Indore's License Plate 0001 Sells for Record Rs 5.50 Lakh in 2025 Auction Frenzy
In Indore, the ultimate status symbol on the road is not a luxury car brand but a specific digit on a vehicle's license plate: 0001. The year 2025 witnessed this coveted number becoming the centerpiece of a high-stakes auction event that occurred on five separate occasions across different series. The bidding wars were nothing short of intense, with prices soaring to unprecedented heights.
Sky-High Bids for the Number One Plate
The auctions for plate 0001 saw settlements at Rs 1 lakh, Rs 2.50 lakh, Rs 2.96 lakh, and Rs 4.26 lakh in various series. However, in one particularly competitive series, bidders held nothing back, driving the final price to a record-breaking Rs 5.50 lakh for a single license plate. This staggering amount underscores the deep-seated desire among Indoreans to own this symbolic number.
Beyond 0001: A Diverse Market for Fancy Numbers
According to RTO Pradeep Kumar Sharma, the demand extends far beyond just being 'Number One'. He explained, "It is not just about being ‘Number One'. The demand was deeply personal." Numbers like 0786 and 0909 remain perennial favourites for those seeking a bit of divine favour on the road. Additionally, symmetrical sequences such as 111, 222, or double digits like 77 and 88 are highly sought after for their aesthetic appeal.
This trend is not limited to individual buyers. Sharma noted, "It is not just individuals; industrial giants and commercial fleets are getting in on the action. Many companies now pay a premium to ensure their entire fleet carries the same number across different series, creating a unified and recognisable brand on the move."
Two-Wheeler Enthusiasm and Revenue Windfall
The passion for prestigious plates is not reserved for four-wheelers alone. Indore's bikers have shown equal enthusiasm, with over 1,037 two-wheeler numbers auctioned in 2025. Bidding started at a modest Rs 5,000, but the standout winner was the number 1111, which fetched a whopping Rs 41,000—more than the cost of some second-hand scooters.
This widespread demand translated into a massive financial windfall for the Indore regional transport office. In 2025, the RTO raked in a staggering Rs 11.40 crore from the allotment of VIP and fancy registration numbers, highlighting the economic impact of this cultural phenomenon.
Transparent Process and Growing Appetite
While the bidding can get fiercely competitive, the RTO has ensured the process remains transparent. By setting a base price and allowing the market to determine the final value through an online system, the department has transformed a simple registration process into a major revenue generator for the state. The base price for choice numbers varies based on the series and the numbers themselves, ranging from Rs 2,000 to Rs 1 lakh for vehicles from two-wheelers to four-wheelers.
Sharma emphasized the benefits of this system, stating, "Whenever multiple people want the same identity on the road, the bidding process ensures it goes to the most passionate seeker while maximising public revenue."
The city saw 20,239 vehicle owners shelling out extra cash in 2025 to secure their dream sequences, marking a significant jump from the previous year. This surge proves that Indore's appetite for exclusive license plates is only growing, solidifying the city's reputation as a hub for automotive prestige and personal expression on the roads.
