The Transport Department has given vehicle owners across Maharashtra one final window to upgrade their old number plates. Any car or bike registered before 1 April 2019 must display a High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) before 15 August 2025. From 16 August onward, authority teams may start the inspection across the state, and officials have made it clear that no further extensions will follow. The directive applies to roughly 2.10 crore vehicles, yet only about 23 lakh have switched so far. That gap is large enough for authorities to issue a firm warning that no further extensions will be issued. Read on to learn more about the compliance and the process.
Why does HSRP matter?
HSRP is more than just a new number plate. It carries built-in security elements that help curb fraud and theft.
*Chromium hologram: A small Ashoka Chakra symbol in the top-left corner shatters if anyone tries to peel the plate away.
*Laser-etched code: A unique string of numbers links the plate to the central vehicle register, making cloning extremely difficult.
*Snap locks: Special rivets break on the first attempt at removal, so a swapped plate cannot be reused without visible damage.
Extension timeline
The Transport Department has already relaxed the schedule three times. The order originally announced 31 March 2025 as the cut-off, then shifted to the end of April, later to the end of June, and now to 15 August 2025. Officials say this is the last extension for the HSRP Maharashtra. A confirmed booking made before the deadline counts as proof of intent even if the fitting slot falls afterwards, shielding you from penalties.
Risks of Missing the 15 August Cut-off
The following may be the key consequences of negligence:
*Fines or seizures under the Motor Vehicles Act, once inspections begin.
*Insurance complications if the vehicle is stolen or damaged; some claims may be delayed or rejected.
*Lower resale value because buyers may increasingly expect a legally compliant plate.
Three-step HSRP booking through ACKO
Here are the key steps you will need to follow while booking your HSRP number plate online through ACKO:
*Enter your registration number: Visit ACKO's HSRP page and type in the vehicle number. The portal automatically directs you to the authorised supplier for your city or district.
*Add key details: On the supplier's site, fill in the engine and chassis numbers from the Registration Certificate. Choose either a centre visit or, if offered, a doorstep installation slot.
*Pay and confirm: Complete the online payment, pick a time slot, and keep the confirmation message. If your chosen slot falls after 15 August, that digital receipt may protect you from fines.
Tips for a smooth installation of HSRP
Here are key tips for a smooth process:
*Book early: Appointments fill quickly as deadlines approach.
*Carry essential documents. Bring the Registration Certificate and a photo ID on installation day.
*Check before you leave: Make sure the hologram is intact, the laser code matches your papers, and the plate sits straight.
*Store the receipt: Keep a digital copy on your phone and a printout in the glove box until the transport database updates.
Why is getting an HSRP plate immediately important?
Here are the key reasons why you should act now:
*Avoid penalties: Timely compliance prevents fines, seizures, and needless hassle.
*Deter theft: The secure plate lowers the risk of number cloning and illegal resale.
*Better slot choice: Early birds may be able to pick convenient time slots and skip long queues.
Final word
Changing to an HSRP is a one-time task that usually takes less than an hour, but the benefits last for the life of the vehicle. Maharashtra's Transport Department has drawn a clear line: 15 August 2025 is the final date, and inspections start the very next morning. Book through ACKO today, lock in your HSRP plate and drive with peace of mind when enforcement begins. Waiting only invites crowded centres, higher stress, and the real risk of penalties. The most straightforward path is open right now; use it before the window closes.
Article edited by Jack Wu