Since April 1, 2019, all manufactured cars have been registered with High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) as per a mandate passed by MoRTH. However, the government’s primary goal is to achieve 100% compliance with HSRP number plates for all vehicle types in India. To achieve this, the government passed a deadline of November 30, 2025, for all vehicle owners to get an HSRP.
This urgent deadline seemed like an opportunity for some scammers and fraudsters to steal from people. Read more to know how and why the need for HSRPs is rising in Maharashtra.
What are HSRP Number Plates?
The HSRP, or High Security Registration Plate, is a new, advanced type of number plate made of aluminium. The letter on these plates is laser-etched, making it easy for the CCTV cameras in the e-challan system to scan the plate.
These plates also come with multiple other features, such as their inimitable IND symbol and Ashok chara hologram, which makes it hard for thieves to steal and replace the number plate.
The HSRP plate also comes with Non-reusable locks. This means that if someone breaks it once from a car, it cannot be reattached. This will help reduce crimes such as using expired car number plates to commit criminal offences.
Details on the Fake HSRP Scam in Maharashtra
Since the government is pushing people to get their HSRPs before 30th November 2025, many individuals have started to book their mh hsrp online. Taking advantage of this rush, fraudsters created fake websites posing as official HSRP registration portals.
Let us get into the details:
- Thousands of people are falling for this scam and unknowingly paying for counterfeit number plates.
- Reports highlight that victims were also targeted through fake social media advertisements and phishing links.
- The scam tricked people into providing their personal and bank details, putting their entire bank balance at risk.
- In most cases, scammers never send the number plate, and in some instances, people received a fake HSRP plate.
This scam has led to severe repercussions, including regulatory violations and increased liability in accidents, mainly affecting transport businesses.
Why is the Need For HSRP Number Plates Growing in Maharashtra?
The demand for HSRP number plates is growing, especially in Maharashtra, because of 3 main reasons. Here is a list of them.
- The government made it mandatory for all vehicles in Maharashtra and other states to have HSRP number plates installed before 30th November, 2025.
- People with no HSRP number plates will have to pay a fine of ₹1,000 every time the police catch them with fancy number plates.
- The recent HSRP number plates left thousands of people with counterfeit HSRP plates or no number plates at all. And now, since the due date is almost here, the demand for new HSRP number plates is growing every day.
Features To Identify An Original HSRP Number Plate in Maharashtra
The South Cyber police in Bangalore have arrested the scammer who created the fake website for HSRP number plate booking. He is a 57-year-old man. Though this scam is no longer active, if you are from Maharashtra, here are a few features to check the genuineness of your HSRP number plate.
- The number plate must have a chromium hologram.
- A shining film or a (retro-reflective film), that has “India” inscribed on it at 45 45-degree angle.
- The registration plate must have the letters and numbers embossed rather than painted.
- The letters must look different from normal plates, as they are engraved with a laser.
- Both front and rear number plates must have the letters “IND” hot-stamped in blue colour.
Steps To Book An Original Maharashtra HSRP Number Plate Online
To avoid scams in your state, your safest option is to use the official way to book an HSRP number plate. So if you are from Maharashtra, look into the steps below:
Step 1: Visit the official website of the Maharashtra Transport Department. The URL of the original website will always end with “.gov.in”.
Step 2: Create an account if you do not already have one. Then click the registration link and enter your details.
Step 3: Verify that you are giving your current phone number and Email ID.
Step 4: Once you are in, navigate to the “Apply for High Security Number Plate” option and click on it.
Step 5: Complete your application form and provide all required information.
Step 6: Pay the required fees for HSRP number plates, then click the “Submit” button. You will receive a confirmation message on the registered mobile number.
The Bottom Line
The scam in Maharashtra has led to an increasing demand for HSRP number plates, as thousands of people who fell for it are reapplying to comply with the law and avoid fines. The introduction of HSRP number plates is much more irreversible and irreplaceable than the fancy ones. This helps to facilitate easy tracking and prevent people from replacing plates to commit untraceable criminal activities.
