BH Number Plate: Bharat Series Benefits & Application Process [2024 Guide]

Read everything you need to know about Bharat series number plate, a uniform and standard vehicle identification system in India.
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3 min
10-July-2024

In India, the BH series number plate, also known as the Bharat series number plate, is the new registration series for vehicles. The BH series registration was introduced to create a unified system for vehicle registration across the country. The BH series registration is a new initiative by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in India to standardise the registration process and provide a seamless, unified system for vehicle owners. This article will take a closer look at what the BH series number plate is and how it works.

What is the BH series number plate?

The Indian Government introduced the BH Number Plate, also known as Bharat Series Registration Number, in August 2021 for non-transport vehicles. This initiative eliminates the requirement of transferring vehicle registration when relocating between states. The registration process for the BH Series commenced on 15th September 2021.

For instance, under the Motor Vehicles Act, if your car is registered in Maharashtra with an MH number plate and you move to another state, you're allowed to drive with the MH number plate for up to 12 months. Afterward, registration in the new state becomes mandatory. However, with the BH Series registration number, this step becomes unnecessary. Moreover, having a BH number plate is convenient in terms of insurance, as your car insurance remains unaffected.

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BH number plate format

The BH Number Plate format is designed to provide essential details about the vehicle's registration in a clear and concise manner. It consists of distinct parts, each serving a specific purpose in identifying and categorizing the vehicle.

The format "YYBH####XX" breaks down as follows: "YY" indicates the Year of Registration, showing when the vehicle was officially registered. "BH" stands for the Bharat Series Registration, marking it as part of a nationwide system.

Following that, "####" is a unique 4-digit registration number assigned to each vehicle, ensuring that each vehicle has its own distinct identifier. Lastly, "XX" represents a random alphabet chosen from A to Z, helping to categorize the vehicle, providing additional information about its type or class.

For example, a vehicle with the BH Number Plate "23BH4567M" was registered in the year 2023 ("23"), is part of the BH Registration, has the unique identifier "4567," and is categorised with the letter "M."

This structured format makes it easy for authorities and stakeholders to identify and manage registered vehicles, promoting better road safety and regulatory compliance nationwide quickly and accurately.

BH series number vehicle registration highlights

Feature

Description

BH Series introduction

The BH (Bharat) series number plate was introduced to facilitate seamless vehicle movement across India.

Eligibility

Available to defence personnel, central/state government employees, and private sector employees with offices in four or more states/UTs.

Concerned authority

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)

Concerned Act

Motor Vehicles Act

Introduced

2021

Validity

Allows vehicle registration without re-registration for 15 years.

Format

Follows the format: YY BH #### XX (where YY is the year of registration, #### is a random number, and XX are letters).

 

Eligibility for BH series number plates

Given below are the eligibility criteria to apply for a BH number plate:

  • State and central government employees.
  • Defence personnel.
  • Bank employees.
  • Administrative services employees.
  • Employees working in private companies with offices in more than five states or union territories.
  • The vehicle should also have a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate.
  • Road tax for the vehicle must be paid.

Features of Bharat series number plate

The BH series license plates aim to save the time and energy of citizens from the inconvenience of transferring their vehicle registration each time they move to a new location.

Given below are other key benefits of the Bharat series number plate:

  • Applicable only to non-transport vehicles.
  • The number plate is valid across the country.
  • Saves time in re-registering your vehicle, in case of transferring to another state.
  • The registration number on the BH number plate will have 22 BH combinations, where "BH" stands for Bharat.

Also read : 0001 Number Plate Price

How to apply for BH series number plate registration

For BH series registration, follow the below steps to apply for BH series number plate.

Step 1: There are two options to begin the process of obtaining the BH series license plates. You can choose to either log in to MoRTH's Vahan portal by yourself or seek help from an authorised automobile dealer.

Step 2: In the event that you opt to seek assistance from an automobile dealer, fill in Form 20 on the VAHAN portal.

Step 3: Eligible private sector employees need to fill in Form 60. They also need to provide their employment ID with a work certificate.

Step 4: The state authorities will verify the eligibility of the vehicle owner.

Step 5: Submit the required documents.

Step 6: After getting approval from RTO on the BH series, pay the necessary motor vehicle tax.

The VAHAN portal then generates a BH series registration number for your vehicle.

Also read: Types of Number Plates

Documents required for BH number plate registration

To register for a BH number plate, you will need the following documents:

  • PAN card
  • Aadhaar card
  • Official ID card
  • Form 60

Advantages of the BH Number Plate for your vehicle

The BH number plate offers several benefits to vehicle owners in India. Some of the benefits include:

  • Standardised number plate: The BH series Number Plate has a standard format that will be the same across all states in India, which makes the license plate easier to read and identify.
  • Unification: The BH series number plate unifies the registration process in India, and this system will be effective in avoiding duplicates, corruption, and other issues associated with the registration process.
  • Easy to identify: The BH series number plate makes it easier for authorities to identify the owner of a vehicle in case of an accident, theft, or other incidents.

Also read: Parivahan Sewa

Disadvantages of BH Number Plate

Here are some of the drawbacks of BH number plates:

Eligibility issues

The BH number plate is currently available only to bank employees, armed forces personnel, government officials, and employees of private companies with offices across multiple states or union territories. Therefore, not all car owners can benefit from the BH series.

Comprehensive tax structure and cost for Bharat Number Plates

Non-availability of transport vehicles

Only passenger cars qualify for the BH number plate. Buses, cabs, and trucks are not eligible, limiting the convenience offered by BH number plates.

Road tax and cost of BH series number plate

The road tax is based on the age, capacity, and other parameters of the vehicle, as determined by the RTO of each state. Given below is the breakdown of motor vehicle tax for BH number plate:

Invoice price

Percentage of road tax on the invoice price

Less than Rs. 10 lakh

8%

Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh

10%

More than Rs. 20 lakh

12%


It is important to take note that an additional 2% charge will be imposed on diesel vehicles, while a reduction of 2% tax will be offered on electric vehicles.

Meanwhile, BH registration cost for private vehicles will be charged road tax for two years, or multiples of two such as four, six, or eight years.

Also check: High Security Registration Plate

Insurance for vehicles with a Bharat series number plate

Vehicle owners with a BH series number plate need to purchase vehicle insurance as per the regulations by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). The vehicle insurance premium will depend on the make and model of the vehicle, age of the vehicle, and other factors.

The implementation of the BH series number plate in India is a significant step towards standardisation of vehicle registration and licensing. The BH series number plate offers a unified system for vehicle owners and authorities across the country. With the BH series number plate, vehicle owners can enjoy benefits such as standardisation, ease of identification, and unification of the process. The BH series number plate is a step towards creating a streamlined and modernised vehicle registration and licensing system in India.

Also read: Green Number Plate in India for Electric Vehicles

Impact of BH Number Plates on motor insurance premiums

Thinking BH series number plate might affect your car insurance premium? Rest assured. BH registration, designed for inter-state vehicle transfers, doesn't influence insurance costs. Your car's value, location, and driving history remain the key factors insurers consider when calculating your policy rate.

Frequently asked questions

Is the BH series number plate costly?

The cost of BH series number plate depends on the vehicle price. For example, if the vehicle costs more than Rs. 20 lakh, the BH series number plate registration will cost 12% of the total vehicle cost. However, with a BH number plate, you do not have to pay for state registration every time you move to a different state. You may have to renew the BH number plate registration every two years.

Can I convert my number plate to a BH number?

Yes, you can convert your existing number plate to a BH series number by paying the requisite fee.

How do I convert an old vehicle’s registration to BH series?

To convert an old vehicle to a BH series number plate, you will first need to contact your local RTO and enquire about the process. The process will involve submitting relevant documents, paying the required fee, and undergoing a necessary inspection.

Is BH registration applicable for two-wheeler?

Yes, BH registration is applicable for both two-wheelers and four-wheelers.

What is the meaning of the 22BH number plate?

The 22BH number plate is a unique registration code of BH series used for vehicles registered in the year 2022.

Can state government employees get BH series?

Yes. State government employees can apply for and get a BH series number plate. It is beneficial for them to get registered with BH series since they often get transferred to new states for their job positions. With a BH number plate, there’s no need to register your vehicle in every new state every time after relocation.

What is the difference between BH registration and normal registration?

The significance of both type of number plates is the unique registration code provided to every vehicle for its identification. The main difference between BH number plate and state-based number plate series is that BH series is valid across India. BH number plates are applicable only for non-transport vehicles.

What is the 21 BH number plate in India?

The 21 BH number plate is a unique registration code used for vehicles registered in 2021.

What is the 22 BH all India number plate?

The 22 BH all India number plate is a unique registration number used for vehicles registered in 2022. Both two-wheeler and four-wheeler owners can get the BH series number plate for their vehicles.

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