BH Series Number Plate: Who Can Apply, Key Benefits, Documents Needed, and Application Process
- 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 nationwide vehicle registration system introduced to ease the burden faced by individuals who frequently relocate across Indian states due to work. Rolled out by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in 2021, the BH (Bharat) series removes the long-standing requirement of re-registering a vehicle each time the owner moves to another state.
The initiative aligns with the government’s “One Nation, One Registration” objective and primarily benefits government employees, defence personnel, PSU staff, and select private-sector professionals who are regularly transferred across state or Union Territory boundaries.
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What Is the BH Series Number Plate?
Before the BH series was introduced, vehicle owners shifting to another state were required to re-register their vehicle within 12 months under Section 47 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. This involved obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC), paying fresh road tax, and dealing with lengthy Regional Transport Office (RTO) procedures.
The BH series replaces this fragmented system with a single, uniform registration that remains valid across India. Vehicles registered under this scheme can be used in any state without changing number plates or transferring registration.
The BH number plate follows a standard format:
YY BH #### XX
- YY – Year of registration
- BH – Bharat series code
- #### – Four-digit random number
- XX – Two random alphabet characters
This standardised structure ensures nationwide recognition and eliminates interstate compliance hurdles.
BH Number Plate Eligibility Criteria
The BH series is not open to all vehicle owners. Eligibility is limited to specific categories of professionals whose roles often involve inter-state transfers.
Eligible applicants include:
- Central Government employees
- State Government employees
- Defence personnel
- Employees of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
- Private-sector employees working in companies with offices in four or more states or Union Territories
Applicants must provide valid employment proof at the time of registration.
Benefits of the BH Series Number Plate
The BH registration system offers several practical advantages, particularly for India’s mobile workforce.
No re-registration on relocation
Vehicle owners can move to any state without applying for a new registration number or NOC.
Simplified online process
Applications are processed through the VAHAN portal, significantly reducing physical visits to RTO offices.
Flexible road tax payment
Instead of paying a lump-sum 15-year road tax, BH vehicles are taxed in two-year cycles. This is beneficial for owners who may sell or relocate again.
Pan-India validity
The BH number plate is legally recognised across all states and Union Territories.
Applicable to private vehicles
Both two-wheelers and four-wheelers are covered under the scheme. Commercial vehicles such as taxis and goods carriers are excluded.
Documents Required for BH Series Registration
Applicants must submit documents related to identity, employment, and vehicle ownership.
Personal documents
- Aadhaar card, PAN card, or passport
- Address proof such as utility bill, rental agreement, or bank statement
Employment proof
- Government/PSU employees: Official ID card
- Defence personnel: Service identity card
- Private-sector employees: Employment certificate, official ID, and Form 60 (as applicable)
Vehicle-related documents
- Vehicle invoice
- Insurance policy
- Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
- Registration Form (Form 20)
Tax payment
- Road tax receipt for the initial two-year period
BH Series Number Plate: How to Apply
The BH registration process is completed at the time of purchasing a new vehicle.
- Purchase a new vehicle and inform the dealer about opting for BH registration
- Complete Form 20 with assistance from the dealer
- Upload employment and identity documents on the VAHAN portal
- Pay road tax for two years (calculated based on the vehicle’s ex-showroom price)
- RTO verifies the application and approves registration
- BH number is generated digitally and assigned to the vehicle
Important: Existing vehicles are not eligible for conversion to the BH series. The scheme applies only to newly registered vehicles.
Also read: No WhatsApp Without Active SIM: New Government Rules Bring 6-Hour Auto Logout & Mandatory SIM Binding
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an existing vehicle be converted to a BH number plate?
No. BH registration is available only for new vehicle purchases.
Is the BH series applicable to two-wheelers?
Yes, both two-wheelers and four-wheelers qualify under the scheme.
Are commercial vehicles eligible?
No. The BH series is restricted to private vehicles only.
Where can one apply for BH registration?
Applications are submitted via the VAHAN portal, usually through the authorised dealer.
The BH Series Number Plate represents a significant policy shift aimed at reducing bureaucratic friction for India’s transferable workforce. By eliminating re-registration requirements and introducing flexible taxation, the scheme offers long-term convenience for eligible vehicle owners who frequently move across state borders. As interstate mobility continues to rise, the BH series is expected to play an increasingly important role in India’s vehicle registration framework.
