How to Transfer Your Old Bike's Registration Number to Your New One?

Do you have a unique bike registration number that makes your bike stand out from the rest? You are not alone. Many people spend thousands to get their desired registration number sequence.

However, when the time comes for an upgrade, you may realise that your new bike will have a different registration number. Do not worry! In India, you can apply for a bike number plate transfer at your local RTO. In this blog, let us take a gander at the process and things to keep in mind.

How to Apply for a Bike Number Plate Transfer at RTO?

Wondering how to retain your bike’s registration number? The process includes both online and offline procedures. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the Vahan E-Service Website

The first step is to log in using your User ID, password and OTP on the Vahan e-service website. If you do not have one, you can easily register.

Step 2: Retention of Registration Number

Once you are successfully logged in, you have to move your cursor to ‘Online Services’. From there, select the ‘Retention of Registration Number’ option.

Step 3: Enter Details

Now, you need to enter your previous bike’s registration number and chassis number. Then, click on ‘Generate OTP’.

Step 4: Insurance Details

Once you enter the OTP, you will have to provide your old bike’s insurance details. Click on ‘Service Details’ and then ‘Insurance Details’. Submit these details.

Step 5: Book an Appointment

Under the same ‘Service Detail’ section, click on ‘Appointment’. You need to select a date and time from the available slots. Press on ‘Book Now’.

Step 6: Pay the Fees

Hover your mouse over the ‘Fee Services’ and click on the ‘Proceed to RTO’ button. You will now be redirected to a payment gateway.

Step 7: Visit Your State RTO

Now you have to pay a visit to your state RTO to complete the formalities. You must carry original documents for this process.

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Common Documents Required for Number Plate Transfer

When searching for how to change number plate of bike, you must gather the required documents for the process. These are:

1. Original vehicle registration certificate

2. Sales receipt for new bike

3. New two-wheeler insurance documents

4. Personal ID and address proof

5. NOC (No-Objection Certificate)

6. Fee receipt and appointment proof

Why Do People Retain Bike Registration Numbers?

Numbers can have significant meaning in different people’s lives. Let us look at some reasons why you may want to retain bike numbers:

Numerological Beliefs

Astrological and numerological beliefs are strong in India. Therefore, many people may consider transferring their old bike number to their new bikes. For example, the number 5 is considered lucky in India.

VIP or Unique Numbers

Certain numbers contain special values which may make your bike stand out. For example, the number 007 represents James Bond. You often have to pay higher fees to get these numbers registered. For instance, Shah Rukh Khan's luxury cars feature 0555 on their plates.

Avoiding Hassle

Getting a new bike means you have to update this information multiple times. This could prove to be a hassle in your life. Therefore, retaining the vehicle registration number helps you skip updates at the toll booth or parking lot.

Eligibility Criteria for Transferring Bike Registration Number

For your bike number plate transfer to be successful, you must meet certain eligibility criteria:

De-Registered Bike

In order for you to do a bike number plate transfer, you must sell or scrap your old bike. This is done so that there are not 2 bikes registered under the same number.

Vehicle Ownership

You must own your new bike to transfer the registration number. You cannot transfer your bike number plate if someone else buys the new bike.

Legal Issues

Your old bike must not have any legal issues associated with it. Transfer is not allowed if your bike’s registration number is blacklisted.

Timeline

If you are registering your new bike under a different RTO, you must do so within the time frame. Plus, you must follow inter-RTO transfer rules.

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Types of Bike Registration Numbers

There are different types of bike registration numbers in India. Approximately 34.8 crore two-wheelers are registered in India, each with a unique set of registration numbers. Let us look at the types below:

VIP Numbers or Fancy Numbers

Numbers such as 0000, 1111, 2222, or 0786 are unique and have religious ties in India. Therefore, these bike registration numbers are expensive and fetch lucrative amounts at the RTO online auction.

Vanity Numbers/ Characters

These are numbers or characters which one can customise according to their personal choice. For example, many people often want their birthdates or anniversaries as bike registration numbers. However, in India, you can only customise numbers and not alphabets.

Normal Numbers

When you purchase any two-wheeler, your state RTO will assign a random alphanumeric code as your registration number. A typical bike number plate, WB 41R 4526, contains the state code, RTO code and a randomly generated number. They are free of cost.

Can You Transfer a Fancy or VIP Bike Number to a New Bike?

Yes, you can transfer a fancy or VIP bike number, such as 0000, to your new bike. For this, you must follow both online and offline procedures and provide original documents.

However, make sure that you learn the rules from an RTO official in your state. The process and timeline can vary significantly according to different state rules.

Also Read: Jharkhand RTO Office: RTO Codes, Address, and Services

Final Thoughts

Bike number plate transfer is a common phenomenon in India. With astrological, vanity or personal reasons for sequential numbers, the demand is always high. However, your bike’s new registration number will mean nothing if you do not have proper two-wheeler insurance.

Bajaj General Insurance’s Two-Wheeler Package Policy will help you protect your finances and your bike at an affordable price. Buy now!

FAQs

How to transfer my old bike number to a new bike?

To transfer your old bike’s registration number to a new bike, apply for a ‘Retention of Registration Number’ at your RTO. After paying the required fee, the old number will be reserved and assigned to your new bike once its registration process is complete.

What documents do I need to change my bike's registration number?

You will need your old bike’s RC, address proof, ID proof, NOC (if financed), and the new bike’s purchase invoice. Submit these at the RTO along with the prescribed fee to initiate the transfer process.

Does changing the bike number plate affect my insurance?

Yes, it can affect your insurance records. You must inform your insurance provider after the number transfer so they can update your policy details. If you do not do it, you may face claim-related issues later.

How long does it take to change the registration number of a bike at the RTO?

Generally, the process takes 15 to 30 working days, depending on the RTO's workload and whether you provide correct documents. If there are financing or interstate transfers involved, it might take slightly longer.

Can fancy or VIP bike numbers be transferred to a new bike?

Yes, you can transfer fancy or VIP numbers to a new bike. The owner must apply for number retention within 30 days of selling or scrapping the old bike, as per RTO guidelines, and pay the applicable retention fee.

Is NOC required for transferring bike registration if financed?

Yes, if your old bike was financed, you will need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the bank or finance company before transferring the registration number. This confirms that all dues are cleared and you have no pending loans.

What is the difference between fancy and ordinary vehicle registration numbers?

Fancy numbers are special, easily recognisable combinations like 0001, 7777, or 9999, often bought through RTO auctions with higher fees. Ordinary numbers are system-generated and assigned sequentially without any additional cost.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.

Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.