Fancy vehicle registration numbers: A growing trend in Kerala fueled by celebrity influence

Kochi: Until a few years ago, vehicle registration numbers such as 369 and 2255 were just ordinary digits with no special demand. But after Malayalam superstars Mammootty and Mohanlal began regularly booking them, they have turned into prized “fancy numbers” that generate significant revenue for the Motor Vehicles Department.

The numbers associated with the two actors have since been added to the fancy number list, fetching lakhs for the state exchequer. Mammootty’s fleet of luxury cars, including BMW, Mini Cooper, Jaguar, Audi and Land Cruiser, all carry the number 369. Mohanlal, meanwhile, is widely linked with 2255, a number made famous by his dialogue in the 1986 hit 'Rajavinte Makan': “My phone number is 2255.”

The popularity of these numbers often fuels fierce auctions. Recently, Mohanlal’s close friend and producer Antony Perumbavoor purchased KL 7 DH 2255 for his luxury car at a cost of Rs 3.2 lakh. Fans, collectors and even the stars themselves regularly bid for these numbers, often driving prices up.

Beyond cinema, owning a fancy number has become a matter of prestige for sports personalities, industrialists and other celebrities.

‘1’ is not just one

Among fancy number enthusiasts, “0001” remains the most sought-after. Its base price is Rs 1 lakh, but competitive bidding often drives it much higher. Other high-demand numbers include 777, 999, 3333, 4444, 5000, 5555, 7777 and 9999, each priced at Rs 50,000.

There are 22 numbers that carry a booking fee of Rs 25,000, including 5, 7, 9, 333, 786, 1000, 1111, 1818, 2727 and 8888. Another 25 numbers, such as 2, 3, 11, 99, 100 and 111, can be reserved for Rs 10,000, while 18 numbers are priced at Rs 5,000. Any other number can be booked for Rs 3,000.

Refunds and red tape

Motor Vehicles Department officials said applicants who fail to secure their desired numbers are entitled to refunds. However, many do not reclaim the money, particularly those who paid smaller fees, as it requires visiting the RTO and treasury offices. Officials added that refunds are possible through direct bank transfers if account details are provided.

KL 07 DG 0007 sets a record

While monthly auctions at the Ernakulam RTO typically bring in under Rs 50 lakh from around 700 numbers, one number alone recently eclipsed that figure. A local software company owner stunned the department by paying Rs 45.99 lakh for KL 07 DG 0007, originally priced at Rs 25,000.

It is among the highest amounts ever paid for a fancy registration number in Kerala.