Bharat Series Number Plate

BH Series Number Plate Format

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 23BH indicates that the vehicle was registered in 2023.

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.

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

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

The vehicle owner's eligibility will be verified and checked by the relevant state authorities and the RTO will give the approval for the BH series.

The step-by-step procedure for the BH series number plate is given below: 

1. Apply for the BH series number plate by logging into the MORTH’s Vahan portal or by visiting an authorized automobile dealer.
2. Form 20 will be completed on your behalf via the Vahan portal, if you choose to apply through a dealer.
3. If you are a private sector employee then you must submit Form 60 along with your employment and work IDs, if your office is located in more than four states or Union Territories.
4. The vehicle owner's eligibility will be verified by the state authority
5. You must select the ‘BH’ series type during the application.
6. Choose the 'BH' series during your application
7. Submit required documents such as Form 60 and a copy of your official ID card.
8. The BH series application will be reviewed and approved by the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
9. Complete the necessary payment or Motor Vehicle tax.

The BH series registration number will be generated once all the steps are completed.

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.  

Note: It's 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.

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