The BH Series Number Plate is a new numbering series for vehicle registration in India, introduced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The series is aimed at facilitating the seamless transfer of motor vehicles across states and union territories of India, especially for those who frequently shift from one state to another due to their transferable jobs.
The format of the BH Series Number Plate is YY BH####XX, where YY stands for the year of registration, BH stands for BHARAT, #### stands for the random digits that would be allotted to the vehicle owner, and XX stands for some randomly allotted alphabets (except I & O). The BH Series Number Plate is valid throughout the country and removes the hassle of re-registering a vehicle when a person with a transferable job moves to another state.
Benefits of BH series number plates
Here are some benefits of the BH series number plate:
- Hassle-free ownership across the country.
- Low upfront cost.
- Lower road tax.
How to get BH series number plate for my vehicle?
To obtain a BH series number plate, you need to follow these steps:
- Log into MoRTH’s Vahan portal or seek assistance from an automobile dealer.
- If seeking assistance from a dealer, the dealer fills out Form 20 on the Vahan portal on your behalf.
- Submit a copy of your official ID card (for government employees) or your working certificate in Form 60 (for private employees) to your dealer.
- Visit the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) e-vahan portal.
- Click on the “Vehicle Registration” tab on the homepage and select “Bharat Series” from the dropdown menu.
- Fill in all the required details and submit it.
- Pay the vehicle tax thereafter.
- On successful registration process, the applicant will be allotted the vehicle number randomly.
Who can apply for BH Series Number Plate?
The BH number plate is primarily intended for specific groups of individuals. Here are the eligibility criteria for the BH number plate:
- Central and state government employees.
- Employees of PSUs such as BHEL, ONGC, BSNL, etc.
- Defence personnel.
- Employees who work in Banks.
- People who serve in the administrative departments.
- Employees from a private firm (with offices in more than 4 states/union territories).
Road Tax for BH Series Number Plate
For private vehicles registered under the BH series licence plate, the road tax is charged for two years or multiples of two (four, six, and eight years). The road tax can be paid online and it remains applicable for 14 years. After 14 years, an annual payment becomes compulsory.
The road tax for BH series vehicles depends on the value of the vehicle. For vehicles with a value of fewer than 10 lakhs, the road tax is 8%. For vehicles with a value between 10 and 20 lakhs, the road tax is 10%. For vehicles valued above 20 lakhs, the road tax under the Bharat Series will be 12%.
Road Tax for BH Vehicles
| Vehicle Value | Tax (%) |
|---|---|
| Below Rs. 10 lakh | 8% |
| Between Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 20 lakh | 10% |
| Above Rs. 20 lakh | 12% |
Features of Bharat Series Number Plate
The features of the Bharat Series Number Plate are mentioned herein below:
- The BH series number plates look similar to the other number plates. However, the format of the license number is different.
- The BH series number plate is valid across the country.
- This kind of number plate is applicable only for non-transport vehicles.
- The process of re-registering a vehicle becomes easier as the owner of the vehicle shifts to another state.
How to re-register BH Bharat Series Number Plate?
If an existing car owner holding a regional registration plate becomes eligible for BH and wants to re-register with a BH number plate, he/she can do so by filling the form no. 27 (A) and submitting the form in the same state’s RTO. The process of re-registering a vehicle becomes easier as the owner of the vehicle shifts to another state.
FAQs About BH Bharat Series Number Plate
When did the registration for the BH Series number plate or registration number begin?
The registration for the BH Series number plate began on September 15, 2021.
Is the BH number plate costly?
The cost of the BH number plate depends on the price of the vehicle. For vehicles below ₹ 10 lakhs, the tax rate is 8% of the vehicle price. For vehicles between ₹ 10-20 lakhs, the tax rate is 10% of the vehicle price.
Is Bharat number plate available for two-wheelers?
Yes, the BH series number plate is available for all non-transport vehicles, including two-wheelers.
Can you choose your own registration number in this format?
No, you cannot choose your own registration number in this format. The format of the BH Series Number Plate is YY BH####XX.
Can you convert your current car registration to one from the BH series?
Yes, you can convert your current car registration to one from the BH series. The government has allowed existing vehicles with regular registration plates to be converted to Bharat (BH) series.
Can you buy or sell a used car with a BH number?
The BH series registration is not transferable to the new owner if you sell your vehicle. The new owner will need to follow the regular vehicle registration process of the respective state.
