'0001' for ₹6,00,000 | Maharashtra hikes VIP number plate fees; know how much to pay

For Maharashtra’s automotive elite, securing a VIP registration plate just got a lot more expensive. The state government has significantly raised fees for "choice numbers" or VIP registration numbers with the sought-after '0001' plate now priced at a staggering ₹6 lakh in high-demand areas like Mumbai and Pune. This is a substantial leap from the earlier ₹4 lakh charge, underscoring these exclusive numbers' rising prestige and cost.

This hike is a bold move reflecting the intensifying demand for these coveted plates among celebrities, top executives, and other high-profile individuals.

Moreover, securing an out-of-series VIP number in major cities like Mumbai and Pune now costs a staggering ₹18 lakh, nearly at par with the price of a mid-range car. This marks a sharp increase from the previous ₹12 lakh fee and is set to impact high-net-worth individuals who seek these prestigious plates.

The revision also extends to two and three-wheelers, with the fee for the '0001' number doubling to ₹1 lakh. Other coveted numbers, such as 0009 and 9999, have seen their fees rise to ₹2.5 lakh for four-wheelers, reflecting the escalating demand.

In a move that benefits high-profile owners, the government now allows the transfer of VIP numbers to immediate family members, relaxing previous restrictions. This change is expected to particularly resonate with those who view these numbers as a status symbol.

The transport department, which earned ₹139.20 crore from registration fees in the 2017-18 fiscal year, anticipates a substantial revenue boost from these revised fees.