What is the BH Number Plate/BH Series Number Plate?
The BH number plate system facilitates seamless interstate vehicle transfers. Previously, moving to a new state required vehicle re-registration, which was costly and time-consuming. The Bharat series eliminates this need, allowing owners to maintain the same registration across India.
- Launched in 2021 by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
- Reduces paperwork and delays when transferring vehicles between states.
- Initially available to government employees and private-sector workers whose companies operate in at least four states.
The BH number plate follows this format:
“YY BH #### XX”
- YY: Represents the last two digits of the year the vehicle was registered.
- BH: Denotes the Bharat series, indicating nationwide registration.
- ####: A unique four-digit number assigned to each vehicle.
- XX: Two random alphabetic characters were assigned for additional identification.
BH Number Plate: Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for a BH number plate in Delhi, evaluating your eligibility and whether it suits your needs is crucial. Consider the following points to ensure you meet the criteria and understand the process:
- Government Employees: To be eligible, you must be employed by the central or Delhi state government. This facilitates a smoother registration process, especially for those with frequent relocations. The system is designed to assist government employees in avoiding the hassle of vehicle re-registration.
- Defence Personnel: Members of the defence forces are eligible for the BH number plate. Given their frequent relocations, this system allows them to transfer vehicles across state borders without going through a complex re-registration process, making it more convenient for service members.
- Private-Sector Employees: If you work in the private sector for a company operating in four or more states or Union Territories, you can apply for a BH number plate. This system supports individuals who frequently travel or relocate for work, offering flexibility for interstate vehicle movement.
- Employer Documentation: You must provide an official letter from your employer verifying your employment and eligibility. This letter is vital to the application process and confirms your qualification for the BH number plate, ensuring smoother registration and processing.
- Vehicle Ownership and Registration: Ensure the vehicle you wish to register is under your name and adheres to all legal requirements. This step is vital to avoid delays and complications during registration, ensuring the vehicle meets all necessary regulations.
- Compliance with Local Laws: All vehicles must comply with Delhi’s local regulations, including having valid insurance, a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, and any other required documentation. Compliance with these rules is essential to ensure smooth registration and legal vehicle operation.
BH Number Plate: How to Apply
You can obtain a BH number plate in Delhi through the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) Vahan Portal or by visiting a dealer. Below are the steps for both online and offline methods:
Online Process: Via the Parivahan Portal of MoRTH
- Visit the MoRTH Parivahan Portal or the Delhi Transportation Department website.
- Look for the option to register a new vehicle or transfer ownership.
- Enter all required vehicle details, including the engine number, chassis number, and type of vehicle.
- Upload necessary documents, such as proof of identity, address, and vehicle insurance.
- Pay the applicable registration fees online.
- After processing, you will receive an SMS or email notification regarding the BH series number plate.
- Once approved, visit the nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) to get your BH number plate affixed.
Offline Process: Through a Dealer
- Contact a vehicle dealer who will fill out Form 20 on the Vahan Portal on your behalf.
- Private-sector employees must submit Form 60, their employment ID, and a work certificate.
- The dealer or the state officials will verify your eligibility for the Bharat series registration.
- Select the “BH Series” from the application menu and submit the required documents, such as ID proof and employment verification (Form 60).
- The RTO will approve the registration after verifying the details.
- Pay the motor vehicle tax and registration fees online to complete the process.
BH Number Plate: Essential Documents
- Eligibility Proof: An official letter from your employer confirming your eligibility for the BH number plate.
- Form 20: The standard application form for vehicle registration.
- Form 60: A Working Certificate that verifies your employment details.
- Identity and Address Proof: Use your Aadhaar, passport, or driver’s license to verify your identity and address.
- Vehicle Documents: Original RC, insurance papers, PUC certificate, and vehicle invoice for road tax calculations.
Road Tax for BH Series Vehicles
For vehicles registered under the BH series number plate in Delhi, road tax is paid every two years or in multiples of two, such as four, six, or eight years. This tax is valid for 14 years and becomes an annual payment. The tax amount is calculated based on the car’s invoice price, with lower rates for electric vehicles. Payments can be made easily online through government portals.
Here’s a breakdown of the tax rates in Delhi:
Vehicle Price Range | Petrol Vehicles | Diesel Vehicles |
Under ₹10 lakh | 8% | 10% |
₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh | 10% | 12% |
Above ₹20 lakh | 12% | 14% |
When applying for a BH number plate, remember that the biannual road tax payments require regular budgeting but provide more flexibility than a one-time payment.
BH Number Plate: Steps to Pay Road Tax Online
Paying your road tax for a BH number plate online is quick and easy, allowing you to complete the process efficiently. Here’s how to pay your road tax for a BH number plate in Delhi:
- Visit the Parivahan Portal or the Delhi Transportation Department website.
- From the drop-down menu, select Delhi as your state.
- Enter your vehicle’s registration number and click Proceed to verify your identity using your Aadhaar details.
- Navigate to Online Services and choose the option to pay your road tax.
- Input the last five digits of your chassis number to view your vehicle details.
- Under the Tax Details section, select LumpSum Two Year as your tax mode.
- Finalise the payment, after which your new tax deadline will be displayed, confirming the completion of the process.
Advantages of the BH Number Plate
The BH (Bharat) number plate system offers significant advantages to Delhi vehicle owners, particularly those who frequently move due to work. Here are some key benefits:
Seamless Interstate Movement
The BH number plate eliminates the need for re-registration when relocating to another state. Vehicle owners can move freely across India without going through the lengthy re-registration process, saving time and minimising paperwork.
Simplified Documentation Process
Vehicle owners can enjoy a streamlined documentation process with the BH series number plate. The simplified registration procedure requires fewer documents, making it easier for individuals who often relocate to manage their vehicles efficiently.
Flexible Road Tax Payments
BH number plates allow vehicle owners to pay road tax in instalments, typically every two years. This flexibility eases financial planning and eliminates the need for a large upfront payment, making vehicle ownership more financially manageable.
Reduced Re-registration Hassles
The BH number plate eliminates the hassle of re-registration whenever you move to a new state. This benefit ensures that vehicle owners can focus on their jobs or personal lives without worrying about vehicle registration requirements each time they relocate.
Long-Term Stability in Registration
The BH series number plate provides long-term vehicle registration stability, especially for frequently changing states. The ability to maintain a single registration ensures consistency and eliminates the need for repeated legal adjustments.
Disadvantages of the BH Number Plate
For car owners in Delhi, especially those who frequently relocate for work, the BH (Bharat) number plate system presents several challenges. Here are a few key disadvantages:
Limitations Regarding Eligibility
Government agents, bank employees, military personnel, and staff of commercial organisations with offices in multiple states or union territories are the only individuals allowed to use the BH number plate. Therefore, only specific car owners profit from the BH series.
No Transport Vehicles Included
Since the BH number plate system is only available for passenger cars, buses, taxis, and lorries are unable to use it. The ease that the BH number plates provide is diminished by the lack of certain vehicle categories, especially those used for public transportation or the carrying of goods.
Randomly Generated Numbers
The procedure generates the four-digit number, the third component of the BH series number plate, at random. This suggests that car owners are unable to choose a special number for their vehicles. Consequently, some car owners may find that their numbers are similar or the same.
Frequent Road Tax Payments
Road tax payments for the BH series are payable every two years. When dealing with the basic challenges of relocation, some people could find this to be an additional obstacle. Managing these payments on top of other moving-related tasks could be more difficult and disagreeable.
BH Number Plate Renewal Process
BH number plate renewal in Delhi is streamlined and can be completed online via the Parivahan Sewa portal. Here are the steps to follow for the BH registration renewal:
- Access the Parivahan Portal: Start by visiting the Parivahan Sewa website, which the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways manages.
- Select Delhi as Your State: Once on the site, choose Delhi from the state options to ensure you access the correct regional settings for your renewal.
- Enter Vehicle Details: Provide your registration and chassis numbers in the last five digits. You may be prompted to proceed with Aadhaar-based verification.
- Select “Pay Your Tax”: Under the “Online Services” section, choose “Pay Your Tax.” You will be shown the amount due based on your vehicle’s category and the selected duration for payment (either two years or longer periods like four or six years).
- Complete the Payment: Tax rates vary by vehicle type and value, with a 2% surcharge for diesel vehicles and a 2% discount for electric vehicles. Upon payment, the updated due date will appear on the portal.
- Save Confirmation Details: Once the payment is successful, save the confirmation details as proof of transaction.
Conclusion
The BH number plate is an excellent choice for individuals who frequently move for work. It streamlines the vehicle registration process, facilitates easy online road tax payments, and eliminates the hassle of re-registering in different states. While it primarily caters to government and certain private-sector employees, its broader accessibility may benefit more vehicle owners across India.
Frequently Asked Questions