If you often relocate for work, re-registering your car is one of the major pain points that you might be facing. The BH number plate, which was introduced in 2021 by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), makes travel seamless as it eliminates the need to re-register your car. This new registration system is extremely helpful for people who have transferable jobs, as it reduces road taxes and allows you to travel without any hurdles. If you’re looking to get a BH number plate in West Bengal, keep reading as we will cover everything about this special registration from eligibility, application process, and costs to help you manage the process smoothly.
What Is BH Registration in West Bengal?
BH registration in West Bengal is a nationalised vehicle registration process in which the owners are free to drive their vehicles across India without re-registration in any other state. Under a traditional system of registration, you can drive a vehicle in a different state for only 12 months. If you stay for more than 12 months, then you need to re-register your vehicle in the new state. The BH series number plate was introduced to solve this problem by having a nationwide valid registration system, which is very beneficial for people who have transferable jobs.
West Bengal, with several corporate complexes, government offices, and military bases, has a huge number of professionals migrating within as well as outside the state. BH registration protects such professionals from legal issues while migrating.
Why Apply for a BH Series Number Plate in West Bengal?
A BH series number plate has numerous advantages. Here’s why you should apply for one:
- No Need for Re-registration: With a BH-series number plate, you can travel all over India and move to any state without having to re-register your vehicle in that state.
- Comfort for Transferable Jobs: BH registration is ideal for government, defence, and private staff who have jobs in several states and often need to travel. They can travel with peace of mind without any penalties.
- Online and Streamlined Process: Getting a BH series number plate is very simple and can be done online. It is much faster and more convenient than traditional registration processes.
- Cost-effective Taxation: Under the BH registration, you have to pay road tax in instalments of 2 years. Hence, you can save money and pay your road tax based on your comfort and financial position.
- Avoid Legal Issues: With a BH number plate, you can travel to any state in India with your car without worrying about being fined by the local traffic police, even if you’ve been staying in that state for more than 12 months.
- Improved Security: A centralised registration system provides better vehicle tracking and reduces the chance of theft and fake registrations.
BH Series Number Plate Format in West Bengal
The BH number plate has a unique format that ensures uniformity across India. The pattern is as follows:
- YY (Year of Registration): The last two digits of the year of registration.
- BH (Bharat Series): Denotes the Bharat Series.
- #### (Unique Number): A four-digit unique number that is allocated to the vehicle.
- XX (Random Alphabets): Two random alphabets that are allocated to the vehicle for uniqueness.
For instance, a BH number plate in West Bengal may be 23BH1234AB, where:
- 23 – Year of registration (2023)
- BH – Bharat Series identifier
- 1234 – Unique vehicle number
- AB – Randomly allocated letters
Features of BH Series Number Plate
Here are some of the features of a BH number plate in West Bengal:
- Pan-India Validity: No re-registration of a vehicle is required when shifting to another state.
- Applicable Only for Non-Transport and Private Vehicles: It cannot be used for transport or commercial vehicles.
- Tamper-Proof and Secure: The standardised format makes tracking easier and prevents frauds.
- Reduces Administrative Burden: No repeated re-registrations are required when shifting between states.
- Streamlined Taxation: Road tax is paid in two-yearly instalments instead of an upfront lumpsum payment.
Eligibility for BH Number Plate in West Bengal
Not everyone can apply and get a BH series number plate. There are certain eligibility criteria for the BH registration that citizens need to follow. Only these people are eligible for a BH number plate in West Bengal:
- State and Central Government Staff
- Defence Personnel (Army, Navy, Air Force, Paramilitary Forces, etc.)
- Public Sector Bank Employees
- Judicial Service Staff
- Private Sector Staff Employed in Companies with Offices in a Minimum of Four States or Union Territories
In addition to being qualified for it, the applicant should have paid road tax on their vehicle and have a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate.
Documents Needed for BH Number Plate Application
To apply for a BH series number plates in West Bengal, you require the following documents:
- Form 60 (for employees in the private sector)
- Aadhar Card (for identity verification and proof of address)
- PAN Card
- Official Work ID Card (for government and private sector employees)
- Employment Certificate (for private sector employees working for companies having presence in multiple states)
- Vehicle Invoice and Insurance Certificate
- PUC Certificate (Pollution Under Control Certificate)
How to Apply for BH Registration in West Bengal?
To apply for a BH number plate in West Bengal, follow the procedure below:
- Log Into the VAHAN Portal: Use the MoRTH VAHAN portal and access the BH registration section.
- Submit Your Application: Alternatively, contact an authorised dealer and have them submit Form 20 on your behalf.
- Document Verification: Renew documents required, such as work proof, identity verification etc.
- Approval from RTO: The Regional Transport Office will scan the application form and validate the details.
- Select BH Series: When you head to “Vehicle Registration”, choose the BH series when filling out your application form.
- Pay Tax: Pay road tax due for two years online.
- Issue of Number Plate: After approval, the BH number plate will be allocated to the vehicle, and the registration information will be modified in the nationwide database.
BH Series Number Plate Price in West Bengal
The price of a BH number plate will be fixed based on the invoice price of the vehicle and motor vehicle tax:
| 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% tax
- Electric cars: 2% tax concession
FAQ about BH Number Plate in West Bengal
Q. Can I get a BH number plate on my current vehicle?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria and own a personal vehicle, you can easily apply for a BH number plate.
Q. Does the BH number plate require renewal?
The BH number plate does not expire anywhere in India, but the road tax must be renewed every two years.
Q. What happens if I leave my job?
If you are no longer eligible, your current BH registration remains active, but you cannot apply for another vehicle with a BH series.
Q. Can I apply for a BH number plate if I am self-employed?
No, the BH series is currently not available for self-employed individuals or business owners unless they qualify under other eligible categories.
Q. What happens if I don’t pay the non-renewal tax?
Yes, non-payment of the payable tax will result in penalties and fines according to government regulations.
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