What Is BH Number Plate? Everything You Need to Know

If you frequently relocate from one state to another because of your job, you have probably heard about the BH number plate. Introduced by the Government of India, the BH (Bharat) Series registration simplifies vehicle ownership for people who move across different states. Instead of re-registering your vehicle every time you shift to a new state, the BH registration allows you to use the same registration number throughout India.

This initiative has made life easier for thousands of professionals who face the hassle of transferring vehicle registrations due to job transfers. In this article, you'll learn what a BH number plate is, who is eligible for it, its benefits, the registration process, tax structure, and whether it is the right choice for you.

What Is a BH Number Plate?

A BH number plate, also known as the Bharat Series number plate, is a special vehicle registration system introduced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in 2021. It was created to eliminate the need for re-registration when a vehicle owner relocates to another state.

Under the traditional registration system, if you permanently moved your vehicle to another state for more than 12 months, you had to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC), pay road tax in the new state, and complete the re-registration process. This procedure was often lengthy, expensive, and time-consuming.

With the BH Series registration, vehicle owners can continue using the same registration number anywhere in India without undergoing state-wise re-registration.

What Does a BH Number Plate Look Like?

A BH registration number follows a specific format:

YY BH #### XX

For example:

26 BH 4589 AB

Here's what each part means:

• YY – Year of vehicle registration (last two digits)

• BH – Bharat Series

• #### – Four-digit random number

• XX – Two random alphabetic characters

The plate appears similar to regular white number plates used for private vehicles but carries the unique "BH" identifier instead of a state code.

Why Was the BH Series Introduced?

Before the BH Series, vehicle owners transferred to another state had to complete several legal formalities to continue using their vehicles. These included:

• Obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC)

• Paying road tax again in the new state

• Applying for a new registration number

• Updating insurance and registration documents

The process often involved multiple visits to Regional Transport Offices (RTOs), extensive paperwork, and additional expenses.

The BH Series was introduced to solve these challenges by allowing seamless movement of eligible vehicles across India.

Who Is Eligible for a BH Number Plate?

Not every vehicle owner can apply for a BH registration. The facility is available only to eligible individuals whose employment involves transfers across states.

You can apply for a BH number plate if you belong to one of the following categories:

• Central Government employees

• State Government employees

• Defence personnel

• Employees of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)

• Employees of private companies with offices in four or more states or Union Territories

The employer must certify the employee's eligibility during the registration process.

Benefits of a BH Number Plate

The BH Series offers several practical advantages for eligible vehicle owners.

No Need for Re-Registration

The biggest benefit is that you don't need to re-register your vehicle after moving to another state due to a job transfer.

Simplified Documentation

Since the registration remains valid nationwide, paperwork is significantly reduced.

Flexible Road Tax Payment

Instead of paying road tax for 15 years in one go, BH Series owners pay road tax in installments, usually every two years (or in multiples of two years) until the vehicle reaches 14 years of age.

Saves Time and Money

Avoiding repeated RTO visits, documentation, and re-registration costs makes the process much more convenient.

Ideal for Transferable Jobs

Professionals who frequently relocate can use the same vehicle without worrying about changing registration numbers.

How to Apply for a BH Number Plate

The application process is straightforward and can be completed through the vehicle dealer or the Regional Transport Office during vehicle registration.

The general steps include:

1. Confirm your eligibility.

2. Obtain employment verification from your employer.

3. Submit the required documents.

4. Complete the registration process through the VAHAN portal or the authorized dealer.

5. Pay the applicable road tax.

6. Receive your BH Series registration number.

Many automobile dealerships now assist buyers with the entire application process.

Documents Required

Applicants generally need the following documents:

• Aadhaar Card

• PAN Card

• Address proof

• Employee ID card

• Employment certificate from the employer

• Form 60 (where applicable)

• Vehicle purchase invoice

• Insurance certificate

• Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate (if applicable)

The exact document requirements may vary slightly depending on the registering authority.

BH Number Plate Road Tax

One of the unique features of the BH Series is its road tax structure.

Instead of paying a lump sum for 15 years, owners pay road tax for two years at a time. After the vehicle completes 14 years, tax is paid annually.

The tax percentage depends on the vehicle's invoice price.

Generally:

• Vehicles priced below ₹10 lakh attract the lowest tax rate.

• Vehicles priced between ₹10 lakh and ₹20 lakh attract a moderate tax rate.

• Vehicles priced above ₹20 lakh pay a higher rate.

• Diesel vehicles attract an additional charge.

• Electric vehicles receive a concession on road tax.

This flexible payment system reduces the initial financial burden on vehicle buyers.

Can Existing Vehicles Get a BH Number Plate?

Yes. Existing vehicle owners who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for conversion to the BH Series, subject to the applicable rules and procedures.

However, approval depends on the relevant transport authority and compliance with current regulations.

Can Anyone Apply for a BH Registration?

No.

The BH Series is not available to every private vehicle owner. It is specifically designed for individuals whose jobs require frequent interstate transfers.

If you do not meet the prescribed eligibility criteria, you'll need to continue using the standard state registration system.

BH Number Plate vs Regular Number Plate

Here's how the two registration systems differ:

Are There Any Disadvantages?

While the BH Series offers several advantages, it also has a few limitations.

Only eligible individuals can apply, which excludes many private vehicle owners. Additionally, because road tax is paid periodically, owners must remember to make timely payments throughout the vehicle's life. Missing payments may lead to penalties under applicable regulations.

For people who do not frequently relocate, a regular state registration may be a more practical option.

Is the BH Number Plate Worth It?

If your career involves regular transfers across multiple states, a BH number plate is an excellent choice. It saves time, reduces paperwork, eliminates repeated vehicle registration procedures, and provides greater flexibility in managing road tax payments.

On the other hand, if you plan to live and work in one state for most of your vehicle's life, the benefits of BH registration may be limited.

Ultimately, the right choice depends on your employment profile and mobility requirements.

Conclusion

The BH number plate is a significant step toward making vehicle ownership more convenient for professionals with transferable jobs. By removing the need for repeated re-registration and introducing a flexible road tax system, the Bharat Series has simplified interstate vehicle movement across India.

Before applying, ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements and understand the tax payment schedule. For eligible individuals, the BH Series offers a hassle-free solution that can save both time and effort over the long term.