Number plates are more than just identification—they represent vehicle class, legal compliance, taxation, and even prestige.
India follows a well-structured registration system that includes eight main types of number plates, special categories for diplomats & defence, the modern BH series, and high-value VIP plates auctioned at record prices.
This guide also covers rare questions like why the President of India’s car has no number plate and who owns the 0000 number plate—plus how number plates connect to vehicle scrapping and RC cancellation at Carbasket.
How Many Types of Number Plates Are There in India?
India officially uses 8 major types of number plates:
1. White Number Plate (Private Vehicles)
- White background + Black text
- For private, non-commercial vehicles
- Most common plate in India
2. Yellow Number Plate (Commercial Vehicles)
- Yellow background + Black text
- Used for taxis, autos, trucks, buses
- Requires permits and fitness certificate
3. Black Number Plate (Self-Drive Rentals)
- Black background + Yellow text
- For rental/self-drive cars like ZoomCar, Revv
- No commercial driving licence needed for the user
4. Green Number Plate (Electric Vehicles)
- Green background + White text (private EVs)
- Green background + Yellow text (commercial EVs)
- Promotes eco-friendly mobility
5. Blue Number Plate (Diplomatic Vehicles)
- Blue background + White text
- Used by Foreign diplomats, Embassies, UN officials
- Codes like CC, CD, UN
6. Red Number Plate (Temporary Registration)
- Red background + White text
- Issued for brand-new vehicles
- Valid for 30 days
7. Red Plate with Emblem (President/Governor Vehicles)
- Displays Ashoka Emblem instead of a number
- Used by:
- President of India
- Vice President
- Governors
- No number is shown for security reasons
More details below.
8. White Plate with Red Text (Army / Defence Vehicles)
- Used by Ministry of Defence
- Starts with the Broad Arrow (↑) symbol
- Special unique numbering system
What About Unique Numbers & VIP Numbers?
India supports fancy or VIP numbers through official RTO e-auction.
Popular VIP numbers include:
- 0001
- 0007
- 0786
- 9999
- 1111
- 7777
- 8055 (BOSS)
Prices range from ₹5,000 to ₹25 lakh+, depending on demand and location.
But some auctions have broken all records…
Which Number Plate Has the Highest Auction Price in India?
India recently saw its highest-ever registration number auction:
HR 88 B 8888 – Sold for ₹1.17 Crore in Haryana (2024)
This breaks previous records from Chandigarh and Delhi.
Other expensive plates include:
- CH 01 AN 0001 – ₹26.5 lakh
- DL series 0001 – often reaches ₹20 lakh
- 9999, 0007, 0786 – ₹5–₹15 lakh
VIP plates are major status symbols for luxury car owners.
Number Plates for Special Vehicles in India
India uses special plates for non-regular vehicles:
✔ Diplomat Plates – Blue background
✔ Defence Vehicles – Arrow symbol + red text
✔ Vintage Vehicles – “VA” classification
✔ Dealer Plates (Trade Certificate) – Red text on white
✔ Temporary Plates – Red background
✔ Municipal/Police/Fleet Vehicles – Government-specific formats
These ensure easy identification and special legal treatment.
What Are the State / UT Codes in India?
First two letters indicate the State/UT, for example:
- MH – Maharashtra
- DL – Delhi
- KA – Karnataka
- TN – Tamil Nadu
- UP – Uttar Pradesh
- RJ – Rajasthan
- GJ – Gujarat
- WB – West Bengal
- AP – Andhra Pradesh
- TS – Telangana
Full list available upon request for table format.
What is the BH Number Plate? (Bharat Series)
The BH (Bharat) Series was introduced for people who move frequently across states.
Who can apply?
- Government employees
- PSU staff
- Private employees with transferable jobs
Benefits:
- No re-registration required in new states
- Road tax paid every 2 years, not 15 years
- PAN-India applicability
Example: 22 BH 3456 AA
Which Number Plate Is the VIP Number in India?
The most prestigious and expensive VIP number is:
⭐ 0001 – The Most Wanted VIP Number in India
Others like 0009, 0786, 9999, 7777, 1111 also rank high.
Which Type of Number Plates Are Legal in India?
Legal number plates include:
✔ HSRP (High Security Registration Plate)
✔ White, yellow, green plates in standard fonts
✔ BH series plates
✔ EV plates
❌ Illegal plates include:
- Fancy fonts
- LED plates
- Painted logos
- Wrong spacing
- Tinted plates
- Oversized plates
Fines: ₹5,000 – ₹10,000
What Is the New Style Number Plate in India? (HSRP)
HSRP is the latest mandatory number plate system, featuring:
- Laser-etched code
- Snap-lock
- IND mark
- Hologram
- Tamper-proof design
- Linked to VAHAN database
Mandatory for all new vehicles and being phased in for older ones.
Why Does the President of India’s Car Have No Number Plate?
The President’s official vehicle displays:
Only the Ashoka Emblem — No number
Reasons:
- High-level security
- Special legal exemption under protocol
- Non-commercial use
- Confidential identity
Same applies to:
- Vice President
- Governors
- PM has a normal plate due to SPG protocols, but often masked for security.
Who Owns the 0000 Number Plate in India?
The number “0000” is typically reserved for government convoy vehicles and escort vehicles, not private ownership.
It is used by:
- VVIP convoy support vehicles
- Police escort fleets
- Emergency ceremonial vehicles
Private individuals cannot buy 0000 through auctions.
Number Plates & Vehicle Scrapping — What Happens When a Vehicle Is Scrapped?
When you scrap your vehicle legally at Carbasket:
1. RC is permanently cancelled
The number plate and registration cease to exist in VAHAN.
2. The number becomes invalid forever
You cannot reuse it unless it is a VIP number reserved by RTO rules.
3. Owner receives a Certificate of Deposit (COD)
This gives:
- Tax benefits
- Manufacturer discount
- Reduced registration fees
4. Metal is recycled sustainably
Helping reduce pollution and supporting India’s climate goals.
CarBasket handles:
✔ Pickup
✔ Documentation
✔ RC cancellation
✔ COD assistance
✔ Scrap weight-based payment
FAQs About Number Plates in India
1. How many types of number plates are there in India?
Eight major types including white, yellow, black, green, blue, and defence plates.
2. Which number plate is the most expensive?
HR88B8888 sold for ₹1.17 crore, the highest ever.
3. What is a BH Number Plate?
A PAN-India registration for people with transferable jobs.
4. Are VIP number plates legal?
Yes, when obtained through official RTO auctions.
5. Why doesn’t the Indian President’s car have a number plate?
Security protocols allow display of only the Ashoka Emblem.
6. What happens to a number plate when a car is scrapped?
It is permanently cancelled and deregistered in VAHAN.
7. Can a private person buy the “0000” number?
No. It is reserved for convoy and escort vehicles.
