BH Number Plate: Bharat Series Number Plate Registration

If you're a car enthusiast in India, you've probably heard about the BH Series Registration Plates. These plates are the latest addition to the Indian vehicle registration system and have been making headlines in the Indian automotive conversation. BH Series, also known as the Bharat Series, is a new initiative by the Indian government to standardise the vehicle registration process across the country.

This new registration series allows vehicle owners to register their vehicles in any state of India without changing the number plate. In the past, whenever a person shifted to a new state, they had to change their vehicle registration number and get a new number plate as per the state's regulations. This caused a lot of hassle and inconvenience for vehicle owners who had to go through the entire registration process from scratch.

In this blog, we'll learn more about BH Series Registration Plates, how to get them, and the benefits they offer. Let's get started! 

What is the BH Series Number Plate?

The new BH series was launched in 2021 by the Indian government to provide a uniform registration process across the country. These registration plates have a standard size of 520 mm x 110 mm, and the characters are embossed on the plate with a laser.

The registration number on the plates consists of four alphabets, followed by four numerals and ends with the BH prefix. Vehicle owners can purchase the BH series number plate from authorised dealers or the Regional Transport Office (RTO).

The BH series registration plates come with a lot of benefits that make them an attractive choice for vehicle owners. One of the most significant advantages is that it allows vehicle owners to transfer their vehicles between different states without having to change the number plate. This feature saves time and money for vehicle owners, especially for people who get transferred frequently due to their work.

Why Was the BH Series Number Plate Launched?

The BH series number plate was launched to provide a standardised registration process across the country. Earlier, every state in India had its own set of rules and regulations for vehicle registration, making it challenging for people who frequently travel or get transferred to different states. These registration plates eliminate the need to change the registration number every time the owner shifts to a new state, making it convenient for vehicle owners.

The uniform design of these plates helps reduce fraudulent activities by making it easier for authorities to identify the registration state of a vehicle. This is especially crucial in today's times when vehicle theft and fraud cases are on the rise.

Understanding the BH Series Number Plate

The Bharat Series is the latest registration series introduced by the Government of India to further streamline the process of vehicle registration for people with transferable jobs. These plates are different from the previous number plate format, where the first two initials denoted the state where the vehicle was registered. Instead of using state initials, this series replaces the first two initials with BH, which helps eliminate the hassle of changing the vehicle's registration number every time the owner shifts to a new state.

The BH series number plate is in the format of YY BH #### XX, where the YY represents the year in which the vehicle was registered under the Bharat Series, and the BH represents the Bharat Series code. The #### denotes a unique four-digit number ranging from 0000 to 9999, and the XX represents two random letters from AA to ZZ.

Currently, this number plate is only available for private vehicles. However, the government may consider extending this to commercial vehicles in the future.

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Key Features of the BH Series Registration Plates

Now you can experience unparalleled convenience with the BH Series registration plates, tailored exclusively for non-transport passenger vehicles. Here are the distinctive features that set these plates apart:

1. Exclusivity for Non-Transport Vehicles

• BH registration plates are designated solely for non-transport or passenger vehicles, ensuring a specific and streamlined identification

2. Nationwide Validity

• Say goodbye to the complexities of re-registration when shifting to a different state
• BH Series plates are nationally recognised, eliminating the need for cumbersome paperwork and saving you valuable time

3. Uniform Design with a Numerical Twist

• The number plates maintain a standard design, featuring a white background with black fonts
• However, the numerical format distinguishes them from conventional plates, adding a touch of uniqueness

Read More: Have A Scrap Car? Know The RTO Rules For Selling Car As Scrap

BH Series Number Plate: Eligibility

To apply for a Bharat series number plate, one must have a transferable job. This initiative aims to make the process of vehicle registration smoother for defence personnel, central and state government employees, employees of PSUs, and employees of private companies with offices in four or more states and union territories.

With these registration plates, the vehicle's registration remains the same, regardless of the state in which the owner resides. This helps save time, effort, and money that would otherwise have been spent on changing the registration number. In short, the new registration series is a progressive step towards a more unified and standardised vehicle registration system in India.

Overview of the BH Series Vehicle Cost and Road Tax

For private vehicles bearing the BH series licence plate, road tax is levied over a two-year period, extendable in multiples of two (four, six, and eight years). Online payment options are available, with the tax remaining valid for 14 years. Post this period, an annual payment becomes mandatory.

The road tax percentage is determined by the vehicle's invoice price, featuring reduced rates for electric vehicles. Below is the cost breakdown for the BH number plate according to the vehicle cost:

• Less than ₹10 lakh: 8%
• Between ₹10-₹20 lakh: 10%
• More than ₹20 lakh: 12%

It's important to note that there's a 2% surcharge for diesel vehicles and a 2% reduction for electric vehicles. Private vehicle owners are required to pay road tax for the BH number plate every two years or in multiples of two (4, 6, and 8). Please note that these charges and taxes are valid as of 15th November 2023 and may change in the future. 

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Pros & Cons Of BH Series Number Plate

Pros:

• It enables the free movement of vehicles across India, making it easier for people with transferable jobs
• The road tax for BH series vehicles is lower compared to regular number plate cars, which can result in significant cost savings over the long term.

Cons:

• The numbers on these plates are randomly generated, which means that owners do not have a choice in selecting a specific number for their vehicles.
• Owners of the new registration series must submit periodic road tax payments every two years, which can be a hassle for some people.
• Commercial vehicles are not eligible for these number plates, which means that this benefit is only available to private vehicle owners.

Read More : How to Find Vehicle Owner Details Online?

How to Apply For A BH Series Number Plate Online?

Applying for a BH series number plate online is a simple and hassle-free process. Here are the steps that you need to follow:

• Step 1: Visit the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) e-vahan portal.
• Step 2: Click on the “Vehicle Registration” tab on the homepage and select “Bharat Series” from the dropdown menu.
• Step 3: Enter your vehicle registration details, including your name, address, vehicle make and model, engine number, and chassis number.
• Step 4: Upload your documents, including proof of eligibility and address proof.
• Step 5: Pay the applicable fees for registration.
• Step 6: After the successful submission of the application, you will receive an acknowledgement slip with a unique application number.
• Step 7: After the verification of your documents and eligibility, your number plate will be issued.

Documents Required for a BH Series Registration Plate 

Here is a list of the documents you need to apply for and procure a BH Series Registration Plate: 

• PAN Card
• Official ID Card (a PSU or a government employee ID card, whichever is applicable)
• Aadhaar Card
• Form 60 (for individuals employed in the private sector)
• GST certificate of the company

Also Read: How to Find Vehicle Owner Details by Number Plate

Highlights of the BH Series Vehicle Registration

Highlights of the BH Series Vehicle Registration

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Should You Get a BH Series Number Plate?

If you are eligible for BH series registration, then it is worth getting one as it has several advantages. The main advantage of the new registration series is that it allows for the free movement of vehicles across India. Additionally, the road tax slab is lower for BH series vehicles, and the upfront cost is also lower. However, for those who do not have a transferable job, this number plate is of little to no use.

Also Read: RTO Charges for Registering a Car

BH Series Number Plate: What Changes Can You Expect in 2023?

In 2023, there will be some changes in the BH series number plate system. The first and foremost change will be the replacement of the current initials, "22," with "23". Besides, the computer will generate a new set of random numbers for the XXXX series. This means that new number plates will have a completely new registration number format. Additionally, there is a chance that the last set of letters may also change.

Furthermore, the government has also allowed regular registration owners to opt for the BH series registration mark. This move will enable more people to benefit from the advantages of the BH series number plate. However, it is important to note that eligibility criteria must still be met before one can apply for these registration plates.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, the Bharat Series Registration Plates have brought a new era in Indian vehicle registration. The introduction of these number plates has helped simplify and streamline the registration process for individuals with transferable jobs, and the periodic road tax payments have made it easier for them to move around the country with ease.

If you are eligible for the BH series registration, then why not give it a shot? It's an opportunity to be a part of a distinctive community, and you never know, it could even increase your vehicle's resale value!

FAQ's:

Q. When did the BH Bharat Series Vehicle registration new rule launch?

The government launched the BH series and started registration on 15th August, 2021. 

Q. When will registration for the Bharat series number plate or registration mark start?

The registration process for the BH Series number plate started on 15th September, 2021. People can also apply for BH registration marks for their old private vehicles. Earlier, the BH Series registration was only available for new purchase vehicles.

Q. Can I convert my current car registration to one from the BH series?

The government has recently notified that vehicles with regular number plates can also get a BH series registration plate. However, the registered vehicle will be subject to applied tax. 

Q. Can I buy or sell a used car with a BH number?

People can now easily buy or sell a car with BH numbers. Moreover, these vehicles won't require re-registration. 

Q. Is the BH series applicable to old vehicles?

As per the recent notification from the government,  owners of an old vehicle eligible for the Bharat series number plate can apply for these number plates. 

Q. Is the Bharat series number plate costly?

The BH series number plate attracts a road tax of 8%, 10%, or 12% depending upon the price of the vehicle.