Know about the BH number plate in India: eligibility, benefits, and application steps for easy inter-state vehicle use. Read along to know more about BH series.
BH number plate: Benefits & how to apply
The BH (Bharat) Series is a specialised vehicle registration initiative by the Government of India designed to facilitate seamless interstate movement. Launched in 2021, it eliminates the need for vehicle re-registration when relocating between states. This scheme primarily benefits defence personnel, government employees, and private-sector professionals with offices in at least four states. By offering a unified registration, it reduces administrative paperwork and optimises road tax payments, making it a cost-effective and efficient solution for India's mobile workforce.
What is the BH number plate?
The BH (Bharat) Series number is a unified vehicle registration system designed to facilitate seamless travel across India. Introduced to eliminate the need for re-registration when relocating between states, it removes the burden of multiple road tax payments. Valid nationwide for 15 years, the standardised format includes the registration year, the "BH" code, a unique four-digit number, and specific alphabets. This scheme is particularly beneficial for defence personnel and professionals whose organisations operate across at least four Indian states or union territories.
BH number plate format explained
The BH series follows a standardised format designed for nationwide recognition:
YY BH #### XX
YY: Year of registration (e.g., 24 for 2024).
BH: Bharat series code.
####: A randomly assigned four-digit number.
XX: Two letters indicating the vehicle category.
For example, a car registered in 2026 would appear as 26 BH 9876 AB. This streamlined system ensures your vehicle remains compliant across India, removing the administrative burden of updating plates whenever you relocate for work.
Eligibility criteria for the BH number plate
The BH series registration is restricted to specific groups to ensure the system serves those with high interstate mobility.
Category | Eligibility Criteria |
Government Sector | Central and State employees, including PSUs and administrative services. |
Defence Personnel | Serving members of the Indian Armed Forces. |
Private Sector | Employees of companies with offices in at least four states or union territories. |
Vehicle Type | Restricted to non-transport private vehicles (cars and two-wheelers) only. |
Commercial vehicles, such as taxis and lorries, are strictly ineligible for this scheme. If you meet these criteria, you can avoid the tedious re-registration process when relocating.
BH series registration for existing vehicles
BH series registration is primarily designed for new vehicles, and converting existing registrations remains restricted in most regions. Where permitted, conversion is subject to the following requirements:
Documentation: Submission of the original Registration Certificate (RC) and an NOC from the current RTO.
Eligibility: Provision of a valid employment certificate proving work across multiple states.
Financials: Payment of road tax and registration fees calculated under the BH series norms.
Verification: A mandatory physical vehicle inspection by the local RTO.
As regulations vary across India, owners should consult their local RTO or the official portal for state-specific updates.
How to get BH Series registration: step-by-step guide
The BH series registration process is conducted online via the official Vahan portal managed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
Step 1: Verify eligibility
Ensure you belong to one of the eligible categories and have the necessary documents ready.
Step 2: Visit the BH Series registration portal
Access the Vahan portal and select the BH series registration option.
Step 3: Fill out the application form
Complete Form 20 (vehicle registration) and Form 60 (employment certificate) if applicable. Private sector employees must upload proof of employment and office locations.
Step 4: Upload required documents
PAN card
Aadhaar card
Employment ID or certificate
Vehicle invoice and insurance papers
Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
Step 5: Pay road tax
Road tax under BH series is charged on a two-year pro-rata basis. You can pay for 2, 4, 6, or 8 years upfront. Payment is made online via the portal.
Step 6: Vehicle inspection (if required)
Some states may require vehicle inspection before approval.
Step 7: Receive the BH number plate
Once approved, you will be issued a BH series registration number and can get the number plate affixed.
Documents required for the BH number plate registration
To apply for a Bharat (BH) Series number plate in India, you need to submit a combination of personal, employment, and vehicle-related documents. Having these ready ensures a smooth and hassle-free application process.
Category | Document Type | Required Documents | Purpose |
Identity proof | Government ID | Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport | Verifies applicant identity |
Address proof | Residence Proof | Utility bill, rental agreement, voter ID, driving licence | Confirms current address |
Employment proof | Work Eligibility | Govt/PSU ID card or employer letter | Confirms transferable job eligibility |
Private sector proof | Form 60 | Employer-issued Form 60 (if applicable) | Declares company presence in 4+ states |
Vehicle documents | Registration & Purchase | Registration Certificate (RC), vehicle invoice | Confirms vehicle ownership |
Insurance proof | Policy Document | Valid motor insurance certificate | Mandatory for registration |
Pollution certificate | PUC Certificate | Valid Pollution Under Control certificate | Ensures emission compliance |
Application form | Form 20 | Vehicle registration application form | Official registration request |
Tax proof | Road Tax Receipt | Proof of BH road tax payment | Confirms tax compliance |
Additional (if applicable) | NOC | No Objection Certificate from RTO | Required for conversion to BH series |
BH number plate price and fee structure
The cost of a Bharat (BH) number plate in India is not a fixed amount. Instead, it is primarily based on the vehicle’s invoice price, fuel type, and road tax structure.
Feature | Petrol / CNG Rate | Diesel Rate (+2%) | Electric Rate (-2%) | Tax Payment | Flexibility | Re-registration |
Below ₹10 Lakh | 8% | 10% | 6% | Paid every 2 years | High (Pan-India) | Not required |
₹10 Lakh – ₹20 Lakh | 10% | 12% | 8% | Paid every 2 years | High (Pan-India) | Not required |
Above ₹20 Lakh | 12% | 14% | 10% | Paid every 2 years | High (Pan-India) | Not required |
State Registration | Varies by state | Varies by state | Varies by state | One-time (15 years) | Limited to one state | Required if moving |
These percentages are applied to the vehicle invoice value to calculate total road tax. Diesel vehicles attract slightly higher tax, while EVs get a concession. Under the BH series, road tax is paid in 2-year blocks (or multiples like 4, 6, 8 years) instead of a lump sum.
How the final BH cost is calculated
The total BH registration cost depends on:
Vehicle invoice price
Applicable tax slab (8%, 10%, 12%)
Fuel type adjustment (+2% / –2%)
Number of years (typically 2 years initially)
Example:
If your car costs ₹10 lakh (petrol):
Tax = 10% → ₹1,00,000
Pay only for 2 years → approx. ₹14,000–₹20,000 (proportionate amount)
BH series registration portal: key features
The BH Series Registration Portal is a centralised digital platform designed to streamline the vehicle registration process for eligible applicants. The portal offers several key features to ensure a seamless user experience:
Online application: Direct submission of forms and digital document uploads.
Automated verification: Remote eligibility checking by the relevant RTO.
Digital payments: Secure online processing for road tax and registration fees.
Number generation: Instant assignment of the unique BH series registration number.
Status tracking: Real-time updates on the progress of your application.
This integrated approach eliminates the need for physical visits to government offices, making the registration process more efficient and transparent.
How BH number plates affect car insurance
The BH series registration has no direct impact on basic insurance premiums, as insurers follow standard risk assessment protocols.
Your premium is determined by the following key factors:
Insured Declared Value (IDV): The current market value of your vehicle.
Vehicle profile: The age, make, and model of the car or two-wheeler.
Registered location: The RTO location linked to your BH registration.
Claims history: Your accumulated No Claim Bonus (NCB) for safe driving.
Coverage type: Chosen add-ons and the extent of the policy coverage.
It is essential to notify your insurer specifically of your BH status to ensure your car insurance policy records are accurate for seamless claim processing across India.
Advantages of BH number plate
This provides a range of strategic advantages designed to enhance convenience and affordability for the modern Indian professional.
Nationwide validity: Drive across all states without re-registration.
Simplified relocation: No need for NOC or duplicate registration.
Cost savings: Pay road tax on a flexible two-year basis.
Reduced paperwork: Online application and document submission.
Uniform registration format: Easier identification and compliance.
By consolidating these benefits, the BH series significantly reduces the administrative and financial burdens traditionally associated with interstate relocation.
Key considerations and drawbacks
While the BH series offers significant flexibility, there are specific limitations and responsibilities that owners must consider before opting for this registration.
Limited eligibility: Only specific categories of vehicle owners qualify.
Road tax renewal every two years: Requires timely renewal to avoid penalties.
No choice of number: BH numbers are randomly assigned.
Limited awareness: Some RTOs and traffic authorities may be unfamiliar with BH plates.
No commercial vehicle coverage: Only private vehicles qualify.
Understanding these drawbacks ensures that eligible applicants can make an informed decision based on their long-term relocation needs and administrative capacity.
Conclusion
The BH number plate is a government initiative to simplify vehicle registration for individuals who frequently relocate across Indian states. It offers nationwide validity for 15 years, eliminates the need for repeated re-registration, and allows flexible road tax payments every two years. Eligible applicants include government employees, defence personnel, and private sector employees with offices in multiple states. While BH series registration streamlines interstate vehicle movement and reduces administrative burden, it is limited to non-commercial vehicles and specific owner categories. Car insurance premiums remain unaffected by BH registration but must be updated with insurers to ensure compliance. Understanding the eligibility, application process, and benefits of BH number plates can help eligible vehicle owners save time and costs during interstate relocations.
FAQs
Can I convert my existing number plate to a BH number plate?
Conversion of existing registrations to BH series is generally not allowed. Some states may permit conversion under specific conditions. Check with your local RTO for state-specific rules.
Is BH number plate valid for two-wheelers?
Yes, two-wheelers are eligible if the owner meets the eligibility criteria.
What does 21 BH number plate mean?
21 indicates the vehicle was registered in the year 2021 under the BH series.
Can I sell a vehicle registered under BH series?
Yes, you can sell the vehicle. However, BH registration does not transfer to the new owner. The buyer must register the vehicle under the regular state system.
How do I renew road tax for BH series vehicles?
Renewal is done online via the Parivahan portal or respective state transport websites by paying the applicable road tax for the next two years.
Does BH number plate affect my car insurance premium?
No, insurance premiums are based on vehicle details and risk factors, not the registration series.
Is BH number plate applicable for commercial vehicles?
No, only private non-transport vehicles are eligible.
Is BH series registration valid for electric vehicles?
Yes, electric vehicles owned by eligible individuals can be registered under BH series and receive applicable road tax concessions.
What documents are needed for private sector employees?
Proof of employment, office locations in four or more states, identity proof, vehicle documents, and address proof.
What is the validity period of BH number plates?
BH series registration is valid for 15 years from the date of registration.
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