How Can You Apply for a Bharat Series Number Plate?

 Are you tired of having to re-register your car every time you move to a different state for work?

You are not alone. Every year, thousands of professionals and government employees in India face this hassle. In fact, over 4 million vehicles were sold in India in 2024 alone, and many owners had to move across states due to job transfers or career changes.

To solve this problem, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) introduced the "Bharat Series" number plates in 2021. These special registration plates make it easier for vehicle owners to move between states without the need for re-registration.

In this article, we will explain everything about BH number plates – how they work, who can apply, the benefits, the application process, and why they are gaining popularity in 2025.

What Is a BH Number Plate?

The BH Number Plate (Bharat Series) was launched by the Indian Government in August 2021 for private (non-commercial) vehicles. It helps people who frequently move between states by eliminating the need to change the vehicle registration every time they shift

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

Usually, as per 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 re-register it in the new state. But with a BH number plate, you don’t have to re-register your car when you move to a different state.

This makes life easier for people with transferable jobs. Plus, your car insurance stays the same, saving you extra paperwork and confusion when you shift.

BH Number Plate Format

A BH number plate has a special format that’s easy to understand. Example: 25BH0123C

Here’s what it means:

• 25 – The year the vehicle was registered (2025 in this case).
• BH – Stands for Bharat Series.
• 0123 – A random 4-digit number that makes the plate unique.
• C – A random letter (I and O are avoided to prevent confusion).

So, a plate like 25BH0123C tells you the vehicle was registered in 2025 under the Bharat Series, with a unique number valid across India.

Who Is Eligible for a BH Number Plate?

The BH number plate is meant for people who frequently move across states due to work. It is available for:

• Central or state government employees
• Army or defense personnel

Employees of government companies (PSUs)

Workers in private companies with offices in four or more states/union territories

Requirements include:

• Valid Indian address proof
• Only personal (non-commercial) vehicles like cars and bikes are allowed
• Both new and old vehicles can apply
• Road tax must be paid

Valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate must be available

Advantages of BH Number Plates

Here are some key benefits of the Bharat Series number plates:

• Easy Interstate Movement – No need to re-register when moving to a new state. Car insurance remains valid without extra work.
• Reduces Fake Registrations – Uniform BH format makes it easy to check and prevents illegal registrations.
• Saves Money – No need to pay for No Objection Certificates (NOC) or re-registration fees. Road tax is calculated differently, saving costs in the long run.
• Less Paperwork – No extra forms or complicated processes when changing states, saving time and effort.
• Reduces Frauds – Each BH number is unique and easy for authorities to verify, helping prevent fraud.

Disadvantages of BH Number Plates

There are some downsides to consider:

• Not for Transport Vehicles – Only for private cars and bikes. Cannot be used for taxis, buses, or trucks.
• Limited Eligibility – Only available to government workers, army personnel, and employees of companies with offices in multiple states.
• Random Number Assignment – Unlike regular plates, you can’t choose a preferred number.
• Frequent Road Tax Payment – You must pay road tax every 2 years instead of a one-time payment for 15 years.
• Complicates Car Sale – If you want to sell your car, the buyer must also be eligible for a BH plate. Otherwise, it needs to be converted to a regular registration, involving extra paperwork.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Easy to move interstate	Not for transport vehicles
Prevents fake registrations	Limited eligibility
Saves money	Cannot choose preferred number
Less paperwork	Road tax paid every 2 years
Helps prevent fraud	Complicated for resale

Documents Needed for BH Number Plate Registration

To apply for a BH number plate, you will need:

• Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)
• Road Tax Receipt
• Valid Pollution Certificate (PUC)
• ID Proof (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.)
• Address Proof (electricity bill, Aadhaar, etc.)
• Job Proof (office ID or employment letter)
• Form 60 (if no PAN card)

How to Apply for BH Number Plate in Rajasthan

You can apply online via the MoRTH Vahan portal or through an authorized dealer. The process is simple:

• Visit the MoRTH Vahan website and fill out Form 20.
• If in the private sector, upload Form 60, your work ID, and employment proof.
• Select the BH Series option.
• Upload required documents (ID, office ID, Form 60).
• RTO verifies your details and approves the request.
• Pay the road tax online.

The BH number will be generated automatically and assigned to your vehicle.

Cost of BH Number Plate Registration

BH number plates have specific taxes:

Road Tax – Paid every 2 years (unlike regular plates where tax is for 15 years).

Motor Vehicle Tax – Based on the vehicle price:

Vehicle Price	BH Road Tax
< ₹10 Lakh	8% of vehicle price
₹10 – ₹20 Lakh	10% of vehicle price
> ₹20 Lakh	12% of vehicle price

Diesel cars: Additional 2% tax

Electric cars: 2% discount

Note: Fees vary by state and vehicle type. Contact your local RTO or check their official website for exact costs.

How to Pay BH Series Tax Online

Pay your BH series tax easily via the Parivahan website:

1. Visit the Parivahan official site.
2. Select the state where your BH number was registered.
3. Enter your vehicle registration number and click "Proceed".
4. Under "Online Services", click "Pay Your Tax".
5. Enter the last 5 digits of your chassis number.
6. Choose the 2-year tax option.
7. Make the payment online.
8. After payment, the new tax due date appears on the screen.

Does BH Number Plate Affect Insurance Price?

No, the BH number plate does not change your insurance price. Insurance rates are based on:

• Car model and type
• Car’s age
• Location of the owner

Conclusion

The Bharat Series number plate is a great solution for people who move from one state to another due to work. It eliminates the hassle of re-registering your vehicle every time you shift. Along with the BH number plate, getting a good car insurance plan ensures your vehicle stays protected while you enjoy the convenience of easy interstate movement. For reliable and affordable car insurance options, consider choosing Square Insurance to keep your vehicle secure wherever you go.