Bharat Series Number Plate: Who Can Get It and How to Apply?
The Bharat Series (BH) number plate allows employees who frequently move across states to register their vehicles once and avoid re-registration hassles. Learn about eligibility, benefits, and the application process.
A vehicle displaying the Bharat Series (BH) number plate, valid nationwide for seamless interstate movement.
Bharat Series Number Plate | Internet Desk:
Many people frequently relocate to different states due to work, which often means re-registering their vehicles each time they move. To simplify this process, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) introduced the Bharat Series (BH) number plate in 2021. This new registration format allows vehicle owners to avoid repeated re-registration when shifting between states.
What is the Bharat Series (BH)?
The Bharat Series number plate is designed to make vehicle registration seamless for employees who work across multiple states. Unlike traditional state-specific plates, the BH number plate follows a unique format:
Year of registration + BH + four-digit registration number + two letters (A-Z) indicating vehicle category.
For example, a plate like 25 BH 8262 RR means the vehicle was registered in 2025 under the Bharat Series, with “8262” as the registration number and “RR” as the vehicle category identifier.
Benefits of BH Series Number Plates
Nationwide Validity: Unlike regular state-registered vehicles that must be re-registered within 12 months after moving states, BH series vehicles remain valid throughout India without the need for re-registration.
Ease of Transfer: Selling or transferring vehicles to another state is hassle-free.
Owner Identification: Simplifies tracking in case of accidents or theft.
Tax Benefits: While traditional state-registered vehicles pay road tax for 15 years upfront, BH series owners pay road tax every two years. The tax depends on vehicle size, engine capacity, and type.
Who is Eligible?
- Central and State government employees
- Defence personnel
- Bank employees
- Administrative services employees
- Private sector employees working for companies registered in at least four states or Union Territories
Additional requirements include having a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate and having paid the applicable vehicle road tax.
How to Apply for BH Number Plate?
- Vehicle owners can apply online via the Vahan portal or through authorized automobile dealers.
- Dealers upload the application (Form 20) on behalf of the vehicle owner.
- Private sector employees need to submit documents such as Form 60, Form 27(A), Employment ID, Work Certificate, PAN, and Aadhaar.
- The state transport department reviews eligibility and, upon approval, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) issues the BH number plate.
- After approval, the motor vehicle tax must be paid to complete the process.
This new BH series aims to reduce administrative hassles and provide greater flexibility to vehicle owners who frequently move across states.
