If you plan to buy a car in Singapore, you’ve probably heard of a process called VRN bidding. For first-time car owners, the myriad of things to know and remember might be daunting. That’s why we created this detailed rundown on what VRN bidding is all about. Read on and bookmark this article for future reference. 🔖
What is a VRN?
A Vehicle Registration Number (VRN) is a unique identifier that every vehicle in Singapore must display on its registration plates. While LTA does automatically assign you a VRN, you can choose to bid for a desired VRN of your choice. This is great news if you’d like to have a personalised VRN.
How do I bid for a VRN?
To bid for a car plate, follow these steps:
Step 1: Check if your desired VRN is available
LTA regularly releases a list of VRNs available for booking. You can check if your desired VRN is available on the OneMotoring website.
Step 2: Submit your bid
If your desired VRN is available, you can submit a bid via the OneMotoring website and fill in the required information. The minimum VRN bidding amount is $1,000, and bids must be in multiples of $1. A non-refundable service fee of $18.53 will also accompany each bid submission.
When a new VRN series is launched, the main bidding exercise will commence at 1am on Friday to 4:30pm on the following Wednesday.
After the main bidding exercise has concluded, there’ll be weekly bidding exercises starting from 1am on Fridays to 4:30pm on the following Mondays. This is when you’ll get to bid for numbers that are still available after the main bidding exercise.
Step 3: Check your VRN bidding results
Your VRN bidding results will be sent to you via the email you provided in the bidding form. Alternatively, you can also check LTA’s website. Results for both the main and weekly bidding exercises will be released on Wednesday, 12pm, the week the bidding closes.
If your bid is successful, you can start using your VRN on your registration plates for up to 1 year, starting from 12pm on the day the results were released. Your motor dealer will be able to register your VRN immediately when registering your new vehicle. You can also do the same on the OneMotoring website.
If your bid is unsuccessful, your bid amount will be refunded to you.
How do I retain my car plate?
If you want to use your VRN on a different vehicle from the one you own, you can apply for VRN retention. This is a separate process from VRN bidding. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Submit your retention application
Log into the OneMotoring website with your Singpass or Corppass and submit your retention application. You can do this before your vehicle is transferred or deregistered, or up to 1 month after deregistration.
Step 2: Use your retained VRN
Once LTA has informed you of your successful application, you can start using your retained VRN. If you’re registering a new vehicle with the retained VRN, you’ll be charged $100 for application. Those using a retained VRN on an existing vehicle will have to pay $1,300.
Keep in mind that you’ll only have 1 year to use your retained VRN after it’s approved. You can apply to extend your VRN’s validity 6 months before it expires at a cost of $1,042.51.
Step 3: Change your number plates
Lastly, don’t forget to physically change your registration plate once your retention application is approved. You’ll get 3 calendar days to ensure that your new vehicle is using the retained VRN, and that your old vehicle has changed its registration plate or has been deregistered.
Happy bidding!
Amanda 💙
(Featured photo: CGTN)
