Telangana hikes fancy number plate fees by 300%: Check revised fees and new rules
Under the revised tariff, several highly sought-after numbers have entered a new cost bracket: The coveted 9999 has jumped from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1.50 lakh
By - Sistla Dakshina Murthy
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Hyderabad: Securing a premium or “fancy” vehicle registration number in Telangana just became significantly more expensive.
The Transport Department has issued a final notification steeply increasing reservation fees across all premium categories, some by as much as 300%, effectively turning fancy plates into high-end luxury choices for vehicle owners.
The revised rates were announced through GO 77, issued on Saturday. The government finalized the notification after the preliminary proposal received no objections.
Sharp fee hikes for popular fancy numbers
Under the revised tariff, several highly sought-after numbers have entered a new cost bracket: The coveted 9999 has jumped from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1.50 lakh.
Single-digit favourites 1 and 9 are now priced at Rs 1 lakh, doubling from the earlier Rs 50,000. Crowd favourites like 6666 have surged from Rs 30,000 to Rs 1 lakh.
Officials said the amendments were made under Rule 81 of the Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, aligning fees with growing demand for premium number plates across Hyderabad and the state.
Revised fee structure across categories
The Transport Department has reclassified and increased charges for over 100 fancy numbers. Key categories now cost:
Rs 1,50,000: 9999
Rs 1,00,000: 1, 9, 6666
Rs 50,000: 99, 999, 3333, 4444, 5555, 7777
Rs 40,000: 5, 6, 7, 123, 333, 1234, 2727, 3456, 6789, 8888
Rs 30,000: 3, 111, 234, 5678, 1818, 1999
Rs 20,000: 2, 4, 8, 77, 786, 1233, 4567, 4777 and similar numbers
Other charges:
Four-wheelers: Rs 6,000
Two-wheelers: Rs 3,000
Hyderabad’s rising luxury plate culture
Fancy number plates have long been symbols of prestige in Hyderabad, especially among business leaders, realtors, film personalities and public figures. Registration numbers under the Khairatabad RTA (TG 09) series continue to remain the most sought after.
Transport officials estimate that premium number allocations generate over Rs 100 crore annually, making it a steady revenue source for the state.
Stricter rules for allotment and compliance
Along with higher fees, the state has tightened the reservation norms: A fancy number will be confirmed only after the owner produces the vehicle for registration.
Failure to present the vehicle within 15 days of allotment will lead to automatic cancellation of the reserved number. The department also said the measures aim to prevent misuse and bring more transparency to the reservation process.
Online bidding for multiple applicants
If more than one person applies for the same number: Online bidding will be conducted until midnight on the day of application. The number is allotted to the highest bidder.
Financial terms for bidders
Those who participate but lose the auction receive a 10% refund on their paid fee. Applicants who reserve but skip the bidding forfeit the entire reservation amount. Applications for all special numbers must be submitted online between 8 am and 1 pm at: www.transport.telangana.gov.in
A new era of High-Value Registration Plates
With steep price increases, competitive bidding, and tighter rules, Telangana’s premium number plate system has entered a new phase catering primarily to vehicle owners willing to pay a premium for exclusivity, prestige and a visible lifestyle statement on the road, the officials said.
