Bharat Series Number Plate

The BH series registration number comprises the Year of Registration (YY), followed by BH (representing Bharat series), a four-digit registration number, and XX, indicating the vehicle category.

The format follows 'YYBH####XX', with YY representing the registration year, BH signifying the Bharat series, #### representing the unique four-digit code, and XX representing any random alphabet assigned to the vehicle from A to Z (except I and O). For example, a plate-like 25BH indicates that the vehicle was registered in 2025.

BH Series Number Vehicle Registration Highlights

Eligibility for BH Series Number Plate Scheme

When applying for the Bharat series number plate, applicants must adhere to the following eligibility criteria:

• Ensure that the road tax for the vehicle has been paid.
• The vehicle must possess a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate.
• The vehicle must be a personal (non-transport) vehicle as transport vehicles like buses, taxis, or trucks are not valid. 
• Old vehicles can apply only if their current registration is not expired. 

Those who are eligible for the BH number series are: 

• Should be a citizen of India
• Defence officers
• Employees who work in Banks
• Non-transport vehicle owners only
• Employees from Central and State Government
• People who serve in the administrative departments
• Employees from a private firm (with offices in four or more states/union territories)

Features of Bharat Number Plate

The government of India introduced the BH number plate, and the features of these number plates are mentioned below:

• The BH number plate is valid throughout India that helps eliminate the need for vehicle owners to re-register when moving to a new state.
• Avoid the hassle of re-registering their vehicles, saving time and effort.
• The BH series number plate helps authorities easily identify the vehicle’s owner in case of an incident, such as theft or an accident.
• Creates a unified system across India to streamline and standardize vehicle registrations thereby reducing issues like corruption and duplicate registrations.
• The motor vehicle tax is levied for two years or multiples of two, for vehicles with a BH series number plate.
• The tax will be charged annually after the fourteenth year at half the amount previously paid for that vehicle.
• BH-registered vehicles can be transferred to both eligible and non-eligible buyers.
• When buying or selling a BH series vehicle, the buyer must re-register the vehicle with their Regional Transport Office (RTO) to receive a regional registration number.
• The new owner will need to pay the registration fee and any applicable taxes as per the regulations of the respective state or Union Territory.
• If you move your BH series vehicle to another state, you must inform the registering authority of the change of residence using Form 33 within 30 days.

Application Procedure for Bharat Number Plate

In order to get the Bharat Number Plate, you need to follow the steps given below:  

1. Visit the official website of MORTH’s Vahan portal, or you can ask for help from an automobile dealer.
2. On the Vahan portal, complete form 20.
3. If you are a private sector employee with offices in four or more states or UTs, then you have to fill in Form 60.
4. The eligibility of the vehicle's owner is checked by the State Authorities.
5. Submit the required documents, such as Form 60 and a copy of your official ID card.
6. The BH series application will be reviewed and approved by the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
7. Pay the required motor vehicle tax.

Once you complete all the steps, your BH series registration number will be generated.

If your vehicle already has a regular registration mark, you can convert it to a BH series registration mark by paying the applicable tax through the Vahan portal.

You can submit the BH series application at the registering authority of the state where you live or where you work.

Documents Required to Apply for BH Plates

The list of documents that the applicant needs to submit to apply for BH plates are mentioned below:

• Aadhar card
• PAN
• Form 60 for working official
• Official ID card

Road Tax for BH Series Vehicles  

For vehicles with BH series number plates, road tax is valid for the first 14 years. Within this period, road tax is levied for two years or multiples of two years, and thereafter it is levied annually at half of the amount charged earlier.

Note: It is essential to highlight that diesel vehicles incur an extra 2% charge, while electric vehicles enjoy a 2% deduction. Private vehicle owners make road tax payments every two years or in intervals of four, six, or eight years (multiples of two).

Advantages and Disadvantages of Bharat Series Number Plate

Check out the table below to understand the benefits and drawbacks of possessing a BH series number plate.

Steps to Pay Road Tax for BH Registration 

You can follow the steps given below to pay road tax for your BH registered vehicle online:  

1. Go to the official portal of Parivahan. 
2. Select your state where BH registration was completed. 
3. Enter your vehicle registration number, click ‘Proceed’, then click ‘Online Services’ and select ‘Pay Vehicle Tax’.
4. Enter the last five digits of the chassis number, click ‘Validate Regn_no/Chasi_no’ and verify the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
5. Verify the details and select the payment type.
6. Pay the required tax payment.  

Be Money-Smart with our App