The BH (Bharat) number plate, introduced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in 2021, provides a uniform vehicle registration system across India. This system is especially beneficial for individuals who frequently relocate due to transferable jobs, such as government employees, defence personnel, and employees in the private sector working for companies with offices in multiple states. This guide focuses on how the BH series number plate operates in Sikkim, its eligibility criteria, the application process, required documents, road tax regulations, and renewal procedures. You can visit the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for more information.
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What is the BH Number Plate/ BH Series Number Plate?
The BH number plate system is designed to ease the interstate transfer process for vehicle owners. Before the BH series, vehicle owners moving to a different state had to undergo a time-consuming re-registration process. With the BH number plate, a single registration is valid across all Indian states, allowing vehicle owners to relocate without re-registering their vehicles.
Launched in 2021 by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
To minimise paperwork and reduce delays in interstate vehicle transfers.
Initially accessible to government employees and individuals working for companies with offices in four or more states.
BH Number Plate Format
The BH series number plate has a standardised format that is easy to identify:
"YY BH #### XX"
YY Represents the year of registration.
BH Stands for Bharat series code.
####: A four-digit number unique to the vehicle.
XX: Two random alphabetic characters.
BH Number Plate: Eligibility Criteria
The BH series number plate is not available to everyone. Specific eligibility criteria are present to qualify for the BH series number plate. Here’s who qualifies in Sikkim:
Government Employee: You must be employed by the central or state government, which simplifies the BH registration process and aligns with the Bharat series requirements for frequent relocations.
Defence Services Member: Members of the armed forces qualify for the BH series number plate due to their frequent relocations, allowing them to register vehicles without the need for re-registration when moving between states.
Private-Sector Employment: Employees of private companies operating in at least four states or Union Territories can apply for a BH series number plate, supporting professionals who often travel for work.
Employer Documentation: You must provide an employment verification letter from your employer, which is essential to confirm your eligibility for the BH registration process.
Vehicle Registration: The vehicle must be registered in your name and meet all regulatory requirements to ensure a smooth application process and compliance with vehicle registration standards.
Compliance with Regulations: All vehicles must adhere to local laws, including valid insurance, a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, and any other necessary documents to avoid issues during BH registration and ensure roadworthiness.
BH Number Plate: How to Apply
The application for a BH series number plate in Sikkim can be done either online via the Parivahan Portal or offline by visiting the nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO). Here’s how you can apply for the BH number plate:
Online Process: Via the Parivahan Portal of MoRTH
Go to your state's transportation department website or the MoRTH Vahan Portal.
Find the application for transferring ownership or registering a new vehicle.
Provide the required details, such as the vehicle type, engine number, and chassis number.
Upload necessary documents, including proof of identity, address, and auto insurance.
Pay the registration fees.
After processing your application, you will receive an email or SMS notification about your BH series number plate.
To install the licence plate on your vehicle, visit the nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO).
Offline Process: Getting in touch with a Dealer to Register
If you prefer to apply offline, you can visit an authorised dealer or the RTO directly. Here’s how:
The dealer will fill out Form 20 on the Vahan Portal for you.
Private sector employees with offices in more than four states must submit Form 60 with their employment ID and a work certificate.
State officials will verify your eligibility.
Choose "BH Series" from the application menu.
Submit the required documents, including a copy of your official identification or your Working Certificate (Form 60).
The RTO will approve the registration for the Bharat series.
Make an online payment for any applicable fees or motor vehicle tax.
BH Number Plate: Essential Documents
To apply for the BH number plate in Sikkim, you must provide the following documents:
Form 20: Application form for vehicle registration.
Form 60: Applicable to private-sector employees.
Employment Certificate: A letter from your employer stating that your job is transferable and that your company operates in at least four states.
Proof of Identity: Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, or any other government-issued identity proof.
Proof of Address: Documents like an Aadhaar card, utility bills, or rental agreement.
Vehicle Details: Original registration certificate (RC), vehicle invoice, insurance, and Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate.
Road Tax for BH Series Vehicles
One of the features of the Bharat series is the flexible road tax payment system. Instead of paying road tax for the entire vehicle lifetime upfront, the BH series number plate allows you to pay the tax in instalments every two years or in multiples of two.
Here’s a breakdown of the tax rates:
Vehicle Price Range
Petrol Vehicles
Diesel Vehicles
Under ₹10 lakh
8%
10%
₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh
10%
12%
Above ₹20 lakh
12%
14%
Before applying for a BH series number plate, check how these road tax rates influence your overall vehicle expenses. While the biannual payment option necessitates regular budgeting, it provides greater flexibility than a lump-sum payment.
BH Number Plate: Steps to Pay Road Tax Online
Paying road tax for a BH number plate in Sikkim can be done online. Follow these steps:
Visit 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.
Click on Online Services to pay your online taxes.
Enter the last five digits of your chassis number.
Under Tax Details, choose Lump Sum Two Year as the tax mode. Your vehicle details will be displayed.
Complete the payment. Your new tax deadline will be provided once the transaction is finalised.
Advantages of the BH Number Plate
The BH number plate system offers several advantages to eligible vehicle owners in Sikkim, particularly those with transferable jobs. Here are some of the key benefits:
Interstate Movement
A key advantage of the BH series number plate is the smooth vehicle shifting between states. Vehicle owners can avoid the tedious re-registration process when relocating, saving time and minimising paperwork.
Ease of Documentation
The BH registration system streamlines the documentation process for vehicle owners. With fewer requirements and a more straightforward application process, individuals who relocate frequently can enjoy a hassle-free experience, ensuring efficient vehicle management without unnecessary delays.
Flexibility in Road Tax
BH series number plates provide the option to pay road tax in instalments, easing financial planning for vehicle owners. This approach allows individuals to budget their expenses more effectively, as they won't need to make a lump-sum payment all at once, making vehicle ownership more manageable.
Reduced Hassle with Re-registration
Owners of vehicles under the BH series experience less hassle with state-specific re-registration. This benefit allows them to concentrate on their work or personal obligations without worrying about the complexities of vehicle registration each time they relocate.
Long-Term Registration Stability
The Bharat series number plate system offers long-term stability in vehicle registration for those who frequently change states. This consistency enables vehicle owners to maintain their registration status over time, contributing to a sense of permanence despite regular relocations.
Disadvantages of the BH Number Plate
The Bharat series number plate was introduced in India to simplify registration for vehicle owners who frequently relocate across states. However, the BH series plate has certain drawbacks in Sikkim:
Higher Road Tax Rates
BH series plates often have a higher annual road tax rate, which may feel burdensome compared to the one-time payment system under standard state plates.
Limited Local Acceptance
The national applicability and unique tax structure of the BH plate may confuse local authorities and residents who are more familiar with traditional Sikkim plates.
Complex Renewal Process
BH plates require annual tax renewals, which can be less convenient than the state-based, lifetime tax payment system.
Lack of Local Benefits
Some states offer specific benefits, discounts, or exemptions for residents on certain vehicles. These benefits may not apply to BH number plates, which could be a disadvantage in Sikkim.
Administrative Delays
Since the BH series number plate system is relatively new, administrative processes may face delays or inconsistencies, making it difficult to get a BH registration renewal in Sikkim.
BH Number Plate Renewal Process
BH registration renewal in Sikkim is a simple online procedure that guarantees ongoing compliance with road tax regulations. The BH series, designed to streamline vehicle movement across states, mandates that vehicle owners pay road tax every two years initially and then annually after 14 years. Here’s a guide on how to do BH number plate renewal:
Visit the Parivahan Portal: Visit the official portal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (Parivahan Sewa)
Login and Select Services: Click on “Pay Your Tax” under Online Services, then choose Sikkim as your state.
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: After payment, the portal will update the renewal status and show the next payment due date.
Conclusion
The BH number plate system is a significant step forward in simplifying vehicle ownership for individuals frequently relocating between states. In Sikkim, the process to apply for a BH series number plate is streamlined, and the system offers flexibility in terms of road tax payments and renewal.
With the BH series, vehicle owners can enjoy hassle-free interstate mobility, reduced paperwork, and long-term stability in vehicle registration. If you are eligible, applying for a BH number plate in Sikkim is a great way to simplify your vehicle ownership experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most important question and their answer related to BH Series in Sikkim
Can I convert my existing state registration to a BH series in Sikkim?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria, you can convert your current state registration to a BH series in Sikkim by applying through the Vahan Portal or by visiting a Regional Transport Office (RTO).
Can I sell a vehicle with a BH series number plate in Sikkim?
Yes, you can sell a vehicle with a BH series number plate anywhere, including Sikkim. However, if the new owner does not meet the eligibility requirements for the BH series, they will need to re-register the vehicle under Sikkim's state system.
What documents are required for BH number plate renewal?
For BH number plate renewal, you need to provide the vehicle’s registration details and potentially employment-related documents if there are changes in eligibility (such as job or state changes). Initially, the online renewal process will also involve Aadhaar verification.
Are commercial vehicles eligible for BH registration renewal?
No, BH number plates are exclusively for private vehicles and do not apply to commercial or transport vehicles such as buses or trucks.
Are there additional charges for diesel or electric vehicles during the BH registration renewal?
Yes, diesel vehicles incur an extra 2% charge during the BH registration renewal, while electric cars are eligible for a 2% discount on road tax.
Are electric vehicles eligible for the BH series number plate in Sikkim?
Yes, electric vehicles can be registered under the BH series in Sikkim and enjoy lower road tax rates compared to petrol and diesel vehicles.
