The fascination with premium vehicle registration numbers continues to run deep in Chandigarh. At the latest e-auction conducted by the Registering and Licensing Authority (RLA), the coveted “0001” registration number from the new CH01-DC series emerged as the star attraction, fetching a staggering ₹31.35 lakh. The figure marks the second-highest bid ever recorded for a fancy number in the city, highlighting the enduring allure of exclusivity and status attached to such registrations.
What makes the bidding even more striking is the contrast with the modest reserve price. The RLA had set the base price for “0001” at just ₹50,000, yet competitive bidding quickly drove the number into multi-crore territory, underscoring the premium buyers are willing to pay for symbolic prestige.
Credits: The Indian Express
Three-Day E-Auction Delivers Strong Revenue Boost
The three-day e-auction, held from December 20 to December 22, covered the entire CH01-DC series—ranging from 0001 to 9999—along with several unsold fancy and special numbers from earlier series. In total, 485 registration numbers were auctioned during the event.
By the time the digital gavel came down, the administration had generated a cumulative revenue of ₹2.96 crore, reaffirming vehicle number auctions as a steady and lucrative non-tax revenue stream for the Union Territory. RLA officials noted robust participation throughout the auction period, with consistent bidding activity across both premium and mid-range numbers.
‘0009’ and ‘0007’ Follow Close Behind
While “0001” dominated the headlines, several other numbers also attracted eye-popping bids. Among the top contenders, “0009” emerged as the second-most expensive number, selling for ₹20.72 lakh, followed by “0007” at ₹16.13 lakh.
Other high-value registrations included:
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“9999” at ₹13.66 lakh
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“0005” at ₹11.07 lakh
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“0010” at ₹10.17 lakh
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“0006” at ₹7.02 lakh
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“0003” at ₹5.63 lakh
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“7777” at ₹5.26 lakh
These figures reflect a strong preference among buyers for symmetrical, repetitive, and low-digit numbers, which are often considered auspicious, exclusive, or simply easier to remember.
Record Remains Unbroken, But Competition Intensifies
Despite the impressive ₹31.35 lakh bid, the all-time record for Chandigarh fancy numbers remains intact. The highest-ever bid was recorded in August this year, when “0001” from the CH01-DA series fetched ₹36.43 lakh.
The current bid, however, comfortably secures its place among the top transactions. The third-highest bid stands at ₹31 lakh for “0001” of the CH01-CZ series in May, followed by ₹26.7 lakh for the CH01-AP series. Another notable instance saw “0001” of the CH01-CY series being auctioned for ₹25 lakh.
Together, these figures point to an increasingly competitive environment, where high-net-worth individuals and luxury vehicle owners are prepared to bid aggressively to secure the most sought-after numbers.
Why Fancy Numbers Continue to Command Premiums
Industry observers attribute the sustained demand for fancy numbers to a blend of status symbolism, numerology, and exclusivity. For many buyers, especially those purchasing luxury or high-end vehicles, a premium registration number is seen as a natural extension of personal branding.
With digital auctions making participation easier and more transparent, competition has intensified further. Each new series brings fresh anticipation, and as Chandigarh’s past auctions demonstrate, the ceiling for bids continues to rise—challenging previous benchmarks year after year.
Credits: The Indian Express
A Small Plate, A Big Statement
The latest CH01-DC auction once again proves that in Chandigarh, a vehicle registration number can be far more than a legal formality. Whether driven by belief, prestige, or sheer passion, buyers continue to turn these auctions into high-stakes contests—where a few digits can command prices rivaling that of a new car itself.
As future series roll out, the question is no longer whether records will be challenged, but when the next bidding frenzy will rewrite them.
Conclusion:
The latest CH01-DC e-auction once again highlights Chandigarh’s enduring fascination with premium vehicle registration numbers. With the “0001” plate fetching ₹31.35 lakh and several other numbers commanding multi-lakh bids, the auction reflects how status, exclusivity and symbolism continue to drive buyer behaviour. Beyond individual prestige, these auctions have also become a reliable revenue source for the administration, delivering strong financial returns with every new series. As competition intensifies and bidders grow more aggressive, Chandigarh’s fancy number auctions are steadily evolving into high-profile events—where a simple combination of digits can make a powerful personal and financial statement.
