With the increasing mobility of professionals across India, the Government of India introduced the Bharat (BH) series number plate to simplify vehicle registration. The BH series registration eliminates the hassle of re-registering vehicles when moving to a different state. But what exactly is a BH number plate, who can get it, and what are its benefits? This comprehensive guide answers all your questions.
What is a BH Number Plate?
The BH series number plate is a special registration introduced in 2021 for seamless inter-state vehicle movement. Unlike regular state-specific number plates, vehicles with a BH registration don’t require re-registration when the owner relocates to another state.
Example of BH Number Plate Format:
YY BH #### XX
- YY: Year of registration.
- BH: Bharat series code.
- ####: A unique four-digit vehicle identification number.
- XX: Alphabets assigned randomly for vehicle identification.
Eligibility Criteria
Not everyone can apply for a BH number plate. It is restricted to specific categories of people, including:
- Government Employees – Employees of Central and State Governments, Defense personnel, and PSU staff.
- Private Sector Employees – People working in private firms that have offices in at least four states or Union Territories.
Registration Process for BH Number Plate
The process to obtain a BH series number plate is straightforward:
Step 1: Application
- Eligible applicants must apply through the VAHAN portal.
- Required documents include employment ID, proof of transferability, and address proof.
Step 2: Road Tax Calculation
- Unlike regular plates, road tax for BH series vehicles is charged for two years in slabs of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 years.
- Road tax renewal is required after every two years.
Step 3: Payment & Verification
- Owners must pay the road tax online.
- RTO verifies the documents before issuing the BH number.
Step 4: Number Plate Issuance
- Once verified, the new BH registration number is generated, and the number plate is issued.
Cost of BH Number Plate
The BH number plate registration cost varies based on the vehicle’s price:
- For vehicles costing less than ₹10 lakh: 8% road tax.
- For vehicles costing between ₹10 lakh and ₹20 lakh: 10% road tax.
- For vehicles costing more than ₹20 lakh: 12% road tax.
Diesel vehicles incur an additional 2% tax, whereas electric vehicles receive a 2% tax rebate.
Advantages of BH Number Plate
- No Re-Registration Hassles – Eliminates the need to re-register when relocating.
- Uniform Road Tax – Standardized taxation system across India.
- Saves Money – Owners pay tax in two-year slabs instead of a lump sum for 15 years.
- Convenience – Simplifies documentation for frequent movers.
- Future-Proof – Encourages seamless inter-state mobility.
Disadvantages and Challenges
- Limited Eligibility – Restricted to a certain group of people.
- Tax Renewal Every Two Years – Unlike state plates, which are valid for 15 years, BH tax needs renewal every two years.
- Not Applicable for Used Cars – Currently, BH series registration applies only to new vehicles.
- State Revenue Loss – Some states are hesitant to implement it due to loss of tax revenue.
Competitors and Alternatives to BH Number Plate
While the BH series is the best solution for inter-state mobility, alternatives include:
- Regular State Registration – The conventional method requiring re-registration when shifting states.
- Temporary Registration – Used for short-term relocations but requires conversion to a permanent number later.
- Defense and Government Vehicle Registration – Exclusive to military and government personnel with special exemptions.
Key Statistics and Real Numbers
- Over 50,000 BH series registrations were completed in the first year of launch.
- Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Delhi lead in BH registrations.
- Road tax collection from BH vehicles exceeded ₹200 crore in the first 18 months.
Future of BH Number Plates in India
With an increase in job mobility and digital governance, the BH series is expected to expand its reach. Experts suggest that in the future, the eligibility criteria may extend to more individuals, and the government might consider making it available for used cars as well.
Conclusion
The BH series number plate is a revolutionary step towards a hassle-free vehicle registration system in India. While it comes with its own set of challenges, the benefits far outweigh the limitations. If you are eligible, opting for a BH number plate can save time, effort, and money while ensuring uninterrupted interstate mobility.
Pic Credit -The Indian express
