In India, the registration of vehicles (cars and bikes) has always been state-specific, i.e., the vehicle has to be registered in the state or union territory from where it has been purchased. Moreover, the owner has to re-register them when relocating to a different city.
All the same, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, also known as MoRTH, came up with BH series number plates in 2021. Vehicles with a BH number plate are not required to be re-registered when relocating to a different state. Because of the elimination of re-registration and various other benefits, many individuals opt for the Bharat Series Number Plate.
In this article, we explore the 22 BH Number Plate and learn what exactly it is, its features, cost, eligibility, etc. So, let’s dive in without any further delay.
What is the 22 BH Number Plate?
The 22 BH number plate is a registration code for vehicles registered in 2022 under the Bharat Series (BH) vehicle registration system. Here are some of the key points about this number plate:
- Unlike traditional state-specific registrations, 22 BH plates are valid across India. No re-registration is required when moving between states.
- Available for both two-wheelers and four-wheelers
- Currently it is implemented in 24 states and union territories
22 BH Number Plate Format
The 22 BH number plate follows a uniform format across the country. The format is like this: YY BH #### XX.
- YY: Year of registration (22 for 2022)
- BH: Bharat Series designation
- ####: Four-digit number
- XX: Two letter code denoting the vehicle category
For example: 22 BH 0123 PA
Features of 22 BH Series Number Plate
Here are some of the features of 22 BH series number plate:
- The 22 BH plate is valid across all states and union territories.
- You don’t need to re-register the vehicle when moving between states.
- It applies only to non-commercial vehicles.
- In case of any mishap like theft, the 22 BH plate makes it easy for the authorities to identify the vehicle’s owner.
22 BH Number Plate Transfer Provisions
Here are the transfer provisions related to 22 BH Number plate:
Condition | Action |
When transferred to an eligible person | Continues under BH series |
When transferred to a non-eligible person | Must be re-registered under regular state series |
Owner becomes ineligible but paid tax is valid | Vehicle retains BH registration for the remaining tax period |
Who is eligible for a 22 BH Number Plate?
As per MoRTH, the following individuals are eligible for BH series registration as per :
- Government Employees
- Central government employees
- State government employees
- Private Sector Employees
- Must work in organizations with offices in 4 or more states/UTs
- Must provide employment proof in Form 60
- Other Eligible Categories
- Defense personnel
- Bank employees
- Administrative services employees
Cost of the 22 BH Number Plate
The cost of a 22 BH series number plate follows a structured pricing system based on the vehicle’s value:
Vehicle Cost | Tax Percentage |
Under 10 Lakhs | 8% of vehicle cost |
Between 10 to 20 Lakhs | 10% of vehicle cost |
Over 20 Lakhs | 12% of vehicle cost |
New Tax Payment Structure (Effective from July 26, 2024):
- Initial Payment: Tax for first 2 years at registration
- Additional Tax: Remaining tax for next 12 years to be paid within 60 days of initial registration
- Total Coverage: 14 years of tax payment
Documents Required to Apply for a 22 BH Number Plate
Based on the government notification (G.S.R. 762(E)), following documents are required:
Applicant Type | Required Documents |
All Applicants | Vehicle Registration Application Form ID Proof Address Proof Vehicle Invoice Insurance Documents |
Private Sector Employees | Form 60 (Working Certificate) including: Organization details (Name, Registration number, GST number) Employee details (Employment ID, UAN, PAN) Company authorization with an official seal. Proof of company having offices in 4 or more states/UTs |
Government Employees | Official Identity Card Service Certificate |
How to Apply for a 22 BH Plate?
There are two methods to apply for 22 BH number plate:
Method 1: Use MoRTH’s Vahan Portal
Method 2: Through a Dealer
Let’s explore each method.
Method 1: Using MoRTH’s Vahan Portal
- Visit the MoRTH’s Vahan Portal (morth.nic.in).
- From the menu select BH series.
- Fill the Form 60.
- Attach required documents, such as – ID proof, work certificate, employee ID, address proof, and vehicle insurance.
- Pay the fees online.
- The portal will generate a 22 BH series number plate in random order.
Method 2: Through a Dealer
- Ask the dealer to fill Form 20 on the Vahan Portal on your behalf.
- Make sure that the dealer selects the BH Series option.
- Provide Form 60, employment ID, and a work certificate.
- Pay the fees online.
- The portal will generate a 22 BH series number plate in random order.
Getting a Bharat series number plate takes about 2 to 3 days. But in case of high volume, it may take up to a week.
Note: As it’s 2024, you won’t be able to apply for a 22 BH number plate in 2024, because the 22BH series is for vehicles registered in 2022. However, you can apply for a 24 BH number plate for your vehicle by following the same steps.
Advantages of 22 BH Number Plate
Here are some of the advantages of 22 Bharat series number plate:
- You don’t need to re-register your vehicle when you move to a different state.
- You can save on the fees, taxes, and documentation charges associated with re-registration.
- The BH number plate has a lower road tax than a normal number plate.
Disadvantages of 22 BH Number Plate
Here are some of the disadvantages:
- The BH number plate is only available to some individuals, such as government employees, defence force members, and bank employees.
- It is not available for transport vehicles like buses, trucks, and taxis.
- The initial cost of a BH number plate is higher than that of a standard number plate.
- You must submit road tax every two years, which can be time-consuming.
- You can’t choose the car plate number because the Vahan portal randomly generates a unique BH series registration number.
