The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) implemented the BH (Bharat) number plate system in 2021 as a progressive measure to make car registration easier for people with transferable jobs. The BH series eliminates the requirement for re-registration when a vehicle moves between states, enabling seamless vehicle use throughout India. It is especially advantageous for government employees, military people, and employees in the commercial sector who move around a lot. From eligibility and the application procedure to road tax payments and renewals, this article will cover every aspect of the BH number plate in Telangana. For more information, please visit the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways' official website.
Contents
What is the BH Number Plate/BH Series Number Plate?
A standard registration system called the BH (Bharat) number plate was created to facilitate people's ability to transfer their cars between states without re-registering them. When moving to a different state, traditional registration procedures required motorists to re-register their vehicles with the transport department, which was laborious and administrative. The BH series removes the earlier procedure, guaranteeing that cars can continue to be registered under the same license plate no matter where the owner relocates within India.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) introduced it in 2021.
Intended to cut down on paperwork and delays in the transfer of vehicles between states.
Government employees and businesses with offices in four or more states were the first to get access.
BH Number Plate Format
The format for a BH number plate follows a specific pattern. The format for BH number plates is as follows:
"YY BH #### XX"
YY: Last two digits of the year of registration.
BH: Represents the Bharat Series code.
####: A four-digit numeric code.
XX: Two random alphabetic characters.
BH Number Plate: Eligibility Criteria
Verify your eligibility before applying to a BH number plate. The following are the requirements for eligibility:
Government Workers: To qualify, you must work for the central or state government agencies. For people who move frequently, this status guarantees adherence to the Bharat series standards and expedites the BH registration.
Defence Personnel: Because of their frequent moves within the nation, members of the Indian Armed Forces are qualified to apply for a BH number plate.
Private Sector Workers: You can register your car under the BH number plate if you work for a private company operating in at least four states or Union Territories. Employees in the private sector who regularly travel or migrate for work are the target of this regulation.
Employer Records: Your company's document attesting to your job status must be shown. This letter is essential since it attests to your eligibility for the BH series number plate registration process.
Registration of Vehicles: Verify that the car you plan to register is in your name and complies with all legal requirements. This makes it more likely that your application will be handled efficiently and by the law regarding vehicle registration.
Regulation Compliance: Every vehicle must abide by local rules, including up-to-date insurance, a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, and other required paperwork. Compliance with specific rules is essential to guarantee the vehicle's roadworthiness and prevent issues during BH registration.
BH Number Plate: How to Apply
There are two main ways to apply for a BH series number plate in Telangana: offline through a dealer or online via the Parivahan Portal.
Online Process: via Parivahan Portal of MoRTH
A straightforward approach to registering for a BH series number plate is to do so through a simple online process. Take the ways listed below:
Visit your state's transport department website or the MoRTH Vahan Portal.
Locate the application form for vehicle ownership transfer or new vehicle registration.
Fill in the required details, such as vehicle type, engine number, and chassis number.
Upload necessary documents like identity proof, address proof, and vehicle insurance.
Pay the applicable registration fees.
After processing, you will receive an email or SMS update about your BH series number plate.
Visit the nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) to have your license plate installed on your vehicle.
Offline Process: via Getting in Touch with a Dealer to Register
You can also apply through a car dealer if you'd like. The dealer will help you in the following ways:
The dealer will submit Form 20 through the Vahan Portal on your behalf.
Private sector employees working for companies with offices 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 available options on the application portal.
Upload the required documents, such as your official ID or Work Certificate (Form 60).
The RTO will approve the registration of the Bharat series.
Pay any applicable fees or motor vehicle tax online.
BH Number Plate: Essential Documents
You must provide many crucial documents to apply for a BH license plate. These consist of:
Eligibility Proof: A letter from your employer (government or private) confirming your eligibility for the BH series registration.
Form 20: The standard application form for vehicle registration.
Form 60: A work certificate or employment letter for private-sector employees.
Identity Proof: A government-issued document such as an Aadhaar card, passport, or driver's license.
Address Proof: A valid address proof, such as a utility bill or rent agreement.
Vehicle Documents: The vehicle's Registration Certificate (RC), insurance papers, Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, and the invoice for calculating road tax.
Road Tax for BH Series Vehicles
For private automobiles, road tax is paid every two years under the Bharat series number plate system. Vehicle owners are required to pay road taxes annually after the first 14 years. The price and kind of vehicle (electric, diesel, or petrol) influence the tax rates.
The road tax charges for automobiles registered under the BH series are as follows:
Vehicle Price Range
Petrol Vehicles
Diesel Vehicles
Under ₹10 lakhs
8%
10%
₹10 lakhs to ₹20 lakhs
10%
12%
Above ₹20 lakhs
12%
14%
Consider how the road tax rates affect your total car expenses when applying for a BH number plate. Compared to a one-time payment, the biannual payment option offers you greater freedom, but it could necessitate frequent budgeting.
BH Number Plate: Steps to Pay Road Tax Online
Paying your road tax for a BH number plate online is quick and convenient. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Ways to Pay Online Road Tax for BH Number Plate
Use these methods to pay your road tax online for your BH number plate:
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
For Telangana car owners, particularly those who move frequently for work, the BH (Bharat) number plate system provides a variety of advantages. Here are a few main benefits:
Interstate Transportation
One of its main advantages is the BH number plate's ability to facilitate simple interstate travel without requiring re-registration while relocating between states. Professionals with transferable jobs will find this especially helpful as it saves time and minimises paperwork when moving.
Simplified Documentation
For Telangana vehicle owners, the BH registration system simplifies the paperwork process. People who move frequently can have a hassle-free experience, managing their vehicles effectively without delay, thanks to fewer document needs and a more straightforward application process.
Flexible Road Tax Payments
By enabling monthly payments, the BH number plate provides flexibility in road tax payments. By spreading out the payments rather than making a single, large payment, car ownership is more affordable and helps owners better manage their money.
No Re-registration Hassles
Thanks to the BH series, Telangana car owners no longer have to go through the re-registration process when relocating to another state. This eliminates administrative hassles and frees them up to concentrate on their personal or professional obligations without worrying about altering their car's registration.
Long-Term Registration Stability
Long-term stability in automobile registration is offered by the BH number plate, which is particularly helpful for people who move frequently. It provides peace of mind and removes the need for frequent modifications by guaranteeing that Telangana car owners may keep their registration status continuously.
Disadvantages of the BH Number Plate
For car owners in Telangana, particularly those who frequently relocate for work, the BH (Bharat) number plate system presents several challenges. Here are a few key disadvantages:
Numbers Generated at Random
The method randomly generates the four-digit number that appears in the later half of the BH series number plate. This suggests that car owners cannot choose a unique vehicle number. Consequently, some car owners may find their numbers similar or the same.
Regular Road Tax Payments
Road tax payments for the BH series are payable every two years. This could be an additional burden for some people who are already balancing moving requirements. Managing these payments on top of other moving-related responsibilities could be more complex and unpleasant.
Service Cars are Not Covered
Since the BH number plate system is only available for passenger cars, buses, taxis, and lorries cannot use it. The ease that the BH number plates provide is diminished by the lack of specific vehicle categories, especially those used for public transportation or carrying goods.
Limitations on the Registration
Only government agents, bank employees, military personnel, and employees of businesses operating in multiple states or union territories are permitted to use the BH license plate. Therefore, only specific car owners profit from the BH series.
BH Number Plate Renewal Process
Road tax payments must be made every two years, and the BH registration renewal procedure is straightforward. BH series vehicle owners must renew their road tax annually beyond the initial 14-year period. To restore a BH number plate in Telangana, follow these steps:
Visit the Parivahan Portal: Access the official Ministry of Road Transport and Highways portal (Parivahan Sewa) to start the BH number plate renewal process.
Login and Choose Services: Go to "Pay Your Tax" under Online Services and select Telangana as your state after logging in.
Enter Vehicle Details: Input the last five digits of your chassis and registration number. The system will automatically display your vehicle details, including the road tax amount due.
Make the payment: Choose the road tax payment option for a two-year term or in multiples (e.g., four or six years). Complete the payment, and once confirmed, the updated due date will reflect on your tax details page.
Receive Confirmation: The portal will update your renewal status, and you'll get a confirmation with the following payment due date.
Conclusion
The BH number plate system is revolutionary for people who move frequently for work. The method in Telangana streamlines car registration, facilitating smooth interstate travel and lessening the required paperwork. Vehicle owners can take advantage of the convenience and flexibility provided by the BH number plate by paying road tax in instalments and avoiding re-registration. The BH number plate is a helpful way to manage car ownership when you regularly move between states, whether you work for the government, the military, or the business sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions and their answers related to BH series in Telangana
Can I convert my existing state registration to a BH series in Telangana?
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can convert your existing state registration to a BH series in Telangana by applying through the Vahan Portal or visiting a Regional Transport Office (RTO).
How often is BH number plate renewal required in Telangana?
BH number plate renewal requires road tax payment every two years, distinct from the one-time 15-year tax payment for standard vehicle registrations. After 14 years, the renewal happens every year.
What are the penalties for missing the BH registration renewal deadline?
If you miss the BH registration renewal deadline, you may face fines, so timely renewal is essential to avoid penalties and ensure continuous registration validity.
Are there any discounts on BH number plate renewal for electric vehicles in Telangana?
Yes, electric vehicles receive a reduced tax rate for BH number plate renewal, while diesel vehicles may incur additional charges, encouraging the use of eco-friendly vehicles.
Is a physical inspection required for BH number plate renewal in Telangana?
Typically, no physical inspection is required for online renewal, but it's best to verify with local RTO guidelines to ensure compliance with any specific rules in Telangana.
