The BH (Bharat) number plate is a vehicle registration system launched by the Indian government to assist individuals with transferrable jobs, such as government employees, defence personnel, and certain private sector workers. This system allows seamless vehicle movement across states without needing re-registration when changing locations. The main goal is to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and enhance convenience for those who frequently relocate, simplifying vehicle ownership. For more information, you can visit the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
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What is the BH Number Plate/BH Series Number Plate?
The BH number plate system aims to simplify interstate vehicle transfers. Previously, individuals moving to a new state had to go through the lengthy process of re-registering their vehicles, which was often costly and time-consuming. The introduction of the BH series makes this unnecessary, allowing vehicles to retain their registration number regardless of where the owner moves in India.
The system was introduced in 2021 by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)
Reduce paperwork and delays when transferring vehicles between states.
Initially, it provided access to government employees and employees of companies with offices in four or more states.
BH Number Plate Format
The format for BH number plates is standardised and follows the structure below:
"YY BH #### XX"
YY: Last two digits of the year of registration.
BH: Bharat seriescode.
####: A four-digit numeric code.
XX: Two random alphabetic characters.
BH Number Plate: Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for a BH number plate in Himachal Pradesh, evaluating whether you meet the eligibility criteria is crucial. The Bharat series is intended for individuals who relocate frequently for employment and includes the following categories:
Government Employees: Central or state government employees can apply for the BH series. Their transferrable jobs make managing the vehicle registration process easier when moving across states.
Defence Services Members: Members of the defence forces frequently relocate and are eligible for the BH series number plate. This exemption ensures they do not need to re-register their vehicles at every transfer.
Private-Sector Employees: Individuals employed by private companies that operate in at least four states or Union Territories can also apply for a BH series number plate. This criterion facilitates vehicle ownership for professionals who travel often for work.
Employer Documentation: You will need a letter verifying your employment and eligibility for the BH registration. This documentation is necessary to proceed with the application.
Vehicle Registration: Ensure that the vehicle you wish to register is in your name and complies with all regulatory requirements. This step is vital for a smooth application process and to meet legal standards.
Compliance with Regulations: Vehicles must adhere to all legal requirements, including valid insurance, a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, and other relevant documentation. Compliance with these regulations is essential to avoid complications during the BH registration.
BH Number Plate: How to Apply
You can apply for a BH series number plate through the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) Vahan Portal or by contacting a vehicle dealer. Here are the steps to follow:
Online Process: Via the Parivahan Portal of MoRTH
Access the Vahan Portal: Visit the Vahan Portal, part of the MoRTH's online services, or your state's transport department website.
Application for New Registration: Select the application for new vehicle registration or transfer of ownership.
Enter Details: Input the required information, such as the type of vehicle, chassis number, and engine number.
Upload Documents: Upload necessary documents like identity proof, address proof, and vehicle insurance.
Pay Fees: Complete the registration fee payment through the portal.
Receive Notification: After processing, you will receive an email or SMS with details about your BH series number plate.
Affix Plate: Visit the nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) to have your BH series number plate affixed to your vehicle.
Offline Process: Getting in Touch with a Dealer to Register
The dealer will handle the completion of Form 20 on the Vahan Portal for you.
Private-sector employees working for companies with offices in more than four states must submit Form 60 and their employment ID and work certificate.
State officials will verify your eligibility for the BH series registration.
Choose the "BH Series" option from the application menu.
Submit all required documents, such as your official ID card or Working Certificate (Form 60).
The RTO will approve the registration under the Bharat series.
Pay any applicable fees or motor vehicle taxes online.
BH Number Plate: Essential Documents
When applying for a BH number plate, ensure you have the following documents:
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 (for private-sector employees) confirming employment details.
Identity and Address Proof: Documents such as an Aadhaar card, passport, or driver's license.
Vehicle Documents: Original Registration Certificate (RC), insurance papers, Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, and vehicle invoice for tax calculation.
Road Tax for BH Series Vehicles
The road tax structure for the BH series number plate in Himachal Pradesh is similar to that in other states. It is payable every two years and can be extended in multiples of two (e.g., four, six, or eight years). After 14 years, the tax is payable annually.
The road tax is calculated based on the vehicle's invoice price, with variations for electric and diesel vehicles. Here's a breakdown:
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, it's important to assess how these road tax rates will impact your total vehicle expenses. The option to pay every two years allows for more flexible financial planning compared to a one-time payment, though it may require consistent budgeting.
BH Number Plate: Steps to Pay Road Tax Online
Paying your road tax online for a Bharat seriesnumber plate in Himachal Pradesh is straightforward. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Access the Parivahan Portal: Visit the official Parivahan Portal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
Select Your State: Choose Himachal Pradesh from the drop-down menu.
Enter Registration Number: Provide your vehicle's registration number.
Aadhaar Verification: Complete identity verification using your Aadhaar number.
Online Services: Select "Online Services" and choose the option to pay your road tax.
Enter Vehicle Details: Provide the last five digits of your chassis number.
Select Payment Mode: Under "Tax Details", choose the "LumpSum Two Year" option.
Finalise Payment: Once you've completed the payment, the new tax due date will be updated.
Advantages of the BH Number Plate
The BH (Bharat) number plate system offers several key advantages for vehicle owners in Karnataka, especially those who frequently relocate due to work. Here are some of its notable benefits:
Interstate Mobility
One of the main perks of the BH series number plate is that it facilitates seamless vehicle movement across states. Owners are spared the hassle of re-registration when relocating, saving time and paperwork. This is particularly beneficial for professionals with transferrable jobs.
Simplified Documentation
The BH registration system streamlines the documentation process for vehicle owners. With fewer requirements and a more straightforward application procedure, those who move frequently can manage their vehicles more efficiently, avoiding unnecessary delays.
Flexible Road Tax Payments
The BH series number plate allows road tax payments in instalments, making it easier for vehicle owners to manage their finances. This option provides greater flexibility in budgeting, eliminating the need to pay a large lump sum all at once making vehicle ownership more affordable.
Reduced Re-registration Hassles
Vehicle owners in the BH series benefit from avoiding the complexities of state-specific re-registration. This convenience allows them to focus on their professional or personal responsibilities without worrying about the legalities of vehicle registration whenever they relocate.
Long-Term Registration Stability
The Bharat series number plate system offers long-term stability in vehicle registration, even for those who frequently change states. This consistency provides a sense of permanence, ensuring vehicle owners can maintain their registration status regardless of relocations.
Disadvantages of the BH Number Plate
For car owners in Himachal Pradesh, particularly those who frequently relocate for work, the BH (Bharat) number plate system presents several challenges. Here are a few key disadvantages:
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 license plate. Therefore, only specific car owners profit from the BH series.
Service Cars are Not Included
Buses, taxis, and trucks cannot utilise the BH number plate system because it is only available for passenger cars. The absence of several vehicle categories, particularly those utilised for public transportation or the transfer of goods, reduces the convenience that the BH number plates offer.
Randomly Generated Numbers
The second half of the BH series number plate displays a randomly generated four-digit number. This implies that automobile owners cannot select a unique number for their cars. As a result, some car owners can discover that their numbers are identical or comparable.
Frequent Payments of Road Taxes
Every two years, road tax payments for the BH series are due. This could be an extra burden for some people juggling moving obligations. Managing these payments on top of other moving-related obligations could be more challenging and unpleasant.
BH Number Plate: Renewal Process
The BH registration renewal in Himachal Pradesh follows a simple online procedure that ensures compliance with road tax requirements. The BH series, designed to simplify vehicle movement across states, mandates that vehicle owners pay road tax every two years initially and then annually after 14 years. Here's what to do for BH number plate renewal:
Visit the Parivahan Portal: Go to the official portal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (Parivahan Sewa) to start the renewal process.
Login and Select Services: Choose the "Pay Your Tax" option under Online Services and select Himachal Pradesh as your state.
Enter Vehicle Details: Input the last five digits of your chassis number and registration number. The portal will display your vehicle's details, including the road tax amount due.
Payment Process: Choose the payment option for a two-year term (or multiples, such as four or six years). Complete the payment, and the updated due date will appear on your tax details page once the payment is confirmed.
Confirmation and Record: The portal will update your renewal status and provide the next payment due date after processing your payment.
Conclusion
The BH number plate system in Himachal Pradesh is a significant step towards simplifying vehicle registration for individuals with transferrable jobs. It eliminates the need for re-registration when relocating, reduces bureaucratic hurdles, and provides flexibility in road tax payments. This system is a boon for professionals in the government, defence, and private sectors who frequently move across states, offering them convenience and financial relief. With its streamlined process and benefits, the BH series is becoming increasingly popular among eligible vehicle owners in Himachal Pradesh and across India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions and their answers related to BH series in Himachal Pradesh
Can I convert my state registration to a BH series in Himachal Pradesh?
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can convert your existing state registration to a BH series in Himachal 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 Himachal Pradesh?
Absolutely! You can sell a vehicle with a BH series number plate anywhere, including Himachal Pradesh. However, if the new owner is not eligible for the BH series, they must re-register the vehicle under the state registration system of Himachal Pradesh.
What documents are required for BH number plate renewal?
To renew your BH number plate, you will need to provide the vehicle's registration details, and if there are any changes in eligibility (such as job or state changes), you may need to submit employment-related documents. Initially, Aadhaar verification is conducted during the online renewal process.
Are commercial vehicles eligible for BH registration renewal?
BH number plates are exclusively for private vehicles and do not apply to commercial or transport vehicles such as buses or trucks.
Are there any additional charges for diesel or electric vehicles during the BH registration renewal?
Yes, diesel vehicles incur an additional 2% charge during the BH registration renewal, while electric vehicles benefit from a 2% discount on road tax.
Are electric vehicles eligible for the BH series number plate in Himachal Pradesh?
Yes, electric vehicles can be registered under the BH seriesin Himachal Pradesh and enjoy lower road tax rates than petrol and diesel vehicles.
