The BH (Bharat) number plate system is a scheme for automobile registration designed to make car ownership more accessible for people with transferable jobs. When moving to a new state, this approach enables smooth interstate car travel without requiring re-registration, removing administrative obstacles and improving ease. With the help of this method, moving a car between states is easy and doesn't require re-registration. The primary objective is to simplify car ownership by lowering administrative barriers and improving convenience for people who move around a lot. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways' official website has additional information related to it as well.
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What is the BH Number Plate/ BH Series Number Plate?
Simplifying interstate vehicle transfers is the goal of the BH number plate system. For a long time, people who were relocating to a different state had to go through the time-consuming and expensive procedure of re-registering their cars. The BH registration eliminates this need, enabling cars to keep their registration number no matter where the owner relocates within India.
In the year 2021, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) implemented the system.
Minimize paperwork and wait times for interstate auto transfers.
allowed access to government workers and workers from businesses with offices in four or more states at first.
BH Number Plate Format
The format for BH number plates is standardised and follows the structure below:
"YY BH #### XX"
YY: Last two digits of the year of registration.
BH: Bharat seriescode.
####: A four-digit numeric code.
XX: Two random alphabetic characters.
BH Number Plate: Eligibility Criteria
In Ladakh, it is essential to comprehend the eligibility conditions before applying for a BH number plate. The BH number plate is made to work with those who move around a lot for work purposes. The following groups are qualified to apply:
Government employees: Individuals who work for public sector enterprises (PSUs) or the federal or state governments are eligible to receive the BH number plate. The BH registration streamlines the car registration process, enabling them to keep their registration number no matter where they go, which is beneficial for their occupations, which sometimes include repeated transfers.
Armed Forces Personnel: Additionally eligible for the BH number plate are members of the defence forces, who frequently receive postings to various locations within the nation. They are able to bypass the time-consuming procedure of re-registering their vehicles each time they are moved thanks to this clause.
Employees of the Private Sector: BH series eligibility also extends to employees of commercial enterprises operating in at least four states or Union Territories. This requirement guarantees that the streamlined registration process will be advantageous to professionals in the private sector, especially those who travel frequently for work.
Documentation from Employers: Apart from qualifying, private sector workers will require a letter from their employer attesting to their compliance with the BH registration requirements. Applying for the BH number plate requires these papers, in addition to evidence of employment.
Vehicle Compliance and Ownership: The car must be registered in the applicant's name and meet all legal criteria, such as having a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, current insurance, and other required paperwork. To prevent issues throughout the registration procedure, it is essential to make sure that certain legal requirements are followed.
BH Number Plate: How to Apply
You can apply for a BH series number plate through the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) Vahan Portal or by contacting a vehicle dealer. Here are the steps to follow:
Online Process: Via the Parivahan Portal of MoRTH
Access the Vahan Portal: Visit the Vahan Portal, which is part of the MoRTH’s online services, or your state's transport department website.
Application for New Registration: Select the application for new vehicle registration or transfer of ownership.
Enter Details: Input the required information, such as the type of vehicle, chassis number, and engine number.
Upload Documents: Upload necessary documents like identity proof, address proof, and vehicle insurance.
Pay Fees: Complete the registration fee payment through the portal.
Receive Notification: After processing, you will receive an email or SMS with details about your BH series number plate.
Affix Plate: Visit the nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) to have your BH series number plate affixed to your vehicle.
Offline Process: Connect with a Dealer to Register
The dealer will take care of filling out Form 20 on the Vahan Portal.
Form 60, employment ID, and work certificate must be submitted by private sector workers employed by businesses with offices in more than four states.
Your eligibility to register for the BH series will be confirmed by state officials.
Select "BH Series" from the application's menu.
Send in all necessary paperwork, including your official ID card and your Working Certificate (Form 60).
The RTO will approve the Bharat series registration.
Pay your motor vehicle taxes and any other expenses online.
BH Number Plate: Essential Documents
Make sure you have the necessary paperwork when you apply for a BH number plate:
Proof of Eligibility: Your employer's letter attesting to your eligibility for the BH series.
Form 20: The official application form for vehicle registration.
Form 60: A working certificate (for private-sector employees) confirming employment details.
Identity and Address Proof: Documents such as an Aadhaar card, passport, or driver’s number.
Vehicle Documents: Original Registration Certificate (RC), insurance papers, Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, and vehicle invoice for tax calculation.
Road Tax for BH Series Vehicles
In Ladakh, the road tax system for BH series number plates is comparable to that of other states. Payment is due every two years, and it can be extended in increments of two, such as four, six, or eight years. The tax is due every year after 14 years.
Electric and diesel vehicles are subject to different road tax rates, which are determined by the vehicle's invoice price. Here's a summary:
Vehicle Price Range
Petrol Vehicles
Diesel Vehicles
Under ₹10 lakh
8%
10%
₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh
10%
12%
Above ₹20 lakh
12%
14%
It's crucial to consider how these road tax rates may affect your overall car expenses when applying for a BH number plate. Compared to a one-time payment, the option to pay every two years offers greater financial planning flexibility, but it might necessitate regular budgeting.
BH Number Plate: Steps to Pay Road Tax Online
It's simple to pay your road tax online for a Bharat series number plate in Ladakh. Here is a detailed guide:
Access the Parivahan Portal: Visit the official Parivahan Portal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
Select Your State: Choose Ladakh from the drop-down menu.
Enter Registration Number: Provide your vehicle’s registration number.
Aadhaar Verification: Use your Aadhaar number to confirm your identity.
Internet-Based Services: After selecting "Online Services," pick "Pay Your Road Tax."
Enter the vehicle's information: Provide your chassis number's last five digits.
Choose Payment Method: Select "LumpSum Two Year" under "Tax Details."
Complete Payment: The amended tax due date will be displayed after you have finished paying.
Advantages of the BH Number Plate
There are many benefits to the implementation of the BH number plate system for Ladakh locals, particularly those who move about a lot. The following are some main advantages:
Interstate Transportation
The BH series' ability to permit car owners to relocate between states without having to re-register their vehicles is one of its main advantages. Because it cuts down on the paperwork and effort required to comply with state-specific vehicle requirements, this is a huge relief for people with transferable jobs.
Documentation Made Simpler
The BH series system streamlines vehicle owners' documentation process. Vehicle registrations are easier for frequent movers to manage effectively with fewer requirements and a more straightforward application process.
Payment Options for Road Taxes
Vehicle owners can use the BH series to pay road tax every two years rather than all at once. Vehicle ownership becomes more cheap as a result of this flexibility, which helps distribute the cost over time.
No Troubles Re-registering
Choosing the BH series number plate allows car owners to save time and minimize legal issues by avoiding the difficult re-registration procedure every time they relocate to a new state.
Stability of Registration Over Time
Even while moving, car owners can be guaranteed that their registration will remain stable thanks to the BH series. Frequent movers benefit from this constancy, which frees them up to concentrate on their work and other obligations.
Disadvantages of the BH Number Plate
To make registration easier for car owners who regularly move between states, the Bharat series number plate was established in India. Nevertheless, Ladakh's BH series plate has some drawbacks:
Elevated Rates of Road Tax
When compared to a one-time payment under regular state plates, the higher annual road tax rate associated with BH series number plates may feel costly.
Higher Limited Local Acceptance
Because of the BH plate's distinct tax structure and nationwide use, citizens and local authorities who are more accustomed to traditional Ladakh plates may become confused.
Intricate Renewal Procedure
Comparing the BH series plate to the state-based, lifetime tax payment scheme, the requirement for annual tax renewals can be inconvenient.
Insufficient Local Advantages
Residents of some states are eligible for special discounts, exemptions, or perks on particular types of vehicles. In Ladakh, this can be a drawback because these might not cover BH number plates.
Administrative Hold-Ups
It may be challenging to get or renew a BH plate in Ladakh since administrative procedures may be inconsistent or delayed in BH registration renewal due to the BH plate's recent inception.
BH Number Plate Renewal Process
Ladakh's BH registration renewalprocess is a straightforward online process that guarantees adherence to road tax regulations. To facilitate the transportation of vehicles across states, the BH registration renewal process requires that owners pay road tax every two years at first and then annually after 14 years. To renew your BH number plate, follow these steps:
Go to the Portal for Parivahan: To begin the BH number plate renewal process, visit the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways' official website (Parivahan Sewa).
Sign in and choose services: Select Ladakh as your state and click on the "Pay Your Tax" option under Online Services.
Enter Vehicle Details: Input the last five digits of your chassis number and registration number. The portal will display your vehicle’s details, including the road tax amount due.
Payment Process: Choose the payment option for a two-year term (or multiples, such as four or six years). Complete the payment, and the updated due date will appear on your tax details page once the payment is confirmed.
Confirmation and Record: The portal will update your BH number plate renewal status and provide the next payment due date after your payment is processed.
This is the procedure to get your BH number plate renewal process done.
Conclusion
In Ladakh, the BH number plate system is a big step toward making car registration easier for people with transferable jobs. Road tax payments are made more flexible, bureaucratic obstacles are decreased, and the requirement to re-register while moving is eliminated. Professionals who regularly travel between states in the public, military, and private sectors benefit greatly from this arrangement, which provides them with financial and practical convenience. Eligible car owners in Ladakh and around India are increasingly choosing the BH series due to its advantages and simplified procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common question and their answer related to BH series in Ladakh
Can I sell my vehicle with a BH number plate in Ladakh?
Yes, but the new owner must re-register if not eligible for the BH series.
Can I convert my existing vehicle registration to a BH number plate?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria, you can convert your registration via the Vahan Portal.
Are electric vehicles eligible for the BH series in Ladakh?
Yes, electric vehicles are eligible and benefit from lower road tax rates.
What is the benefit of the BH number plate for frequent movers?
It eliminates the need for re-registration when relocating to different states.
How is the road tax for BH series vehicles calculated?
Road tax is based on the vehicle’s price, with different rates for petrol, diesel, and electric vehicles.
Can commercial vehicles apply for the BH number plate?
No, the BH number plate is only for private vehicles, not commercial ones.
