What is the BH Number Plate/ BH Series Number Plate?
The BH number plate system aims to simplify interstate vehicle transfers. Previously, when individuals moved to a new state, they had to go through the lengthy process of re-registering their vehicles, which was often costly. The BH series makes this unnecessary, allowing vehicles to keep their registration no matter where the owner moves in India.
- Introduced in 2021 by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
- Designed to reduce paperwork and delays when transferring vehicles between states.
- Initially available to government employees and employees of companies with offices in four or more states.
The format for BH number plates is as follows:
"YY BH #### XX"
- YY: Last two digits of the registration year.
- BH: Bharat series code.
- ####: A four-digit numeric code.
- XX: Two random alphabetic characters.
BH Number Plate: Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for a BH number plate, evaluating your eligibility and personal circumstances is essential to ensure that it fits your needs and lifestyle.
- Government Employee: To qualify, you must be a government employee working for either the central or state government. This status helps facilitate a smooth BH registration process and ensures you meet the Bharat series requirements for frequent relocations.
- Defence Services Member: Members of the defence forces are eligible for the BH number plate as they often relocate. This status allows them to register vehicles under a system that simplifies interstate movement without re-registration.
- Private-Sector Employment: If you work for a private-sector company that operates in at least four states or Union Territories, you can apply for a BH number plate. This eligibility supports professionals who need to travel frequently for work.
- Employer Documentation: You must provide your employer's documentation verifying your employment status. This letter is crucial as it confirms your eligibility for the BH series number plate registration process.
- Vehicle Registration: Ensure the vehicle you wish to register is in your name and adheres to all regulatory requirements. This ensures that your application is processed smoothly and meets the legal standards for vehicle registration.
- Compliance with Regulations: All vehicles must comply with local laws, including having valid insurance, a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, and any other relevant documentation. This compliance is essential to avoid issues during BH registration and maintain roadworthiness.
BH Number Plate: How to Apply
You can obtain a BH series number plate through the MoRTH's Vahan Portal or by contacting a dealer. Here's how:
Online Process: Via the Parivahan Portal of MoRTH
- Visit your state's transportation department's website or the MoRTH Vahan Portal.
- Look for the application to transfer ownership or register for a new vehicle registration.
- Enter the required information, such as the type of vehicle, engine number, and chassis number.
- Upload the necessary documents, including evidence of identity, proof of address, and auto insurance.
- Cover the registration costs.
- Once your application has been processed, you can receive an email or SMS notification regarding your BH series number plate.
- To have your license plate affixed on your car, go to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) closest to you.
Offline Process: Getting in touch with a Dealer to Register
- The dealer will complete Form 20 on the Vahan Portal on your behalf.
- Employees in the private sector with offices in more than four states are required to submit Form 60 together with their employment ID and a work certificate.
- The state officials will confirm your qualifications.
- Select "BH Series" from the application menu.
- Send in the necessary paperwork, such as a copy of your official identification card or your Working Certificate (Form 60).
- The RTO will authorise the registration of the Bharat series.
- Pay online for any applicable fees or motor vehicle tax.
BH Number Plate: Essential Documents
When registering for a BH number plate, you need to provide several essential documents:
- Eligibility Proof: A letter from your employer confirming your eligibility.
- Form 20: The official application for vehicle registration.
- Form 60: A Working Certificate confirming your employment details.
- Identity and Address Proof: Use government-issued documents like an Aadhaar, passport, or driver's license to verify your identity and address.
- Vehicle Documents: Original Registration Certificate (RC), insurance papers, Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, and vehicle invoice for road tax calculations.
Road Tax for BH Series Vehicles
Road tax is paid every two years for private vehicles registered under the Bharat series or every two years in multiples of two, like four, six, or eight years. The tax is easily payable online and valid for 14 years. You will then have to pay once a year after that. The invoice price of the car is used to determine the tax amount; electric vehicles are subject to reduced rates.
Here's 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 affect your overall vehicle costs. The biannual payment method may require regular budgeting but offers 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 a straightforward process that can save you time and effort. Here's how you can do it efficiently:
- Ways to Pay Online Road Tax for BH Number Plate
- Use these methods to pay your road tax online for your BH number plate:
- 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 (Bharat) number plate system offers several critical advantages for Karnataka vehicle owners, particularly those who frequently relocate due to work. Here are some notable benefits:
Interstate Movement
One of the primary benefits of the BH number plate is that it allows for seamless vehicle movement across states. Owners do not need to go through the cumbersome re-registration process when relocating, which saves time and reduces paperwork, making it particularly advantageous for professionals with transferable jobs.
Ease of Documentation
The BH registration system simplifies the documentation process for vehicle owners. With fewer requirements and a more straightforward application procedure, those who frequently relocate can enjoy a smoother experience, ensuring they can manage their vehicles efficiently without unnecessary delays.
Flexibility in Road Tax
BH number plates offer the option to pay road tax in instalments, which can ease financial planning for vehicle owners. This system allows individuals to budget their expenses better, as they won't have to pay a lump sum amount at once, making vehicle ownership more manageable.
Reduced Hassle with Re-registration
Vehicle owners under the BH series benefit from the reduced hassle associated with state-specific re-registration. This advantage ensures that they can focus on their work or personal commitments without worrying about the legalities of vehicle registration every time they change their location.
Long-Term Registration Stability
The BH number plate system provides stability in vehicle registration for those who may change states multiple times. This stability means vehicle owners can maintain their registration status over the long term, contributing to a sense of permanence even while frequently relocating.
Disadvantages of the BH Number Plate
The BH (Bharat) number plate system poses certain difficulties for Karnataka car owners, particularly those who move routinely for employment. Here are some significant drawbacks:
Eligibility is Restricted
The only people who can use the BH number plate are government agents, bank workers, military personnel, and commercial business employees with offices in many states or union territories. Thus, the BH series is only advantageous to certain automobile owners.
Not Including Transport Vehicles
It is not possible for buses, taxis, or trucks to utilise the BH number plate system because it is only available for passenger cars. Because many vehicle types are excluded, particularly those utilised for public transport or the transportation of products, this restriction lessens the convenience that the BH number plates offer.
Unpredictable Generated Numbers
The third element of the BH series number plate, the four-digit number, is generated at random by the system. This implies that car owners cannot select a unique number for their automobiles. As a result, some automobile owners may end up with numbers that are similar or identical, which might be less unique and make it harder to identify their vehicles.
Regular Payment of Road Taxes
The BH series' road tax payments are due every two years. Some people may find this to be an extra challenge when they are already struggling with the general difficulties of moving to another state. In addition to other moving-related duties, managing these payments could be more challenging and unpleasant.
BH Number Plate Renewal Process
BH registration renewal in Karnataka involves a straightforward online process that ensures continued compliance with road tax requirements. The BH series, introduced to facilitate more effortless vehicle movement across states, requires vehicle owners to pay road tax every two years initially and, after 14 years, annually. Here's how to do BH number plate renewal:
- Visit the Parivahan Portal: Access the official portal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (Parivahan Sewa) to initiate the renewal process.
- Login and Select Services: Choose “Pay Your Tax” under Online Services, then select Karnataka as your state.
- Vehicle Details: Enter the last five digits of your chassis and registration number. The portal will populate your vehicle's details, including the road tax due.
- Payment Process: Select the payment option for a two-year term (or multiples thereof, like four or six years). Complete the payment; the updated due date will be reflected on your tax details page once payment is confirmed.
- Confirmation and Record: The portal updates the renewal status and provides the next payment due date after payment.
Conclusion
The BH number plate is a fantastic option for those who frequently relocate for employment. It simplifies car registration, enables quick and easy road tax payment, and eliminates the need to re-register your car in every state. Although it is primarily for workers in the public and private sectors, more Indians may eventually benefit from it. The BH number plate might save you much time and trouble if you qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions
