BH Number Plate: What is Bharat Series Number Plate, Benefits & How to Apply

If you’ve been paying attention to the road lately, you may have spotted a new type of vehicle registration number that starts with ‘BH’. This new number plate has been creating quite a buzz, and if you’re wondering what it’s all about, you’re in the right place.

The BH, or Bharat series, number plate is part of a forward-thinking initiative by the Indian government to simplify vehicle registration for those constantly on the move from one place to another. So, let’s figure out what BH number plates in India are, why they matter and who can get them.

What is the BH number plate?

The BH or Bharat series number plate is a vehicle registration series introduced in 2021 to simplify interstate vehicle movement in India. It eliminates the need for re-registration when relocating to a different state. Eligible individuals include government employees, defense personnel, and private sector workers with jobs requiring frequent relocations. This seamless system reduces paperwork and state-specific vehicle taxes, making interstate travel hassle-free.

What is the future of BH number plates in India?

As the BH number plate system continues to grow, we can expect the Indian government to expand its coverage, allowing more people to benefit from it. It’s a step towards streamlining the complicated process of vehicle registration, encouraging interstate mobility, and offering financial flexibility. It’s likely that as the system matures, more and more citizens will find themselves eligible to apply for BH series plates.

Eligibility & Who can apply for BH Series Number Plates

Not everyone can apply for a BH number plate, which adds to its exclusivity. The Bharat series number plate is available to:

• Government employees: Central and state government staff, defense personnel, and employees of public sector undertakings (PSUs).

• Private sector employees: If your company has offices in more than four states or union territories, you qualify.

• Others: Those who are transferred to different states as part of their job can also apply.

If you fit the bill, then congratulations. You can say goodbye to the old system of re-registration every time you move.

Why was the BH number plate introduced?

Before the introduction of the BH number plate, relocating from one state to another with your vehicle was a real hassle. You had to apply for a no objection certificate (NOC) from the state where the car was initially registered, pay the road tax in the new state, and re-register your vehicle there. Worse, if you wanted a refund of the road tax from your previous state, that process could take years—or not happen at all.

The government introduced the BH number plate to reduce the paperwork, make interstate vehicle transfers smoother, and create a unified system across India. Now, instead of dealing with this mess every time you move, the BH series lets you drive freely without worrying about these formalities.

How to Apply for BH series number plate registration online?

If you’re eligible, the process of applying for a BH number plate is straightforward, but it does involve some paperwork. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Eligibility check: Ensure that you fall under one of the qualifying categories—government employee, private sector employee (with multi-state presence), or defense personnel.

Online application: You can apply for a BH number plate through the Vahan portal, which is the government’s online platform for vehicle registration.

Document submission: Upload the necessary documents, such as employment proof, ID, and proof of address. The company where you work will need to certify that you are eligible.

Pay the road tax: For BH number plates, road tax is charged on a two-year basis instead of the one-time, long-term payment you make under the current system. This offers flexibility and savings in the long run.

Receive your BH plate: Once approved, you’ll get your BH number plate. Your new registration number will look something like this: ‘21 BH 1234 XX’.

• The numbers and letters have specific meanings:

• The first two digits represent the year of registration (in this case, 2021).

• ‘BH’ signifies the Bharat series.

• The four digits are the vehicle number, and the last two letters are random alphabets.

Advantages of the BH Number Plate for your vehicle

The BH number plate isn’t just about skipping the re-registration process. Here are some additional perks that make it a win-win for eligible vehicle owners:

• No need to re-register when you move: The biggest advantage is the freedom from having to re-register your vehicle when you shift states.

• Uniform road tax across states: The road tax is paid on a pro-rata basis for two years at a time, and you only pay if you use the vehicle.

• Simplified process: The online application and document submission make the process smooth and hassle-free.

• Cost savings: Since road tax is calculated based on the vehicle’s invoice price, owners of high-end vehicles could save significantly over the years.

Key considerations and drawbacks of BH number plate

While the BH number plate comes with multiple advantages, it’s not without its quirks and limitations:

• Limited to eligible individuals: As mentioned earlier, not everyone can apply for the BH number plate. If you don’t fall under the eligible categories, you’ll still need to go through the usual state-specific registration process.

• Renewal of road tax every two years: Although the two-year payment cycle is more flexible, it does mean you have to remember to renew your road tax regularly.

• Limited awareness: The concept of the BH series is still relatively new, and not all RTOs or traffic police may be fully familiar with it. This might cause temporary hiccups when traveling across certain states.

Conclusion

For those who meet the eligibility requirements, the BH number plate is a hassle-free solution. It eliminates the time-consuming processes of re-registration and refund claims and allows you to drive across the country without a care in the world—at least when it comes to vehicle paperwork. So, if you're someone who moves often or falls under the qualifying categories, getting a BH number plate might just be the smartest decision you make for your vehicle.

Frequently asked questions

Can I convert my existing number plate to a BH number plate?

No, the BH number plate is only for newly registered vehicles, and you cannot convert an existing registration.

Do I need to renew my road tax after every two years?

Yes, under the BH series, you are required to pay road tax for two years, after which you need to renew it for another two years.

Can a private citizen apply for a BH number plate?

Only certain employees from government, defense, and large private companies (with a multi-state presence) can apply for a BH number plate. Private citizens who do not fall under these categories are not eligible.