A DETAILED GUIDE ON RED NUMBER PLATE

A red number plate in India represents a temporary registration for newly purchased vehicles until permanent registration is issued. It is valid for 30 days and can be used under strict rules. Having this number a vehicle owner can drive his car or bike legally across the city for a specified time period. With this Quickinsure guide, you can explore its eligibility, rules, required documents, fees, and usage across private, commercial, and government vehicles.

In India, driving a vehicle needs a valid number plate and there are name plates of different colors that indicate different usage. A red number plate in India is not just for display, it has a specific purpose. Unlike regular number plates, they are actually issued under special conditions. In most cases, a red color number plate is given to newly registered vehicles before they receive a permanent registration.

Everyone is not allowed to use these number plates because they require some strict rules to follow. Many government officials use them for official purposes.

What Does a Red Number Plate Mean in India?

In India, a red number plate is a temporary registration that is issued to brand new vehicles. This number plate indicates that the car has been bought but has not got its permanent number yet. According to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), a red number plate should be designed with white letters on a red background. As per the rules, a bike or car owner has a limited time of 30 days until the RTO issues him permanent registration.

Temporary registration is usually provided either by the dealership or the RTO, depending on whether the buyer chooses a dealer-assisted process or applies independently. It is commonly required when moving a newly purchased vehicle from the showroom to your home or when transporting a vehicle from one state to another before completing the final registration.

Note: If someone wants to get a fancy registration number of his car or bike, then he can customize a fancy number of his choice only after its permanent RTO registration. 

Eligibility Criteria for Getting Red Number plates in India

For General Public:

●        You should be the owner of a brand-new vehicle waiting for permanent registration

●      The purpose should be legally driving a vehicle for a short period, while the permanent registration is in process.

●     Authorized dealerships can also use these number plates for moving vehicles from one stockyard to another or taking cars to customers.

For Government Registration:

●      On the other hand, government officials like the President of India, State Governors, and      other-ranking officials can use these number plates.

●        They can only use these red number plates only for official purposes.

●        For government officials, these number plates are reserved and cannot be applied for by the general public.

Key Government Rules and Regulations for Red Number Plates

Following are some important rules to use red number plates in India:

●        This plate must be replaced with a permanent number plate after 30 days. For example, if a vehicle owner forgets to replace their red color number plate within this period, they face penalties from the RTO. Therefore, to avoid fines, it is important for car and bike owners to complete the registration process on time.

●       These number plates are not transferable to second-hand or used vehicles.

●      Most importantly, vehicle owners must ensure proper insurance coverage during the temporary registration period.

●        Vehicle owners should have all relevant documents, such as identity proof and address proof.

Note: Even after having a red number plate, you cannot opt for standard Bharat Series number plates. You can qualify for having these number plates only after your vehicle is permanently registered. 

Types of Cars that Use Red Number Plates

●        Private Vehicles: New cars, bikes, and other personal vehicles that await permanent white-background number plates.

●        Commercial Vehicles: Brand-new vans, taxis, or trucks, that are in the process of obtaining permanent yellow-background number plates.

●        Dealership/Test Drive Vehicles: Several dealerships use these plates for moving cars from one stockyard to other one, delivering new vehicles to customers, and demonstrating test drives before final registration.

●        Interstate Transfers: When vehicles are purchased in one state and intended for permanent registration in another state, they require a red number plate for legal transport across state lines. This vehicle transitioning from a red test plate to a standard registration also complies with state-to-state RTO transfer rules, including NOC requirements and address updates.

Steps to Get a Red Number Plate in India

If you are planning to purchase a new vehicle and need to obtain a red number plate, then you need to follow the following steps:

●        Visit the vehicle dealer to finalize your purchase.

●        The dealer will issue a Temporary Registration Certificate (TR).

●        Then you need to apply for a red number plate at your nearest RTO.

●        Submit all required documents, including identity proof, insurance, invoice, and more.

●        Once processed, the RTO will provide the red registration plate, valid for up to 30 days.

Important Documents Required for Cars with Red Registration Number

If you are planning to drive with a red number plate in India, you need to keep following documents ready:

●        Temporary Registration Certificate (TR) issued by the dealer.

●        Original purchase invoice containing full vehicle details.

●        Valid vehicle insurance certificate.

●        Identity proof such as Aadhaar, PAN, or driving license.

Difference Between Red Number Plate and Other Colored Number Plates

Apart from red number plate, there are also different types of number plates that possesses different use cases:

 

Number Plate Color	Purpose of the vehicle	Validity	Eligible Users
Red	Temporary registration for new vehicles	30 days	New vehicle owners
White	Permanent registration for personal vehicles	Initial for 15 years, then renewed after every 5 years	General vehicle owners in India
Yellow	Vehicle registration for commercial purposes	Initial for 15 years, then renewed after every 5 years	Commercial owners
Blue	Vehicles for diplomats	Initial for 15 years, then renewed after every 5 years	Diplomatic vehicles
Green	Signifies electric vehicles	Initial for 15 years, then renewed after every 5 years	General vehicle owners in India
Red number plate with India’s emblem	Vehicle used for President of India or Governor of a State	Indefinite	High-Ranking Government Officials

 

Link between Vehicle Number Plate and Motor Insurance Policy

The red number plate in India is connected to the insurance policy of vehicles. The following table explains this:

Vehicle Type	Insurance
Red Number Plate	The vehicle owner must have a valid insurance policy
Private Vehicle	The owner must have a comprehensive or Third-party coverage
Commercial Vehicle	The owner must have a commercial vehicle insurance policy

Note: When you plan to convert a red number plate into a regular personal vehicle, remember that updating your car insurance policy is essential before applying for permanent registration.

Fees Required for Red Number Plate in India

The cost of a red number plate in India varies based on the vehicle type, state, and whether you apply through a dealer or directly at the RTO. Temporary registration (valid for up to one month) typically ranges from ₹1,500 to ₹2,000. Below is an approximate fee breakdown by category:

●        Two-wheelers: In between ₹500–₹1,000

●        Private cars: Approximately ₹1,500–₹2,000

●        Commercial vehicles: Ranging from ₹2,000–₹2,500

●        Luxury vehicles / EVs: ₹2,000 and above, depending on model

Additional charges may include:

●        Form fees which ranges from ₹100–₹200

●        Dealer handling charges if they apply on your behalf

●        Fast-track processing fees, which is common in major cities

Note:

●        These fees are usually non-refundable if your application is rejected due to incomplete documents or errors. Always confirm the exact fee structure with your local RTO.

●        Some dealerships include this cost in the vehicle’s on-road price, while others bill it separately. So, it’s best to clarify beforehand to avoid any monetary loss.

Endnote

A red number plate is essential for legally driving a newly purchased vehicle until permanent registration is issued. Knowing its purpose, rules, eligibility, documents required, and fees helps you stay compliant and avoid penalties. Whether you are buying a private or commercial vehicle, following the correct process ensures you a smooth and timely registration. Always verify details with your local RTO for a hassle-free experience.

If you want to secure your brand new vehicle with comprehensive insurance plans, connect with Quickinsure, for best deals!

FAQs:

1. What is a red number plate in India?

A red number plate is a temporary registration issued to brand-new vehicles until they receive permanent registration.

2. How long is a red number plate valid?

It is valid for up to 30 days from the date of issuance.

3. Who is eligible to use a red number plate?

Only new vehicle owners and authorized dealerships can legally use red number plates.

4. Can I drive anywhere in India with a red number plate?

Yes, you can drive across India as long as your temporary registration is valid and documents are complete.

5. Is insurance mandatory for vehicles with a red number plate?

Yes, a valid motor insurance policy is compulsory even during temporary registration.

Published on - 25/11/2025