Planning to Get a BH Series Number Plate? Here’s What You Need to Know
Planning to Get a BH Series Number Plate? Here’s What You Need to Know
For professionals who frequently move between states—whether in government services, the armed forces, banking, or the private sector—vehicle re-registration can be a real headache. Changing your address often means updating your car’s registration, paying new road taxes, and possibly dealing with insurance issues if documents don’t align.
To solve this, the Government of India introduced the BH (Bharat) series number plate in 2021. This all-India registration system allows your vehicle to stay legally registered no matter which state you live in, eliminating the need to re-register every time you move.
Let’s explore what the BH series plate is, who can apply, how to register, and what pros and cons you should be aware of.
What Is the BH Series Number Plate?
Launched in August 2021, the BH series is a pan-India vehicle registration format. Unlike regular plates that are linked to a particular state (like MH for Maharashtra or DL for Delhi), the BH number plate is valid nationwide, offering a seamless ownership experience across states.
Key Features:
- Applicable only for new private vehicles
- Not valid for commercial or transport vehicles
- Format:
YY BH #### XXYY: Year of registrationBH: Bharat series####: Four-digit numberXX: Vehicle category code
Example: 22 BH 5678 AB means a car registered in 2022 under the BH format.
Why Opt for a BH Series Plate?
1. No Need for Re-registration When You Move States
A major benefit—your BH-registered car remains valid in all Indian states and UTs.
2. Avoid Penalties After 12 Months
Normally, you’re required to re-register a car within a year of moving states. BH owners are exempt from this.
3. Insurance Claims Stay Valid
Since BH plates are universally accepted, there’s no risk of claim rejection due to mismatched registration.
4. Pay Road Tax in Installments
Instead of a one-time 15-year payment, BH vehicle owners pay road tax every two years, easing the financial burden.
5. Tax Calculated on Pre-GST Vehicle Price
This can slightly reduce the payable road tax.
6. Easier to Sell Interstate
Selling your car to someone in another state becomes simpler, with no need to transfer the registration.
Who Is Eligible for a BH Number Plate?
As per the 2023 PIB update, 26 states and union territories currently support BH registration.
You can apply if you are:
- An employee of Central or State Government
- Part of the Armed Forces
- Working in a government PSU or nationalized bank
- A private sector employee, provided your company has offices in 4 or more states/UTs
How to Apply for a BH Plate
The registration process is fully online via the VAHAN portal under the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways.
Steps:
- Apply online yourself or through an authorized car dealer.
- Private sector employees must:
- Fill out Form 60
- Upload employment ID and work certificate
- Once approved by the RTO, pay the applicable tax online.
- Get your BH number digitally issued via VAHAN.
Possible Drawbacks to Keep in Mind
1. NOC May Be Needed for Loan Vehicles
If your vehicle is financed, some banks may require a No Objection Certificate (NOC), and not all banks have BH-specific systems yet.
2. Switching Back to Regular Plate is Complex
Once you’ve opted for the BH series, reverting to a state-specific number plate is not straightforward.
3. Slightly Higher Road Tax in Some Cases
Tax is calculated based on the vehicle’s price:
- 8% for vehicles up to ₹10 lakh
- 10% for ₹10–20 lakh
- 12% for over ₹20 lakh
- Add +2% for diesel vehicles
- Subtract −2% for electric vehicles
So, for premium or diesel cars, the tax may be marginally higher.
Despite a few minor limitations—like coordination with banks or a slightly higher tax—the BH series number plate offers unmatched flexibility for professionals who move frequently. In a mobile workforce, it’s a forward-thinking initiative that makes vehicle ownership significantly easier.
