BH Series Number Plate: Who can take BH number, how much is the tax and how to apply?

People have many questions in their minds regarding Bharat Series Number Plate. Who can get this? For how many days is it valid? Will buying this save money? Can a car with BH number be sold or not? Many such questions keep flashing in people’s minds.

If you are also thinking something like this, then you have reached the right address. In this article, we are going to know each and every thing about BH Series number plate. Let us also look at the details including the cost involved in making it and its eligibility and validity. We will also know the advantages and disadvantages of BH Number Plate.

What is Bharat Series (BH) number plate?

Bharat Series or BH number plate is a national level vehicle registration system launched by the Government of India in August 2021. In this BH The word is taken from the first two letters of Bharat. This is different from normal state-based number plates, as it is valid throughout the country. Normal number plates like UP, DL or MH are state-specific and the vehicle has to be re-registered when the state is changed, but this is not the case with BH plates.

BH Series Number Plate

It is designed for people who frequently change states, such as government employees or people in the private sector. The format of BH plate is as follows: YY BH 0000 AAwhere YY is the last two digits of the year of registration (e.g. 25 for 2025), BH for India, 0000 is a random four-digit number and AA is random two letters. It also includes safety features like hologram, laser number and barcode.

Who can get BH number plate? (Eligibility)

BH series number plate is available only for private cars or bikes. This is not for everyone. It has strict eligibility criteria. If you have any one of these eligibility criteria, you will be able to buy a car with BH Number-

• State or central government employees, who are transferred frequently.
• Defense Ministry personnel or members of the military.
• Employees of Public Sector Companies (PSUs).
• Private sector employees, whose company is registered and operating in at least four states or union territories.
• Bank employees may also be eligible, but it depends on the company’s multi-state presence.

For the application, you have to submit documents proving your eligibility like ID proof, address proof, company certificate and Form 60. This is done through online Vahan Portal. If you are not eligible, the application may be rejected.

For how many days is BH number plate valid?

The validity of BH number plate is generally 14 to 15 years, depending on the life of the vehicle. After that, it has to be renewed every 5 years, which involves a fee of around Rs 500. However, one important thing is that road tax is paid in blocks of 2 years.

For example, first 2 years’ tax in advance, then next 2 years’ and so on. If the vehicle is sold before 14 years, the remaining tax can be refunded. This system remains valid for a long time, but regular tax payment is necessary. Validity is all over India, so there will be no extra charges for changing the state.

How much will BH number plate cost?

The cost of getting a BH number plate is different from normal state registration, as the road tax is based on engine capacity, not state-specific rates. The tax structure is as follows-

• Vehicles priced below Rs 10 lakh: 8% road tax.
• Those with Rs 10-20 lakh: 10% road tax.
• Above Rs 20 lakh: 12% road tax
• 2% extra on diesel vehicles, 2% less on electric.

This tax is taken in advance for 2 years. Apart from this, there are registration fees, HSRP (High Security Registration Plate) expenses (about Rs 400-500) and other fees like hypothecation charges. Overall, the initial cost may be a little higher than usual, but the savings are worth it in the long run.

Will buying BH number plate save money?

BH plates can save money, especially if you move states frequently. Changing state in a normal plate requires obtaining NOC, registration in the new state and repayment of road tax (which is for 15 years), which costs thousands of rupees and time.

All this is saved with BH plate. Cash flow remains better since the tax is paid in a block of 2 years. However, if you live in the same state, the normal plate may be cheaper as the initial tax is higher in BH. Overall, this is a good saving option for people with transferable jobs.

Advantages and disadvantages of BH number plate

• National Validity: Drive anywhere across India without the worry of registration.
• Saves time and money: No need for NOC or re-registration when changing state, which saves months of process.
• Tax Management: Taxes in blocks of 2 years, which is budget friendly.
• Limited Eligibility: Not everyone can buy, only specific categories of people will be able to buy.
• Resale Difficulty: Selling a car with BH plate is a problem because if the buyer is not eligible, the plate may have to be changed and this will cost more.
• No state-specific features: Some states do not enforce HSRP or other local rules on BH plates, which can be a problem.