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What Is BH Number in 4-Wheeler? Full Guide to Bharat Series (BH) Registration Number in India
If you’ve recently bought a new car or are planning to get one, you might have come across something called a BH Number Plate or Bharat Series Registration (BH Series). It’s one of the most talked-about reforms by the Government of India in the vehicle registration system — especially useful for those who often relocate from one state to another.
In this article, we’ll break down what the BH number is, who can apply for it, its benefits, how to get it, required documentation, cost details, and even important FAQs to make your decision easier.
🧭 What Is a BH Number Plate?
A BH Number Plate, also known as the Bharat Series Registration Number, is a new type of vehicle registration system introduced by the Government of India in 2021.
It allows vehicle owners — especially government employees, defense personnel, and private company staff who frequently relocate — to drive their cars anywhere in India without the need to re-register their vehicle in a new state.
This number plate follows the idea of “One Nation, One Vehicle Number”, making vehicle movement across states smooth and paperless.
🧾 Example of a BH Number Plate
A typical BH series number looks like this:
👉 23 BH 4567 AA
Here’s what it means:
- 23 → Year of registration (2023)
- BH → Bharat Series Code
- 4567 → Random 4-digit number
- AA → Random two alphabets assigned by the central database
This number format is centrally generated by the VAHAN portal, not tied to any specific state — that’s what makes it unique.
🧠 Why Was the BH Number Introduced?
Before this system, if you moved from one state to another (for example, from Bihar to Maharashtra), you had to:
- Get a No Objection Certificate (NOC)
- Re-register your car at the new RTO
- Pay road tax again
- Wait months for refunds
This was a time-consuming and frustrating process.
To solve this, the BH Series Registration was introduced — so people with transferable jobs could use their vehicles freely across India without any re-registration headaches.
🏆 Key Benefits of BH Number Plate
- Nationwide Validity: No re-registration required when you move to another state.
- Digital & Centralized Process: Fully managed through the VAHAN portal online.
- Flexible Tax Payment: Road tax is paid every 2 years, not for 15 years upfront.
- Time-Saving: No NOC or re-registration paperwork needed.
- Ideal for Frequent Movers: Perfect for government, PSU, defense, and corporate employees who often transfer.
🧭 In Short:
A BH Number Plate is a pan-India vehicle registration number that allows you to drive your car anywhere in India without changing your registration when you move between states.
It’s India’s modern, smart, and flexible vehicle registration system — truly a “Bharat” series for a moving India.
🏷️ BH Number Plate Format Explained
The BH Series Number Plate follows a unique and standardized format that is the same throughout India — no matter which state the vehicle is registered in.
A typical BH number plate looks like this:
👉 22 BH 1234 AA
Let’s decode what each part means 👇
| Section | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | Year of registration | Vehicle registered in 2022 |
| BH | Bharat Series Code | Stands for Bharat — the pan-India series |
| 1234 | Random Number | Auto-generated by the VAHAN system |
| AA | Random Alphabets | Assigned automatically to ensure uniqueness |
🔍 Example:
If your car number is 23 BH 5678 ZY, it means:
- The vehicle was registered in the year 2023
- It is a Bharat Series (BH) registered vehicle
- 5678 ZY is a random combination assigned centrally, not tied to any state
⚙️ Key Features of BH Number Plate Format
- Uniform Across India:
Unlike traditional plates that begin with a state code (like BR for Bihar or MH for Maharashtra), the BH number has no state code, making it valid across India. - Generated Digitally:
The number is allotted online via the VAHAN portal — ensuring transparency and no manual interference from local RTOs. - Easy Identification:
The “BH” tag instantly identifies it as a Bharat Series vehicle, eligible to move freely between states. - Color and Design:
- Private vehicles: White background with black letters (like normal cars)
- Commercial BH vehicles (if any): Yellow background with black letters
- Electric BH vehicles: Green background with white letters
🧩 Difference Between Normal & BH Number Plate Format
| Parameter | Normal Number Plate | BH Number Plate |
|---|---|---|
| State Code | Example: BR, DL, MH, TN | Not applicable (uses “BH”) |
| Validity | Limited to a specific state | Valid across all Indian states |
| Re-registration | Required when you relocate | Not required |
| Tax Payment | 15 years at once | Every 2 years |
| Issued By | State RTO | Centralized VAHAN System |
🧠 In Simple Terms:
The BH Number Plate format removes the dependency on state codes and replaces it with a national identity code (BH) — meaning your vehicle can legally travel, stay, or be used anywhere in India without any re-registration hassles.
🌐 Why the BH Series Was Introduced
The Bharat Series (BH) vehicle registration system was introduced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in August 2021 as a part of India’s move toward a more unified and digital transportation network.
Its core purpose was to simplify the process of vehicle registration for people who frequently relocate across different states due to work transfers or professional requirements.
Let’s explore the real reasons behind this revolutionary step 👇
🏛️ 1. To End the State-Wise Registration Hassle
Before the BH series, each vehicle in India was registered in a specific state RTO (for example, “BR” for Bihar or “MH” for Maharashtra).
Whenever a person shifted from one state to another, they had to:
- Apply for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the current RTO
- Get the car re-registered in the new state
- Pay road tax again (even though it was already paid in the original state)
- Wait for refunds from the previous state’s RTO (which often took months or never came)
This was time-consuming, costly, and stressful for car owners.
The BH Series was designed to eliminate all these outdated steps and create a pan-India registration number system that doesn’t require re-registration — no matter where you move.
🌍 2. To Support the Mobile Indian Workforce
India’s economy is more mobile than ever. Professionals from IT, banking, government services, defense, and private sectors often relocate between states due to job transfers.
For such people, changing vehicle registration every time became a bureaucratic nightmare.
Hence, the BH series number plate was introduced to ensure:
- Freedom of movement for both people and their vehicles
- Hassle-free vehicle ownership anywhere in India
- Seamless integration across states and union territories
This supports the modern workforce and aligns with the Government’s “Ease of Living” and “Digital India” missions.
💡 3. To Create a Unified National Vehicle Database
Earlier, every state maintained its own RTO records, leading to fragmented and inconsistent vehicle data across India.
The BH series introduced a centralized registration system through the VAHAN portal, allowing:
- A single, nationwide vehicle database
- Easier law enforcement and vehicle tracking
- Reduction in fake or duplicate registrations
- Better tax transparency and uniformity
This step strengthened India’s digital governance in the transport sector.
🔁 4. To Simplify Road Tax Collection
Traditionally, road tax was paid for 15 years upfront during registration — a big one-time burden on buyers.
The BH system simplified this by introducing:
- Two-year tax payment cycles
- Tax rates based on the vehicle’s invoice value
- Online payment through the VAHAN portal
This change made car ownership more affordable and flexible — especially for individuals who might not keep the same car for 15 years.
🧭 5. To Promote Transparency and Reduce Corruption
The entire BH registration process is online, which means:
- No middlemen or agents needed
- Minimal paperwork
- Direct communication between the applicant and the system
- Reduced corruption at local RTO levels
This digital-first approach ensures that every step — from application to number allotment — is traceable, secure, and efficient.
🚦 6. To Standardize Registration Across India
Every state in India used to follow its own vehicle registration format and fee structure.
With the BH series:
- The format is uniform nationwide
- The rules are consistent
- Data sharing between states becomes easier
In short, it moves India one step closer to the dream of a unified national vehicle registration system.
🧠 In Essence:
The Bharat Series (BH) was introduced to make car ownership simpler, smarter, and state-free — creating a single digital registration system for all Indian vehicles.
It’s not just a number plate — it’s a symbol of mobility, modernization, and national integration in the transport sector.
🎯 Benefits of BH Number Plate
The Bharat Series (BH) registration number is not just a new vehicle registration format — it’s a major step toward a unified and mobile India.
It offers unmatched flexibility, convenience, and transparency, especially for professionals who frequently move across states.
Let’s explore all the key benefits one by one 👇
✅ 1. No Need for Re-Registration Across States
One of the biggest advantages of a BH number plate is that you don’t need to re-register your car when you move from one state to another.
Earlier, vehicle owners had to:
- Obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC)
- Re-register in the new RTO
- Pay road tax again
- Wait for refunds from the previous RTO
With the BH number plate, you can drive freely in any state of India without any of these formalities.
🚘 It truly offers a “One Nation, One Vehicle Number” experience.
✅ 2. Ideal for Professionals with Transferable Jobs
The BH series is tailor-made for:
- Central and State Government employees
- Defence personnel
- PSU (Public Sector Undertaking) staff
- Private company employees whose organizations operate in 4 or more states
Such individuals often get transferred every few years. With a BH number, they can take their vehicle anywhere in India without any paperwork or tax complications.
✅ 3. Road Tax Payment Becomes Easier
In traditional registration, car owners had to pay road tax upfront for 15 years, which could cost a big lump sum.
The BH registration system changes that — you pay road tax once every 2 years.
💰 Tax slabs are simple:
- Cars below ₹10 lakh → 8%
- Cars between ₹10–₹20 lakh → 10%
- Cars above ₹20 lakh → 12%
(Electric vehicles get a 2% discount on each slab.)
This makes owning and maintaining a car more affordable and flexible, especially for young professionals.
✅ 4. Fully Online and Transparent Process
The BH series registration is done through the VAHAN portal — a central government platform.
This ensures:
- 100% digital documentation
- No agents or middlemen
- Quick verification and number allotment
- Complete transparency
No more standing in long RTO queues or dealing with complex paperwork — the entire process is simplified and corruption-free.
✅ 5. Uniform Vehicle Number Across India
Unlike traditional registration numbers (like BR, MH, or DL), which are state-based, the BH series number is nationally recognized.
This means your car has a single identity that’s valid and traceable throughout India.
For example: A vehicle with the number 23 BH 6789 AB can travel, live, or be used in any state — it doesn’t matter where it was first registered.
✅ 6. Smooth Vehicle Ownership and Transfer
When you sell or transfer a BH-registered vehicle, the process is simple and digitally recorded.
However, note that the buyer must also be eligible for a BH registration (as per government criteria).
This keeps the system organized and transparent while protecting buyers from fraud.
✅ 7. Encourages Digital India and Smart Governance
The BH number system aligns perfectly with India’s Digital Transformation Vision.
It promotes:
- Online vehicle data management
- Paperless taxation
- Real-time updates across RTOs
- Reduced human interference
This innovation not only saves time but also strengthens India’s transport digitization under the Digital India Mission.
✅ 8. Encourages Interstate Employment and Relocation
By removing the barrier of re-registration, the BH number empowers professionals to relocate freely for work without worrying about vehicle documentation.
It’s a subtle but powerful way to boost mobility, opportunity, and productivity in the Indian economy.
✅ 9. Convenient Renewal and Updates
With everything linked to the VAHAN central database, renewal of road tax or updating vehicle details becomes super easy.
You can do it online within minutes — no RTO visits, no agent fees, no hidden charges.
✅ 10. Environmentally Friendly Incentives
The system offers a 2% lower tax rate for electric vehicles, encouraging green adoption.
This small but significant incentive helps promote sustainable mobility and aligns with India’s push toward EV adoption by 2030.
🌟 Summary Table — Top Benefits of BH Series Number Plate
| Feature | Traditional Number Plate | BH Number Plate |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | Only in the registered state | Valid across India |
| Tax Payment | 15 years at once | Every 2 years |
| Process | Offline, paperwork heavy | Fully online (VAHAN) |
| NOC & Re-registration | Required | Not required |
| Transparency | RTO dependent | Centralized & digital |
| Ideal For | Local residents | Frequent movers, employees, defense personnel |
🧭 In Simple Words:
The BH Number Plate brings freedom, flexibility, and transparency to car owners.
It’s a modern solution for India’s increasingly mobile workforce — making car ownership smarter, simpler, and nationwide.
🧾 Eligibility for Getting BH Series Number
Not everyone in India can get a BH (Bharat Series) number plate — it’s a special registration system meant for individuals who frequently relocate due to work or government service.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has clearly defined eligibility criteria for who can apply for this nationwide vehicle registration number.
Let’s understand in detail 👇
🎓 1. Central Government Employees
All Central Government employees — including defense personnel, paramilitary forces, and civil services — are automatically eligible for BH series registration.
This includes:
- Employees of ministries, departments, and central agencies
- Officers of the Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force)
- Central police organizations like CRPF, CISF, BSF, ITBP, etc.
✅ Why Eligible:
Because they are often transferred from one state to another on national duty, making re-registration unnecessary under the BH system.
🏛️ 2. State Government Employees
All State Government employees also qualify for the BH number plate, as they too experience frequent inter-state or inter-district transfers.
✅ Examples include:
- Administrative officers
- Teachers or professors under state education boards
- State police officers
- State PSU staff
These employees can register their new cars under the BH series without needing to change their registration every time they’re transferred.
🏢 3. PSU (Public Sector Undertaking) Employees
Employees working in public sector companies or enterprises (like ONGC, BHEL, NTPC, Indian Oil, etc.) are also eligible for BH registration.
✅ Why Eligible:
Because PSUs operate branches across India, and employees may get transferred to different states or union territories.
💼 4. Private Sector Employees (with Multi-State Presence)
Private sector professionals are also eligible, provided they work in a company that operates in four or more Indian states or Union Territories.
✅ Required Proofs for Private Employees:
- Working Certificate from the employer stating that the company has offices in 4 or more states/UTs.
- Official Employee ID Card.
- Company Registration or Corporate Office Details (on company letterhead).
📌 Important:
Your company must be registered on the official VAHAN portal, or else your application for a BH number may be rejected by the RTO.
🚘 5. Individuals Buying a New Vehicle
The BH number plate system currently applies mainly to newly purchased vehicles.
If you are buying a new four-wheeler and you fall under any of the above categories, you can directly apply for BH series registration at the time of purchase through your vehicle dealer or the VAHAN online portal.
🧾 6. Owners of Existing Vehicles (Under Special Conditions)
In some states, the government has started allowing conversion of existing vehicles into the BH series — but only if the owner meets the eligibility criteria (government or transferable job).
However, this service is not yet available in all RTOs, as implementation is still in progress.
✅ If available, the owner needs to:
- Submit Form 27A (application for re-assignment of registration number)
- Provide eligibility proof (like employment certificate or ID)
- Pay applicable road tax under the BH format
🔒 Quick Recap: Who Can Apply for BH Number Plate
| Category | Eligibility Status | Documents Required |
|---|---|---|
| Central Govt. Employees | ✅ Eligible | Govt. ID Card, Form 60 |
| State Govt. Employees | ✅ Eligible | Official ID, Proof of Service |
| PSU Employees | ✅ Eligible | PSU ID, Employment Certificate |
| Private Company Employees (4+ states) | ✅ Eligible | Working Certificate, Company ID |
| Individual Buyer (Non-Eligible Category) | ❌ Not Eligible | — |
| Existing Vehicle Owners | ✅ (If eligible) | Form 27A, ID, Proof of Employment |
⚙️ Eligibility Verification Process
When you apply for a BH series registration, the RTO or VAHAN portal verifies your:
- Employment certificate or official ID
- Company’s registration on VAHAN (for private sector)
- Validity of documents submitted
Once verified, the BH number is automatically allotted by the central database — no manual intervention needed.
🧠 In Simple Words:
If you’re a government employee, PSU staff, defense personnel, or a private sector employee working in a company that operates in 4 or more states, you’re eligible for the BH number plate.
This initiative was designed to make interstate mobility simpler, faster, and fully digital for India’s working professionals.
📋 Required Documents for BH Series Registration
To get your BH Series (Bharat Series) Number Plate, you must submit specific documents depending on whether you’re a government, PSU, or private sector employee.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has made the process completely digital through the VAHAN portal, but the documents you upload must be valid, up-to-date, and verifiable.
🏛️ 1. For Central or State Government Employees
If you’re working with any central or state government department, including defence, paramilitary, or public administration, you’ll need the following:
✅ Required Documents:
- Official Government ID Card (with department name and designation)
- Form 60 – Application form for BH series registration (available on the VAHAN portal or RTO)
- Proof of Address – Aadhaar card, Voter ID, or Passport
- Proof of Identity – PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, or Government-issued ID
- Vehicle Invoice / Sale Certificate (Form 21) from the dealer
- Temporary Registration Slip (if applicable)
- Insurance Certificate of the vehicle
- Form 22 – Roadworthiness certificate from the vehicle manufacturer
📎 Note: Defence and paramilitary personnel can also provide their service ID card in place of standard government ID.
🏢 2. For PSU (Public Sector Undertaking) Employees
Employees of PSU companies such as BHEL, NTPC, ONGC, Indian Oil, LIC, etc., are also eligible for BH registration.
✅ Required Documents:
- PSU Employment ID Card
- Form 60 (Application for BH series)
- Employment Certificate from HR or department head
- Address Proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, or Driving License)
- Form 21 (Sale Certificate) from dealer
- Form 22 (Roadworthiness Certificate)
- Insurance Details
- Temporary Registration (if applicable)
📌 Tip: Always ensure your employment certificate is printed on the official company letterhead and includes your employee number, designation, and branch location.
💼 3. For Private Sector Employees
Private company employees can also get BH number plates — but only if their company has offices in four or more Indian states or Union Territories and is registered on the VAHAN portal.
✅ Required Documents:
- Company Working Certificate stating:
- The organization has offices in at least 4 states/UTs
- Your current employment status
- Company’s full address and registration number
- Company ID Card (clearly showing your name and designation)
- Form 60 (BH registration application form)
- Address Proof (Aadhaar card or other valid ID)
- Form 21 (Sale Certificate)
- Form 22 (Roadworthiness Certificate)
- Insurance Policy Copy
- Temporary Registration Slip from the dealer
📎 Pro Tip: Ask your HR department to confirm whether your company is listed on the VAHAN portal. This is mandatory for private employees before applying for BH registration.
🚘 4. For Vehicle Dealers Handling BH Registrations
If you’re registering your new vehicle through an authorized dealer, the dealer will help you with:
- Uploading all documents on the VAHAN portal
- Generating the temporary registration
- Paying the road tax (for 2 years) online
- Submitting Form 60 and employment proofs
You just need to provide accurate scanned copies of your documents.
🧾 5. Optional / Supporting Documents
Sometimes, depending on the state or RTO verification, you might be asked to submit additional proofs:
- HR Declaration Letter (for private employees)
- Company’s GST or CIN Registration Copy (to confirm multi-state operation)
- Pay Slip / Offer Letter (as supporting evidence)
- Address Proof of Office Location (if not listed online)
📦 Summary Table — BH Number Plate Required Documents
| Applicant Type | Documents Required |
|---|---|
| Central/State Govt. Employees | Govt. ID, Form 60, Proof of Address, Insurance, Form 21, Form 22 |
| PSU Employees | PSU ID, Employment Certificate, Form 60, Vehicle Invoice, Insurance |
| Private Sector Employees | Company Certificate (4+ states), ID Card, Form 60, Proof of Address, Insurance |
| Defence / Paramilitary | Service ID Card, Form 60, Insurance, Sale Certificate |
| Existing Vehicle Owners (Conversion) | Form 27A, Employment Certificate, Old RC, Insurance, Proof of Eligibility |
📎 Important Tips Before Submitting Documents
- 🖋️ All forms must be signed digitally or physically before uploading.
- 📑 Scanned copies should be clear and under the file size limit specified on the VAHAN portal.
- 📅 Document validity (like insurance and ID) must be active — expired documents can delay approval.
- 🧾 Keep a physical copy of all forms for your records.
- 💡 Use your official company email (for private employees) for faster verification.
🧠 In Simple Words:
To apply for a BH Series Number Plate, you need valid proof of employment, identity documents, and vehicle purchase papers — all uploaded via the VAHAN online portal.
Once verified, your BH number will be auto-generated digitally, and your dealer or RTO will issue the final number plate.
🧰 Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a BH Series Number Plate
Applying for a BH Series (Bharat Series) number plate is a completely digital process, introduced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to simplify interstate mobility.
Whether you’re a government, PSU, or private sector employee, you can easily apply online via the VAHAN portal — without visiting multiple RTOs.
🪜 Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before starting the application, ensure that you fall into one of these categories:
✅ Central/State Government employee
✅ PSU employee (like BHEL, NTPC, LIC, ONGC, etc.)
✅ Private sector employee working in a company with offices in 4 or more states/UTs
📌 If you’re a private employee, confirm that your company is registered on the VAHAN portal under the BH series category.
🧾 Step 2: Gather All Required Documents
Collect and scan all necessary documents (preferably in PDF format).
Here’s your quick checklist:
- Employment ID Card / Certificate
- Proof of multi-state presence (for private firms)
- Aadhaar Card or Address Proof
- PAN Card
- Vehicle Invoice (Form 21)
- Roadworthiness Certificate (Form 22)
- Valid Insurance Policy
- Form 60 (BH Application Form)
📎 Tip: Make sure all scans are clear and legible, with file size below the upload limit (usually 200 KB per document).
💻 Step 3: Visit the Official VAHAN Portal
Go to 👉 https://vahan.parivahan.gov.in
This is the official government website for vehicle registration across India.
Click on “Registration Related Services”, then select your state and RTO (even though BH registration is pan-India, an RTO must still issue the initial approval).
🧩 Step 4: Select “Apply for BH Series” Option
Once you’re inside the portal:
- Choose “Apply for BH Series” under registration options.
- Fill in your personal and employment details.
- Enter your vehicle details (engine number, chassis number, etc.).
- Upload all the scanned documents.
- Verify the details carefully before submission.
📍 All applications are verified automatically and manually by the assigned RTO officer before final approval.
💳 Step 5: Pay Road Tax Online
One of the biggest benefits of the BH series is the biennial road tax system (paid every 2 years instead of 15 years).
✅ The system automatically calculates your road tax based on:
- The vehicle’s invoice price
- The fuel type (petrol, diesel, or electric)
- Vehicle category (private or commercial)
💰 Pay the amount securely online through:
- Net Banking
- Credit/Debit Card
- UPI
Once payment is done, you’ll receive a digital receipt.
🏢 Step 6: RTO Verification & Approval
After submitting your application and payment, your details will be sent to the concerned RTO for verification.
The RTO will:
- Verify your employment certificate and eligibility
- Cross-check vehicle details with the manufacturer database
- Validate road tax payment
🕒 This process usually takes 3–7 working days, depending on your location and workload at the RTO.
Once verified, you’ll receive an approval notification via SMS/email.
🔢 Step 7: Allotment of BH Series Number
After successful verification, the system automatically generates your unique BH number (for example: 25 BH 7654 AZ).
The number will appear in your VAHAN dashboard, and a digital RC (Registration Certificate) will be issued in BH format.
🚘 Step 8: Get Your BH Number Plate Made
Once you receive your registration details:
- Visit any authorized number plate maker approved by the RTO.
- Provide your RC and ID proof.
- Get the High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP) printed with your new BH number.
🧷 Design Note:
BH plates follow the standard color code:
- Private vehicles: White background, black text
- Commercial vehicles: Yellow background, black text
- Electric vehicles: Green background, white text
🪪 Step 9: Receive Digital RC and Complete Registration
After your plate is fitted, you can download the Digital RC (Smart Card) from the DigiLocker App or the mParivahan App.
Keep it saved on your phone for easy access during travel.
📱 Digital RC and Insurance are legally valid under the Motor Vehicles Act — no need to carry paper copies.
⚡ Step 10: Enjoy Seamless Pan-India Vehicle Movement
Congratulations! 🎉
You now own a BH Series vehicle that’s:
- Valid across all Indian states
- Free from re-registration hassles
- Taxed only for 2 years at a time
You can drive, sell, or transfer your car anywhere in India without worrying about regional transport formalities.
🧭 Quick Summary: BH Series Registration Process
| Step | Action | Key Output |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Check Eligibility | Confirm if you qualify for BH plate |
| 2 | Gather Documents | Employment + Vehicle + ID proofs |
| 3 | Visit VAHAN Portal | Start online application |
| 4 | Fill Form 60 & Upload Docs | Submit verified digital forms |
| 5 | Pay Road Tax | Every 2 years online |
| 6 | RTO Verification | Eligibility check |
| 7 | BH Number Allotted | Unique national number issued |
| 8 | Get Number Plate | HSRP fitted |
| 9 | Download Digital RC | Via DigiLocker |
| 10 | Drive Freely | No state re-registration required |
🧠 In Simple Words:
Applying for a BH Series number plate is a one-time, paperless, and fully digital process that gives you freedom to move anywhere in India without any RTO hassles or re-registration headaches.
💰 Road Tax Slabs for BH Series Vehicles
The road tax in BH registration depends on the invoice price of the vehicle and is paid every two years.
| Vehicle Cost (Ex-Showroom) | Road Tax (for 2 Years) |
|---|---|
| Below ₹10 lakh | 8% |
| ₹10 – ₹20 lakh | 10% |
| Above ₹20 lakh | 12% |
For Electric Vehicles:
You get a 2% tax rebate (i.e., 6%, 8%, and 10% respectively).
🧮 The tax amount is calculated for 2 years, not 15 years — making it financially lighter in the short term.
🗺️ Can You Convert an Old Vehicle to BH Series?
Yes — but only if you’re eligible (as per the mentioned categories).
Existing vehicle owners can apply for a BH number conversion via their RTO, provided they meet eligibility criteria and submit necessary documents.
However, the process might vary slightly from state to state, as some RTOs are still updating their systems for older vehicle conversions.
⚠️ Important Points to Remember
- Only eligible individuals can apply for BH number plates.
- The vehicle should be new or freshly transferred in your name.
- The employer must be registered on VAHAN (especially for private firms).
- BH number vehicles can be used anywhere without NOC.
- Re-registration not required, even after relocation.
📉 Pros and Cons of BH Number Plates
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Nationwide validity | Limited eligibility (not for everyone) |
| No NOC or re-registration needed | Tax to be paid every 2 years |
| Easy online process | Private companies must be VAHAN-registered |
| Saves time and paperwork | Not all states fully support old-vehicle conversion |
| Great for frequent transfers | Some loan providers may have initial approval delays |
🧠 FAQs on BH Series Number Plate
🔹 1. Can anyone get a BH number?
No. Only government employees, PSU employees, or private sector employees with offices in 4+ states/UTs can apply.
🔹 2. Can I convert my existing registration to BH?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria and your RTO supports the conversion.
🔹 3. Do I have to pay tax again after 2 years?
Yes, the road tax under BH series is payable every 2 years, based on the same slab.
🔹 4. Is the BH number valid for life?
Yes, until the vehicle is scrapped. You only need to keep paying road tax periodically.
🔹 5. Can I sell a BH number car to someone else?
Yes, but the new owner must also be eligible for BH series. Otherwise, you’ll need to convert it to a normal state registration before sale.
🔹 6. What color and format is the BH number plate?
It follows the white background with black text format — similar to private vehicles.
🏁 Conclusion: The Future of Vehicle Registration in India
The Bharat Series (BH) is a progressive step towards a unified vehicle registration system in India. It simplifies interstate movement, reduces bureaucracy, and supports the modern working class who travel or relocate frequently.
While it may not be available for everyone yet, the BH series system is a glimpse into India’s digital and mobile future — where your vehicle number is recognized anywhere in the country, just like your Aadhaar.
If you are eligible, applying for a BH number plate is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your next car purchase.
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