If your vehicle was registered before April 2019 and still carries a regular number plate, you are technically non-compliant with a mandatory government directive - and subject to fines ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000. The High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) is no longer optional in India. The good news is that the entire process can be completed online in under 10 minutes.
This guide covers everything you need to know about HSRP in 2026 - what it is, who needs it, how to order it online, fees, status tracking, and what happens if you don't have one.
What is HSRP - High Security Registration Plate?
HSRP stands for High Security Registration Plate - a government-mandated vehicle number plate introduced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) under Rule 50 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. Unlike conventional number plates that can be easily duplicated or tampered with, HSRPs are engineered with multiple layers of security that make forgery virtually impossible.
Key security features of an HSRP:
- Aluminium base - rust-proof, durable, and standardised in size
- Chromium-based Ashok Chakra hologram - manufactured only under government-controlled processes; cannot be replicated
- 10-digit laser-etched Permanent Identification Number (PIN) - uniquely linked to the vehicle in a central database
- Retro-reflective sheeting with "IND" inscription - readable by ANPR cameras in all lighting conditions including rain and night
- Non-reusable snap locks - any attempt to remove the plate permanently breaks the lock, making tampering immediately visible
Along with the plate itself, a colour-coded fuel sticker (Third License Plate) is also mandatory - light blue for Petrol, orange for Diesel, green for CNG and Electric vehicles.
Who Needs to Apply for HSRP?
- Vehicles registered before April 1, 2019 - must get HSRP retrofitted. This is mandatory and enforcement is active in most states
- Vehicles purchased after April 1, 2019 - HSRP is installed by the dealer at the time of delivery. No separate application needed
If your older vehicle still has a conventional acrylic or plastic number plate, you need to book your HSRP as soon as possible.
Documents Required for HSRP Booking
- Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC) - for reference during booking
- Vehicle registration number
- Chassis number
- Engine number
- Fuel type (Petrol / Diesel / CNG / Electric)
No physical document upload is required during online booking. The details must simply match your RC exactly - any mismatch can delay production or fitment.
How to Order HSRP Online - Step by Step
Step 1 - Find the Right Portal for Your State
HSRP booking is managed through state-specific portals or authorised vendor websites:
- Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and select states: bookmyhsrp.com
- Maharashtra: Maharashtra Transport Department's official HSRP portal
- Other states: Vehicle manufacturer-specific portals (Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Tata Motors, etc. have their own authorised HSRP portals)
Search for "[your state] HSRP online booking" on Google or check with your nearest RTO to confirm the correct portal for your region.
Step 2 - Select "High Security Registration Plate with Colour Sticker"
On the portal homepage, choose the option for a new HSRP. Most portals offer a combined option for the plate plus the colour-coded fuel sticker - select this for full compliance.
Step 3 - Enter Vehicle Details
Enter your registration number, chassis number, engine number, and fuel type. These must match your RC exactly. Even a single character mismatch can cause production delays or fitment rejection at the centre.
Step 4 - Choose Fitment Location and Appointment Date
Two options are generally available:
- Authorised Fitment Centre: Select your nearest approved fitment centre and choose a convenient date and time slot
- Home Fitment: Available in select cities - a technician visits your location to install the plates. An additional charge of ₹100 to ₹300 applies
Step 5 - Complete Payment
Pay online using UPI, debit card, credit card, or net banking. Download and save the payment receipt and order confirmation. You will need your order ID to track the application status.
Step 6 - Visit the Fitment Centre on Your Appointment Date
Carry your original RC to the fitment centre on the scheduled date. Installation typically takes 15 to 20 minutes. Once fitted, you will receive a compliance certificate confirming HSRP installation.
HSRP Fees by Vehicle Type
| Vehicle Type | Approximate Fee (Plate + Colour Sticker) |
|---|---|
| Two-Wheeler (Bike / Scooter) | ₹300 – ₹400 |
| Four-Wheeler / LMV (Car) | ₹600 – ₹1,100 |
| Home Fitment Surcharge | ₹100 – ₹300 additional |
| Colour Sticker Only | ₹100 – ₹150 |
* Fees vary slightly by state and vehicle make. The exact amount is displayed at the time of booking on the portal before payment.
How to Track Your HSRP Order Status
After completing your booking, you can monitor the status at any time:
- Visit the portal where you placed the booking
- Navigate to "Track Your Order" or "Check Application Status"
- Enter your vehicle registration number and order ID
- Current status will be displayed - Processing, Manufacturing, Ready for Fitment, or Installed
You will also receive an SMS notification when your plate is ready for fitment at the selected centre.
Penalty for Not Having HSRP
Under MoRTH regulations, driving a pre-2019 vehicle without an HSRP is a punishable offence:
- Fine: ₹5,000 to ₹10,000
- Traffic challan issuance
- Vehicle detention at enforcement checkpoints
States like Delhi-NCR, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh have significantly increased enforcement in recent years. The fine is avoidable - booking an HSRP costs a fraction of the penalty.
HSRP vs Regular Number Plate - Key Differences
| Feature | Regular Number Plate | HSRP |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Plastic / Acrylic | Aluminium |
| Hologram | None | Chromium Ashok Chakra |
| Unique Identification | None | 10-digit laser-etched PIN |
| Tamper-proof | No | Yes - non-reusable snap locks |
| Central Database Link | No | Yes |
| Night Visibility | Limited | High - retro-reflective sheeting |
| Legal Compliance (pre-2019) | Non-compliant | Mandatory |
What If Your HSRP is Lost or Damaged?
If your HSRP plate is lost, stolen, or damaged after installation:
- File an FIR at the nearest police station
- Visit the same booking portal and select the "Replacement / Retain / Transfer" option
- Enter your registration details and FIR number
- Pay the replacement fee and schedule a new fitment appointment
Frequently Asked Questions
Do new vehicle buyers need to apply separately for HSRP?
No. Vehicles purchased after April 1, 2019 come with HSRP pre-installed by the dealer at the time of delivery. Only pre-2019 vehicles need to apply for HSRP retrofitting.
How long does it take to get the HSRP after booking?
Typically 7 to 15 days from the date of booking. You will receive an SMS when the plate is ready at your selected fitment centre.
Can HSRP be booked without visiting an RTO?
Yes - the entire booking process is online. You only need to visit an authorised fitment centre for the physical installation, or opt for home fitment where available.
Is HSRP required before selling a used vehicle?
Yes - buyers increasingly check for HSRP compliance, and some RTO processes for ownership transfer may flag non-compliant vehicles. Getting HSRP installed before selling is strongly advisable. For a complete overview of the RC transfer process, read our guide on how to transfer RC after buying a used car.
Where can I find my nearest RTO for HSRP-related queries?
Use RTOCheck.com - enter your vehicle number to instantly find your RTO's address, phone number, and contact details.
Final Thoughts
Getting your HSRP is a one-time task that takes less than 10 minutes to book online and 15 minutes to install. The cost is minimal, the process is straightforward, and the benefits — both in terms of legal compliance and vehicle security - are significant. If your pre-2019 vehicle still doesn't have an HSRP, book it today before you encounter an enforcement checkpoint.
For any vehicle registration queries, RTO office details, or transport-related information, RTOCheck.com covers 1,230+ RTO offices across all 36 Indian states and union territories - completely free.