The people, when one has to cross over from one state and then to another cities, this tends to usually be a hassle in having to re-register your vehicle in the new place. However, in recent times, the government incorporated the Bharat Series number plate scheme that effectively streamlined such processes.
Per the Motor Vehicles Act, a motor vehicle can be taken to one state and kept there for up to 12 months without changing the registration to that particular state. After this period is over, the owner will be asked to comply with the regulations put into practice by the new state or will suffer severe fines and penalties.
Here, we will go through some benefits and features of Bharat Series Number Plate, the eligibility criteria for obtaining them, the application process, and much more.
What is BH number plate?
The Bharat Series Number Plate has a full form as the Bharat Number Plate. It was launched officially by the Ministry of Road, Transport, and Highways (MoRTH). A major reason for the issuance of this number plate is to simplify and making it easier for those people who habitually move for job purposes to gain vehicle registration and not be faced with the complication of transfer registration in case of a shift between states.
BH series registrations were started on 15th September 2021. The BH number plate service effectively allows working professionals to travel across the country, not having to go through the hassles of re-registrations.
For example, if your vehicle is registered in the state of Maharashtra and you shift to some other state; you can drive on that MH number plate for only 12 months. Then, you have to register with the new state also. Now, this is completely avoided with the BH Series Registration Number. More so, it is easy about insurance too because your car insurance does not come into the picture with it.
Features of Bharat Series Number Plate
The BH Series number plates carry several features as stated below:
- The Bharat Series number plate is issued only for non-transport vehicles.
- For the BH series, one can avoid the process of re-registering the vehicle once they shift to a new state.
- It saves time, effort, and much paperwork.
- This number plate is quite close to a classic license plate with a white background and black fonts, only that the format of the license number is quite different.
- The right information regarding the registration of the vehicle will be given by the BH Series number in a simple yet comprehensive manner.
- The Bharat Series number plate registration number consists of the Year of Registration as in YY, BH as in code for Bharat series, followed by the 4-digit BH series registration number and XX, which stand for two alphabets (excluding I & O) representing the vehicle category. Example: YY BH **** XX.
- The ” **** ” is a four-digit registration number assigned to each vehicle separately, so that every vehicle has its distinct identifier. Lastly, “XX” is just a random alphabet taken from A to Z so that the vehicle could be grouped into categories and give more information about the kind and class of the vehicle.
- Road tax for Bharat Series number plate vehicles can be paid through online. This will cover the usage for 14 years and after that period, one needs to pay annually.
- The road tax to be paid as mentioned in the invoice issued by the car is also easy. So, it ranges from 8% for cars with less than Rs. 10 lakhs, 10% with Rs. 10 to Rs. 20 lakhs range and so on 12% for cars over Rs. 20 lakh.
Eligibility for BH Series Number Plate Scheme
While applying for the Bharat series number plate, candidates must follow the below eligibility criteria:
- Road tax for the vehicle paid
- Vehicle contains a valid vehicle Pollution Control certificate.
- Applicants of the BH number series
- Must be a citizen of India
- Defense officers
- Employees working in Banks
- Only non-transport vehicle owners
- Government Employee
- Central and State Government
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- Administrative branch employee
- Private company employee, whose offices have locations in more than four states/union territories
- The Vahan portal of MoRTH or any auto
- The mobile dealer can be utilized for verification and validation of eligibility by the State Authorities at the time of purchasing the vehicle.
- If one approaches the dealer for help, then the dealer has to fill out Form 20 on the Vahan portal on behalf of half of the actual owner.
- Private sector employees having offices in more than 4 states or UTs must fill in form 60 and furnish employment ID along with a certificate of employment. Government employees submit a copy of an official ID card.
How to Apply for BH Number Plate
Steps involved in the Bharat Series Number Plates registration process are as follows:
- Step 1: The automobile dealer will fill out Form 20 for the car owner through the Vahan portal for the new vehicle purchase.
- Step 2: Choose BH series type
- Step 3: The requirements such as the Working Certificate/copy of the Official ID Card are to be produced along with other documents.
- Step 4: The BH series shall be approved by the RTO.
- Step 5: Pay the fee / MV tax online.
- Step 6: Once the above steps are followed, Vahan portal will throw up BH series registration numbers in randomized order currently running in all states of India.
Bharat Series Number Plate– Tax Structure
- For private vehicles registered under BH series vehicles Plate: The road tax for a vehicle will be charged for 2 years or multiples of two, i.e., for four, six, and eight years.
- The road tax for the BH series can be paid online and will be valid for 14 years after that, an annual payment will be compulsory.
BH Series Number Plate Cost
| Invoice Cost | Motor Vehicle Tax (% of the invoice) |
| Less than Rs 10 lakh | 8% |
| Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh | 10% |
| More than Rs 20 lakh | 12% |
Bharat Series Number Plates: Conclusion
This article provides much insight regarding the Bharat Series Number plates that the MoRTH in India has brought in, as of August 2021, to put an end to the hassle of re-registering vehicles after moving from one state to another, mainly for state and central government employees.
The Government of India has thus ensured that it simplifies the intricately complex process of vehicle registration by introducing the BH number plate. The BH series number plate has numerous advantages, right from very simplified vehicle registration process and all-India applicability to savings in cost.
By implementing this facility, the expense is done away with and it increases the convenience also. Finally, standardization, ease of identification, and the unification process are enjoyed by vehicle owners. The BH series number plate is a step towards this bright creating a streamlined and modernized vehicle registration and licensing process in India.
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