If you have ever relocated to a different state and experienced the problem of re-registering your vehicle, you understand how much of a hassle and time-consuming process it is. From going to the RTO, getting No Objection Certificates (NOC), and remitting road tax all over again, the experience can be very difficult and time-consuming. To solve exactly this issue, and to make car ownership easier, the BH Series number plates were introduced by the Central Government.
How do Bharat Series (BH) Number Plates Work, Eligible Applicants, and How to Convert Your Old Car or Bike? Let us look thoroughly at all these points.
What Is the BH Series Number Plate?
The BH (Bharat) series is a special registration mark on number plates introduced by the Government of India in 2021. With registration, if someone wants to move from one state to another, they do not necessarily have to re-register their cars in the new state. This number plate is valid throughout India and comes particularly in handy for those who have transferable jobs.
A typical look of a BH Series number is as follows:
21 BH 4567 XY
21, here, is the registration year, BH represents Bharat, and the rest is a mix of numbers and letters chosen arbitrarily.
This system was created to resolve a huge problem in India's vehicle registration process: state-bound regulations. With the BH Series registration, you are no longer required to undergo the inconvenience of changing your number plate whenever you move states.
Who Can Apply for the BH Series?
When it was first launched, the BH Series was only for new cars purchased by eligible individuals. But in December 2022, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) made a crucial alteration: now, even existing or old cars can be upgraded to BH Series registration, as long as you are eligible.
The eligibility criteria include:
Government Employees
This covers the personnel employed in the state or central government, defence staff, and workers in public sector undertakings (PSUs).
Private Sector Employees
If you are an employee of a private firm with offices in four or more union territories or states, you are covered. You will have to produce a working certificate issued by your employer to establish this.
These rules apply whether you own a car, scooter, motorcycle, or any other non-commercial personal vehicle.
Why Should You Switch to the BH Series?
If you’re someone who relocates frequently for work or is part of an organisation with a national presence, switching to BH registration has some clear advantages.
First, it saves you from having to re-register your vehicle in a new state every time you move. With a regular number plate, you’d need to go through multiple steps, like getting a NOC from your current RTO, applying for re-registration in the new state, and paying road tax again. That’s a lot of paperwork and waiting.
With a BH number plate, your registration remains in force throughout the country. One number, one registration, wherever you may go.
Second, the BH Series enables you to pay road tax in advance, every two years, compared to having to pay a lump sum of money for 15 years, as in the case of conventional registration.
How to Convert an Existing Vehicle to the BH Series
The process is now quite easy, courtesy of revised rules and electronic assistance through the VAHAN portal. Here is a step-by-step guide to assist you in converting your current vehicle to BH Series registration.
Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility
Before applying, ensure you or your organization falls within the eligibility criteria. If you are working in government service, defense or PSU, you are eligible automatically. If you are in the private sector, your company must be working in more than four states or UTs. Then you will require an affidavit from the employer as well, stating the same.
Step 2: Collected Documents
Once eligibility is confirmed, gather the documents you will need. These typically include:
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Form 27A (the official application form for BH conversion)
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A copy of your existing Registration Certificate (RC)
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Valid insurance papers
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Employer ID card or working certificate
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Address proof
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Form 60 (as applicable)
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Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
In some cases, an inspection of the vehicle may be required by the RTO. This depends on state rules and vehicle condition.
Step 3: Apply Online or Visit RTO
There are two ways you can begin your application process:
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Through the VAHAN portal, especially if your vehicle dealer is authorized for BH registrations, or
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By visiting your state's local RTO in the state where you currently live or work.
Thanks to the amendment in 2022, applications can now be submitted based on your place of work, not just your residential address. This offers much-needed flexibility, especially for private sector employees.
Step 4: Pay the Road Tax as per the BH Series Norms
One of the most noticeable differences with BH registration is how the road tax is structured. Rather than paying one-time road tax for a 15-year duration, the BH Series allows you to pay in two-year blocks.
Here’s the tax structure based on your vehicle’s ex-showroom price:
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Below ₹10 lakh: 8%
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₹10–20 lakh: 10%
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Above ₹20 lakh: 12%
Note: Diesel vehicles attract an additional 2% charge, while electric vehicles get a 2% discount.
You will pay this amount when you register (or convert) your bike and again every two years thereafter.
Step 5: Get Your New BH Number Plate
When your documents are checked and payment has been received, your new BH number will be issued. You will receive a new RC, or Registration Certificate, to reflect your new number; you can then have a new number plate made and fitted on your vehicle.
That’s it. You’re done and free to take your vehicle anywhere in India without worrying about paperwork or re-registration again.
Important Things to Keep in Mind
While the process is straightforward, there are a few key points to remember:
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You must remain eligible at the time of application. However, if your job changes after registration, the BH number remains valid for that vehicle.
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The BH Series is only used presently on non-transport (private) cars.
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You will have to sell the BH Series car only to a buyer who is also eligible to get BH registration, or you'll have to re-register your car with an ordinary state number.
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Regular payment of half-yearly road tax is critical. Failure can attract a penalty or other complications in renewal.
Getting the BH Series number plate can be a very smart and helpful decision. Whether one's career calls for transfers frequently or relocations, it simplifies the registration process for you, saves you repeated paperwork, and offers the flexibility of nationwide validity.
If you are eligible and have a car, all the previous fog that would hound the conversion process is now well and truly gone. The digital tools like the VAHAN portal and the simplified tax structures would let the government turn its citizens free from bureaucratic obstacles.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I change over to BH registration, even after the lifetime tax?
Yes, you can, but the previously paid tax amounts shall not be refunded, since then, the road tax under BH series is effective from the date of conversion.
Q2. Do I need an NOC to change over the BH number?
No, according to recent rules, there is no need for No Objection Certificate (NOC) for changing over to BH Series.
Q3. Can I apply for the BH Series if I’ve recently changed jobs?
Yes, as long as your current employer meets the criteria and you have the necessary documentation.
Q4. What if I stop being eligible later?
The registration remains valid, but you cannot register a new vehicle under BH unless you regain eligibility.
Q5. Is the BH Series available in every state?
Yes, the BH Series is a national registration and is valid through and through all states and union territories of India.