With a growing population of professionals frequently relocating for work, Telangana sees a rising demand for seamless vehicle ownership across state borders. To overcome this, owners can get the BH (Bharat) series number plate, which provides an easy way to bypass re-registration when they move to another state. The BH registration introduced by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) in 2021 is a great initiative to simplify interstate vehicle transfers, which is perfect for those with transferable jobs. Keep reading to learn more about the BH number plate in Telangana, the eligibility criteria, how you can apply for it, and more.
What is BH Registration in Telangana?
The BH registration in Telangana is a national number plate system that is valid across the country. Individuals who are serving in government, defence, and private sector employees with offices in more than four states are eligible for this number plate. This registration eliminates the one-time road tax, and individuals can split their payments into easy instalments rather than paying for 15 years upfront, which makes it a more cost-effective choice.
Why Apply for a BH Series Number Plate in Telangana?
Here’s a closer look at why choosing a BH registration could be the right choice:
1. No Need for Re-Registration
Moving to another state for more than 12 months requires vehicle owners to re-register their vehicles at the local RTO, obtain an NOC from their previous state’s licensing authority, and repay respective road tax fees. However, a BH series number plate is valid throughout India, so there is no need to register your vehicle again when you travel to a new state.
2. Flexible Road Tax Payment
Vehicle owners in Telangana have to pay road tax in advance for fifteen years under a normal state registration. But BH registration runs a two-year tax cycle, which lets you pay road tax in instalments instead of a flat payment. This lowers the financial load, especially for individuals who might not keep their car for the whole 15 years.
3. Best for Frequent Transfers
Telangana has a high number of government employees, PSU workers, IT professionals, defence personnel, and private sector executives, many of whom are required to relocate frequently. Designed for such professionals, the BH number plate helps to avoid the complexities of car ownership across states. Whether you are transferring for personal reasons or work, administrative obstacles or legal compliance will not concern you.
BH Series Number Plate Format in Telangana
The BH number plate has a distinctive alphabetic pattern that ensures consistency across all Indian states. A BH series number plate looks like this:
YY BH #### XX
Here’s a breakdown of each component:
- “YY”: Represents the last two digits of the vehicle’s year of registration (e.g., if registered in 2024, it will start with “24”).
- “BH”: Stands for Bharat Series, which shows that the vehicle is registered under the BH series system and is valid nationwide.
- “####”: A four-digit numerical sequence that is allotted to the vehicle.
- “XX: A randomly assigned alphabetic code.
For example, a BH number plate for a vehicle registered in Telangana in 2024 could look like 24 BH 1234 AB.
Features of BH Series Number Plate
The BH number plate has particular characteristics that differentiate it from standard state-registered plates.
- Uniform Nationwide Format: All states use the same format for BH number plates.
- Valid Across India: Cars bearing BH-registered number plates enjoy unrestricted access in any Indian state because they do not contain state codes.
- Road Tax Payable in Instalments: The biennial tax structure allows for flexible payment.
- Better Tracking: BH number plates have special holograms and barcodes to prevent counterfeiting, and vehicles can easily be tracked.
Eligibility for BH Number Plate in Telangana
Not every car owner can own a BH series number plate. It is designed specifically for those who work for companies requiring regular migration. You must fit one of the following criteria to be eligible:
- Government Employees: All personnel affiliated with the central government, state government, and local municipal bodies can register.
- Defence Personnel: Members from the Indian Army plus Navy and Air Force and paramilitary forces.
- Public Sector Undertakings (PSU) Employees: The employees of ONGC, BHEL, NTPC and Indian Railways.
- Private Sector Employees: Private company employees working in establishments running operations across four states or more.
- Judicial Officers and IAS/IPS Officers: Industrial and Public Service Officers in IAS/IPS/IRS.
Documents Needed for BH Number Plate Application
To apply for a BH series number plate in Telangana, you need to submit the following documents:
- Vehicle Invoice: A copy of the purchase invoice from the dealership.
- Owner’s ID Proof: Aadhaar card, PAN card, or any government-issued identity proof.
- Employment Proof :
- Government employees: Official ID card or employment certificate.
- Private sector employees: Company employment certificate and Form 16 as income proof.
- Address Proof: Aadhaar card, passport, utility bill, or rental agreement.
- Vehicle Insurance Certificate: A valid insurance policy covering the vehicle.
- Form 60 or 61 (if applicable): Required if the applicant does not have a PAN card.
- Application Form (Form 20): Duly filled and signed form for vehicle registration.
How to Apply for BH Registration in Telangana?
One can apply for a BH number plate in Telangana online as well as offline; here are the steps:
Online Application Process (Self-Registration)
- Visit the Parivahan Portal: Go to parivahan.gov.in.
- Fill out Form 20: Enter vehicle and owner details.
- Upload Documents: Submit ID proof, employment certificate, insurance, and invoice.
- Pay Road Tax: The system calculates and collects tax for two years.
- RTO Verification: Visit the RTO for physical inspection and document verification.
- BH Number Plate Issued: After approval, the BH registration is assigned, and the number plate is made.
Offline Application via Dealer
- Inform the Dealer: Opt for BH registration while purchasing the vehicle.
- Provide Documents: Submit employment proof, ID, and other required papers.
- Dealer Applies on Parivahan: The dealer handles the online registration process by filling up the form on your behalf.
- Pay Road Tax and Fees: Complete the payment via the dealer.
- Vehicle Inspection at RTO: The dealer arranges for RTO verification.
- Receive BH Number Plate: After approval, the dealer delivers the vehicle with the BH plate.
BH Series Number Plate Price in Telangana
The cost of a BH number plate depends on the ex-showroom price of the vehicle. Instead of a one-time 15-year road tax, BH registration requires biennial tax payments (every two years). The pricing looks something like this:
Vehicle Price | Motor Vehicle Tax (% of Invoice) |
Below Rs. 10 lakh | 8% |
Rs. 10 lakh – Rs. 20 lakh | 10% |
Above Rs. 20 lakh | 12% |
Other Charges:
- Diesel cars: Additional 2%
- Electric cars: 2% tax concession
Apart from road tax, additional RTO registration charges (Rs. 1,000 – Rs. 1,500) and number plate costs (Rs. 1,000 – Rs. 2,000) may apply.
FAQs about BH Number Plate in Telangana
Q. Can I apply for a BH number plate if I am a private sector employee?
Yes, but only if your company operates in four or more states. You must provide an employment certificate and Form 16 as proof.
Q. Is a BH number plate transferable if I sell my car?
No, the BH series number plate can not be transferred since it is registered to the owner and not the car. The new owner must re-register their car at the RTO even if they are eligible for a BH number plate.
Q. Do I need to visit an RTO physically for BH registration?
Yes, even though the application is submitted online, a physical vehicle inspection at the RTO is mandatory for verification.
Q. Can I convert my existing Telangana number plate to a BH number plate?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria and pay the fees, you can easily convert your existing number plate to a BH number plate.
Q. Does the government offer any special benefit for BH-registered EVs?
EV buyers can benefit from government-provided cost savings because they can claim a 2% BH registration tax rebate.