BH Series Application Process: Everything You Need to Know

Have you just moved to a new city for your job? Or do you need to keep moving jobs every couple of years? In those cases, it is not only inconvenient, but time-consuming and expensive to update and re-register your vehicle in each new state. The BH (Bharat) Series Number Plate is just the sort of initiative that the Indian government has rolled out recently to facilitate this process for professionals with amazingly fluid living and work arrangements.

In this blog, we will explain what is a Bh series number plate, who is eligible, and most importantly, how to apply-step-by-step without relying on an agent or middleman.

What is the BH Series and Why Was It Introduced?

The BH Series (Bharat Series) number plate is a pan-India registration number introduced in 2021 by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). Vehicles registered in this series are valid to move freely across all the states of India without the requirement of re-registration each time whenever the owner moves to another state.

A typical BH number looks like this:

“22 BH 1234 AA”, where:

• 22 is the year
  
• BH is for Bharat
  
• Followed by a random alphanumeric code
  

It is especially beneficial for:

• Government and defence employees
  

Private sector employees working in companies with offices across 4+ states/UTs

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Who is Eligible for a BH Number Plate?

Eligible Group	Criteria
Government Employees	Working with Central or State Govt, PSU, or Defence
Private Sector Employees	If your company has offices in at least 4 states/UTs
Company-Registered Vehicles	For companies who own fleet cars or new company cars

Documents Required

Here’s a checklist of documents you’ll need while applying for a BH number plate:

Document Name	Purpose
Employment Certificate	To prove eligibility (for private/govt sector)
Form 60/61 or PAN Card	Identity verification
Aadhar Card	Additional identity verification
Address Proof	Required for contact and residence verification
Vehicle Invoice	For new vehicle BH registration
PUC Certificate	Mandatory for old vehicle registration
Insurance Certificate	Proof of vehicle insurance coverage

How to Apply for BH Series Registration

Before visiting the RTO to convert your RC, verify there are no pending fines , check your e challan status on CarInfo to avoid delays.”

To apply for the BH Number Plate has two ways: through your car dealer (for new cars) or via RTO directly (for old/existing cars).

If you are buying a new car:

• Let the dealer know you want a BH number plate.
• Provide employment proof and company documents.
• The dealer will register the car on the MoRTH portal for BH. 
• Pay applicable taxes .
• The new RC will have the BH number plate.

If you already have a car:

• Go to RTO or go via Parivahan portal.
• Fill out a Form 20, and Form 60 or 61, along with employment proof.
• Also provide insurance, an address proof, PUC, etc. 
• Pay applicable tax and conversion fee.
• You will get a new RC with the BH number plate. (Check Vehicle Owner Details By Number Plate)

BH Series Road Tax Calculation

Unlike the standard 15-year road tax system, BH vehicles pay road tax every 2 years. Here’s how it’s calculated:

Vehicle Cost Bracket	Tax Rate
Below ₹10 lakh	8% of invoice value
₹10–₹20 lakh	10%
Above ₹20 lakh	12%
Diesel vehicles	+2% extra
Electric vehicles	2% less

After 14 years, the tax is paid annually.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	How to Avoid It
Incomplete Documents	Use a checklist and verify everything before applying
Not Confirming Eligibility	Cross-check with your HR or employer if your company qualifies
Missing Tax Payments	Set reminders for the 2-year payment cycle
Wrong Application Method	Use a dealer for new vehicles and RTO for conversions

What Happens After You Sell a BH Series Vehicle?

A common question from many vehicle owners is: “Now, what if I want to sell a vehicle with BH registration?”

Here’s what you need to know:

• Eligible Buyer: 

As long as the buyer is also eligible to hold a BH series number (a Govt employee or qualifies as a private employee ) they will be able to transfer the registration without the need to change the number.

• If NOT an Eligible Buyer: 

In other scenarios, the BH series registration will have to be converted to a state-specific registration, corresponding to the buyer’s state.

• In this case:

• The new owner will be required to pay the road tax for the remaining period as provided to them under state regulations.
• A refund for the unused portion of their BH tax (for a period already paid) will not be available.
• A  new number plate (for the relevant state) will be issued.

Therefore, if you are planning to sell your vehicle at some point in the future, either take into account the potential buyer’s eligibility or the potential costs associated with conversion.

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Final Thoughts

Governmental BH Series registration is a big leap toward making vehicle ownership easier in a fast-moving, mobile India. If you are a frequent mover or anticipate a job transfer, applying for a BH number plate can spare you the trouble of endless re-registration processes – and the ensuing headaches. It simplifies:

• Road tax
• Inter-state travel
• Legitimate paper trail

So, if you are eligible, don’t hesitate to make the switch.