Bharat Number Plate (BH Series): The New Registration Process
BH Series Number Plate Vehicle Registration and Fees 2025
The Bharat Series or BH series number plate is a pan-India vehicle registration system launched to simplify the process of interstate vehicle movement. Traditionally, vehicle owners who relocate to a different state have to re-register their vehicles in the new state and pay road tax again, a process that is time-consuming and also full of delays.
The BH Series was launched to tackle this problem. It allows eligible vehicle owners to use their vehicle in any state of India without needing to change their registration. No more state-specific number plates. No more RTO hopping.
What is the Bharat Series (BH) Number Plate?
Introduced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in 2021, the BH series registration brings a unified approach to vehicle registration in India. Whether you’re a government employee, working for a multinational company, or a defence personnel who often moves cities, this is the registration plate you’ve been waiting for.
What Does a BH Number Plate Look Like?
The BH plate follows a unique alphanumeric format that looks like this:
YY BH == XX
Here’s what each part means:
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YY - The year of registration (for example, 25 for 2025)
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BH - The Bharat Series code
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== - A 4-digit randomly generated number
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XX - Two letters (also randomly generated)
So, a vehicle registered in 2025 might have a plate like 25 BH 4872 RS. Notice there’s no state code; that’s the beauty of the BH plate.
Who is Eligible for a BH Series Number Plate?
Not everyone can get a BH plate just yet. The government has laid down specific eligibility criteria to ensure it’s used by those who genuinely need interstate flexibility.
Here’s who can apply:
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Government Employees - Central Government, State Government, Defence personnel, and PSU (Public Sector Undertaking) employees.
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Private Sector Employees - If the company is registered in at least four Indian states or Union Territories.
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Employees of Multinational Companies - Those who are subject to frequent transfers across states.
If your job profile requires you to move from one state to another regularly, you’re likely eligible.
Can I Convert My Existing Vehicle to the BH Series?
Yes, as per recent updates, you can now convert your existing (old) private vehicle registration to the BH series, provided you meet the eligibility criteria mentioned above. Initially, only new vehicles were allowed for BH registration, but the system is now open to older vehicles too.
To convert, you’ll need:
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Valid address proof
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Employer ID or proof of employment with a transferable job
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No pending road tax dues
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Valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
Benefits of the BH Series Number Plate
Still wondering whether it’s worth making the switch? Here’s why the BH series could be a big deal for many vehicle owners:
1. No More Re-Registration Hassles
With BH plates, you don’t need to re-register your vehicle when you move to another state. Just drive and go.
2. Pan-India Validity
The registration is valid throughout India, not just the state you bought your car in.
3. Easier Resale Process
The lack of state-specific restrictions makes it easier to sell your vehicle to a buyer from any state.
4. Online Application
You can apply through the VAHAN portal, no need to physically visit the RTO in many cases.
5. Simplified Taxation
Road tax is paid in blocks of 2 years instead of a one-time payment for 15 years (more on this below).
Road Tax Structure for BH Series
The Road Tax Structure holds the biggest difference when compared to the traditional number plates.
Instead of paying 15 years of road tax upfront (as is the norm in most states), BH plate holders pay motor vehicle tax every 2 years.
The breakdown somewhat looks like this:
