BH Series Number Plate: Eligibility, Benefits, Documents, and How to Apply
- BH Series: One Nation, One Registration. Learn who is eligible, benefits, documents required, and step-by-step process to apply online through the Vahan portal.
BH Series Number Plate is a special national vehicle registration format launched to simplify interstate movement for vehicle owners who frequently relocate for work. Introduced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), this system eliminates the need to re-register a vehicle every time a person moves to a different state—saving weeks of paperwork, repeated RTO visits, and high one-time tax payments.
The initiative, introduced in 2021 under the principle of “One Nation, One Registration”, was created to support professionals who often face transfers across states and union territories. With the BH (Bharat) registration, a vehicle can legally run anywhere in India without applying for a new state number plate.
Contents
What is the BH Series Number Plate?
The BH Series registration is a unified licence plate format applicable across India. Before its introduction, vehicle owners were required to apply for re-registration within 12 months of shifting to a new state under Section 47 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. This required a No Objection Certificate (NOC), fresh tax payments, and long delays.
With the BH format, these challenges have been eliminated. The format follows a standardized pattern:
YY BH #### XX
- YY – Year of registration
- BH – Bharat Series code
- #### – Random numeric sequence
- XX – Two random letters
This uniform structure allows unrestricted interstate movement without any tax or transfer issues.
BH Number Plate Eligibility
The BH Series is not available to all vehicle owners. Only individuals meeting the following eligibility conditions can apply:
- Central Government employees
- State Government employees
- Defence personnel
- Employees of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
- Private sector employees whose company has offices in four or more states/UTs
Benefits of the BH Series Number Plate
The BH registration brings multiple advantages, especially for professionals who frequently relocate:
- No re-registration required
Travel or shift to any state without changing the number plate or applying for NOC. - Online application process
The process is managed on the Vahan portal, reducing physical RTO visits. - Flexible road tax payments
Instead of paying 15-year tax upfront, BH holders pay tax every two years. This is useful if planning relocation or selling the vehicle later. - Pan-India validity
The registration is recognized across all states and union territories without border restrictions. - Available for all private vehicles
The scheme covers both two-wheelers and four-wheelers, but excludes commercial vehicles like taxis or goods carriers.
Required Documents for BH Series Application
| Category | Document Type | Required Documents |
|---|---|---|
| Personal | Proof of Identity | Aadhaar, PAN, Passport |
| Proof of Address | Utility bill, Rental Agreement, Bank Statement | |
| Employment | Govt/PSU | Official ID Card |
| Private Sector | Employment Certificate, Official ID, Form 60 | |
| Defence | Service ID Card | |
| Vehicle | Ownership & compliance | RC, Vehicle Invoice, Insurance Policy, PUC Certificate |
| Application | Registration Form | Form 20 |
| Tax | Payment receipt | Road tax receipt (2 years) |
BH Series Number Plate: How to Apply
The application process is simple and digital. Here are the steps:
- Buy a new vehicle and inform the dealer that you want BH registration.
- Fill Form 20 (the dealer generally assists with this).
- Upload employment proof and other documents on the VAHAN portal.
- Pay the vehicle tax for two years or in multiples (based on ex-showroom price).
- RTO verification & approval.
- Receive your BH number, generated digitally.
📌 Note: Only new vehicles qualify. Existing vehicles cannot be converted to BH.
Also Read | No WhatsApp Without Active SIM: New Government Rules Bring 6-Hour Auto Logout & Mandatory SIM Binding
FAQ – BH Series Number Plate
Can current vehicle owners convert to the BH series?
No. Only newly purchased vehicles are eligible for BH registration.
Is the BH series available for bikes?
Yes, both two-wheelers and four-wheelers can apply.
Are commercial vehicles eligible?
No, BH applies only to private vehicles.
Where can I apply?
Through the VAHAN portal, or via an authorized dealership at the time of purchase.
The BH series has been an important reform for India’s mobile workforce. With flexible taxation, no re-registration requirements, and a nationwide acceptance model, it brings real convenience for defence personnel, government employees, PSU officers, and private sector professionals frequently relocating across states. With continued improvements, the BH Series Number Plate is expected to support India’s growing interstate employment and vehicle ownership landscape.
