How to Get a Special Number Plate in Singapore?

Singapore’s name will come first when you are talking about car cultures; they are famous for car creatives and customizing. They want to make their car more outstanding. Special number plates are one of the most popular ways for vehicle owners to make their cars more unique and stylish. With a special car number plate, it looks more gorgeous, the shadow of your personality, or you can add any memorable number here.

If you want to buy a special car number plate in Singapore, you need to follow some steps from bidding to number plate making. In this article, we cover each and everything. So read that article to avoid any type of hassle.

What is a Special Number Plate?

Special number plate is a common way to make your car more attractive. In a special number plate in Singapore, you can choose the mix of letters and numbers, unlike the standard random combinations (like 8888 or 1234). On that plate, you can add repeated numbers, palindromic patterns, or initials that make the plate more exclusive and often desirable. 

Basically, special number plates are purchased by those people who want to add a more personal touch to their car or for a stylish vibe. But it depends on the LTA if they approve that you can get it or buy it from another person who has already purchased that number plate. 

Why Get a Special Number Plate?

Special number plates are increasingly popular among vehicle owners in Singapore, and the reasons are varied:

1. Personalization: Special or unique number plates really show off the owner’s vibes. Many people choose combos matching their names, initials, or lucky numbers.
2. Lucky Numbers: In Singapore, numbers are more than just digits; they hold special cultural meanings many people adore! For instance, the number 8 is associated with prosperity, while 6 may smooth progress and good fortune, 9 for positive outcomes, and 3 for bringing success.
3. Investment Potential: Some special number plates appreciate over time, especially if they’re particularly rare or visually pleasing, like 8888 or 1234. Such plates can add to the resale value of the car itself.
4. Branding Opportunity: For companies, a unique number plate can reinforce branding, especially if it features initials or a product name.
5. Memorability and Ease of Identification: A custom number plate is more memorable, helping owners quickly locate their vehicle or report it if they are in trouble.

For those reasons, people buy special number plates. It’s not only just some digits; it expresses your personality.

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Special Number Plate

You can’t get special number plates like random combinations. You need to follow some steps, and then you’re eligible to get that then you will get that; here are all the steps:

Step 1: Research Plate Combinations

Start by researching about plate combinations that go or match with you. These combinations can be unique to your identity, hold sentimental value, or simply be easily recalled. Here are a few popular types of combinations:

• Lucky or Culturally Significant Numbers: Numbers like 8, 168 (meaning “prosper all the way”), or find other combinations with a good meaning.
• Short Words or Initials: It makes it special if your initials or business name fits with the letters you have available.
• Palindromic or Repeated Sequences: Some good examples are 1221, 0007, 8888, and 1010. People like these numbers because they look cool and are easy to remember.

You can check availability and search trends for combinations using the OneMotoring website, which lists special number series up for bid.

Step 2: Register on OneMotoring’s Platform

The OneMotoring website, run by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), is the official platform to view and bid on special plates. Here’s how to get started:

1. Create an Account: Go to the OneMotoring website and sign up or log in if you already have an account.
2. Navigate to Special Plate Bidding: Locate the section dedicated to special number plate bidding to view the available series for that particular bidding period.

Step 3: Check the Bidding Schedule

LTA opens special number plate bidding at certain times, usually when a new series is released. Each bidding period offers a fresh opportunity to secure a unique plate, so mark your calendar and stay updated with the latest schedule announcements on the OneMotoring portal.

Step 4: Submit Your Bid

Once you’ve selected a plate combination, it’s time to place your bid. Here’s what you’ll need to know:

1. Select and Rank Your Choices: Submit your preferred plate options in order of priority, as your top choice may already be highly contested.
2. Set a Bid Amount: The minimum bid usually starts around SGD 1,000, though high-demanding plates may require much higher bids. Think about how much you are willing to spend, and keep in mind that your bid amount is final.
3. Pay the Deposit: You must submit a deposit as part of your bid. If your bid is successful, this amount goes toward the final cost of the plate; if not, the deposit will be refunded.

Step 5: Await Results

After bidding, LTA will announce the results within a few days. If you’re awarded your desired plate, you’ll receive an official confirmation with next steps for finalizing your plate.

Cost of Special Number Plates in Singapore

Special number plates come with various costs based on the popularity of specific number sequences. Here’s general research on the price ranges for different types of plates:

• Regular Bids: SGD 1,000 – SGD 10,000. Basic unique combinations are in this range.
• High-Demand Plates: SGD 10,000+ for popular combinations like lucky or repetitive numbers (e.g., 8888).
• Rare or Highly Memorable Plates: SGD 50,000+ for extremely rare plates that may attract investment-level interest.

The amount can be up and down, depending on the bid. If so many bidders bid for a specific number plate, it’ll be higher after each bidding.

Legal Considerations for Special Number Plates

If you’re using a special number plate, ensure you comply with these regulations:

1. Display Standards: Plates must be created according to LTA size, color, and font rules.
2. Compliance with Taxes and Fees: Some plates have extra fees or require annual renewals; check with LTA for more details.

If you wish to transfer your plate to another vehicle, you must follow LTA’s rules and possibly pay a transfer fee. Transfers usually require the plate to remain with the same owner or go to an immediate family member.

Where to Make Your Number Plate?

After successfully getting your special number plate through bidding, the next step is number plate making. In Singapore, number plates are made by authorized makers who follow the LTA rules. At SG Plate Mart, we are proud to be Singapore’s first 3D number plate maker, specializing in giving high-quality, custom-designed number plates.

You can get many types of designs for number plates in Singapore, such as 3D printed, metal embossed, sticker laminated, acrylic laser cut, and many more. Order your number plate, and then they will install that on your car.

Conclusion

Special number plate in Singapore gives a unique vibe and makes your car more beautiful. It looks more gorgeous when you make it on a custom plate, but you have to follow LTA rules. That number plate will hold your emotions, culture or any memorable number. It also shows your personality.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to get a special number plate in Singapore?

The price of bidding starts from SGD 1,000. Popular plates can exceed SGD 100,000 due to high demand.

Where can I apply for a special number plate in Singapore?

You can apply from the LTA’s OneMotoring website, where bidding for special plates happens.

Can I transfer my special number plate to another vehicle?

Yes, you can transfer it to a different vehicle with additional fees, and specific LTA rules apply.

Are there legal regulations for displaying a special number plate?

Yes, LTA requires special plates to follow the specific size, font, and color rules.

How often are new special number plate series released?

LTA releases new plate series occasionally, typically several times a year.