BH Number Plate in Gujarat

What is the BH Number Plate/BH Series Number Plate?

The BH (Bharat) number plate is part of a uniform vehicle registration system that makes it easier for individuals to use their vehicles across states without re-registering. Traditionally, vehicle owners had to undergo a cumbersome re-registration process with the transport department when moving to another state, which often involved bureaucracy and delays. Introducing the BH series eliminates this process, allowing vehicles to retain the same registration plate, no matter where the owner moves within India.

• Introduced: 2021 by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
   
• Objective: Simplify vehicle registration for individuals relocating across states.
   
• Eligibility: Initially for government employees, defence personnel, and private-sector employees working for companies with offices in four or more states.

BH Number Plate Format

The BH number plate follows a specific format:

• “YY BH #### XX”
  • YY: Last two digits of the year of registration
     
  • BH: Bharat series code
     
  • ####: Four-digit numeric code.
     
  • XX: Two random alphabetic characters

BH Number Plate: Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for a BH number plate in Gujarat, it’s important to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements:

• Government Employees: To qualify, you must be a government employee of either the central or state government. This designation simplifies the BH registration and ensures you meet the Bharat series criteria for frequent relocations.
   
• Defence Personnel: Members of the Indian Armed Forces frequently posted in different regions are eligible to apply.
   
• Private Sector Employees: If employed by a private company operating in at least four states or Union Territories, you can apply. This rule is particularly beneficial for professionals who frequently travel for work.
   
• Employer Documentation: Applicants must provide a letter from their employer verifying their eligibility. This document confirms their status and justifies the need for BH series number plate registration.
• Vehicle Registration: The vehicle must be registered in your name and comply with all regulatory requirements.
   
• Compliance with Regulations: Ensure that your vehicle has valid insurance, a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, and all other necessary documents to avoid complications during registration. This compliance is essential to prevent issues during BH registration and maintain roadworthiness.

BH Number Plate: How to Apply

The process of applying for a BH number plate in Gujarat can be done both online and offline. Below are the steps for both methods:

Online Process: via Parivahan Portal of MoRTH

• Visit the Parivahan Portal: Log in to the official MoRTH Vahan Portal or the Gujarat State Transport Department’s website.
   
• Application Form: Locate and complete the vehicle registration or ownership transfer form.
   
• Details Submission: Enter the necessary details, such as vehicle type, engine number, and chassis number.
   
• Upload Documents: Upload identity proof, address proof, insurance papers, and other required documents.
   
• Payment of Fees: Pay the applicable registration fees online.
   
• Approval: After processing, you will receive updates via SMS or email regarding the BH number plate approval.
   
• Visit RTO: Visit the nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) for the installation of the BH series number plate on your vehicle.

Offline Process: Getting in Touch with a Dealer to Register

Alternatively, vehicle dealers can assist in the offline registration process:

• Dealer Assistance: The dealer submits Form 20 through the Vahan portal on your behalf.
   
• Private Sector Employees: If you work in the private sector, submit Form 60 along with your work certificate and ID.
   
• Verification: The state authority verifies eligibility for Bharat series registration.
   
• Selection of BH Series: The dealer selects the BH series registration option.
   
• Document Upload: Upload the necessary documents, including an official ID or work certificate.
   
• Approval: The RTO approves the registration, and the BH number plate is issued.

BH Number Plate: Essential Documents

While applying for a BH number plate in Gujarat, the following documents are essential:

• Eligibility Proof: A letter from your employer confirming your eligibility for BH series registration.
   
• Form 20: Standard vehicle registration application form.
   
• Form 60: A work certificate or employment letter for private sector employees.
   
• Identity Proof: Government-issued ID such as an Aadhaar card, passport, or driver’s license.
   
• Address Proof: Utility bill, rent agreement, or other valid proof of residence.
   
• Vehicle Documents: Registration Certificate (RC), insurance documents, Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, and vehicle invoice for tax calculation.

Road Tax for BH Series Vehicles

Under the Bharat series number plate system, road tax is paid every two years for private vehicles. After 14 years of road tax payments, vehicle owners must start paying annually. The road tax is based on the vehicle’s price and type (petrol, diesel, or electric).

Below are the applicable road tax rates for BH series vehicles:

Before applying for a BH number plate, it’s important to consider how these road tax rates impact your overall vehicle expenses. The biannual payment option provides greater flexibility than a one-time payment, but it may necessitate more frequent budgeting.

BH Number Plate: Steps to Pay Road Tax Online 

Paying road tax for a BH number plate in Gujarat is convenient. Here’s how you can do it:

• Visit the website of Parivahan.

• From the drop-down menu, choose your state.

• Put your registration number here. Click Proceed when asked to verify your identity using Aadhaar.

• To pay your taxes online, choose Online Services.
   
• Input the last five digits of your chassis number.
   
• Under Tax Details, select Lump Sum Two Year as the tax mode. Your vehicle’s details will be displayed.
   
• Complete the payment. Your updated tax deadline will be provided once the payment is processed.

Advantages of BH Number Plate

The BH (Bharat) number plate system provides several significant benefits for vehicle owners in Gujarat, especially for those who often relocate for work. Here are some key advantages:

Interstate Movement

A key advantage of the BH number plate is its facilitation of smooth vehicle movement across states. Owners are exempt from the tedious re-registration process when moving, which not only saves time but also minimises paperwork—making it especially beneficial for professionals with jobs that require frequent relocations.

Simplified Documentation

The BH registration system streamlines the documentation process for vehicle owners. With reduced requirements and a simpler application procedure, individuals who frequently relocate can benefit from a more efficient experience, allowing them to manage their vehicles effectively without unnecessary delays.

Flexible Road Tax Payment

BH number plates provide the flexibility to pay road tax in instalments, helping vehicle owners with their financial planning. This system enables individuals to budget their expenses more effectively, as they can avoid making a large one-time payment, making vehicle ownership easier to manage.

No Re-registration Hassles

Vehicle owners with BH series plates enjoy less hassle regarding state-specific re-registration. This benefit allows them to concentrate on their work or personal responsibilities without the added stress of managing vehicle registration legalities each time they relocate.

Long-Term Stability

The BH number plate system offers consistency in vehicle registration for individuals who may move between states frequently. This stability allows vehicle owners to retain their registration status over time, fostering a sense of permanence despite their frequent relocations.

Disadvantages of the BH Number Plate

For car owners in Gujarat, the BH (Bharat) number plate system presents certain challenges, especially for those who frequently relocate for work. Here are a few major disadvantages:

Restricted Eligibility

Only government agents, bank employees, military personnel, and staff of commercial companies with offices spread throughout several states or union territories are eligible to use the BH number plate. Therefore, only specific car owners benefit from the BH series.

No Transport Vehicle Included 

The BH number plate system is only available for passenger cars; therefore, buses, taxis, and lorries cannot use it. This restriction reduces the convenience that the BH number plates offer because it excludes many vehicle types, especially those used for public transport or goods delivery. 

Randomly Generated Numbers

The system generates the four-digit number, which is the third unit of the BH series number plate, at random. This suggests that auto owners are unable to choose a special number for their vehicles. Because of this, some owners could wind up with numbers that are similar or identical, which can be less individualised and make it more difficult to identify their cars.

Frequent Road Tax Payment

Road tax payments for the BH series must be payable every two years. This might be an additional difficulty for some people already having trouble with the overall logistics of relocating to a different state. It might be more difficult and unpleasant to handle these payments on top of other moving-related responsibilities.

BH Number Plate Renewal Process

The BH registration renewal in Gujarat is a simple online process that ensures ongoing compliance with road tax regulations. The BH series, designed to simplify vehicle movement across states, requires owners to pay road tax every two years initially, transitioning to an annual payment after 14 years. Here’s how to do BH number plate renewal:

• Visit the Parivahan Portal: Log in to the official MoRTH portal.
   
• Select Services: Under Online Services, choose “Pay Your Tax”.
   
• Enter Vehicle Details: Input the last five digits of your vehicle’s chassis and registration number.
   
• Payment: Pay the road tax for the next two-year period. After 14 years, renewals are required annually.
   
• Confirmation: Once the payment is processed, your renewal status will be updated, and you’ll receive a confirmation.

Conclusion

The BH number plate is an excellent choice for individuals who often move for work in Gujarat. It streamlines vehicle registration, facilitates quick and convenient road tax payments, and removes the necessity of re-registering your vehicle in each state. While it primarily caters to government and private sector employees, it has the potential to benefit a wider range of Indians in the future. The BH number plate can save you significant time and hassle if you qualify.

Frequently Asked Questions 

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