BH Series (Bharat) Number Plates: Eligibility, Fees, Process

Quick Answer: The BH (Bharat) Series number plate allows vehicle owners to drive across all Indian states without re-registering at a new RTO. Introduced in August 2021, it is available to government employees, defence personnel, PSU staff, and private sector employees whose companies operate in 4+ states.

Introduced initially by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the Bharat Series (BH) is a game-changer for frequent movers, especially government officials, armed forces, and private sector employees working across states. If you happen to be one of them or are part of a family unit with one of them, it is critical for you to learn their importance. Luckily for you, we’ve got all of this covered in this blog.

In this blog, we’ll explain:

• What the BH series registration means
• Who is eligible and how to apply
• BH registration cost vs. standard RTO
• Road tax rules, renewal, pros, and cons
  

It’s time to expand on your overall information bank. More so, when all of it is critical information. Ready? Let’s get started.

Starting with the basics, most will just ask: What is a BH number plate? Well, the answer is simple.

The BH number plate—short for Bharat Series—is a national vehicle registration system that allows vehicle owners to freely move between states without re-registering with a new RTO.

Its main purpose? It’s designed to support India’s mobile workforce across various sectors. Especially those people who relocate frequently due to work or job-related transfers.

Here are some important critical details regarding it:

• Introduced in August 2021 by MoRTH
• Governed by Rule 50A of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR)
• Plate format: YY BH #### XX (e.g., 22 BH 2345 QZ)

Official Notification: View MoRTH Circular (https://morth.nic.in/en/circular-road-safety)

Going further, it’s important to explore the BH number plate eligibility. So, what kind of professionals can choose to apply for it? Well, let’s explore:

Who Can Opt for BH Registration?

You’re eligible for a BH number plate if you fall under these categories:

• Central/State Government employees
• Defence personnel
• Employees of PSUs (Public Sector Units)
• Private sector employees whose companies have offices in 4 or more states/UTs
  

As always, you’ll need to provide official employment ID or a HR certificate to prove eligibility. So make sure you keep one in mind.

Eligible Vehicles

What are the eligible vehicles that can carry a BH licence plate? Explore them below.

Category	Engine Size / Seating	Notes
Private Motorcycles	All engine capacities	Includes scooters, gear bikes
Cars & SUVs	All segments	Private non-transport vehicles only
Electric Vehicles	All types	EVs follow FAME & local incentive rules

Needless to say, since this is an official registration, there is a legal process that law-abiding citizens of the country need to comply with. Explore the documents required for bh registration below.

To apply for a BH series registration, keep these documents ready:

• Form 20 – Standard vehicle registration application
• NOC (if transferring from another RTO)
• Aadhaar / Passport / Voter ID – For ID and address proof
• Employment Proof – Govt ID card or HR-issued certificate
• Valid Vehicle Insurance
• PUC Certificate
• Invoice or Sale Certificate
  

✔ Pro Tip: Scan and upload all documents as PDF or JPG for online submission.

And yes, there are costs and expenses involved. Want to know all the necessary BH registration costs? Here’s how BH registration fees stack up against normal RTO charges:

Fee Type	BH Series Fee	Standard RTO Fee
Registration Charges	₹1,000 (flat)	₹600–₹2,000 (varies by state)
High-Security Plate + Smart Card	₹200	₹200
Road Tax (1st Year)	Based on state slab	Based on RTO + vehicle type
Renewal After 2 Years	₹500	₹500

While the upfront registration cost is fairly uniform, road tax payment style is the real differentiator.

Road Tax Calculation for BH Vehicles

BH vehicles pay road tax every 2 years, unlike regular vehicles that pay upfront for 15 years.

Vehicle Price (Ex-Showroom)	Petrol/Diesel Tax (%)	EV Tax (%)
< ₹10 Lakh	8% / 10%	6%
₹10–20 Lakh	10% / 12%	8%
> ₹20 Lakh	12% / 14%	10%

• Diesel vehicles: +2% surcharge
• EVs: -2% rebate
• No interstate tax or re-registration fee if you move
  

Renewal & Transfer

• BH plates are valid for 15 years like any other plate
• Renewal cost: ₹500 every 5 years after 15-year validity
• If sold to an ineligible buyer, you must convert to standard state registration
  

From a layman’s perspective, the most important question still remains “how to apply for bh number plate?”. You can explore all the details below.

Online via Parivahan Sarathi

1. Visit sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
2. Select your state → Choose “New Vehicle Registration”
3. Select “BH Series” in the dropdown
4. Upload scanned documents
5. Pay the required fees
6. Book an appointment for RTO verification
   

Once approved, you’ll receive your BH number plate with RC digitally.

Offline at RTO

Prefer a physical process? Follow these steps:

1. Fill out Form 20 manually
2. Carry physical copies of all documents
3. Submit to local RTO and request BH Series
4. Pay via cash/DD/UPI
5. Await approval and RC delivery
   

How does BH registration stack up against normal registration? What are the pros and cons? Explore below.

Pros	Cons
Pan-India validity—no RTO transfers	Not available to all private individuals
Biennial road tax reduces large upfront payments	Slightly higher recurring road tax for EVs
Works for bikes, scooters, cars, and EVs	Not applicable to commercial vehicles
One-time registration recognised across states	Requires renewal every 2 years

As in other cases, BH registrations can be renewed or cancelled. You can explore both processes below:

Renewal Process

• Use Form 25 (Renewal of Registration) via Sarathi
• Upload insurance, PUC, and identity proof
• Pay ₹500 renewal fee
  

Cancellation Rules

• If sold to someone ineligible for BH, transfer back to standard RTO plate
• Buyer will need to apply for new registration in their home state
  

1. What does BH series number plate mean?

It’s a “Bharat” series registration that allows your vehicle to stay legal in any state in India—no matter how often you transfer.

2. How much does BH registration cost?

Here are the necessary expenses:

• ₹1,000 registration fee
• ₹200 for HSRP
• Road tax as per state + 2-year cycle
  

3. Can I renew BH registration after 2 years?

Yes—you must. The biennial tax model requires renewal every 2 years until the 15-year mark.

4. What are the disadvantages of BH plates?

1. Explore some of the various disadvantages:

• Not eligible for commercial use
• Not transferable to ineligible users
• Slightly more paperwork if you miss a renewal
  

Should You Get a BH Number Plate?

If you are a government employee, defence personnel, or work for a company with offices in 4+ states, the BH plate is a practical choice. It removes the need for RTO re-registration every time you relocate and spreads your road tax into manageable 2-year payments instead of one large upfront sum. For everyone else, the standard state registration remains the simpler option.

Want more insights on RTOs, EVs, or license renewals? Stick with Ecozaar—we simplify every ride.