Everything About Bharat Series Number Plate

What is BH Number Plate?

The BH Number Plate (Bharat Series) was started by the Indian Government in August 2021 for private (non-transport) vehicles. It helps people who move to different states by removing the need to change the vehicle's registration every time they shift.

The registration process for BH number plates officially started on 15th September 2021.

Usually, under the Motor Vehicles Act, if your car is registered in one state - like Rajasthan (RJ), you can use it in another state for up to 12 months. After that, you must register it again in the new state. But with a BH number plate, you don’t need to register your car again when you move.

This makes things easier for people with transferable jobs. Also, your car insurance stays the same, so there’s no extra work or confusion when you shift to a new state.

BH Number Plate Format

The BH number plate has a special format that is easy to understand. For example, it looks something like this:

The BH number plate has a special format that is easy to understand. For example, it looks something like this: 25BH0123C

Let’s break it down:

• 25: This shows the year the vehicle was registered. In this example, it means the car was registered in the year 2025.
• BH: These letters stand for Bharat, which means it belongs to the Bharat Series.
• 0123: This is a random 4-digit number that makes the number plate unique.
• C: This is a random letter (except 'I' and 'O' to avoid confusion). Sometimes there may be two letters at the end.

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So, a number like 25BH0123C tells you the car is registered in 2025 under the Bharat Series, with a unique ID. This format is the same all over India which makes it easy for people who move from one state to another.

• Meaning of 22BH Number Plate: "22BH" means the car got its number plate in 2022, and BH shows it's part of the Bharat Series.
• Meaning of 23BH Number Plate: "23BH" tells us the vehicle was registered in the year 2023, and BH means it belongs to the Bharat Series.
• Meaning of 24BH Number Plate: "24BH" means the vehicle was registered in the year 2024, and BH stands for Bharat Series.

Who Can Get a BH Number Plate?

The BH number plate is made for people who often move from one state to another for work. It is available for:

• People working in the central or state government
• Employees in the army or defense services
• Workers in government companies (PSUs)
• If you work in a private agency that has branches in four or more states or union territories.
• The person should have a valid Indian address proof to apply.
• Only personal or non-transport vehicles (like cars and bikes) are allowed. You cannot apply for buses, taxis, or trucks.
• Both new and old vehicles can get a BH number plate.
• Your vehicle must have road tax paid.
• It should also have a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate.

Advantages of BH Number Plates

Here are some Bharat Series number plate benefits that you should know about:

• Easy to Move to Another State - If you shift to a new state, you don’t need to register your car again. This also makes it simple to update or renew your vehicle insurance.
• Restricts Fake Registrations - Since the BH number plate system is the same all over India, it helps stop fake number plates and illegal vehicle registrations.
• It helps in Saving Money - You don’t need to pay for an NOC (No Objection Certificate) or re-registration. Also, road tax is paid in a different way that can help you save money over the period of time.
• Requires Less Paperwork - You don’t need to fill out extra forms or go through long processes when moving your car to a new state. This saves time and effort.
• Helps Reduce Frauds - Every BH number is unique and easy to check. This helps the police and other authorities find correct details and catch frauds quickly.

Disadvantages of BH Number Plate

Here are some things that might not be so good about having a BH number plate:

• Not for Transport Vehicles The BH number plate is only for personal cars. It cannot be used for vehicles like taxis, buses, or trucks. So, it’s not helpful for people who use transport vehicles.
• Not apt for Everyone Only some people can get a BH number plate, such as government workers, army staff, bank employees, or people working in private companies with offices in different states. So, not all car owners can apply for it.
• You Can't Choose Your Number With normal number plates, you can pay extra to choose your favorite number. But with a BH plate, the number is given randomly. You can’t pick it.
• Pay Road Tax Every 2 Years With a BH number plate, you must pay road tax every 2 years (or 4, 6, etc.). This can be a bit of a hassle for some people.
• Not Helpful for Selling the Car If you want to sell your car, having a BH number plate might make it a bit harder. That’s because the new buyer must also be eligible for a BH plate. If they’re not (for example, if they don’t work for the government or a company with offices in multiple states), they’ll have to convert the BH number to a regular number, which involves extra paperwork and time.

Documents Required for BH Series Vehicle Number Plate Registration

• Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)
• Road Tax Receipt
• Valid Pollution Certificate (PUC)
• ID Proof (like Aadhaar, PAN, etc.)
• Address Proof (like electricity bill, Aadhaar, etc.)
• Job Proof (like office ID or offer letter)
• Form 60 (if you don’t have a PAN card)

How to Apply for BH Number Plate in Rajasthan

The BH number application process is very simple and you can apply for it yourself on the MoRTH Vahan website or ask an authorized car dealer to help you.

Steps to Apply:

1. Go to the MoRTH Vahan portal and fill Form 20.
2. If you work in the private sector, you also need to upload Form 60, your work ID, and employment proof.
3. While applying, select the BH Series option.
4. Upload all the required documents like your ID proof, office ID, and Form 60.
5. The RTO (Regional Transport Office) will check your details and approve your request.
6. Pay the vehicle tax online.

Once the payment is done, your BH number will be automatically created and given to you.

Cost of BH Number Plate Registration

If you get a BH series number plate, there are a few taxes you need to pay:

1. Road Tax

• For regular number plates, you pay road tax for 15 years.
• But for BH number plates, you only pay road tax for 2 years at a time.
• After 2 years, you can move to another state and pay road tax there based on that state's rules.

2. Motor Vehicle Tax

You still need to pay registration and RTO charges. The road tax for BH plates is based on the price of your vehicle:

• Diesel cars: Add 2% extra.
• Electric cars: Get 2% discount.

This tax system helps support the government’s efforts to reduce pollution and protect the environment.

Note: The cost to apply for a BH (Bharat) number plate can be different in each state and also depends on your vehicle type. To know the exact fee in your area, it’s best to contact your local RTO or visit their official website.

How to Pay BH Series Tax Online

You can pay your BH series tax easily online using the Parivahan website. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Go to the official Parivahan website.
2. Choose the state where your BH number plate was first registered.
3. Enter your vehicle registration number and click on "Proceed".
4. In the Online Services section, click on "Pay Your Tax".
5. Type the last 5 digits of your car’s chassis number.
6. Select the 2-year tax option. Your vehicle details will appear.
7. Make the payment online.

Once paid, you’ll see the new tax due date on the screen.

Does a BH Number Plate Change Your Insurance Price?

No, it doesn’t.

If your vehicle has a BH number plate, you still need to follow the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, just like everyone else. You also must buy motor insurance. But don’t worry - the BH number plate does not change your insurance cost. The price of your insurance depends on things like:

• Car type and model
• Car’s age
• Where you live

Conclusion

BH number plates are very useful for people who move from one state to another because of their job. If you often travel across India for work, getting a BH number plate in Rajasthan can make things much easier. You won’t have to go through the trouble of re-registering your vehicle every time you shift to a new state. To keep your car protected, it’s also a smart idea to buy good car insurance along with your BH number plate.