Vehicle Registration Lookup (Format Check)
Check and decode Indian vehicle registration number format. Identify state and RTO from number plate.
State Codes Reference
About this calculator
Enter an Indian registration number and the tool checks its format and decodes the state code, RTO district number and series.
It does not look up the owner. Owner details are protected and available only through official channels.
How to use it
- Type the registration number, for example MH12AB1234.
- Read the decoded state and RTO.
- Check the series and number.
Registration number format
The standard format is SS NN XX NNNN: two letters for the state or union territory (MH Maharashtra, DL Delhi, KA Karnataka, TN Tamil Nadu, UP Uttar Pradesh, GJ Gujarat), two digits for the district RTO, one to three letters for the series, and four digits for the number. Example MH 12 AB 1234: Maharashtra, RTO 12 (Pune), series AB, number 1234. Bharat (BH) series plates look like 22 BH 1234 AA (year, BH, four digits, two letters).
Worked example
Examples
| DL 01 AB 1234 | Delhi, RTO 01 |
| KA 05 MN 4321 | Karnataka, RTO 05 (Bengaluru) |
| 22 BH 1234 AA | Bharat series (registered in 2022) |
Tips and common mistakes
- Check the format before buying a used vehicle.
- Verify ownership on the Parivahan (VAHAN) portal.
- Confirm RC, insurance and PUC validity.
- Look out for mismatched plate fonts or spacing.
- Challans can be checked at the official e-challan site.
Frequently asked questions
How is an Indian number plate structured?
State code, RTO number, series letters, four digits.
What is the BH series?
A nationwide registration that doesn't change when you move states.
Can this show the owner?
No, owner details are not public.
Where can I verify a vehicle?
Parivahan/VAHAN portal.
What does MH mean?
Maharashtra.
Is it free?
Yes.