
BH Number Plate Explained: Bharat Series Registration in India
The Bharat Series, commonly known as the BH number plate, was introduced to simplify vehicle ownership for people who frequently move between states. Traditionally, vehicle owners relocating to another state were required to re-register their vehicles and pay road tax again, making the process costly and time-consuming. The BH series was designed to eliminate this problem.
What Is a BH Number Plate
A BH number plate is a special registration series that allows vehicles to move freely across Indian states without the need for re-registration. Instead of paying lifetime road tax in one state, road tax under the BH series is paid in instalments.
The format of a BH number plate includes the year of registration, followed by the letters BH, and a unique numeric code.
Who Is Eligible for BH Registration
BH number plates are not available to everyone. Eligibility is limited to:
· Central or State Government employees
· Defence personnel
· Employees of public sector undertakings
· Private-sector employees working in companies with offices in four or more states or union territories
Eligibility must be certified by the employer.
How Road Tax Works Under BH Series
Unlike traditional registration, where lifetime road tax is paid upfront, BH registration allows road tax to be paid:
· Every two years
· Or annually in some cases
This reduces the upfront cost of vehicle ownership and aligns tax payment with actual vehicle usage duration.
Insurance for BH Number Plate Vehicles
Insurance coverage for BH number plate vehicles is similar to private vehicles. However, insurers consider:
· Pan-India usage
· Higher inter-state travel exposure
Comprehensive insurance is recommended for BH vehicles due to frequent long-distance travel.
Advantages of BH Number Plates
BH registration offers several benefits:
· No re-registration when moving states
· No refund claims for unused road tax
· Easier relocation for transferable jobs
Limitations of BH Number Plates
BH number plates:
· Are not available for commercial vehicles
· Cannot be transferred easily to non-eligible owners
· Require continued eligibility
Loss of eligibility may require conversion to regular registration.
BH Number Plates and Resale
Resale of BH-registered vehicles is more complex, as the buyer must also meet eligibility criteria. Insurance transfer follows standard procedures.
Platforms like Policynation help BH vehicle owners ensure seamless insurance coverage across states.
Final Thoughts
BH number plates are a practical solution for a mobile workforce. Understanding eligibility, tax structure, and insurance implications helps vehicle owners decide whether BH registration is suitable for them.