The BH number plate, also called the Bharat (BH) series, is a vehicle registration number that lets eligible owners drive across any Indian state without re-registering the vehicle when they relocate. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) notified the BH series on 26 August 2021, and registrations opened on 15 September 2021. This guide covers what BH stands for, who is eligible, the format, the application steps on the Vahan portal, road tax slabs, documents, and how a BH plate is treated for car insurance.
Quick Facts About the BH Number Plate
• Issuing authority: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)
• Notified on: 26 August 2021 (effective 15 September 2021)
• Registration validity: 15 years
• Road tax: paid in two-year blocks under a pro-rata system
• Eligible vehicles: only non-transport private cars and two-wheelers
• Application portal: Vahan ( parivahan.gov.in )
What Is the BH Number Plate?
BH stands for Bharat. A BH series number plate is a single, pan-India vehicle registration mark issued under Rule 47 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 (as amended in 2021). Once a private vehicle carries a BH plate, the owner does not need a state-level No Objection Certificate (NOC) or fresh state registration when they move from one state or union territory to another. The registration is valid for 15 years, while road tax is paid in two-year blocks.
Why Was the BH Number Plate Introduced?
Before the BH series was launched, anyone shifting between states had only 12 months to re-register the vehicle in the new state. The process needed an NOC from the original Regional Transport Office (RTO), a refund of the original road tax (which was often delayed for years), payment of fresh state road tax, and issue of a new state-series number. The BH series removes this cycle for people who relocate frequently for work. It is part of the central government plan to make vehicle registration uniform and easier to manage online.
BH Number Plate Format Explained
The BH series follows a fixed format:
YY BH #### XX
Where:
• YY: the last two digits of the year of registration. For example, 26 means 2026.
• BH: the Bharat series code.
• ####: a four-digit number generated by the Vahan system. There is no choice number under the BH series.
• XX: two letters (A to Z) showing the vehicle category.
For example, a private car registered in 2026 would carry a number plate such as 26 BH 9876 AB.
What Does 21 BH Number Plate Mean? Which State?
A 21 BH plate is not from any one state. Every BH number plate is a pan-India registration, not a state-series plate. The "21" only shows the vehicle was registered in 2021, the year the BH series was launched.
What Does 26 BH Number Plate Mean? Which State?
The "26" in a 26 BH plate stands for 2026, the year of registration. Like all BH plates, it is valid across India and is not linked to any particular state. The original RTO that processed the registration is recorded inside the RC, but the plate itself does not display a state code.
Eligibility and Who Can Apply for BH Series Number Plates
The BH number plate eligibility is restricted to people whose work involves frequent transfers between states. You can apply if you fall into any of the categories listed below.
Category | Eligibility Criteria |
Central or State Government Employees | Permanent employees, including officers in administrative services. |
Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) Employees | Employees of central and state PSUs and government banks. |
Defence Personnel | Serving members of the Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force) and Central Armed Police Forces. |
Private Sector Employees | Employees whose employer has offices in four or more states or union territories. |
Vehicle Type | Only non-transport private vehicles, that is cars and two-wheelers, can be registered under the BH series. |
Commercial vehicles such as taxis, tempos, and lorries are not eligible. The vehicle owner must hold a valid driving licence and a current motor insurance policy at the time of registration.
Advantages of the BH Number Plate for Your Vehicle
The BH number plate offers a few practical benefits for owners who relocate often.
• No re-registration on relocation: a BH plate is valid in every state and union territory.
• No NOC needed: you do not have to ask the original RTO for a No Objection Certificate when you shift residence.
• Smaller upfront tax: road tax is paid in two-year blocks, instead of a single 15-year lump sum.
• Pan-India recognition: police, traffic authorities, and FASTag systems treat the plate as valid nationwide.
• Online process: the application, payment, and tracking are done on the Vahan portal.
• Easier resale to eligible buyers: a buyer who also qualifies under BH rules can retain the same registration through ownership transfer.
Disadvantages and Things to Keep in Mind
The BH series is useful only for a specific group of owners. Before you apply, weigh the points below.
• Limited eligibility: most private-sector employees do not qualify because the employer needs offices in four or more states.
• No fancy or VIP numbers: the four-digit number is system-generated; you cannot reserve numbers like 0001 or 9999.
• Tax renewal every two years: you must pay the next block of road tax on time. Some states levy a monthly penalty on delayed payment.
• Some state RTOs may charge a different rate: a few states have applied a higher motor vehicle tax slab on BH cases. Check the current rate at your local RTO.
• Conversion of an old vehicle is restricted: most states do not allow you to convert an existing state-series number to a BH plate. Where allowed, it is subject to RTO approval and fresh tax calculation.
BH Number Plate Price and Road Tax Structure
The cost of registering a vehicle under the BH series depends mainly on the road tax slab applied to the ex-showroom invoice value (excluding GST). Road tax is paid every two years.
Vehicle Cost (Ex-showroom) | Petrol or CNG | Diesel (+2%) | Electric (-2%) | Tax Block |
Below ₹10 lakh | 8% | 10% | 6% | 2 years |
₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh | 10% | 12% | 8% | 2 years |
Above ₹20 lakh | 12% | 14% | 10% | 2 years |
The 2 percentage point loading on diesel and the 2 percentage point concession on electric vehicles are notified by MoRTH. State RTOs collect the tax through the Vahan portal.
In addition to road tax, you also pay:
• Registration fee, as per the Central Motor Vehicles Rules.
• Smart-card RC fee.
• High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) fee.
• State-specific cess, where applicable.
Disclaimer: Road tax slabs are indicative and may change as per Government of India and state notifications. Confirm current rates with your local RTO before payment.
How the Final BH Cost Is Calculated
The total tax for the full 15-year validity is computed first, and then the two-year share is paid. The simple formula is:
Two-year tax = (Slab % × Invoice value) ÷ 15 × 2
Worked example for a petrol car with an ex-showroom invoice value of ₹10 lakh:
• 15-year tax (8% slab) = ₹10,00,000 × 8% = ₹80,000.
• Two-year share = ₹80,000 ÷ 15 × 2 = ₹10,667 (approximately).
The exact figure shown on the Vahan portal may differ slightly because of rounding, applicable cess, and any state-specific add-on. The next block of road tax is payable two years later through the same portal.
How to Apply for BH Series Number Plate Registration Online
The BH series application is fully online through the Vahan portal run by MoRTH. The steps below apply to a new private vehicle.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Make sure you fall under one of the eligible categories. Keep your government, PSU, defence, or employer ID and an employment certificate ready.
Step 2: Visit the Vahan Portal
Go to the Vahan portal at vahan.parivahan.gov.in and select the BH series option under vehicle registration.
Step 3: Fill the Application Form
Complete Form 20 (vehicle registration). Private-sector employees also fill Form 60, which is a working-place certificate from the employer confirming offices in four or more states or union territories.
Step 4: Upload the Required Documents
Upload identity proof, address proof, employment proof, vehicle invoice, motor insurance policy, and the Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. The full document list is in the next section.
Step 5: Pay the Road Tax and Fees Online
Pay the first two-year road tax along with the registration fee, smart-card fee, and HSRP fee through the Vahan payment gateway. Save the receipt as proof.
Step 6: Vehicle Inspection (If Required)
Some state RTOs ask for a physical inspection of the vehicle before approval. The dealer or the owner books the slot online.
Step 7: Receive the BH Number Plate and RC
Once the RTO approves the application, the four-digit BH number is generated by the system. The RC is shared digitally on DigiLocker, and the HSRP plate is fitted at the dealer or an authorised vendor.
Documents Required for BH Number Plate Registration
Keep the documents below ready before you start the application. Each upload should be a clear PDF or image within the size limit shown on the Vahan portal.
Category | Document |
Identity proof | Aadhaar card, PAN card, or passport |
Address proof | Latest utility bill, rental agreement, or voter ID |
Employment proof (Government, PSU, Defence) | Service ID card or department certificate |
Employment proof (Private sector) | Form 60 issued by the employer plus office address proof for four or more states or union territories |
Vehicle documents | Dealer invoice, Form 21 (sale certificate), and Form 22 (roadworthiness certificate) |
Insurance proof | Valid motor insurance policy |
Pollution proof | Valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate |
Tax proof | Receipt of two-year road tax payment |
Conversion case (if applicable) | NOC from the original RTO and an affidavit confirming relocation |
BH Number Plate vs State-Series Number Plate
A short side-by-side helps you decide whether the BH series is worth the effort.
Point of Comparison | BH (Bharat) Series | State-Series Plate |
Coverage | Pan-India | Issued by a single state |
Re-registration on relocation | Not required | Required after 12 months |
NOC from old RTO | Not required | Required |
Road tax payment | Every 2 years | One-time for 15 years (in most states) |
Eligibility | Restricted to specific categories | Open to all owners |
Number choice | System-generated | Choice numbers can be auctioned |
How a BH Number Plate Affects Your Car Insurance
A BH series registration does not change the way a motor insurance policy is structured. The premium is still calculated on factors such as Insured Declared Value (IDV), make and model, fuel type, age of the vehicle, claims history (No Claim Bonus), chosen add-ons, and the RTO zone linked to the registration. Since the BH plate is tied to a specific RTO at the time of issue, the zone-based rating still applies to your policy.
If you already hold a Zurich Kotak car insurance policy and your vehicle is being moved to the BH series, share the new RC with us so the policy records are updated. Up-to-date records make claim handling faster, especially when the vehicle is used in a different state.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the BH number plate full form?
A: BH stands for Bharat. The BH series is a pan-India vehicle registration system introduced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in 2021.
Q: Who can get a BH number plate?
A: Central and state government employees, PSU employees, defence personnel, and private-sector employees whose employer has offices in four or more states or union territories.
Q: What does the 21 BH number plate mean? Which state is it from?
A: A 21 BH plate is not from any one state. The "21" only indicates the year of registration (2021). Every BH plate is valid across India.
Q: What does the 26 BH number plate mean? Which state is it from?
A: The "26" in a 26 BH plate refers to the year of registration (2026). It is a pan-India number, not a state-series plate.
Q: What is the meaning of BH on a number plate?
A: BH stands for Bharat. It marks the vehicle as registered under the Bharat (BH) series, which is recognised in every state and union territory.
Q: Is the BH number plate valid for two-wheelers?
A: Yes. Privately owned, non-transport two-wheelers can be registered under the BH series if the owner meets the eligibility rules.
Q: How do I get a BH series number plate?
A: Apply through the Vahan portal at parivahan.gov.in . Submit Form 20, identity proof, address proof, and employment proof, pay the two-year road tax, and complete RTO verification. After approval, the BH number is generated by the system and the HSRP plate is fitted.
Q: How is BH road tax calculated?
A: The 15-year tax is computed using the slab that applies to the invoice value. The two-year share, paid at the time of registration, is the 15-year amount divided by 15 and multiplied by 2.
Q: Can I convert my existing number plate to a BH number plate?
A: In most states, conversion of an existing state-series number to a BH plate is not allowed. A few states permit it on a case-by-case basis, subject to NOC from the original RTO, fresh tax calculation, and inspection. Check current rules with your local RTO.
Q: Can I sell a vehicle registered under the BH series?
A: Yes. If the buyer also meets the BH eligibility rules, the BH registration can be retained in their name through ownership transfer. If the buyer is not eligible, the vehicle has to be re-registered under the regular state-series system.
Q: How do I renew road tax for a BH series vehicle?
A: Log in to the Vahan portal, open the vehicle record, and pay the next two-year block of road tax online. A receipt is generated immediately and the RC is updated.
Q: Does a BH number plate change my car insurance premium?
A: BH registration on its own does not change how your car insurance premium is calculated . The premium still depends on factors such as the IDV, vehicle profile, claims history, add-ons, and the RTO zone linked to the registration. You can check your car insurance premium online to get an estimate based on these factors before buying or renewing your policy.
Q: Is the BH number plate available for electric vehicles?
A: Yes. Eligible owners can register a private electric vehicle under the BH series. The road tax slab is 2 percentage points lower than the petrol slab.
Q: Are commercial vehicles eligible for the BH series?
A: No. Only non-transport private vehicles such as cars and two-wheelers can be registered under the BH series.
Q: What documents are needed for a private-sector employee?
A: Form 60 issued by the employer, identity proof, address proof, vehicle invoice, motor insurance policy, and a valid PUC certificate.
Q: What is the validity of a BH number plate?
A: 15 years. Road tax is paid in two-year blocks during the 15-year period.
Q: Can a BH number be a fancy or VIP number?
A: No. The four-digit number is system-generated by Vahan. Choice numbers are not offered under the BH series.
Q: How long does BH registration take?
A: After document upload and tax payment on Vahan, most RTOs issue the BH number within 7 to 10 working days. The HSRP plate is fitted at the dealer or an authorised vendor.
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