The color of a vehicle’s number plate in India holds significant importance as it provides essential information about the vehicle’s use and registration status. Each color signifies a specific type of vehicle, distinguishing between personal and commercial use. In this article, we will explore the meaning of white number plate in India, how to get the white number plate, and the new rules regarding their display in India.
White number plate in India
The most typical number plate used for private or non-commercial cars in India, including both two-wheelers and four-wheelers, is white. It serves as the typical license plate for privately owned vehicles. Typically, the white number plate has a white background and black letters on it. White number plate means that the vehicle is exclusively registered for private or personal use and should not be used for business activities like the delivery of goods or the transportation of paying customers.
By decoding the color-coded number plates, one can easily determine the function and type of cars encountered in India.
How to get the white number plate
In India, a white number plate with black letters is for private vehicles—cars, bikes, or scooters used for personal use (not for hire or business).
Here’s how you can get one:
Let the Dealer Handle It (Most Common & Easy)
If you’re buying a brand-new vehicle, the dealership usually takes care of the whole registration process for you.
- Temporary Registration (TR): The dealer gives you a red-colored temporary plate so you can drive legally for a few days.
- Just give your ID, address proof, and PAN card to the dealer.
- Dealer Registers the Vehicle: They go to the RTO, pay the road tax and fees, and get your permanent white number plate.
- You Get Your RC and Plate: Your Registration Certificate (RC) and High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP) are sent to your home or picked up from the dealer.
This is the easiest way to get your white number plate.
Option 2: Do It Yourself (DIY)
If your dealer doesn’t help or you prefer handling things personally, you can register the vehicle yourself at the RTO.
Step-by-step process:
- Collect these Forms:
- Form 20 – Registration application
- Form 21 – Sale certificate (from dealer)
- Form 22 – Roadworthiness certificate (from manufacturer)
- Form 51 – Insurance copy
- Form 34 – If the vehicle is financed
- Prepare Your Documents:
- Aadhaar card or any valid ID proof
- Address proof (electricity bill, rent agreement, etc.)
- PAN card (mandatory if vehicle costs over ₹4 lakh)
- Vehicle invoice
- PUC certificate
- Chassis & engine number (pencil print)
- Passport-size photos
- Visit Your RTO:
- Go to your local RTO with the documents
- Submit all forms and papers
- Bring your vehicle for inspection
- Vehicle Inspection:
- An RTO officer checks your vehicle’s chassis, engine number, and condition
- Pay Fees & Tax:
- Pay the registration fee and road tax based on your vehicle type and price
- RC and HSRP Issued:
- Once approved, your RC (smart card) and white HSRP will be issued
You can’t get a regular plate anymore—HSRPs are compulsory.
That’s how to get the white number plate
What is the new number plate rules in India?
In recent years, India has introduced strict new rules to improve vehicle safety and traceability. These apply to all number plates—including white number plates
High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP) – Mandatory for All
HSRPs are now required for all vehicles, whether you have a new car or an old one.
| Feature | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Tamper-Proof | Aluminum plate with snap-locks (can’t be reused) |
| Chromium Hologram | Blue Ashoka Chakra for authenticity |
| Laser-Etched PIN | 10-digit number linked to your RC data |
| Retro-Reflective Film | Helps in night-time visibility |
| “IND” Mark | Mark of Indian registration |
| Standard Design | Same font and size across India |
Must be on both front and rear plates (even for bikes and scooters).
Why HSRPs Matter:
- Stops number plate tampering
- Makes tracking stolen vehicles easier
- Avoids fake or fancy number plates
- Helps in pollution checks and traffic fines
Penalty for Not Having HSRP:
Fines of ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 in many states.
Also, you may not get insurance claims or be able to renew your RC.
Color-Coded Stickers for Fuel Type
All new white number plates must also have a color-coded sticker on the windshield.
| Color Sticker | Fuel Type |
|---|---|
| Light Blue | Petrol or CNG |
| Orange | Diesel |
| Grey | Electric/Hybrid |
| Green Strip | For BS6 vehicles |
Why Color Stickers?
- Helps in pollution control (especially in Delhi-NCR)
- Required to get a valid PUC certificate
- Used during smog alerts or fuel-type bans
3. Bharat Series (BH-Series) Number Plate
If you often move across states (due to job transfers), your white plate can now be a BH-series plate.
Who Can Get BH-Series?
- Central or State govt employees
- Defence staff
- PSU workers
- Private employees whose company has offices in 4+ states
Key Benefits:
- No need for re-registration if you move to another state
- Pay road tax every 2 years, not a one-time lifetime tax
- Simpler vehicle ownership transfer
Format of BH-Series:
YY BH 1234 XX
- YY: Year of registration (e.g., 24 for 2024)
- BH: Bharat Series code
- 1234: 4-digit number
- XX: Random letters
.
These new rules for vehicle number plate in India for white number plate are designed to enhance road safety, enable easy identification of vehicles, and maintain uniformity in the display of vehicle registration details. It is important for vehicle owners to adhere to these rules to avoid any legal issues and ensure smooth compliance with traffic regulations.
FAQs
What does a temporary number plate mean?
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A brand-new car is given a temporary number plate until the relevant RTO provides the permanent number plate to the vehicle. It has color-coded alpha-numerical according to the type of vehicle and is good for one month.
Can we use a white number plate for the EV?
EV license plates must have a green background and white or yellow numerals and letters.
Can we convert white number plate to yellow?
Yes, you can convert a white number plate to a yellow number plate in India — but only if you’re planning to use the vehicle for commercial purposes, like taxi services, goods transport, rentals, etc.
When can I convert white plate to yellow?
- White Plate = Private vehicle (non-commercial use)
- Yellow Plate = Commercial vehicle (for earning money)
You can convert only if you are changing the use of the vehicle from personal to commercial — for example, turning your car into a taxi or joining services like Uber/Ola.
Can we convert yellow number plate to white?
Yes, you can convert a yellow number plate to a white number plate in India — but only if you stop using the vehicle for commercial purposes and want to use it as a private/personal vehicle.
Steps to Convert Yellow Number Plate to White:
- Visit the RTO where your vehicle is registered.
- Ask for a form to change the vehicle use from commercial to private.
- Submit required documents:
- If you had a taxi permit or transport license, you’ll need to surrender or cancel it officially.
- Pay the fee for the change of vehicle class.
- Update the vehicle insurance to reflect private use only.
- The RTO may inspect your vehicle to confirm it’s not being used commercially.
- You’ll get a new Registration Certificate for private use.
- Remove the yellow plate and install a white number plate (black text on white background).
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