Whenever we purchase a new vehicle, it is necessary to register it in any state. At the time of registration, road tax has to be paid in that state. But when that vehicle is taken to another state for more than 1 year, then the registration of the vehicle has to be transferred to the other state and road tax has to be paid in that state also. In this system, not only documentation but also time and money are spent. With this system, central government employees and those employees who have frequent transfers from one state to another, face a lot of problems. To overcome this problem, the Ministry of Road Transport started BH Series registration in August 2021.

After this, you will see special number plates on Indian roads in the type "22 BH" or "21 BH", which are BH plates. BH stands for BHARAT which starts with the alphabet BH. It has been created by the Transport Ministry, it has some interesting features that you should know. In this guide, we will tell you what BH plates are, who can apply for it, how much tax is charged on BH number plates and how to apply for it.

What is BH Number Plate?

BH Series (Bharat Series) Number Plate was launched by the Government of India in August 2021, was aimed at simplifying the process of vehicle registration for non-transport vehicles when moving from one state to another. The BH Series number plate removes the need for individuals to transfer their vehicle registration when relocating to a different state within India. 

As per the Motor Vehicles Act, if you have a vehicle registered in one state For Example:-Haryana (HR number plate), and you move to another state, you are allowed to drive with the original HR number plate for a period of 12 months. After this period, you would be required to register your vehicle in the new state. With the BH Series Registration number, vehicle owners do not need to transfer vehicle registration from one state to another state during relocation.

Let's talk about who can get a BH Series number while buying a new car. While launching this BH Series system, Ministry of Roads, Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has made it clear that only a specific category of people can obtain this number.

Eligibility for the BH Number Plate

Below is a list of those who can buy BH Series Number Plates.

1. State and Central Government Employees
2. Defence Sector Employee
3. Bank Employees
4. Administrative Services
5. Private Firm Employees with offices in more than four states and union territories

These individuals can use the BH Series number plates for their vehicles, making it easier for them to relocate without the need for re-registering their cars in different regions.

Advantage of BH Number Plate 

Vehicle owners with a BH Series number plate can drive their vehicles in any state without the need for re-registration, making the process more convenient for those who frequently move or relocate across state borders. It's important to note that the BH Series is made specially for non-transport vehicles, and not for all vehicles. It's meant to make things easy for people who move around a lot within the country.

Below are some more advantage of having a BH Number Plate :-

1. Flexibility :-The BH Series allows you to retain your vehicle registration number even if you move to a different state within the country. 
2. Comfort :- You don't have to go through the process of obtaining a new registration number every time you relocate.
3. Cost Savings :- Avoiding re-registration, can save you money and time. 
4. Regularity :- Your vehicle maintains a regular identity with the BH Series number plate, regardless of your location
5. Reduced Paperwork :- Since the BH Series is designed for easy inter-state movement, it likely involves less paperwork compared to the traditional process of re-registering a vehicle in a new state.

Key Qualities of Bharat Series Number Plates 

1. The BH series is used only for private vehicles, not for trade or transport purposes.
2. Bharat series is valid throughout the country.
3. The BH series registration number format includes the registration year (YY), BH for Bharat series, a 4-digit registration number, and two alphabets (excluding I & O) that represent the type of vehicle. It looks like this: 22BH 1234NN.
4. For BH series plates, you can comfortably pay the road tax online, and once paid, it remains applicable for a period of two years.

BH Series Tax Rate

Paying road tax is easy for Bharat Number Plates, where the percentage is based on your car's invoice. It's 8% for cars under Rs. 10 Lakh, 10% for those between Rs. 10 to Rs. 20 Lakhs, and 12% for cars above Rs. 20 Lakh. While calculating the BH Registration cost, vehicle ex showroom price is taken into consideration.

Remember that 2% extra charge will be imposed for diesel vehicles and 2% less charge for electric vehicles.

BH Number Plate Cost

Obtaining a BH series number plate does incur a cost, but the exact amount isn't specified. Vehicle owners need to pay a fee online as part of the registration process. The fee contributes to the administrative procedures associated with the BH series. This online payment is a crucial step facilitated through digital platforms. The cost may vary, and it's advisable to check with local authorities for specific details.

The fee covers the processing and issuance of the unique BH series registration number. It ensures a streamlined online application process on the Vahan Portal. This approach aligns with the government's push for digitalization in administrative functions. Overall, the online fee is a necessary aspect of obtaining the BH series number plate.

Required Documents for BH Series Number Plate

For obtaining a BH Series number plate in India, you typically need to provide the following documents: