When the Maharashtra government strictly announced High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) for all vehicles, it highlighted the importance of safety, traceability, and road discipline. But let’s be honest — while HSRP is about compliance, the real luxury story lies elsewhere. Do you know which are the most expensive number plates in India and the world? Who owns them? And what happens to these plates once the car is sold? Let’s dive deeper.
The World Record — Dubai’s “P-7” Plate
Dubai holds the crown for the most expensive number plate ever sold. In 2023, the number “P-7” was auctioned for a jaw-dropping AED 55 million (around ₹122.6 crore) at a charity auction.
For more details check official news out of Hindustan Times
Why so expensive?
- Prestige: Owning a single-digit plate in Dubai is a direct status symbol.
- Exclusivity: Rare plates are like rare diamonds — only a few exist.
- Charity Element: The auction proceeds went to social causes, giving bidders both prestige and goodwill.
India’s Most Expensive Number Plates
India too has its share of headline-making number plates. Here are the top examples:
1) KL-07-DG-0007 (Kerala)
- Price: ₹45.99 lakh (≈₹46 lakh)
- Owner: Venu Gopalakrishnan, CEO of Litmus7 Systems Consulting
- Vehicle: Lamborghini Urus Performante (~₹4+ crore)
- Why? The “007” bond-style number carried prestige and exclusivity in Kochi’s auction, setting Kerala’s record.
For more details check official news out of The Economic Times
2) CH01DA0001 (Chandigarh)
- Price: ₹36.4 lakh (2025 auction)
- Reason: “0001” is the most desired number, often linked with authority and power.
- This sale set a new record for a government auction in India.
3) Other Famous Plates
- KL-01-CK-0001 — ₹31 lakh, owned by businessman K. S. Balagopal, fitted on his Porsche 718 Boxster.
- RJ14-CP-0001 — ₹10.31 lakh, owned by Rahul Taneja, on his BMW 5 Series.
Why Spend Crores on a Number Plate?
At first glance, it seems crazy to spend more on a number plate than on a car. But the motive is clear:
- Luxury Lifestyle & Identity: A unique number becomes part of your personal brand.
- Numerology & Belief: Many buyers believe certain numbers bring luck, power, or success.
- Status Symbol: Driving a supercar with “0001” or “007” immediately signals wealth.
- Investment: Some rare plates increase in value, just like real estate or art.
After the Car — Who Owns the Plate?
Here’s where most people are curious: Once you buy an expensive number, does it die with the car?
Technically The number belongs to the government’s database but is allotted for your use. If your car is scrapped or sold, you can apply to retain the number and transfer it to another vehicle you own. States allow transfer under specific conditions (RTO approval, retention certificate, and NOC if moving to another state). In You don’t “own” the number forever, but you can continue using it legally as long as you follow the process.
Maharashtra HSRP — A Side Note
While these luxury plates make headlines, Maharashtra’s focus is different. The government has mandated HSRP for all vehicles, ensuring:
Tamper-proof plates with holograms,
Easier tracking of stolen vehicles,
Compliance with national road safety standards.
So whether your car flaunts “0007” or a simple “4563,” the plate must be HSRP-compliant.
Conclusion
From Dubai’s ₹122 crore “P-7” plate to India’s ₹46 lakh “007” plate in Kerala, fancy numbers are no less than luxury accessories — a reflection of wealth, belief, and exclusivity. Unlike HSRP (which is about safety and uniformity), these VIP plates are about identity and luxury lifestyle.
And yes, when your car retires, your number doesn’t necessarily die with it — you can transfer it, provided you follow RTO rules. In the end, a number plate is not just a piece of metal. For some, it’s a statement worth crores.
👉 Read more about India’s auction system for fancy plates, upcoming state rules, and stories behind luxury car owners on our latest updates section.viralkidda
