The BH (Bharat) number plate is a vehicle registration system introduced by the Indian government in 2021 to facilitate vehicle ownership and movement across states, especially for individuals with transferable jobs. This system aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles, eliminate the need for vehicle re-registration when moving to a new state, and streamline owning and maintaining vehicles. This blog will delve into the specifics of the BH number plate system in Andhra Pradesh, its benefits, eligibility criteria, and how to apply. You can visit the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for more information.
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What is the BH Number Plate/BH Series Number Plate?
The BH (Bharat) number plate system is designed to simplify transferring vehicle registrations between states. Before its implementation, vehicle owners had to undergo a tedious re-registration process whenever they moved to a new state, often incurring significant time and financial costs. TheBH series solves this problem by allowing vehicles to retain their registration regardless of the owner’s relocation within India.
Introduced in 2021 by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
Aimed at reducing paperwork and streamlining vehicle transfers between states.
Available to employees of the central and state governments, defence services, and certain private sector companies.
Applicable to both new and existing vehicles, subject to eligibility criteria.
BH Number Plate Format
A BH number plate format is standardised across the country, making identifying vehicles registered under this system easy. The format is as follows:
“YY BH #### XX”
YY: represents the last two digits of the year of registration.
BH: Stands forthe Bharat series.
####: A four-digit numerical code.
XX: Two random alphabetic characters.
BH Number Plate: Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for a BH number plate, you must check whether you meet the eligibility requirements. Here are the main categories of people who can apply for the BH series in Andhra Pradesh:
Government Employee: Central and state government employees are eligible for the Bharat series number plate. This includes employees who frequently relocate for work due to transfers.
Defence Services Member: Personnel from the defence services can register under the BH series. The frequent transfers in this profession make the BH registration number plate particularly beneficial.
Private Sector Employees: If you work for a private company with offices in at least four states or Union Territories, you are eligible for the BH number plate. This category primarily includes professionals who travel regularly for work.
Employer Documentation: Private-sector employees must provide employer documentation as proof of their employment and the number of states their employer operates in. This letter is crucial as it confirms your eligibility for the BH series number plate registration process.
Vehicle Ownership: The vehicle being registered must be in the applicant’s name, and it must comply with all regulatory requirements, such as valid insurance, pollution control certification, and other legal standards.
Compliance with Local Regulations: The vehicle must meet all local road safety regulations, and the owner must provide necessary documentation such as Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates, vehicle insurance, and proof of address. This compliance is essential to avoid issues during BH registration and maintain roadworthiness.
BH Number Plate: How to Apply
If you’re eligible for the BH series number plate, the application process can be completed online or offline. Here are the steps for both methods:
Online Process: Via the Parivahan Portal
Visit the Parivahan Portal: Log on to the official Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) Vahan Portal.
Choose the Service: Look for the “New Vehicle Registration” or “Ownership Transfer” options.
Enter Vehicle Details: Provide the necessary details, including vehicle type, engine number, and chassis number.
Upload Documents: Upload identity proof, address proof, insurance details, and other required documents.
Pay the Registration Fees: Complete the payment for registration online.
Receive Notification: Once processed, you will receive a notification via email or SMS regarding the BH series number plate.
Collect Number Plate: Visit your local Regional Transport Office (RTO) to have the BH series number plate affixed to your vehicle.
Offline Process: Getting in Touch with a Dealer to Register
The dealer will fill out Form 20 on the Vahan Portal on your behalf.
Private-sector employees working in companies with offices in more than four states must submit Form 60, their employment ID and a work certificate.
State authorities will verify your eligibility.
Choose “BH Series” from the application options.
Submit the required documents, such as your official ID and Working Certificate (Form 60).
The RTO will approve the registration of the Bharat series.
Pay any applicable fees or motor vehicle tax online.
BH Number Plate: Essential Documents
You must provide several key documents when registering for a BH number plate. These documents are essential for verifying your eligibility and processing your application immediately.
Eligibility Proof: A letter from your employer confirming your eligibility for the BH series.
Form 20: The official application form for vehicle registration.
Form 60: A working certificate that verifies your employment details (for private-sector employees).
Identity and Address Proof: Government-issued documents such as Aadhaar, passport, or driver’s license.
Vehicle Documents: These include the vehicle’s original Registration Certificate (RC), insurance papers, PUC certificate, and the vehicle invoice (for calculating road tax).
Road Tax for BH Series Vehicles
The road tax for vehicles registered under the Bharat series is paid every two years initially, and the rate depends on the vehicle’s price. After 14 years, the road tax is paid annually. The tax is calculated based on the vehicle's invoice price and is higher for diesel vehicles, while electric vehicles enjoy reduced rates.
Below is a breakdown of the applicable road taxes for BH number plates:
Vehicle Price Range
Petrol Vehicles
Diesel Vehicles
Under ₹10 lakhs
8%
10%
₹10 lakhs to ₹20 lakhs
10%
12%
Above ₹20 lakhs
12%
14%
Before applying for a BH number plate, assessing how these road tax rates will impact your total vehicle expenses is important. Opting for the biannual payment plan may require consistent budgeting, but it provides more flexibility than a single lump-sum payment.
BH Number Plate: Steps to Pay Road Tax Online
Paying your road tax for a BH series number plate is easy and can be done online via the Parivahan Portal. Here’s how to do it:
Visit the Parivahan Portal: Log on to the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Select Your State: Choose Andhra Pradesh from the drop-down menu.
Enter Registration Details: Input your vehicle registration number and chassis number.
Verify Identity: Complete identity verification using your Aadhaar number.
Choose Payment Method: Under the “Tax Details” section, select the “LumpSum Two Year” payment mode.
Finalise Payment: Complete the payment process, and the updated tax due date will be reflected in your account.
Advantages of the BH Number Plate
The BH number plate offers several significant advantages for vehicle owners in Andhra Pradesh, particularly those who frequently relocate for work.
Interstate Movement
A key advantage of the BH series number plate is the ability to move vehicles across states without the hassle of re-registration. This saves time and reduces paperwork, making it especially beneficial for professionals with transferable jobs who frequently relocate.
Simplified Documentation
The BH registration system streamlines the documentation process, requiring fewer steps and a more straightforward application. For those who relocate often, this means a smoother experience with minimal delays in managing their vehicle’s paperwork.
Flexible Road Tax Payment
BH number plates allow vehicle owners to pay road tax in instalments, offering greater flexibility in financial planning. This system helps individuals budget their expenses more effectively, as they avoid the burden of paying a large sum upfront, making vehicle ownership more manageable.
Less Re-registration Hassle
Owners of vehicles with BH series plates experience reduced hassle related to state-specific re-registration. This ensures they can focus on their work and personal commitments without worrying about the legalities of re-registering their vehicle every time they move.
Long-Term Registration Stability
The BH number plate system provides consistent registration stability for individuals who frequently change states. This long-term registration eliminates the need for repeated updates, offering a sense of permanence and convenience for those who relocate often.
Disadvantages of the BH Number Plate
For car owners in Andhra Pradesh, particularly those who frequently relocate for work, the BH (Bharat) number plate system presents several challenges. Here are a few key disadvantages:
Excludes Service Vehicles
Since the BH number plate system is only available for passenger cars, buses, taxis, and lorries cannot use it. The ease that the BH number plates provide is diminished by the lack of specific vehicle categories, especially those used for public transportation or carrying goods.
Limitations on Registration
Only government agents, bank workers, military personnel, and employees of businesses operating in numerous states or union territories are permitted to use the BH licence plate. Therefore, only specific car owners profit from the BH series.
Regular Road Tax Payments
Road tax payments for the BH series are payable every two years. Some people already balancing the relocation responsibilities may find this an additional strain. Managing these payments on top of other moving-related duties could be more complex and unpleasant.
Numbers Generated at Random
The process generates a random four-digit number that appears in the second half of the BH series number plate. This suggests that car owners cannot choose a special vehicle number. Consequently, some car owners may find their numbers similar or the same.
BH Number Plate: Renewal Process
Renewing a BH registration in Andhra Pradesh is a simple online process that helps maintain compliance with road tax regulations. The BH series, designed to ease interstate vehicle movement, requires owners to pay road tax biennially for the first 14 years and then annually. Here’s how to do BH number plate renewal:
Visit the Parivahan Portal: Go to the official Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (Parivahan Sewa) website to begin the renewal process.
Login and Select Services: Log in and choose “Pay Your Tax” under Online Services, then select Karnataka as your state.
Vehicle Details: Input the last five digits of your chassis and registration number. The portal will auto-fill your vehicle’s details, including the road tax due.
Payment Process: Opt to pay for two years (or in increments of two, such as four or six years). Once the payment is completed, your updated tax due date will be reflected on the portal.
Confirmation and Record: After payment, the system will update your renewal status and display the next due date for your road tax payment.
Conclusion
The BH number plate system in Andhra Pradesh is an excellent solution for those who frequently relocate due to work. It simplifies vehicle registration, reduces the need for re-registration, and offers flexibility in road tax payments. Although primarily targeted at government employees and private-sector professionals, the system has the potential to benefit more vehicle owners as it expands in the future. By opting for the BH number plate, vehicle owners in Andhra Pradesh can enjoy hassle-free vehicle management and seamless interstate travel without the bureaucratic burdens traditionally associated with vehicle re-registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions and their answers related to BH Number Plate in Andhra Pradesh
Can I convert my state registration to a BH series in Andhra Pradesh?
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can convert your current state registration to a BH series in Andhra Pradesh by applying through the Vahan Portal or visiting a Regional Transport Office (RTO).
Can I sell a vehicle with a BH series number plate in Andhra Pradesh?
Yes, vehicles with a BH series number plate can be sold in Andhra Pradesh or anywhere in India. However, if the new owner doesn’t qualify for the BH series, they must re-register the vehicle under Andhra Pradesh’s state system.
What documents are required for BH number plate renewal?
You must provide your vehicle’s registration details for the renewal of the Bharat series number plate. Employment-related documents may also be required if there are changes in eligibility, such as job relocation. Aadhaar verification is typically used during the online renewal process.
Are commercial vehicles eligible for BH registration renewal?
No, BH series number plates are only available for private vehicles and cannot be used for commercial or transport vehicles like buses or trucks.
Are there any additional charges for diesel or electric vehicles during the renewal of the BH registration?
Yes, diesel vehicles incur an additional 2% charge during BH registration renewal, while electric vehicles enjoy a 2% discount on road tax.
Are electric vehicles eligible for the BH series number plate in Andhra Pradesh?
Yes, electric vehicles can be registered under the BH series in Andhra Pradesh and benefit from lower road tax rates than petrol and diesel vehicles.
