Vehicle ownership in India has always been closely tied to state-specific rules, especially when it comes to registration and road taxes. For individuals who frequently move across states due to transferable jobs, this system often resulted in unnecessary paperwork, repeated tax payments, and time-consuming re-registration processes. To solve this long-standing issue, the Government of India introduced the Bharat Series (BH) Number Plate.

This guide provides Everything About New Bharat Series Number Plate, covering its meaning, eligibility, benefits, tax structure, application process, and key considerations—presented with clarity, accuracy, and practical insights for vehicle owners across India.

What Is the Bharat Series (BH) Number Plate?

The Bharat Series (BH) Number Plate is a centrally issued vehicle registration system that allows vehicles to move seamlessly across Indian states without requiring re-registration. Unlike traditional state-based registration numbers, BH series plates are valid throughout India.

Introduced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), the BH series was designed primarily for individuals with transferable jobs who relocate frequently.

Why Was the BH Series Introduced?

Before BH series registration, vehicle owners moving to another state for more than 12 months had to:

• Obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC)
• Re-register the vehicle in the new state
• Pay road tax again
• Apply for a tax refund from the previous state (often delayed or denied)

The BH series eliminates these hurdles by offering one-time nationwide registration with a simplified tax structure.

Who Is Eligible for a Bharat Series Number Plate?

Not every vehicle owner can apply for a BH number plate. Eligibility is clearly defined to ensure targeted benefits.

Eligible Individuals:

• Employees of Central Government
• Employees of State Governments
• Employees of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
• Employees of private companies with offices in 4 or more states/UTs

Important Eligibility Requirement:

Private-sector employees must submit Form 60, certified by their employer, confirming multi-state operations.

Vehicles Eligible for BH Series Registration

• Private, non-commercial vehicles
• Cars, SUVs, and two-wheelers
• Newly purchased vehicles

Not Eligible:

• Commercial vehicles
• Transport vehicles (taxis, buses, trucks)
• Existing vehicles already registered under a state RTO (unless re-registered under special cases)

BH Series Road Tax Structure Explained

One of the most important features of the BH series is its pay-as-you-use road tax model.

Key Highlights:

• Road tax is paid for 2 years or multiples of 2 years
• Tax is calculated based on the ex-showroom price of the vehicle
• Applicable GST rates influence the tax slab

Approximate Tax Rates:

• Vehicles under ₹10 lakh: Lower tax rate
• Vehicles ₹10–20 lakh: Moderate tax rate
• Vehicles above ₹20 lakh: Higher tax rate
• Electric vehicles receive tax concessions

This system reduces the financial burden of paying large lump-sum road taxes upfront.

How to Apply for a Bharat Series Number Plate?

The BH series registration process is mostly digital, making it transparent and efficient.

Step-by-Step Application Process:

1. Purchase a new vehicle from an authorized dealer
2. Inform the dealer about BH series registration
3. Submit required documents:
• Identity proof
• Address proof
• Employer certificate (Form 60, if applicable)
4. Dealer uploads details on the Vahan portal
5. Pay applicable road tax
6. BH number is generated and assigned
7. High-security registration plate (HSRP) is issued

Applicants do not need to visit the RTO separately in most cases.

Benefits of Bharat Series Number Plate

1. Nationwide Validity

No re-registration required when moving between states.

2. Lower Upfront Tax Burden

Pay road tax in installments instead of a one-time large payment.

3. Reduced Paperwork

No need for NOC or tax refunds during relocation.

4. Ideal for Transferable Jobs

Especially beneficial for government employees, defense personnel, and corporate professionals.

5. Uniform Registration System

Brings consistency to India’s vehicle registration framework.

Limitations and Challenges of BH Series

While beneficial, the BH series is not without drawbacks:

• Limited eligibility criteria
• Not accepted uniformly by all dealers initially
• Challenges during resale in some states
• Financing and insurance documentation may require additional verification

Vehicle owners should weigh these factors before opting for BH registration.

Insurance Considerations for BH Series Vehicles

Insurance coverage for BH series vehicles is similar to state-registered vehicles. However, policy documents must accurately reflect the BH registration number to avoid claim-related issues.

Vehicle owners should ensure:

• Correct registration details in insurance policy
• Valid third-party and comprehensive coverage
• Timely policy renewal irrespective of state movement

Conclusion

The New Bharat Series Number Plate is a forward-thinking initiative that simplifies vehicle ownership for India’s mobile workforce. By removing state barriers, reducing tax burdens, and minimizing bureaucratic hurdles, the BH series aligns with a modern, unified transportation vision.

For individuals eligible under the scheme, it offers unmatched convenience and financial flexibility. However, understanding eligibility, tax structure, and long-term implications is essential before making the choice.

When planning vehicle ownership, taxation, and insurance together, platforms like Square Insurance can help users make informed decisions by simplifying comparisons and ensuring compliance across states.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the BH number plate mandatory?

No, it is optional and available only to eligible individuals.

2. Can I convert my existing vehicle to a BH series?

Generally, BH series registration is available for newly purchased vehicles only.

3. Is BH series valid in all Indian states?

Yes, it is valid across all states and Union Territories.

4. Do I need to pay road tax again if I move states?

No, BH series eliminates the need for re-registration and re-taxation.

5. Can I sell a BH series vehicle?

Yes, but resale procedures may vary depending on the buyer’s eligibility and state regulations.

6. Is insurance cost higher for BH series vehicles?

No, insurance premiums depend on vehicle value and coverage, not the registration series.