BH Series Number Plate: Complete Guide

To overcome this, the BH Series Number Plates were introduced in 2021 – reducing the stress of vehicle owners who frequently relocate. Let us learn more about the BH series number plates, registration and how road tax works for the same.

What is the Bharat Series Number Plate?

The Bharat Series (BH) number plate is a special type of vehicle registration mark introduced by the Government of India in August 2021. It was created to make vehicle ownership and movement easier for people who frequently relocate from one state to another, especially central/state government employees, defence personnel, bank employees, and employees of private companies with offices in multiple states. In a press release, Maharashtra and Karnataka have the highest number of BH series number plates registered in India (As of 2022), and the number has been increasing ever since.

BH Series Number Plate Format

The Bharat (BH) series number plate follows a standardised nationwide format that ensures uniformity across India. It shows the year of registration, the BH code, a unique 4-digit number, and a random alphabet code for distinction.

Format: YY BH #### XX

1. YY (Year of Registration)

• Represents the year when the vehicle was registered.

• Example: 23 means the vehicle was registered in 2023.

2. BH (Bharat Series Code)

• The fixed code BH is used for all Bharat series vehicles across India.

• Unlike state codes (MH, DL, KA), this remains constant nationwide.

3. #### (Unique 4-Digit Number)

• A random number assigned between 0001 to 9999.

• Ensures every vehicle has a unique identity.

• Example: 4589

4. XX (Alphabetical Suffix)

• Two random alphabets assigned from AA to ZZ.

• Used when numbers get exhausted and also to increase uniqueness.

• Example: AZ

Full Example of a BH Number Plate

23 BH 4589 AZ

• 23 = Registered in 2023

• BH = Bharat Series code

• 4589 = Unique vehicle number

• AZ = Random alphabet suffix

Key Features of BH Series Number Plate

The BH (Bharat) Series number plate is designed to make vehicle ownership seamless across India:

• Pan-India registration is valid in all states and UTs

• No need for re-registration when relocating to another state

• Road tax payable in 2-year or 4-year blocks instead of 15 years upfront

• Available for government, PSU, defence and eligible private sector employees

• Standardised format for easy recognition: YY BH #### XX

• Promotes ease of mobility for transferable jobs

• Simplifies paperwork and reduces RTO hassles.

• Ensures uniform identity for vehicles nationwide

Eligibility for BH Series Number Plates

The BH (Bharat) Series number plate is not for everyone; it is restricted to people with transferable jobs and certain organisations.

• Central Government employees

• State Government employees

• Defence personnel (Army, Navy, Air Force, Paramilitary forces)

• Employees of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)

• Private sector employees, provided their company/organisation has offices in at least four or more states/UTs

• Proof of eligibility (such as an official ID card, an employment certificate, or company documentation) must be submitted at the time of registration.

How to Apply for Bharat Series Number?

Here is a step-by-step guide to apply for Bharat Series Registration:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Ensure you fall under the eligible categories: central/state government employee, defence personnel, PSU employee, or private company employee with offices in at least 4 states/UTs.

Step 2: Documents required for BH Series Registration

Keep the documents required for applying for BH registration handy. The documents required are mentioned below.

• Proof of Identity – Aadhaar card, Passport, or Government-issued ID
• Address Proof – Aadhaar, Passport, or utility bill
• Employment Certificate / Eligibility Proof – Official letter confirming your employment with the central/state government, defence, PSU, or an eligible private company
• Vehicle Purchase Invoice – Original or copy from the dealer
• Insurance Certificate – Valid insurance policy for the vehicle
• Application Forms:
  • Form 20 – Application for registration of a motor vehicle
  • Form 60 – Working Certificate for private employees

Step 3: Visit the RTO / Apply Online

• Many states allow online registration via the VAHAN portal.

• Choose the Bharat Series (BH) option when applying for a new vehicle registration or re-registration.

Step 4: Fill Application Form

• Provide personal details, employment details, and vehicle information.

• Upload scanned copies of all required documents.

Step 5: Pay Fees

• Pay road tax and registration charges.

• Under the BH scheme, road tax can be paid in 2-year or 4-year blocks.

Step 6: Vehicle Inspection (if required)

• RTO may conduct a physical inspection of the vehicle.

Step 7: Receive BH Registration

• After verification, you will receive a BH registration number.

• The vehicle can now move freely across all states without needing re-registration.

Disadvantages of BH Series Number Plate

Here are the limitations of the BH (Bharat) Series number plate:

• Eligibility is restricted to central/state government employees, defence personnel, PSUs, and certain private sector employees

• Private sector employees must work in companies with offices in at least four states/UTs

• Documentation and proof of eligibility can be cumbersome to arrange

• Only applicable for new vehicle registrations or re-registrations; existing vehicles may not qualify

• The alphanumeric combination may be harder to remember than traditional state-specific plates.

• Road Tax has to be paid periodically (Every 2 years).

• Transport vehicles are not eligible for BH series number plates.

Road Tax Cost Breakdown of BH Series Plates

Here is the cost breakdown of the Road Tax for the BH Series Number Plate in India:

*Note: The tax is calculated on the invoice price excluding GST. BH Series road tax is paid initially for 2 years, then in 2-year intervals up to 14 years. Beyond 14 years, it is paid annually at 50% of the earlier rate. For private vehicles, the road tax for the BH number plate will be charged for 2 years or in multiples of two (4,6 and 8).

Pay Road Tax for BH Series Vehicles Online

You can pay road tax for BH Series vehicles online through the VAHAN portal, making the process quick, secure, and hassle-free. Online payment eliminates the need to visit the RTO physically.

• Visit the official VAHAN portal for your state.

• Select the BH Series vehicle tax payment option.

• Enter vehicle registration number and owner details.

• Choose the tax period (2-year block or as applicable)

• Make payment via net banking, UPI, or debit/credit card.

• Download or print the receipt for records.

• Ensure the validity of the online payment receipt before travelling.

• Check confirmation of tax payment in the VAHAN database

BH Series Plates and Your Motor Insurance

Vehicles with BH (Bharat) Series number plates are legally required, like all vehicles in India, to comply with the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, which mandates valid motor insurance, road tax payment, and adherence to traffic rules. Despite being registered under the pan-India BH series, insurance for these vehicles is determined based on vehicle type, engine capacity, invoice value, and the owner’s claim history, similar to state-registered vehicles. The BH registration does not affect the premium calculation, and owners must maintain an active car insurance or bike insurance policy to ensure legal compliance and financial protection in case of accidents or damage.

To Conclude

In conclusion, the BH (Bharat) Series number plate system significantly simplifies vehicle ownership for individuals who frequently relocate for work. By offering a pan-India registration, it eliminates the need for re-registration in different states, enables seamless interstate movement, and reduces bureaucratic paperwork and documentation. Additionally, the system provides flexibility in road tax payments through 2-year or 4-year instalments, making it easier to manage costs while ensuring legal compliance and uniformity across India.

Also Read:

The Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Number Plates in India

What Does a Red Number Plate Mean?

Black Number Plates in India : A Complete Car Registration Guide

Frequently Asked Questions