Pune RTO earns ₹72cr from special registration numbers, 7 tops as favourite

In an interesting twist, although there was an infinitesimal decrease in people’s interest to buy registration numbers of their choice, the bid for digits that would adorn number plates was evidently high — a direct increase in revenue for the RTO.

In 2025, until November, vehicle owners bought 48,808 choice numbers against 48,798 in the corresponding period of 2024 — a meagre increase of just 10. However, the revenue earned by the RTO in 2025 was ₹71.5 crore far higher than ₹52.9 crore earned in 2024 — indicating that more people paid more for what they chose.

Pune deputy RTO Swapnil Bhosle said, “The bids were more competitive in 2025 than 2024.”In 2025, the registration number 7 was sold for ₹7.7 lakh, the highest in Pune.

Another RTO official said, “We always have a fresh series of numbers being introduced and there are ample takers. In 2026, we are expecting more revenue and higher bidding.”

The RTO brings out a series of numbers which can be bought by paying a specific price almost every month or every alternate month. Many vehicle owners opt for it since they believe unique numbers add an exclusivity quotient to their vehicles. People who want specific numbers based on numerology or calculations of birthdays, anniversaries or any other special day, can approach the RTO for the same.“The fact that the revenue earned is high shows that bidding was intense and fierce. Those opting to bid for numbers have to provide a demand draft of any amount higher than the base price of the number which is given to the highest bidder. Fewer numbers but high revenue is a testament to the same,” the RTO official said.

In 2023, the Pune RTO sold around 51,000 choice numbers. “Any person can buy the number they want. The figures may have slumped a bit. Now there is a system wherein one can apply for registration numbers online too — making the process simpler,” the deputy RTO said.

A Kothrud businessman, who bought two special numbers this year, said, “I bought one for my bike and the other for my car. Both are three-digit numbers adding up to a special digit important to my family. I bid for it and paid quite a bit, but then such numbers make people’s heads turn and my vehicles appear different from others. I plan to buy another car soon and will again get a special number.”A Kondhwa businessman and associate of a local politician said, “I have three special numbers of which one I bought last year. Everyone has ambitions and wants to be different — and this is my style. The number which I have adds up to my mother’s birthday. It is my way to respect her.”