BH Number Plate Benefits That Can Save Your Money

What is a BH Number Plate?

The Bharat (BH) series number plate is a special vehicle registration system that grants pan-India validity to eligible vehicles. Regular vehicles usually get state-specific number plates. For example, a car registered in Tamil Nadu will have the initials TN on its plate, and a car registered in Uttar Pradesh will have UP.

While you can take your cars to another state for short trips, you must re-register them there if you stay for more than 12 months, which is time-consuming and requires effort.

However, having a BH number plate will eliminate this requirement. BH series vehicles allow car owners to keep the same number plate even if they relocate to another state for work purposes.
 

Purpose of Having a BH Number Plate

The primary purpose of obtaining a BH number plate is to eliminate the need for vehicle re-registration after each transfer. It’s highly beneficial for people in transferable jobs, as they usually have to undergo an administrative re-registration process that takes time, money, and effort.

If your career involves frequent interstate transfers, having a Bharat series plate lets you avoid fresh registration-related formalities every time you’re transferred to a new state. Besides eliminating the administrative burden, this number plate also makes vehicle ownership more flexible across India.
 

Bharat Series Plate Registration Process

You can either register for a Bharat series plate through an authorised automobile dealer or do it independently. If you’re proceeding with the dealer, they will guide you through the process.

People planning to apply for a BH series number plate independently can follow the step-by-step instructions shared below.

• Visit the Parivahan Sewa portal
• Navigate to ‘Vehicle Registration’ section → Bharat Series
• Enter the details being asked on the screen and upload relevant documents
• Make the required registration fee payment

You’ll receive an acknowledgement once the registration process has been finished. You can use it to keep track of the status. Once all the details are verified and approved, you’ll receive the BH number plate.
 

Documents Required for BH Plate Registration

As both government and private-sector employees (including companies operating in at least 4 states/union territories) can apply for a BH number plate, the precise list of documents required by the authorities will vary depending on the applicant’s profession. Generally, the following documents are required for a successful registration:

Basic Documents:

You can share your PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Voter ID as proof of identity and address. The latest utility bills may also be asked.

Form 60 for Private Sector Employees

This form requires the following company documents.

• Registration Number (CIN Number)
• Registered address
• PAN card number
• Email address
• Certificate from the workplace mentioning all four GST numbers

Besides these company details, the employee’s UAN and official employee ID card may also be asked. In some cases, the RTO may also insist on the last 3 pay slips and an email from the company’s HR to the RTO’s email ID.

Government Employee ID Card

Individuals working in any government sector will be asked to present their official government identity card and service certificate, along with the basic documents. The same applies to people working in the defence sector.

Key Vehicle Documents

Be ready with the vehicle’s invoice and temporary registration certificate. Vehicle’s insurance papers, PUC certificate, and other documents might also be required.
 

Eligibility for Having a BH Series Number Plate

As of now, the following individuals are eligible for a Bharat series plate.

• State and central government employees
• Defence personnel
• Employees of Public Service Undertakings (PSU) & autonomous bodies controlled by the central or state government
• Private sector employees (if their company has operational offices in four or more states and/or union territories)

Key Features of the BH Series Vehicle

All BH series vehicles share the following key features –

• Nationwide Validity
  BH series vehicles enjoy pan-India legal validity, which means eligible vehicle owners don’t have to seek fresh vehicle registration after every interstate job transfer. It makes vehicle ownership far more convenient for people with transferable jobs.
• Periodic Road Tax Payment
  Cars with a BH number plate can pay road taxes in two-year blocks instead of paying for 15 years up front. It significantly reduces the financial burden that vehicle owners previously faced.
• Unique Alphanumeric Format
  BH-registered vehicles follow a distinct alphanumeric format, such as 26 BH 1234 AB. The first two digits represent the year of your vehicle registration, and BH denotes Bharat. The following elements are a 4-digit randomised number and two letters.
• Eligibility-Based Registration System
  The BH series plate isn’t available for every vehicle owner, which makes it exclusive. You should check the eligibility criteria discussed in a previous section to determine if you can get one for your car.

Benefits of Having the BH Series in India

This exclusive number plate can provide you with the following BH series benefits:

• Avoid Re-Registration Related Expenses
  Eligible vehicle owners can continue to use the same registration plate across all Indian states and union territories. It helps avoid expenses that typically arise from a new vehicle registration.
• Reduced Financial Burden
  BH registration follows a periodic tax payment model. You can pay road taxes in two-year blocks, instead of the longer 15-year upfront payment required for normal registration. It significantly lowers the financial burden on vehicle owners.
• Saves Time on Regular Compliance Procedures
  Vehicle-related paperwork isn’t always smooth. You may need to make multiple visits or provide additional documents to ensure a smooth vehicle re-registration in a new state. In some cases, it can span weeks. With a BH number plate, you can skip this paperwork and save a lot of time.
• Your Car Stays With You
  Some people prefer to sell their car before an interstate transfer to avoid the paperwork and tiring administrative process. Since BH series vehicles are legally valid across India, you can easily take your car to any Indian state or union territory without compliance hassles.

BH Number Plate Road Tax Benefits

Besides the usual benefits, you can also receive the following BH number plate road tax benefits.

• Avoid Large Upfront Road Tax Payments
  Under the regular road tax system, vehicle owners are expected to pay road taxes for 15 years up front. BH series vehicles have the option to pay road taxes in two-year blocks. It prevents you from paying a single, higher upfront amount.
• Reduced Tax-Related Complications
  For eligible owners who move across states multiple times during their careers, the BH framework simplifies the road tax aspect of vehicle ownership. Instead of navigating different state-level systems after every transfer, your vehicle remains under the uniform BH registration structure, reducing administrative complexity.

Cost of Acquiring a BH Number Plate

The cost to acquire a BH number plate depends on your vehicle’s invoice value and fuel type. The following road tax rates are standard –

• Vehicles priced less than ₹10 Lakh = 8%
• Vehicles priced ₹10 – ₹20 Lakh = 10%
• Vehicles above ₹20 Lakh = 12%

If you own a diesel car, you’ll be charged a 2% surcharge. However, EV owners can receive a 2% reduction.

Conclusion

The BH series number plate was introduced to simplify the lives of people in transferable jobs. BH plates are considered legally valid across the country, as they aren’t tied to a specific state or union territory. Eligible individuals should apply for a BH number plate, as it will save them money and make the overall vehicle ownership experience easier.

Since insured vehicles can receive a BH series plate, ensure your vehicle is covered under a good Car Insurance policy. If not, consider securing it under Comprehensive Car Insurance from Shriram General Insurance before applying for a BH plate.
 

FAQs

Can anyone get a BH number plate?

No, a BH series plate isn’t for regular vehicle owners. If you’re a defence personnel or work for the state/central government, then you can apply for one. Private sector employees are also eligible if their company has operational offices in four or more Indian states and union territories.

1. What does ‘BH’ mean on the BH number plate?

BH stands for Bharat in the BH number plate.

2. Can I convert my existing vehicle into a BH series vehicle?

Yes, if you’re eligible for a BH number plate.

3. Is a BH number plate given only to cars?

No, a BH number plate is for all non-transport personal vehicles. However, the applicant must be eligible to apply for a BH number plate.

4. Does a BH series vehicle follow the same guidelines for road tax payments as regular vehicles?

No. A BH series vehicle can make road tax payments in two-year blocks. Regular cars usually require a large upfront payment for 15 years.