookmyhsrp.com or authorized dealer.