Patna: The appetite for “VIP” vehicle registration numbers is surging in Bihar, with motorists in Patna leading the trend and individual bids reaching as high as Rs 1 lakh.
The state government has generated nearly Rs 6 crore in revenue over the past two months through the e-auction of fancy and customised registration numbers, according to the transport minister, Shrawon Kumar.
Data from the state transport department shows that 4,117 vehicle owners secured preferred numbers through an online auction between December 1, 2025 and February 13, 2026. During this period, the department earned Rs 5.95 crore, marking what officials described as the highest revenue collected from fancy number auctions in such a short span.r
Kumar said the department had introduced an online booking system allowing vehicle owners to register and bid for preferred numbers via its website. “Those who offer the highest amount are awarded the fancy and custom numbers,” he said, adding that the digital system had streamlined participation and increased transparency.
Patna accounted for the largest share of revenue, with residents spending Rs 2.46 crore on premium numbers. By contrast, districts such as Khagaria and Shivhar recorded significantly lower figures, contributing Rs 93,500 and Rs 52,000 respectively.
Other major contributors included Muzaffarpur, which generated Rs 52.17 lakh, followed by Gaya at Rs 41 lakh and Purnia at Rs 33.53 lakh.
Officials said the most sought-after registration numbers included 0001, 0003, 0005, 0007 and 0009. These fall under Group A in the department’s classification system, which divides numbers into five categories – A through E – each with a prescribed fee.
For non-transport vehicles, Group A numbers are priced at Rs 1 lakh, while transport vehicle owners pay Rs 35,000 for the same category. The strong demand for these low-digit and symmetrical numbers reflects a growing status appeal attached to distinctive registration plates in the state.
