Learn everything about the BH Number Plate eligibility, benefits, tax rules, and application process in India.
In a vast country like India, millions of people move across states for work, government service, or personal reasons. For vehicle owners, every relocation traditionally meant re-registering their car, paying new state taxes, and facing bureaucratic hurdles. To simplify this process, the Government of India introduced the Bharat Series (BH) Number Plate — a national registration that allows vehicles to move freely across all states without re-registration.
🚘 What is the Bharat (BH) Number Plate?
The BH (Bharat) number plate is a new vehicle registration format launched by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) in 2021.
It enables seamless vehicle portability across states and eliminates the need for re-registration when the owner moves to another state.
Unlike traditional plates that start with a state code (like TS, KA, MH), the BH plate is uniform nationwide and doesn’t represent any specific state.
Example format:
- YY → Year of registration (e.g., 25 for 2025)
- BH → Bharat Series code
- #### → Random 4-digit number
- XX → Alphabetic code (letters except I and O)
Example: 25 BH 1234 AA
🎯 Purpose of Introducing BH Number Plates
The Bharat Series was introduced to:
- Simplify inter-state vehicle transfer procedures
- Reduce paperwork and eliminate the NOC (No Objection Certificate) process
- Offer flexibility for individuals who relocate frequently
- Create a national vehicle registration system
- Enable transparent, digital record-keeping through the Vahan portal
👤 Who is Eligible for BH Number Plates?
Not everyone can get a BH registration. As of now, the following are eligible:
- Central and State Government employees
- Defence and paramilitary personnel
- Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) employees
- Private sector employees whose organizations have offices in four or more states or union territories
Note: The BH series applies only to non-transport (private) vehicles.
📝 How to Apply for a BH Number Plate
Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Select BH registration while purchasing a new vehicle.
- Submit Form 20 through the Vahan or Parivahan portal.
- Provide Form 60 or an employment certificate (for private employees).
- Upload proof of identity, address, employment certificate, and vehicle invoice.
- The RTO verifies your details and assigns a BH number.
- Pay applicable motor vehicle tax (every 2 years).
- Your vehicle receives the BH series registration plate.
Some states also allow conversion of existing vehicles to BH Number plates if eligibility criteria are met.
💰 Road Tax & Validity
Under the BH registration, road tax is paid every 2 years instead of a lump sum for 15 years.
The rates depend on the invoice price of the vehicle:
| Vehicle Price | Tax Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Below ₹10 lakh | 8% | Base rate |
| ₹10–20 lakh | 10% | Standard rate |
| Above ₹20 lakh | 12% | Higher-end vehicles |
| Diesel vehicles | +2% | Additional charge |
| Electric vehicles | −2% | Tax rebate |
After 14 years, the tax becomes annual.
🌟 Benefits of the Bharat (BH) Number Plate System
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| No Re-registration | Move anywhere in India without changing your vehicle’s registration. |
| Uniform Validity | Valid across all Indian states and union territories. |
| Paperless System | Fully digital application and tracking through the Vahan portal. |
| Reduced Tax Burden | Pay road tax every 2 years instead of a one-time payment. |
| Ideal for Frequent Movers | Perfect for transferable jobs or multi-state businesses. |
⚠️ Limitations & Challenges
Despite its advantages, the BH system has a few limitations:
- Restricted to eligible categories only
- Not available for commercial or transport vehicles
- Random number generation (no vanity numbers)
- Tax needs to be paid every 2 years
- Re-registration required if sold to a non-eligible person
- State-wise adoption and implementation still ongoing
📍 Example: BH Plates in Telangana
In Telangana, the process is completely online:
- Choose BH during new registration on the Parivahan portal
- Submit documents for verification (government ID or company letter)
- Pay the road tax as per BH norms
- Get your BH Number plate, valid across India no more state transfer hassles
🔮 Future of BH Registration in India
The Bharat Series is expected to expand in the future to include:
- More categories of private vehicle owners
- Simplified conversion for existing state-registered vehicles
- Integration with FASTag, e-Challan, and national traffic systems
As India moves toward a unified transport ecosystem, the BH number plate is a major step forward for mobility convenience and transparency.
💬 Customer Testimonials
FAQs About Bharat (BH) Number Plate
Q1. Does YODrives provide BH registered vehicles?
No, YODrives does not provide any BH registered vehicles, whether for private, self-drive, or commercial use.
Q2. Can I get a BH number plate for my commercial vehicle?
No, BH series is only for non-transport/private vehicles.
Q3. How often do I pay road tax under BH registration?
Every 2 years for the first 14 years, then annually afterward.
Q4. Can my family member use my BH registered vehicle?
Yes, but if the new owner is not eligible, re-registration is required.
Q5. Is the BH number plate valid in all Indian states?
Yes, it is nationwide and eliminates the need for state-specific registration.
Q6. How to convert my existing vehicle to BH registration?
Some states allow conversion for eligible private vehicle owners. You need to submit employment proof and vehicle documents on the Vahan portal.
🏁 Final Thoughts
The BH Number Plate is a major step toward simplifying interstate vehicle movement in India. It benefits professionals who frequently relocate between states by eliminating the need for re-registration and offering flexible road tax payment options.
However, if you’re planning to rent or lease a car, note that YODrives does not provide BH registered vehicles. Our fleet includes only state registered cars that comply with all RTO norms ensuring a smooth and legal driving experience across India.
For your next city commute or road trip, you can easily book a self drive or chauffeur driven car with YoDrives — offering premium, reliable, and affordable rentals across Hyderabad and beyond.