Bharat Series Number Plate

The Bharat Series number plate, or BH series, is a special type of vehicle registration that allows vehicle owners to move freely between states without the hassle of re-registering their vehicles in each new state. This is very useful for those people who have transferable jobs, like government or private sector employees.  

What is the Bharat Number Plate?

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) introduced the BH series and implemented on 15 September 2021 to standardize vehicle registration across India and to ease vehicle transfers for employees of government, PSUs, and private companies with offices in multiple states. This system eliminates the need for NOCs, new registration marks, and tax refunds during relocations. BH Series vehicles require taxes every two years, with a 25% higher rate, promoting smooth transfers and reducing RTO burdens.

BH Series Number Plate Format

Bharat Series Number Plate

The BH series registration number comprises the Year of Registration (YY), followed by BH (representing Bharat series), a four-digit registration number, and XX, indicating the vehicle category.

The format follows 'YYBH####XX', with YY representing the registration year, BH signifying the Bharat series, #### representing the unique four-digit code, and XX representing any random alphabet assigned to the vehicle from A to Z (except I and O). For example, a plate-like 25BH indicates that the vehicle was registered in 2025.

BH Series Number Vehicle Registration Highlights

Parameter

Highlight

Concerned Authority

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)

Legal Framework

Motor Vehicles Act, 1988

Date of Introduction

Announced on 26th August 2021, implemented from 15th September 2021

Applicability

Valid across all states and union territories in India

Registration Mode

Online via Vahan Portal or authorised dealers

Eligible Applicants

Govt. staff, Defence, PSU/Bank employees, and private employees with offices in 4+ states/UTs

Number Plate Format

YYBH####XX (Year + Bharat Series + 4-digit number + Alphabet code)

Eligibility for BH Series Number Plate Scheme

When applying for the Bharat series number plate, applicants must adhere to the following eligibility criteria:

  1. Ensure that the road tax for the vehicle has been paid.
  2. The vehicle must possess a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate.
  3. The vehicle must be personal or commercial as transport vehicles like buses, taxis, or trucks are not valid. 
  1. Old vehicles can apply only if their current registration is not expired. 

Those who are eligible for the BH number series are: 

  1. Should be a citizen of India
  2. Defence officers
  1. Employees who work in Banks
  2. Non-transport vehicle owners only
  3. Employees from Central and State Government
  4. People who serve in the administrative departments
  5. Employees from a private firm (with offices in more than four states/union territories)

Features of Bharat Number Plate

Features of BH Series Number Plate

The government of India introduced the BH number plate, and the features of these number plates are mentioned below:

  1. The BH number plate is valid throughout India that help eliminating the need for vehicle owners to re-register when moving to a new state.
  2. Avoid the hassle of re-registering their vehicles, saving time and effort.
  3. The BH series number plate helps authorities easily identify the vehicle’s owner in case of an incident, such as theft or an accident.
  4. Creates a unified system across India to streamline and standardize vehicle registrations thereby reducing issues like corruption and duplicate registrations.
  5. The motor vehicle tax is levied for two years or multiples of two, for vehicles with a BH series number plate.
  6. The tax will be charged annually after the fourteenth year at half the amount previously paid for that vehicle.
  7. BH-registered vehicles can be transferred to both eligible and non-eligible buyers.
  8. When buying or selling a BH series vehicle, the buyer must re-register the vehicle with their Regional Transport Office (RTO) to receive a regional registration number.
  9. The new owner will need to pay the registration fee and any applicable taxes as per the regulations of the respective state or Union Territory.

Application Procedure for Bharat Number Plate

In order to get the Bharat Number Plate, you need to follow the steps given below:  

  • Visit the official website of MORTH’s Vahan portal, or you can ask for help from an automobile dealer. 
  • On the Vahan portal, complete form 20. If you are a private sector employee with offices in more than four states or UTs, then you have to fill in Form 60. 
  • The eligibility of the vehicle's owner is checked by the State Authorities. 
  • Submit the required documents, such as Form 60 and a copy of your official ID card. 
  • The BH series application will be reviewed and approved by the Regional Transport Office (RTO). 
  • Pay the required motor vehicle tax. 

Once you complete all the steps, your BH series registration number will be generated. 

Documents Required to Apply for BH Plates

The list of documents that the applicant needs to submit to apply for BH plates are mentioned below:

  1. Aadhar card
  2. PAN
  3. Form 60 for working official
  4. Official ID card

Road Tax for BH Series Vehicles  

For vehicles with BH series number plates, road tax is valid for the first 14 years. Thereafter, it is mandatory to pay road tax annually except for private vehicles where road tax is levied every two years or multiples of two years.  

Invoice price of the car  

Road tax or motor vehicle tax (MV tax) 

less than Rs.10 lakh 

8% of invoice price (2% extra for vehicles which run on diesel) 

Rs.10 lakh - Rs.20 lakh

10% of the invoice price (2% less for electric vehicles) 

more than Rs.20 lakh  

12% of the invoice price (2% less for electric vehicles) 

Note: It is essential to highlight that diesel vehicles incur an extra 2% charge, while electric vehicles enjoy a 2% deduction. Private vehicle owners make road tax payments every two years or in intervals of four, six, or eight years (multiples of two).

Advantages and Disadvantages of Bharat Series Number Plate

Check out the table below to understand the benefits and drawbacks of possessing a BH series number plate.

Advantages

Disadvantages

Provides nationwide vehicle ownership with the BH number plate.

The BH number plate is not applicable for commercial vehicles, and it also has strict eligibility criteria.

Reduces the recurring expense of transferring vehicle registration.

The initial cost is relatively higher.

Decreases the road tax burden.

Periodic submission of road tax can be time-consuming.

Steps to Pay Road Tax for BH Registration 

You can follow the steps given below to pay road tax for your BH registered vehicle online:  

  • Go to the official portal of Parivahan. 
  • Select your state where BH registration was completed. 
  • Under the option ‘Services’, click on ‘Tax/Fees Services’ then ‘Pay Your Tax’. 
  • Fill in Vehicle Registration No. and Chassis Number. 
  • Verify the details and select whether it is a lump-sum payment under the section ‘Tax detail’. 
  • Pay the required tax payment.  

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FAQs on Bharat Series Number Plate

  • When did the registration for the Bharat Number Plate start?

    The registration for the BH series commenced on 15 September 2021.

  • What are the requirements for obtaining a BH series licence plate?

    You must be an Indian citizen working for the central or state government, banks, defence, administrative services, etc. Only employees working for private companies with offices in four or more states/UTs are eligible for BH series number plates.

  • How long can you use your vehicle without re-registration in a different state?

    You can use your non-transport vehicle for a maximum of 12 months after relocation to a different state. You need to re-register 12 months before to avoid penalty.

  • What are the benefits of the Bharat Number Plate?

    The BH series number plate helps save time, effort and paperwork every time you relocate. It is an initiative taken by the MoRTH to make the transition process smooth and convenient for individuals who have to constantly relocate to different states.

  • How many states have rolled out the BH series?

    Twenty-four states have non-transport vehicles registered as Bharat Series (BH-series).  

  • How expensive is getting a Bharat Number Plate?

    The price of the BH series number plate varies from vehicle to vehicle. It is based on the vehicle's invoice.

  • Can I get a Bharat number plate for my two-wheeler?

    Yes, you can get a BH series number plate for your two-wheeler.  

  • Are there any area restrictions for BH number plate vehicles?

    No, you cannot drive your BH series registered vehicle in restricted areas.

  • Can I determine the year of vehicle registration from the BH Number Plate Format?

    Yes, you can determine the year of vehicle registration from BH number plate format. The first two digits of BH number denote the year of registration.

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