BH Number Plate: Bharat Series Number Plate Benefits & How to Apply [2023 Guide]

Moving to a new state or city in India often involves the hassle of re-registering your vehicle in the new location.

However, the Ministry of Road, Transport, and Highways (MoRTH) has introduced a solution to streamline this process.

The Bharat Series number plates, also known as BH number plates, were launched in 2021 with the aim of making vehicle registration easier for individuals who frequently relocate for work.

In this article, we will explore the benefits and features of BH number plates, the eligibility criteria for obtaining them, and the application process.

Streamlining Vehicle Registration

The Motor Vehicles Act stipulates that passenger vehicles can be driven for a maximum of 12 months without transferring the registration to the new state.

Failure to comply with this regulation can result in fines and penalties. Re-registration can be time-consuming, especially for individuals with transferable jobs.

To address this issue, MoRTH introduced the BH Series number plates, which allow car owners to relocate to any region in India without the need for re-registration.

Eligibility for BH Series Number Plates

The BH 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

• Defence sector personnel

• Bank employees

• Administrative services employees

• Private firm employees with offices in more than four states or union territories

Features of BH Series Number Plates

Here are the features of the BH registration number plates.

• Applicable only to non-transport vehicles.

• Eliminates the need for re-registering the vehicle when relocating to a new state.

• Saves effort, paperwork, and time associated with the re-registration process.

• Valid across the country.

• The number plate design resembles a standard licence plate with a white background and black fonts, with a different format for the licence number.

BH Number Plate Format

The BH series registration number includes the Year of Registration (YY), followed by BH (Bharat series), a 4-digit registration number, and XX, which indicates the vehicle category.

For example, the format is “22BH 9999AA”.

Online Application Process for BH Number Plates

Vehicle owners need to follow these steps to obtain a BH number plate.

• Step 1: You can either log into MoRTH's Vahan portal or seek assistance from an automobile dealer.

• Step 2: If seeking assistance from a dealer, the dealer fills 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 verify the eligibility of the vehicle owner.

• Step 5: The series type "BH" is selected during application.

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

• 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.

Road Tax for BH Series Vehicles

For private vehicles registered under the BH series licence plate, the road tax is charged for two years or multiples of two (four, six, and eight years).

The road tax can be paid online and it remains applicable for 14 years. After 14 years, an annual payment becomes compulsory.

The tax percentage is based on the vehicle's invoice price, with lower rates for electric vehicles.

Cost of the BH Series Number Plate

Here is the price breakdown for the BH number plate.

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

For private vehicles, the road tax for the BH number plate will be charged for 2 years or in multiples of two (4,6 and 8). 

Advantages of the BH Number Plate

Here are the pros of the BH registration number plate.

• Simplified Vehicle Registration: The BH number plate's primary advantage is its simplified vehicle registration process. Vehicle owners, especially those who frequently relocate for work, can avoid the hassle of re-registering their vehicles when moving to a new state or city. This saves time, effort, and paperwork.

• Nationwide Validity: The BH number plate is valid throughout the country. Vehicle owners can freely drive their registered vehicles in any state or union territory without the need for additional permits or re-registration.

• Cost Savings: By eliminating the need for re-registration, vehicle owners can save costs associated with the process. Re-registration often involves fees, taxes, and documentation charges, which can add up significantly. With the BH number plate, these expenses are reduced or eliminated.

Disadvantages of BH Number Plate

Here are the cons of the BH registration number plate.

• Limited Eligibility: The BH number plate is currently limited to specific groups of individuals, such as government employees, defence personnel, bank employees, and private firm employees with offices in multiple states or union territories. This means that not all vehicle owners can benefit from the BH series.

• Exclusion of Transport Vehicles: The BH number plate is applicable only to non-transport vehicles. Transport vehicles, such as buses, taxis, and trucks, are not eligible for the BH series. This limits the scope of the convenience provided by BH number plates.

Frequently Asked Questions on BH Number Plate

Here are the answers to some common questions about the Bharat series number plate.

Can I transfer my existing vehicle registration to a BH series number plate?

No, the BH series number plate is only applicable for new registrations. Existing vehicle registrations cannot be converted to the BH series.

What happens if I sell my vehicle registered under the BH series?

The BH series registration will not transfer to the new owner if you sell your vehicle. The new owner will need to follow the regular vehicle registration process of the respective state.

Can I drive my BH series registered vehicle in restricted zones or areas?

The BH series number plate does not grant any additional privileges in terms of driving in restricted zones or areas. Vehicle owners must adhere to the rules and regulations set by the respective state or local authorities.

Is the BH number plate applicable for commercial or business use?

No, the BH number plate is not applicable for commercial or business use. It is primarily designed for private, non-transport vehicles.

When was the BH number plate introduced in India?

The BH series number plate was introduced for non-transport vehicles in August 2021. And the registration of the BH number began in September 2021.

Is the BH registration number available for two-wheelers?

Yes, you can apply for a BH registration number plate for two-wheelers.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet, and is subject to changes.