What is the BH Number Plate/BH Series Number Plate?
The BH (Bharat) number plate is a national registration system designed to make it easier for vehicle owners to relocate without needing to re-register their vehicle each time they move to a different state. Traditionally, relocating to a new state required vehicle owners to undergo the cumbersome process of re-registering their vehicles with the local transport department, which involved paperwork, time, and costs. The introduction of the BH series in 2021 eliminates this hassle and allows a vehicle to remain registered under a single number plate, valid across all states.
- Introduced in 2021 by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
- Aimed at easing the process of interstate vehicle transfers and reducing paperwork.
- Initially available to government employees, defence personnel, and private-sector employees working in companies with offices in at least four states or Union Territories.
The format for the BH number plate follows a specific structure:
- “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
This standardised format is used nationwide, ensuring uniformity and ease of recognition for law enforcement and transport authorities.
BH Number Plate: Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for a BH number plate in Jharkhand, it is essential to check if you meet the eligibility criteria. The following individuals are eligible for the BH number plate:
- Government Employees: Central and state government employees in Jharkhand are eligible for the Bharat series number plate due to the frequent nature of job transfers within government services.
- Defence Personnel: Members of the Indian Armed Forces are eligible for the BH number plate, as they often move between different states as part of their service duties.
- Private Sector Employees: Employees working in private companies that operate in at least four states or Union Territories can also apply for a BH series number plate. This is particularly beneficial for professionals who need to relocate for work frequently.
- Employer Documentation: Private-sector employees must provide documentation from their employer verifying their eligibility for BH series number plate registration. This includes an employment or work certificate, proving that the company operates in multiple states.
- Compliance with Local Laws: All vehicles applying for the BH number plate must adhere to the local vehicle laws, including maintaining valid insurance, a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, and meeting all roadworthiness criteria.
BH Number Plate: How to Apply
You can apply for a BH series number plate in Jharkhand through two methods: online via the Parivahan Portal or offline through a vehicle dealer.
Online Process: via Parivahan Portal
Applying for a BH number plate online is straightforward. Here are the steps:
- Visit the Parivahan Portal: Access the official MoRTH Vahan website or your state’s transport department portal.
- Locate the Application Form: Find the vehicle registration form or ownership transfer form.
- Fill in Details: Enter the required details, including vehicle type, chassis number, and engine number.
- Upload Documents: Upload supporting documents such as identity proof, address proof, vehicle insurance, and employer verification documents (if applicable).
- Pay Fees: Make the necessary registration fee payments online.
- Track Status: You will receive an SMS or email regarding the status of your application.
- RTO Visit: Once approved, visit your nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Jharkhand to have the BH series number plate affixed to your vehicle.
Offline Process: Getting in Touch with a Dealer to Register
- The dealer will handle Form 20 submission through the Vahan Portal for you.
- Private sector employees whose companies operate in four or more states must submit Form 60, along with their employment ID and work certificate.
- State authorities will verify your eligibility for the BH series registration.
- Choose “BH Series” from the application menu.
- Submit the required documents, including your official ID or Work Certificate (Form 60).
- The RTO will approve the Bharat series registration.
- Pay any applicable fees or motor vehicle taxes online.
BH Number Plate: Essential Documents
To successfully apply for a BH number plate in Jharkhand, ensure you have the following documents ready:
- Employer Verification: A letter from your employer confirming your eligibility for BH series registration.
- Form 20: The vehicle registration application form.
- Form 60: Required for private-sector employees.
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar card, passport, or driver’s license.
- Address Proof: Utility bills, rent agreement, or another valid address proof.
- Vehicle Documents: Registration Certificate (RC), insurance papers, Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, and invoice for calculating road tax.
Road Tax for BH Series Vehicles
Road tax for private vehicles registered under the Bharat series is paid every two years or in multiples such as four, six, or eight years. The tax can be conveniently paid online and remains valid for 14 years. After this period, payments will need to be made annually. The tax amount is based on the vehicle’s invoice price, with reduced rates applicable for electric vehicles.
Below is a breakdown of the tax rates.
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, consider how these road tax rates will impact your overall vehicle expenses. The biannual payment option may require consistent budgeting but provides greater flexibility than a lump-sum payment.
BH Number Plate: How to Pay Road Tax Online
Paying your road tax online for a BH number plate in Jharkhand is convenient. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Go to 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, select Online Services.
- Enter your chassis number’s final five digits.
- Under Tax Details, select “LumpSum Two Year” as the tax mode. Details about your car will be displayed.
- Finalise the payment. Your new tax deadline will be posted once it is completed.
Advantages of the BH Number Plate
The BH series number plate system offers several advantages, particularly for those who relocate frequently. Here are some of the key benefits:
Interstate Movement
One of the main advantages of the BH number plate is that it facilitates smooth vehicle movement across state lines. Owners do not need to undergo the tedious re-registration process when relocating, saving time and minimising paperwork, which is especially beneficial for professionals with transferable jobs.
Ease of Documentation
The BH registration system streamlines the documentation process for vehicle owners. With fewer requirements and a more straightforward application process, those who relocate frequently can enjoy a more efficient experience, allowing them to manage their vehicles without unnecessary delays.
Flexibility in Road Tax
BH number plates provide the option to pay road tax in instalments, making financial planning easier for vehicle owners. This system enables individuals to budget their expenses more effectively since they do not have to make a lump-sum payment, making vehicle ownership more manageable.
Reduced Hassle with Re-Registration
Owners of vehicles with BH series number plates experience less hassle regarding state-specific re-registration. This advantage allows them to concentrate on their work or personal obligations without the stress of navigating vehicle registration legalities every time they move.
Long-Term Registration Stability
The BH number plate system offers vehicle registration stability for those who frequently change states. This stability allows vehicle owners to maintain their registration status over the long term, contributing to a sense of permanence even while relocating often.
Disadvantages of the BH Number Plate
For car owners in Jharkhand, especially those who frequently relocate for work, the BH (Bharat) number plate system presents several challenges. Here are a few key disadvantages:
Limitations on Eligibility
Government agents, bank employees, military personnel, and employees of businesses 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.
Excluding Transport Vehicles
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 process generates the four-digit number, which is the third half 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. For some people who are already dealing with the basics of relocation, this might be an additional obstacle. Managing these payments on top of other moving-related responsibilities could be more difficult and unpleasant.
BH Number Plate Renewal Process
Renewing BH registration in Jharkhand is a simple online procedure that guarantees 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 and then annually after 14 years. Here’s a guide on BH number plate renewal:
- Access the Parivahan Portal: Visit the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways website.
- Login and Choose Services: Select “Pay Your Tax” under the online services section and choose Jharkhand as your state.
- Enter Vehicle Details: Provide your vehicle registration and chassis number to view the tax amount due.
- Make Payment: Choose to pay the road tax for a two-year term or longer, depending on your preference. Once payment is confirmed, the updated due date will be reflected in the system.
- Confirmation and Record: After the payment is made, the portal updates the renewal status and displays the date for the next payment due.
Conclusion
The BH number plate system is a valuable asset for individuals who frequently relocate due to work. In Jharkhand, this system simplifies vehicle registration, allows seamless interstate movement, and reduces the bureaucratic burden of re-registration. By offering flexibility in road tax payments and simplifying the application process, the BH number plate is an ideal solution for government employees, defence personnel, and private-sector workers who frequently move across states.
Frequently Asked Questions
