Guide to the BH Series number plate

G GOWTHAM
🚗 1. What Is a BH Series Number Plate?

A BH Series number plate (short for Bharat Series) is a special kind of vehicle registration plate introduced by the government of India.
Unlike regular plates that start with state codes (like TN, MH, DL, etc.), a BH series plate is valid across all indian states and Union Territories without needing re‑registration if you move from one state to another.

🔹 Format example:
YY BH #### XX
— where YY = year of registration, BH = Bharat Series, #### = four‑digit number, XX = letters.

📜 2. Who Can Get a BH Series Plate? (Eligibility)

This number plate isn’t available to everyone — there are specific eligibility criteria:

✅ Eligible Applicants

  • Central government employees
  • State government employees
  • Defence personnel & armed forces
  • Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) employees
  • Private sector employees, if the company has offices in four or more indian states/UTs
    📌 Note: Only personal (non‑transport) vehicles like private cars or bikes are eligible for BH registration. Commercial/transport vehicles (e.g., taxis, buses) aren’t eligible under this scheme.
🛠️ 3. Benefits of a BH Series Number Plate

✔ No Re‑Registration Hassle

You can move between states without having to re‑register your vehicle with a state RTO each time — great for professions with frequent transfers.

✔ Unified National Identity

The BH plate gives a pan‑India registration format that doesn’t tie you to a particular state, making long‑distance relocations smoother.

✔ Road Tax Flexibility

Instead of paying road tax once for 15 years (as with normal registrations), BH vehicles pay tax every two years (or multiples of two). This spreads the financial burden and can be convenient for some owners.

✍️ 4. How to Apply for a BH Series Number Plate

There are two main ways to apply:

📌 A. When Buying a New Vehicle

Inform the authorized vehicle dealer that you want BH series registration.

They will fill Form 20 on the VAHAN portal (MoRTH’s online system) and select the BH series type.

Provide proof of eligibility:

Employment ID / Official identity card

Form 60 or working certificate for private employees

Upload required documents and pay the applicable road tax online.

After approval, the system generates the BH registration number and the dealer issues the BH plate.

📌 B. For an Existing Vehicle

  • You can also apply directly via the VAHAN portal with your documents, choosing “BH Series” and paying relevant fees, or have your dealer do it for you.
💸 5. Cost and Road Tax for BH Number Plate

The cost isn’t a fixed flat fee — it depends on the vehicle’s invoice price and the road tax slab:

Vehicle Price

Road Tax Rate

Less than ₹10 lakh

~8% of invoice

₹10–₹20 lakh

~10% of invoice

Above ₹20 lakh

~12% of invoice

➡️ Additional charges:

  • ~+2% for diesel vehicles
  • ~–2% for electric vehicles
    Road tax is paid every 2 years (or in multiples) up to 14 years; after that, it’s annual.
📍 6. Things to Keep in Mind

  • BH plates are designed for personal mobility and frequent relocations; they may not always be available or smoothly processed in every state due to administrative issues. (Some vehicle owners report delays or extra hurdles in places like tamil Nadu or Karnataka, although the rules allow BH registration for eligible applicants.)
  • When selling a BH‑registered vehicle to someone who doesn’t qualify for the BH series, the new buyer may need to re‑register it with a standard state registration number.
📌 Summary: BH Series at a Glance

  • What: Pan‑India vehicle registration number plate.
  • Who: Govt, defence, PSU, eligible private sector employees.
  • Why: Avoid state‑wise re‑registration & simplify relocations.
  • How to apply: Via VAHAN portal or through a dealer.
 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

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