A BH series number plate can ease life for those who travel across Indian states for work. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has launched the Bharat Series registration system under which eligible vehicle owners will be allowed to avoid the normal re-registration process when they shift to another state, as per the rules.
Whether you work for a government department, or a private company with offices in multiple states, or even if you have a transferable job, it’s important to know the eligibility criteria, fees and application process so you can make an informed decision before buying a car.
Quick Summary
- Purpose: Makes interstate vehicle relocation easier for eligible private vehicle owners.
- Eligibility: Available to qualifying government employees, defence personnel and private-sector employees whose organisations have offices in four or more states or Union Territories.
- Cost: Road tax is generally paid for two years or in multiples of two years, with rates based on the vehicle's invoice price and fuel type.
- Application: Eligible owners can apply through the relevant vehicle registration authority or an authorised dealer.
- Main benefit: Reduces the need for re-registration when moving between states, although other legal requirements still apply.
What Is a BH Series Number Plate?
BH series number plate is a special type of vehicle registration for eligible persons who might move from one state to another during their careers. BH is short for Bharat, and the format of registration starts with “BH” followed by the year of registration and a mix of numbers and letters.
While the registering state is identified by a conventional state-based registration number, the BH series is designed to ease the process of moving vehicles between states.
For instance, an employee entitled to transfer from Maharashtra to Karnataka does not usually have to obtain a new state registration number just because of the transfer.
BH Number Plate Eligibility: Who Can Apply?
Before starting an application, it’s important to understand BH number plate eligibility. The scheme is not available to all owners of private cars automatically.
Eligible vehicle owners
The principal eligible categories include:
- Employees of central and state government departments.
- Defence personnel.
- Employees of central and state public sector undertakings.
- Private-sector employees working for companies or organisations with offices in four or more states or Union Territories.
If you are coming from the private sector, you may be asked to provide an employment certificate or other prescribed evidence to demonstrate that your employer meets the requirements.
Your eligibility is checked as per the applicable government rules. Please check with your registering authority or authorised dealer for the latest documentation requirements.
BH Series Number Plate Cost in India
The price of a BH series number plate is mainly determined by the vehicle’s invoice price and fuel category. The tax on roads is not generally paid in one long-term installment but is paid in two-year or multiples of two-year periods.
The commonly prescribed road tax rates are:
Electric vehicles receive a 2-percentage-point reduction in the applicable rate. The prescribed tax calculation also accounts for the two-year payment period and applicable GST treatment.
These percentages are not the final amount payable at registration. The actual payment depends on the applicable formula, invoice value, vehicle category, and any prescribed registration or service charges. Check the latest rates with the relevant authority before budgeting.
BH Series Registration Process: How to Apply
The BH series registration process is pretty straightforward, once you have your employment documents and vehicle details ready.
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility
Check whether your employment category qualifies under Bharat Series rules. Private-sector applicants should have an employer with offices in at least four states or Union Territories.
Step 2: Gather the required documents
Depending on your employment category and registration circumstances, you may need:
- Valid identity and address proof.
- Employment ID or official service documentation.
- Form 60 or the applicable prescribed employment certificate, where required.
- Vehicle invoice and relevant purchase documents.
- Other forms or declarations requested by the registering authority.
The precise requirements can vary according to the application route and your circumstances.
Step 3: Apply through the authorised channel
The authorised dealer has to apply for BH series registration through the respective VAHAN system and registering authority for a new vehicle. If you are applying for an existing vehicle, please check if it is possible to convert to BH registration in your situation.
Step 4: Pay the applicable road tax and fees
The amount is calculated based on the appropriate vehicle details and tax rules. Save the payment receipt for your records.
Step 5: Complete registration
The BH registration number is given after the application is approved. Before using the vehicle, check that the registration certificate and number plate details are correct.
Bharat Series Number Plate Benefits
The main Bharat series number plate benefits relate to convenience and flexibility.
- Easier interstate relocation: Eligible owners can move between states without changing to a new state registration number solely because of relocation.
- Reduced administrative work: It can help avoid the conventional re-registration process associated with certain interstate moves.
- Periodic tax payments: Road tax is generally paid in two-year periods, helping spread the initial tax burden.
- Useful for transferable jobs: The scheme can suit employees who regularly move between offices or project locations.
- Greater flexibility for vehicle ownership: It can be practical for people whose work involves frequent changes of state.
But registering with BH does not absolve you from all your vehicle responsibilities. Still have to comply with all insurance, pollution-under-control certification, driving licence requirements etc.
BH Series vs Regular State Registration
Is a BH Series Number Plate Right for You?
A BH series number plate might be worth considering if you need to travel frequently for work or if your employer has offices in multiple states. If you intend to keep your vehicle in one state for the foreseeable future, compare the tax payments and administrative requirements before you make a choice.
AutoRaftar can help you explore car specifications, prices, features, and ownership-related information so that you can compare options before making a purchase. If you are buying a new car through an authorised dealer, check out the latest government requirements as part of your buying decision.
Conclusion
The BH series number plate provides a convenient registration option for eligible vehicle owners who might be shifting between the Indian states. Knowing the eligibility, road tax calculation, documentation, and application process will help you know if Bharat Series registration suits your employment and driving needs. Check with the registering authority or authorised dealer for the latest rules before applying.
FAQs About BH Series Number Plate
1. Who is eligible for a BH series number plate in India?
Eligible categories include government employees, defence personnel, public sector undertaking employees and qualifying private-sector employees whose organisations have offices in at least four states or Union Territories.
2. What is the BH series number plate cost?
The cost depends on the vehicle's invoice price and fuel category. Road tax rates generally range from 8% to 12% for petrol vehicles and other applicable non-diesel categories, with higher rates for diesel vehicles. Electric vehicles receive a prescribed reduction. The final amount depends on the applicable calculation and charges.
3. Can a private employee apply for BH registration?
Yes, provided the employee meets the applicable eligibility conditions. Private-sector applicants generally need proof that their organisation has offices in four or more states or Union Territories.
4. Can I convert my existing car to BH registration?
Conversion may be possible in certain circumstances, but it is not automatic for every vehicle. Check the current rules, eligibility, and documentation requirements with your registering authority.
