Everything you need to know about the BH Number Plate

Relocating to a different city but worried about re-registration of your vehicle? With a BH Number Plate, you can move freely across any region in India without worrying about re-registration hassles. Learn how to apply for a Bharat Series number plate in our handy guide.
Last updated 4 weeks ago
Bharat Series
Last updated 4 weeks ago

In 2021, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) of India introduced the Bharat Series Number Plate or BH Number Plate. This new registration format was introduced by the Indian government to make vehicle ownership more flexible and hassle-free for people who frequently move across different states in India. For instance, under the older number plate system if someone moved from Maharashtra to Karnataka, they would need to re-register their vehicle with Karnataka’s transport department and pay road tax in the new state. The BH number plate eliminates this need by providing a single, nationally valid registration. Let’s discuss this in detail. 

How does the BH number plate work?

Unlike the existing vehicle registrations, the BH number plate allows vehicles to move freely within India without the need for re-registration. The BH plate format is pretty easy to understand:

AB BH XXXX YY

  • AB – Year of registration (e.g., 21 for 2021)
  • BH – Bharat Series Code
  • XXXX – A random 4-digit number
  • YY – A 2-letter code denoting the vehicle type (e.g., ‘PA’ for a private vehicle)

For example, a vehicle registered in 2021 under the Bharat series could have a number plate that reads “21 BH 1234 PA.”

Eligibility for BH number plate

The Bharat number plate is primarily intended for specific groups of individuals. Here are the eligibility criteria for the BH number plate.

  • State and Central Government employees
  • Defense sector personnel
  • Bank employees
  • Administrative services employees
  • Private firm employees with offices in more than four states or union territories

Applying for a BH number plate

To get a BH number plate, there are a few steps that need to be followed. 

Using MoRTH’s Vahan Portal

Step 1: Log into MoRTH’s Vahan Portal or your state’s transport department website

Step 2: Look for the option to apply for a new vehicle registration or transfer of ownership.

Step 3: Fill in the required details such as vehicle type, engine number, chassis number, etc.

Step 4: Upload the necessary documents, including your ID proof, address proof, and vehicle insurance.

Step 5: Pay the applicable fees for the registration process.

Step 6: Once the application is processed, you will receive an SMS or email with your BH series number plate details.

Step 7: You can then visit your nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) to get your number plate fixed on your vehicle.

Contacting a dealer for the registration 

Step 1: If you choose to contact a dealer, then the dealer needs to fill out Form 20 on the Vahan Portal on your behalf. 

Step 3: Private sector employees with offices in more than four states or UTs must submit Form 60 and provide their employment ID with a work certificate.

Step 4: The state authorities will then verify the eligibility of the vehicle owner. 

Step 5: Select the ‘BH Series’ option on your application

Step 6: Submit Required documents, such as the Working Certificate (Form 60) or a copy of the official ID card  

Step 7: The Regional Transport Office (RTO) approves the BH series.

Step 8: Pay the necessary fee or motor vehicle tax online.

Once these steps are completed, the Vahan portal generates BH series registration numbers in random order, applicable in all states of India.

Documents required for BH Number Plate registration

  • Aadhaar Card 
  • PAN Card
  • Official ID card 
  • Form 60 
  • Form 20 (If applicable)

Road Tax for BH Number Plate

For private vehicles registered under the BH series, road tax is paid in two-year intervals or in multiples of two such as four, six, or eight years. The tax can be easily paid online and is applicable for up to 14 years. After that, you’ll need to pay annually. The tax amount is calculated based on the vehicle’s invoice price, with lower rates for electric vehicles.

How to Pay BH Number Plate Road Tax Online

Step 1: Visit the Parivahan Website 

Step 2: Select your State from the drop-down. This should be the state where your BH series number was originally sourced from.

Step 3: Enter your registration number. A popup about Aadhar number-based verification will appear. Just click on the <Proceed> button.

Step 4: Under Online Services, click on Pay Your Tax.

Step 5: Enter the vehicle chassis number (last 5 digits)

Step 6: In the Tax Details section, select Tax Mode as LumSum Two Year. Your vehicle details will show up.

Step 7: Proceed to make the payment. After the payment is done, the updated tax due date will be displayed. 

Benefits of the BH Number Plate

As already stated above, the BH number plate was introduced to reduce the hassle of re-registering vehicles after moving to a new state. 

  • Hassle-Free Inter-State Movement: People no longer need to go through the cumbersome process of re-registering their vehicles every time they move to a different state. This is especially useful for government employees and private sector employees with transferable jobs.
  • Simplified Taxation: Under the BH series, road tax is paid only for two years initially, and then in subsequent two-year increments. In contrast, traditional registrations require a one-time payment of road tax for 15 years, followed by re-registration.
  • National Validity: The BH number plate is valid across India, making it easier for vehicle owners to drive their cars wherever their work takes them without worrying about state borders.
  • Reduction in Bureaucratic Processes: The introduction of the BH number plate helps cut down on red tape, simplifying the ownership experience for those eligible.

Challenges and Limitations of the BH Number Plate

While the BH number plate offers a host of benefits, it’s not without its challenges:

  • Limited Availability: Since the scheme is limited to government employees and those working in companies with offices in multiple states, the general public cannot yet benefit from this scheme.
  • Transfer Process for Old Vehicles: Although you can transfer existing vehicles to the BH series, the process might involve some additional paperwork, especially when dealing with older registrations.

Cost of BH Number Plate

The BH registration cost is different from the cost related to the issuance of a normal number plate. 

Here is the BH number plate price breakdown:

Invoice cost Motor Vehicles Tax (% of the invoice) 
Less than Rs. 10 Lakh 8%
Rs. 10 Lakh to Rs. 20 Lakh 10%
More than Rs. 20 Lakh 12%

Point to note is that there shall be 2% extra charge for diesel vehicles and 2% less tax for electric vehicles.

Summary

The BH number plate is a great solution for people who move often for work. It makes vehicle registration easier, lets you pay road tax in simple steps, and you don’t have to worry about re-registering in each new state. While it’s mainly for government and private sector employees, it could eventually help more people across India. If you’re eligible, the BH number plate can save you a lot of time and hassle!

FAQ’s

  1. Q. What are the benefits of a BH number plate? 

    Benefits include hassle-free inter-state movement, simplified taxation with longer intervals for road tax payments, national validity across India, and reduced bureaucratic processes for eligible vehicle owners.

  2. Q. How can I apply for a BH number plate?

    One can apply for the BH number plate if one, they meet the eligibility requirement and two by logging into MoRTH’s Vahan portal or enlisting a dealer to carry out the process for you. 

  3. Q.  What documents are required for BH number plate registration?

    The documents required for the registration of the Bh number plate are: Aadhaar card, drivers license, PAN card, Form 60, Form 20 and proof of vehicle insurance. 

  4. Q.  Are there any challenges associated with the BH number plate?

    Yes, challenges include limited availability since the scheme is restricted to certain groups, and the transfer process for existing vehicles may require additional paperwork, particularly for older registrations.

  5. Q. Who is eligible to get a BH number plate?

    Employees of State and Central Government, Personnel serving in the Defence sector, Employees of banks and administrative services and Private sector employees whose companies have offices in four or more states and/or union territories

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14 thoughts on “Everything you need to know about the BH Number Plate”

  1. The blog article on Spinny’s website offers a comprehensive guide to Bharat series number plates in India, providing essential information for vehicle owners. With my background in automotive industry research, I understand the importance of staying informed about regulatory changes and compliance requirements. This article effectively breaks down the intricacies of Bharat series number plates, offering clarity on their significance, design specifications, and implementation process. By providing such detailed insights, Spinny equips vehicle owners with the knowledge needed to navigate the evolving landscape of vehicle registration in India, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and fostering a safer and more organized transportation environment.

  2. Is any option to transfer BH number vehicle to another owner or can sell BH vehicle to another? What is the process.

    Also BH number vehicle are allowed on spinny platform for sell & buy ?

  3. Any criteria for leftover service for Central Government officers who want to get registered new car under Bharat series?

  4. Is this BH no for new vehicles only. OR vehicles which are already registered can OPT or go in for this BH no.?

  5. I want to change my KA registration to BH. Car is only 2 years old

    Can you suggest what to be done and will I get any refund

  6. Can I register for BH if I purchase vehicle in one state I.e Telangana and go for registration at Maharadtra

  7. Moinak Adhya

    My car no. is IND 24BH7169D ,As per your format there should be two letters but here only one i.e D.Is it ok?

  8. raunak katoyar

    what is the road tax which will be applicable after the one time road tax payment of BH Series vehicle after 14 years.

    once paid the road tax for BH series Car it is applicable till 14 years only, after that we need to pay yearly basis.

    Hence need to know what will the cost and how it is calculated.

  9. This article does a great job explaining the benefits of the Bharat Series (BH) number plates. As someone with a job that requires frequent relocation, the BH number plate sounds like a lifesaver, saving me from the hassle of re-registering my vehicle every time I move to a new state. The step-by-step guide on how to apply and the clear explanation of eligibility criteria make it easy to understand. Kudos to MoRTH for this thoughtful initiative!

  10. what compliances, does a buyer buying a used car with Bharat series number has to fulfill? pertaining to Road Tax, Duty and registration particularly when the subsequent buyer is not eligible for Bharat series number?

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