BH Number Plate: Bharat Series Number Registration, Benefits, Price

Moving between states often brings the hassle of vehicle re-registration. To address this, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) launched the Bharat series vehicle registration in 2021 under the “One Nation, One Registration” initiative. This allows non-transport vehicles to retain a single registration number with pan-India validity, simplifying ownership for frequent movers.

What Is a BH Number Plate?

A Bharat number plate, or BH number plate, is a national registration number for non-transport vehicles, valid across India. It ensures vehicles don’t need re-registration when moving to a new state.

Why the BH Series Was Introduced

Before the BH Series registration came into effect, moving your vehicle from one state to another was a cumbersome process. Drivers could use their existing registration for up to 12 months, but beyond that, re-registering the vehicle with the new state’s Regional Transport Office (RTO) was mandatory. Missing this deadline could lead to penalties and unnecessary complications.

For employees with transferable jobs, this meant repeated paperwork, long queues, and additional expenses. Even though state-specific registration helped authorities maintain records, it created friction for frequent movers.

To solve this problem, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) introduced the Bharat Series number plate, also referred to as the BH Series number plate, in 2021. It supports the Digital India Initiative by enabling online applications and verification.

Who Is Eligible for a Bharat Number Plate?

The BH series for private vehicles is designed specifically for people who frequently move between states. It is applicable only to non-transport vehicles, such as private cars and bike owners. Before applying, you must ensure you meet the BH number plate eligibility.

1. Who Can Apply for a BH Number Plate?

• Government employees at the state or central level.
• Public sector undertakings (PSUs)
• Private sector employees whose company has offices in four or more states or union territories.
• Bank employees, including nationalised and private banks.
• Professionals in administrative services.

These groups are included because their roles often involve frequent transfers, making the BH Series registration a practical choice.

2. Pre-requisites Before You Apply for a BH Number Plate

• Pay all pending vehicle road tax.
• Have a valid PUC certificate (Pollution Under Control).
• Ensure all documents match the details on the Vahan Portal BH number plate

What Are the Documents Required for BH Series Registration?

To successfully complete BH registration, you need to submit documents that help the Regional Transport Office (RTO) verify your BH number plate eligibility and vehicle details. These documents ensure that only eligible owners of non-transport vehicles receive a Bharat Series number plate.

Required documents for the BH Series number plate include:

• A vehicle registration Certificate (RC) and vehicle road tax receipt
• Form 20: Standard application for BH registration.
• Form 60: Required for private sector employees applying for BH series registration.
• Employment ID or Employment Certificate: Proof of work in eligible organisations, including banks, PSUs, or administrative services.
• Valid PUC certificate (Pollution Under Control): Confirms your vehicle meets pollution norms.
• Vehicle invoice value: Shows the ex-showroom price used to calculate the Bharat number plate
• Address Proof: Such as Aadhaar, Passport, or utility bills, for verification.

Key Features and Benefits of BH Number Plate

The BH series number plate in India is designed to simplify vehicle ownership for people who move frequently across states. Salient BH number plate benefits include:

• Pan-India Validity: Once assigned, your BH number plate can be used anywhere in India.
• No Vehicle Re-registration Required: Even when relocating to a new state, your Bharat series code “BH” ensures the registration remains valid.
• 2-Year Road Tax Blocks: Instead of a one-time tax every 15 years, the BH number plate vehicle tax is paid biennially, making vehicle road tax management easier.
• Online Application & Verification: The full BH series registration process can be completed digitally, reducing paperwork and queues.
• Smooth Ownership Transfer: Selling your vehicle is easier; ownership can be transferred online with minimal formalities.
• Ideal for Transferable Jobs: Perfect for government, PSU, and private sector employees who frequently move, ensuring continuous compliance with RTO rules.

How to Identify a Bharat Number Plate – Format Explained

Understanding the BH number plate year format is key to recognising a Bharat Series number plate anywhere in India. Each plate follows a standardised structure that shows the registration year, “BH” (full form - Bharat), a unique vehicle number, and the vehicle category. This ensures clear identification and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) tracking for authorities.

Example BH Plate: 25BH1221AA

So, if you see a 23 BH number plate and wonder which state, or see a 24 BH number plate/25 BH number plate and have the same question, note that the numbers represent the registration year code, not a particular state.

The BH number plate format ensures that your non-transport vehicle is easily identifiable and valid across all states, reducing the need for re-registration and streamlining compliance with BH number plate RTO rules.

How to Apply for a BH Number Plate (Step-by-Step Process)

Step 1: Visit the Vahan Portal for the Bharat Number Plate Registration

Go to the official Vahan Portal and select the BH series registration option for your vehicle.

Step 2: Log in or Let Your Dealer Apply for BH Registration

You can log in using your credentials or ask a registered dealer to submit your Form 20 application on your behalf.

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

Private sector employees must submit Form 60, employment ID or certificate, along with the vehicle invoice, vehicle registration Certificate (RC), PUC certificate, and proof of cleared tax. Government and PSU employees submit relevant ID cards for the BH Series vehicle registration online.

Step 4: Pay BH Number Plate Vehicle Tax Online

Make the BH registration fees online payment based on your vehicle invoice value, fuel type (diesel vehicle, electric vehicle (EV), etc.), and applicable BH number plate tax calculation slab.

Step 5: RTO Verification and Number Assignment

The RTO verifies your documents and BH number plate eligibility. Upon approval, a randomised Bharat number plate is assigned, valid across all states.

Note: Randomised number generation ensures pan-India validity, giving you hassle-free ownership and smooth compliance with the BH registration rules.

BH Number Plate Cost

The BH number plate cost or tax is calculated based on your vehicle’s ex-showroom price, fuel type, and category.

This BH number plate price or tax structure promotes fairness, ensures uniformity across states, and encourages the adoption of environment-friendly vehicles through tax incentives.

What Are the Benefits of the BH Number Plate?

The BH number plate benefits include:

• Bharat Series number plate owners pay motor vehicle tax in 2-year blocks instead of a long 15-year cycle, helping them manage expenses more easily. They also avoid NOCs and vehicle re-registration fees when moving to a new state.
• The Bharat Series plate remains valid across all States and UTs, so owners do not need to change their registration upon relocation, saving time, effort, and money.
• The BH system reduces risks linked to illegal transfers and counterfeit plates due to its centralised, uniform registration framework.
• The application and verification process is online, requires minimal paperwork, and usually finishes within a couple of days, making Bharat Series registration convenient and quick.

Bharat Number Plate vs Regular Registration

If you often relocate for work or personal reasons, understanding the difference between a Bharat number plate and a traditional state registration is crucial.

BH plates simplify vehicle ownership for frequent movers and contribute to ease of doing business, while traditional registration suits vehicle owners who remain within a single state.

Pros and Cons of the BH Number Plate

The BH number plate advantages and disadvantages help you weigh whether this system is suitable for your vehicle ownership needs.

Pros:

• Offers pan-India validity, allowing you to drive across states without re-registering your vehicle.
• Road tax is paid in 2-year instalments, making it easier to manage compared to a single 15-year lump-sum payment.
• Online BH number plate registration process reduces paperwork and saves time.
• Smooth ownership transfer for non-transport vehicles, ideal for private cars and bikes.
• Perfect for frequent movers, including Government, PSU, and private sector employees.

Cons:

• Eligibility is limited to select groups; not all vehicle owners can apply.
• New system adoption may confuse some users or RTO staff initially.
• Selling a vehicle with a BH number plate can be tricky if the buyer does not meet the BH series number plate eligibility criteria.

How to Convert an Existing Vehicle Registration to the BH Series

If your vehicle currently has a regular state registration, you can still switch to a Bharat Series vehicle registration for nationwide validity. This process follows the BH number plate cost and registration process outlined by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

Steps to Convert:

1. Visit the Vahan Portal and select the option to apply for BH Series conversion.
2. Fill out Form 20 or take assistance from an authorised automobile dealer.
3. Upload the required documents: NOC from your current RTO, valid PUC certificate, employment ID, and proof of existing tax payment.
4. Pay the applicable BH number plate price or tax.
5. RTO verification may require a physical visit to confirm documents.
6. Once approved, your vehicle will be issued a BH series number plate.

Are You Considering a Two-Wheeler Loan?

Pairing a BH number plate for a bike with a new purchase can make ownership far more convenient, especially if you frequently move between states. With the BH Series for private vehicles, your registration remains valid across India, and the largely digital process helps reduce paperwork and save time.

To make your bike purchase easier, you can opt for a two-wheeler loan from SMFG India Credit. You can benefit from a competitive two-wheeler loan interest rate, flexible repayment tenures, and swift loan processing. You can also estimate your monthly instalment using the bike loan EMI calculator, helping you plan your budget confidently.

Check out our two-wheeler loan eligibility criteria, the required CIBIL score for a bike loan, and start the two-wheeler loan application process today!