The BH (Bharat) number plate is a revolutionary vehicle registration system introduced by the Indian government to assist individuals frequently relocating due to their jobs. With the BH series, vehicle owners can enjoy seamless mobility across states without re-registering their vehicles, saving time and effort. In this article, we will explore Nagaland's BH number plate system, eligibility criteria, application process, required documents, road tax regulations, and renewal procedures. 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 is designed to simplify interstate vehicle movement, especially for individuals who relocate frequently due to work. Before the BH series, people who moved to a new state had to undergo a lengthy and costly vehicle re-registration process. The BH series eliminates this hassle, allowing vehicles to maintain a single registration number no matter where the owner moves within India.
Introduced in 2021 by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
Purpose: To streamline vehicle ownership and reduce paperwork for interstate transfers.
Eligibility: Initially targeted at government employees, defence personnel, and employees of companies operating in four or more states.
Designed to eliminate the need for re-registration when moving to a new state.
BH Number Plate Format
The format of a BH number plate is unique and easy to recognize:
"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
Evaluating your eligibility before applying for a BH series number plate is crucial. The system is tailored to individuals with transferable jobs who frequently move between states. Below are the eligibility criteria for the BH number plate in Nagaland:
Government Employee: Government employees, both central and state, can apply for the BH series. Since government jobs often require frequent relocations, the Bharat series number plate facilitates seamless interstate vehicle movement.
Defence Personnel: Members of the defence forces are another group eligible for the BH series number plate. Postings in different states make them ideal candidates for this registration system, simplifying vehicle ownership across state borders.
Private-Sector Employee: Employees working in private-sector companies with offices in four or more states or Union Territories can also apply for a BH number plate. This provision supports professionals who relocate for work frequently, ensuring they do not have to deal with vehicle re-registration issues.
Employer Documentation: Applicants need to provide an official letter from their employer confirming their eligibility for the BH number plate. This document is proof of the individual's transferable job and is required for the application process.
Vehicle Registration: The registered vehicle must be in the applicant's name. This ensures the car is legally owned by the person applying for the BH number plate and meets all the regulatory requirements.
Compliance with Regulations: All vehicles must comply with local laws, including valid insurance, a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, and other relevant documentation. Compliance with these regulations ensures that the vehicle is roadworthy and that the application process for the BH registration proceeds smoothly.
BH Number Plate: How to Apply
Applying for a BH series number plate in Nagaland is straightforward, whether online through the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways' Vahan Portal or offline by visiting a dealer. Below are the detailed steps for both methods.
Online Process: Via the Parivahan Portal of MoRTH
The online application process can be completed through the official Vahan Portal. Follow these steps:
Visit your state’s transportation department website or the MoRTH Vahan Portal.
Locate the application form for transferring ownership or registering a new vehicle.
Enter the required details, such as vehicle type, engine number, and chassis number.
Upload the necessary documents, including proof of identity, address, and auto insurance.
Pay the applicable registration fees.
After your application is processed, you will be notified through email or SMS regarding your BH series number plate.
To have the plate affixed to your vehicle, visit the nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO).
Offline Process: Getting in touch with a Dealer to Register
You can also apply for a BH series number plate offline by visiting a dealership. The dealer will assist you with the application process:
The dealer will fill out Form 20 on your behalf on the Vahan Portal.
Private-sector employees need to submit Form 60 along with their employment ID and work certificate to verify their eligibility.
The state officials will verify your qualifications.
Select the "BH Series" from the application menu.
Submit the required documents, such as official identification and employment certificates.
The RTO will approve the registration, and you can pay the applicable fees and road tax online.
Once approved, the dealer will help you obtain your vehicle's Bharat series number plate.
BH Number Plate: Essential Documents
You must provide specific documents while registering for a BH series number plate. These documents prove your eligibility and ensure your vehicle complies with local regulations.
Eligibility Proof: A letter from your employer confirming your eligibility for the BH number plate.
Form 20: The official application form for vehicle registration.
Form 60: A Working Certificate that provides details about your employment.
Identity and Address Proof: Government-issued documents such as an Aadhaar card, passport, or driver's licence to verify your identity and address.
Vehicle Documents: The original Registration Certificate (RC), insurance papers, Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, and vehicle invoice for calculating road tax.
Road Tax for BH Series Vehicles
When registering a vehicle under the Bharat series in Nagaland, you must pay road tax every two or multiple years, such as four or six, depending on your preference. After 14 years, road tax must be paid annually. The tax rate is determined based on the vehicle's invoice price, with electric cars benefiting from reduced rates.
Here’s a breakdown of the tax rates:
Vehicle Price Range
Petrol Vehicles
Diesel Vehicles
Under ₹10 lakh
8%
10%
₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh
10%
12%
Above ₹20 lakh
12%
14%
Before applying for a BH series number plate, assess how these road tax rates will impact your overall vehicle expenses. The option to pay the tax every two years may require ongoing budgeting, but it provides greater flexibility compared to a single lump-sum payment.
BH Number Plate: Steps to Pay Road Tax Online
Paying road tax for a BH series number plate online is convenient. Here’s how you can complete the payment:
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 offers numerous advantages for individuals who frequently move across states due to work. Some of the key benefits include:
Seamless Interstate Movement
One of the benefits of the BH series number plate is the ease of vehicle movement across states. Owners can bypass the lengthy and complex re-registration process when relocating, saving time and reducing paperwork, making it especially beneficial for professionals with transferable jobs.
Simplified Documentation
The BH registration system streamlines the documentation process, requiring fewer documents and offering a more straightforward application. This makes managing vehicles much more accessible for those who frequently relocate, removing unnecessary delays.
Flexible Road Tax Payments
The BH series number plate allows owners to pay road tax in instalments, easing financial planning. This option helps individuals better manage their expenses without paying a large lump sum upfront, making vehicle ownership more budget-friendly.
Less Re-registration Hassle
BH series vehicle owners avoid the complications of state-specific re-registration, allowing them to focus on their work or personal commitments without being burdened by registration issues every time they move.
Long-Term Registration Stability
The Bharat series number plate system offers stable registration for owners who move across states multiple times. This stability ensures that the vehicle remains consistently registered, providing a sense of continuity even during frequent relocations.
Disadvantages of the BH Number Plate
The Bharat series number plate was introduced in India to streamline registration for vehicle owners who frequently relocate across states. However, in Nagaland, the BH series plate presents some limitations:
Higher Road Tax Rates
The BH series plates often have a higher annual road tax rate, which may feel burdensome compared to a one-time payment system under standard state plates.
Limited Local Acceptance
The unique tax structure and nationwide application of the BH plate can confuse local authorities and residents, who are more accustomed to traditional Nagaland plates.
Complex Renewal Process
The BH plate requires annual tax renewals, which can be inconvenient compared to the lifetime tax payment system under state-based plates.
Lack of Local Benefits
Some states offer specific benefits, discounts, or exemptions for residents on certain vehicles. These may not apply to BH number plates, which could be a disadvantage in Nagaland.
Administrative Delays
As the BH series number plate system is relatively new, administrative processes may experience delays or inconsistencies, potentially making it challenging to obtain BH registration renewal in Nagaland.
BH Number Plate Renewal Process
BH registration renewal in Nagaland is a simple online process that helps maintain compliance with road tax regulations. The BH series, designed to ease vehicle movement across states, requires vehicle owners to pay road tax every two years initially, and after 14 years, the payments are made annually. Here’s how to do your BH number plate renewal:
Visit the Parivahan Portal: Visit the official portal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to start the renewal process.
Login and Select Services: Choose "Pay Your Tax" under Online Services, then select Nagaland as your state.
Enter Vehicle Details: To proceed, provide the last five digits of your vehicle’s chassis number.
Renewal Payment: Choose the appropriate road tax renewal period (two, four, or six years) and complete the payment online.
Confirmation: Once the payment is completed, you will receive a confirmation message or email regarding the renewal. The details will also be updated on your RC.
Conclusion
The BH number plate system offers numerous benefits to individuals frequently relocating across states, ensuring seamless interstate vehicle movement without re-registration. In Nagaland, the application and renewal processes for the BH series are straightforward, and with the proper documentation, vehicle owners can easily enjoy the advantages of this modern registration system.
Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully apply for a BH number plate, manage road tax payments, and ensure hassle-free vehicle ownership even when relocating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions and their answers related to BH series in Nagaland
Can I convert my existing state registration to a BH series in Nagaland?
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can convert your existing state registration to a BH series in Nagaland by applying through the Vahan Portal or visiting the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
Can I sell a vehicle with a BH series number plate in Nagaland?
Yes, you can sell a vehicle with a BH series number plate anywhere, including Nagaland. However, if the new owner does not qualify for the BH series, they must re-register the vehicle under Nagaland's state system.
What documents are required for BH number plate renewal?
For BH number plate renewal, you will need to provide the vehicle’s registration details and, in some cases, employment-related documents if any changes in eligibility (such as a job change or relocation). Aadhaar verification is typically used during the online renewal process.
Are commercial vehicles eligible for BH registration renewal?
No, BH number plates are only available for private vehicles and do not apply to commercial or transport vehicles like buses or trucks.
Are there any additional charges for diesel or electric vehicles during the renewal of the BH registration?
Yes, diesel vehicles incur an extra 2% charge during BH registration renewal, while electric vehicles receive a 2% discount on road tax.
Are electric vehicles eligible for the BH series number plate in Nagaland?
Electric vehicles are eligible for BH registration in Nagaland and benefit from lower road tax rates than petrol and diesel vehicles.
