What is the BH Number Plate/BH Series Number Plate?
The BH (Bharat) number plate is a uniform vehicle registration system to ease interstate vehicle transfers. Traditionally, vehicle owners had to re-register their vehicles with the transport department when moving to a new state. This process was time-consuming and involved significant bureaucratic hurdles. The BH series eliminates this problem, allowing vehicles to retain the same number plate regardless of where the owner relocates within India.
- Introduced in 2021 by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
- Reduces paperwork and delays in transferring vehicles between states.
- Available initially to government employees and private company workers with offices in four or more states.
The format for a BH series number plate is uniform across India. It follows a specific pattern:
- Format: “YY BH #### XX”
- YY: The last two digits of the year of registration.
- BH: Denotes the Bharat series code.
- ####: A four-digit numeric code.
- XX: Two random alphabetic characters.
BH Number Plate: Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for a BH number plate, it’s essential to determine whether you are eligible. The eligibility criteria are as follows:
- Government Employees: Individuals working for the central or state government in Maharashtra can apply for a BH number plate. The transferable nature of their jobs makes them ideal candidates for the Bharat series registration system.
- Defence Personnel: Indian Armed Forces personnel, often transferred across the country, are also eligible for the BH number plate.
- Private Sector Employees: Employees of private-sector companies with offices in at least four states or Union Territories can apply for a BH series number plate.
- Employer Documentation: Private-sector employees must provide a work certificate from their employer confirming their eligibility for the BH series number plate.
- Vehicle Ownership: Ensure that the vehicle you intend to register is under your name and complies with all necessary regulations. This guarantees a smooth application process and aligns with legal requirements for vehicle registration.
- Regulatory Compliance: The vehicle must adhere to local laws, including holding valid insurance, a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, and other required documents. This compliance is crucial to avoid complications during BH registration and to ensure the vehicle remains roadworthy.
BH Number Plate: How to Apply
There are two primary ways to apply for a BH series number plate in Maharashtra: through the MoRTH’s Vahan Portal or by contacting a dealer. Here’s how:
Online Process: via Parivahan Portal of MoRTH
- Visit your state’s transport department website or the MoRTH Vahan Portal.
- Locate the application form for vehicle ownership transfer or new vehicle registration.
- Enter the required details, such as vehicle type, engine number, and chassis number.
- Upload the necessary documents, including identity proof, address proof, and vehicle insurance.
- Pay the applicable registration fees.
- After processing your application, you’ll receive an email or SMS notification regarding your BH series number plate.
- Visit the nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) to have your license plate installed on your vehicle.
Offline Process: Getting in Touch with a Dealer to Register
If you prefer to apply offline, you can go through a vehicle dealer who will assist in the registration process:
- The dealer will fill out Form 20 on the Vahan Portal on your behalf.
- Private sector employees working in offices across more than four states must submit Form 60 along with their employment ID and a work certificate.
- State authorities will verify your eligibility for the BH registration.
- Choose the “BH Series” option from the application menu.
- Submit the required documents, such as your official ID or Work Certificate (Form 60).
- The RTO will approve the Bharat series registration.
- Pay the applicable fees or motor vehicle tax online.
BH Number Plate: Essential Documents
To successfully apply for a BH number plate in Maharashtra, you must provide the following documents:
- Eligibility Proof: A letter from your employer verifying your eligibility.
- Form 20: The standard vehicle registration form.
- Form 60: A work certificate or employment letter for private-sector employees.
- Identity Proof: A government-issued ID such as an Aadhaar card, passport, or driver’s licence.
- Address Proof: Valid address proof such as a utility bill or rent agreement.
- Vehicle Documents: The vehicle’s Registration Certificate (RC), insurance papers, and a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate.
Road Tax for BH Series Vehicles
For private vehicles registered under the Bharat series, road tax is paid every two years or in multiples of two, such as four, six, or eight years. The tax can be conveniently paid online and remains valid for up to 14 years. After that period, it must be paid annually. The tax amount is based on the car’s invoice price, with reduced rates applied to electric vehicles.
Here’s a breakdown of the tax rates:
Vehicle Price Range | Petrol Vehicles | Diesel Vehicles |
| Under ₹10 lakhs | 8% | 10% |
| ₹10 lakhs to ₹20 lakhs | 10% | 12% |
| Above ₹20 lakhs | 12% | 14% |
Before applying for a BH number plate, take into account how the road tax rates will impact your overall vehicle expenses. The biannual payment structure may require consistent budgeting, but it provides greater flexibility compared to a one-time lump sum payment.
BH Number Plate: Steps to Pay Road Tax Online
Paying your road tax for a BH number plate online is a straightforward process that can save you time and effort. Here’s how you can do it efficiently:
- Go to the website of Parivahan.
- From the drop-down menu, choose your state.
- Put your registration number here. Click Proceed when asked to verify your identity using Aadhaar.
- To pay your taxes online, go to the Online Services section.
- Enter the last five digits of your chassis number.
- Choose “LumpSum Two Year” as the payment mode in the Tax Details section. Your vehicle details will then be displayed.
- Complete the payment process, and your updated tax deadline will be provided once the transaction is successful.
Advantages of the BH Number
The BH (Bharat) number plate system offers significant advantages for vehicle owners in Maharashtra, especially those who frequently move due to work transfers. Here are the key benefits:
Interstate Mobility
A major advantage of the BH number plate is the ease of interstate vehicle movement. Owners are no longer required to undergo the time-consuming re-registration process when relocating to a different state, saving time and reducing paperwork. This is particularly beneficial for professionals with jobs that involve frequent transfers.
Simplified Documentation
The BH registration system streamlines the documentation process for vehicle owners. With fewer paperwork requirements and a more straightforward application process, frequent movers can manage their vehicle registrations more efficiently, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Flexible Road Tax Payments
The BH number plate offers the convenience of paying road tax in instalments, making financial planning easier for vehicle owners. Instead of a one-time payment, owners can spread the cost over time, providing greater flexibility in managing their vehicle-related expenses.
No Re-registration Hassles
With the BH series, vehicle owners avoid the repeated hassles of re-registration when moving between states. This eliminates the stress of managing state-specific registration requirements, allowing owners to focus on personal or professional responsibilities.
Long-Term Registration Stability
The BH number plate system ensures long-term stability in vehicle registration, even for those who relocate frequently. Vehicle owners can maintain registration across multiple moves, providing consistency and reducing administrative burdens over the years.
Disadvantages of the BH Number Plate
For car owners in Maharashtra, the BH (Bharat) number plate system has some difficulties, especially for people who often move for work. Here are a few main disadvantages:
Restricted Access
The BH number plate is exclusively available to government officials, bank employees, military personnel, and employees of commercial companies with offices spread throughout several states or union territory. The BH series is therefore only useful for specific automobile owners.
Not Including a Transport Vehicle
Buses, taxis, and trucks cannot utilise the BH number plate system because it is only available for passenger cars. Due to the exclusion of numerous vehicle types, particularly those utilised for public transportation or the delivery of products, this restriction lessens the convenience that the BH number plates provide.
Randomly Produced Numbers
This four-digit number, the third unit of the BH series number plate, is generated at random by the system. According to this, car owners are unable to select a unique number for their automobiles. This can result in some owners having numbers that are similar or the same, which can be less unique and make it harder to identify their vehicles.
Regular Payment of Road Tax
The BH series' road tax payments are due every two years. Some people may find this to be an extra challenge when they are already struggling with the general difficulties of moving to another state. In addition to other moving-related duties, managing these payments could be more challenging and unpleasant.
BH Number Plate Renewal Process
Renewing your BH registration in Maharashtra is a simple online procedure that ensures you remain compliant with road tax regulations. The BH series was introduced to simplify vehicle movement across states, requiring owners to pay road tax every two years and then annually after 14 years. Here’s how to do BH number plate renewal:
- Visit the Parivahan Portal: Go to the official portal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (Parivahan Sewa) to begin the renewal process.
- Login and Select Services: Click “Pay Your Tax” under the Online Services section, then select Maharashtra as your state.
- Enter Vehicle Details: Input the last five digits of your chassis and registration number. The portal will display your vehicle’s details, including the outstanding road tax.
- Payment Process: Choose the payment option for a two-year term (or multiples like four or six years). Complete the payment; the updated due date will appear on your tax details page once the payment is confirmed.
- Confirmation and Record: The portal will update your renewal status and provide the next payment due date after payment.
Conclusion
The BH number plate system is a game-changer for individuals who frequently relocate due to work. In Maharashtra, the BH series simplifies vehicle registration, allowing seamless interstate movement and reducing paperwork. By paying road tax in instalments and avoiding re-registration, vehicle owners can enjoy greater flexibility and convenience. If you meet the eligibility criteria, applying for a BH number plate in Maharashtra is an excellent option for hassle-free vehicle management.
Frequently Asked Questions
