All You Need to Know About BH Number Plates

The Bharat Series’ innovative system of BH number plates was created to eliminate the need for multiple registrations of the same vehicle, make interstate travel easier, and reduce red tape. In this blog, we will take a comprehensive look at what BH registration is and how it works. 

 

What is BH Registration, and How Does It Work?

The BH series registration, or the Bharat Series registration, was introduced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in 2021. The BH registration addressed the challenges faced by people who frequently relocate between states due to the nature of their work. 

Vehicles registered under the BH series are exempt from re-registration under the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 when the owner moves to a new state. The BH number plate is valid across India, making it a favourable option for Central Government employees, army personnel, bank officers, and other people whose jobs involve frequent relocation. 

 

Understanding the BH Number Plate Format and Its Features

The BH number plates have a distinct format for the registration number, making them easily identifiable. Let us break down a standard BH number plate’s format:

1. Year of registration: The next two digits indicate the last two digits of the vehicle's registration year, such as 24 for 2024. 

2. BH code: The letters ‘BH’ signify that the vehicle bearing the number plate is part of the Bharat Series.

3. Unique Identification Number: A unique four-digit number specific to your vehicle follows the BH code. E.g., 3456.

4. Alphabet suffix: The two letters at the end of the BH registration number are for further identification. E.g., MN

 

Thus, a standard BH number plate might read 24 BH 3456 MN. This format ensures that vehicles registered in the Bharat Series with BH number plates can travel across state borders in India without worrying about restrictions or re-registration.

 

BH Number Plate Eligibility Criteria for Obtaining a BH Number Plate

The BH number plate is convenient, but it’s not something everyone can obtain! There are very specific eligibility criteria for BH series registration, and it is primarily meant for people who relocate frequently because of their profession. The specific groups of people that can apply for a BH number plate are:

1. Central Government employees from all ministries and departments

2. Defence personnel and armed forces members

3. State Government employees

4.Employees in the private sector who work for companies with establishments in four or more states.

 

Benefits of Bharat Series Number Plate for Vehicle Owners

Registering your vehicle under the Bharat Series and obtaining a BH number plate has significant advantages for you as a vehicle owner. Here they are:

1. Seamless interstate travel: With a BH number plate, your vehicle can be driven across state borders in India without any penalties or re-registration.

2. Simplified process: The Bharat Series was designed to streamline the process for vehicle ownership across states and reduce paperwork.

3. Cost efficiency: BH-registered vehicle owners do not need to pay road tax as a lump sum for 15 years. They pay it every two years, making it flexible and financially beneficial for people who constantly shift from state to state.

 

Things to consider before getting a BH number plate

The BH number plate, for all its benefits, also has some factors that affect it that should be considered before application. Let us see what they are:

1. Eligibility: Before applying, you must meet the eligibility criteria. If you are ineligible, your application will be immediately rejected.

2. Frequent moving: If your job does not require you to move across states very often, then the BH number plate might be unnecessary for you.

3. Cost considerations: Even though BH-registered vehicle owners pay road tax biannually, this might not benefit your financial situation. You must consider your finances and long-term plans before applying.

Understanding these factors before applying for a BH series registration number for your vehicle will help you make an informed decision.

 

How to apply for a BH number plate

Here is how to go about applying for a BH number plate:

1. If you are about to buy a new car, your can inform your car dealership about your interest in a BH number plate.

2. The automobile dealer will fill out Form 20 on the MoRTH’s official Vahan portal on your behalf. They will also upload all your documents like eligibility proof, identity proof, address proof, and vehicle-related documents.

3. Pay the registration fees and road tax that is applicable. The fees is calculated based on the cost of your vehicle and the type of fuel it consumes.

4. After the application has been processed by your Regional Transport Office (RTO) successfully, your randomly assigned BH number plate will be issued.

 

Documents Required for BH Number Plate Registration

There are several important documents that you will need to submit in order to register your vehicle under the BH series. They are:

1. Eligibility proof: You will need a letter from your employer and any other relevant documents that prove you are an eligible candidate for the BH number plate.

2. Form 20: This is the official application for vehicle registration under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR).

3. Form 60: This is a Working Certificate that verifies the employment details of the applicant, and is mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act to apply for the BH series registration.

4. Identity and address proof: This includes personal government-issued identity and address proof like Aadhaar, passport, and driver’s license.

5. Vehicle documents: This includes the original Registration Certificate (RC) of the vehicle, insurance papers, Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, and vehicle invoice for road tax calculation.

Keep all these documents ready and in place while applying for a BH number plate to help effect a smooth process.

 

Road Tax and Cost Considerations for BH Number Plates

The road tax for BH-registered vehicles is paid biannually, and are calculated based on the price of the vehicle and the type of fuel it consumes. Here are the rates for road tax for BH series vehicles:

Vehicle Price Range	Petrol Vehicles	Diesel Vehicles
Under ₹10 lakh	8%	10%
₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh	10%	12%
Above ₹20 lakh	12%	14%

These rates are uniform across all states in India, so BH number plate owners do not have to worry about paying additional road tax when relocating to another state.

 

Insurance for Vehicles With a Bharat Series Number Plate

When it comes to insuring your Bharat Series registered vehicle, you must choose an insurance provider that understands the complications that come with frequent relocation and interstate travel. 
 
Shriram General Insurance is a great choice to protect your BH number plate vehicle on the road. With comprehensive and affordable Car Insurance plans, multiple add-ons, a speedy claims process, and a dedicated customer support team, Shriram General Insurance answers all your insurance needs. Whether you are in Karnataka, Rajasthan, or any part of India, we’ve got you covered!

 

FAQs

1. What is a BH Number Plate? How Does It Differ From a Regular Number Plate?

The BH number plate or Bharat Series number plate allows vehicle owners to move across states without re-registering their vehicle. While regular number plate owners pay road tax once in every 15 years, BH number plate owners pay once every two years.

 

2. Who is Eligible for BH Series Registration?

Central and State Government employees, defence personnel like army officers, and employees of private companies with offices in at least four states are eligible to apply for the BH number plate.

 

3. What Documents are Needed to Apply for a BH Number Plate?

You will need to fill out Form 20 and Form 60 of the Motor Vehicles Act, valid identity and address proof like Aadhaar, and the vehicle documents and invoice.

 

4. Is there Any Difference in Road Tax for Vehicles With a BH Number Plate?

Road tax for BH number plate vehicles is paid bi-annually, and the rate is calculated based on the cost of the vehicle and the fuel type it consumes. Road tax for regular number plate vehicles is paid lump-sum once every 15 years.

 

5. Can a BH Number Plate Be Transferred if I Sell My Vehicle?

If the prospective buyer falls under the eligibility criteria of the BH number plate, it can be transferred. The BH number plate cannot be transferred if you sell your vehicle to a non-eligible person. They will need to get a new registration number.