People who move between states for work have long faced the hassle of re-registering their vehicles. The Bharat (BH) series registration was introduced to make vehicle movement across states easier for eligible owners. This guide explains the BH series number plate, who can get it and how to apply.
Key Takeaways
- BH series is a registration mark for eligible personal vehicles to ease inter-state movement.
- It is available to defence and government employees and eligible private-sector employees.
- Road tax is paid for two years at a time (or multiples), rather than a large lump sum.
- Apply through the dealer at the time of new vehicle registration.
What Is the BH Series?
The BH series was introduced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in 2021. Vehicles with BH registration do not need re-registration when the owner moves to another state, as long as the rules are followed.
Number Format
A BH number looks like YY BH #### XX, where YY is the year of first registration, BH is the series code, #### is a four-digit number and XX are letters.
Who Is Eligible?
- Defence personnel
- Central and state government employees
- Employees of central and state public sector undertakings
- Private sector employees of companies with offices in a specified minimum number of states or union territories
Eligibility rules may be updated, so check the latest notification on the MoRTH or Parivahan website.
Benefits
- No re-registration when moving states.
- Road tax paid in two-year blocks, easing upfront costs.
- Less paperwork and fewer RTO visits.
Road Tax
Instead of paying road tax for 15 years upfront as with regular registration in many states, BH series owners pay tax for two years (or multiples of two) at rates specified under the scheme. After 14 years, tax is paid annually.
How to Apply
- Buy a new vehicle and inform the dealer you want BH series registration.
- Submit proof of eligibility, such as an employee ID or working certificate in the prescribed form.
- The dealer applies through the Vahan portal.
- Pay the applicable road tax and fees.
- Receive your BH registration and number plate.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Existing vehicles with regular registration may have limited or state-specific options to convert; check current rules.
- Keep eligibility documents safe.
- Pay the next tax instalment on time.
BH Series vs Regular Registration
| Factor | BH Series | Regular State Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Moving to another state | No re-registration required | Re-registration needed after specified period |
| Road tax payment | Two years at a time (or multiples) | Often lump sum for 15 years in many states |
| Eligibility | Specific categories of employees | Anyone |
| Number format | YY BH #### XX | State code format |
Documents Commonly Required
- Proof of eligibility (such as employee ID or working certificate in the prescribed form)
- Identity and address proof
- Vehicle purchase documents from the dealer
- Insurance policy
Paying Road Tax on Time
BH series owners must pay road tax for the next block before the previous period ends. Missing payments can lead to penalties. Set reminders and pay through the Vahan portal or as instructed by the RTO.
Selling a BH Series Vehicle
If you sell the vehicle to someone who is not eligible for BH series, the vehicle may need to be converted to regular registration as per rules. Discuss with the RTO before selling to understand the process and any tax implications.
Is BH Series Worth It?
- Yes, if you have a transferable job and expect to move between states.
- Maybe not, if you plan to stay in one state long-term and prefer a standard registration.
- Compare total road tax costs in your state under both options.
Common Questions From Private Employees
Private employees must ensure their employer meets the prescribed conditions, such as having offices in a minimum number of states or union territories, and provide the required certificate. HR departments of eligible companies usually issue this on request.
Staying Updated
The BH series rules have been amended since launch. Before buying, check the latest notification on the MoRTH website or ask your dealer to confirm current eligibility and tax rates.
Common BH Series Mistakes
- Assuming everyone is eligible: Eligibility depends on employer type and rules. Check official guidelines first.
- Missing tax payment cycles: BH series road tax is paid in periodic cycles; track due dates.
- Incomplete documents: Keep the employer working certificate and ID ready to avoid rejection.
Always confirm current rules on the official transport portal before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can private employees get BH series?
Yes, if their employer meets the prescribed conditions, such as offices in multiple states.
Is BH series available for used cars?
BH registration is mainly for new vehicles. Rules for existing vehicles may vary; check with your RTO.
Do I need to pay road tax again when I move?
No re-registration is needed. You continue paying road tax as per the BH schedule.
Can I sell a BH series vehicle to anyone?
Transfer rules apply. The buyer must meet eligibility or the vehicle may need conversion. Check with the RTO.
Where can I check rules?
On the MoRTH website and the Parivahan portal.
Conclusion
For people with transferable jobs, BH series registration saves time, money and paperwork. Check eligibility, ask your dealer at purchase and keep tax payments on schedule.
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