BH Number Plate for Bikes: Everything You Need to Know

The BH number plate for bikes is a PAN-India registration plate for bike owners who generally travel frequently across states in India. Registering your bike with this system lets you travel without re-registering it when you go interstate.

It eliminates the need to pay road taxes in other states, offering a hassle-free movement of employees within central and state governments and private organisations across states.

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways introduced it on 26 Aug 2021, and if you want to register your new bike under BH registration, read about it here in detail.

What is the BH Number Plate in Bikes?

The Bharat Series bike registration system was introduced in India in 2021 to simplify and streamline the bike registration process for individuals who frequently relocate across states for work.

Individuals working in the Public Sector Undertaking organisations, central or state government and private organisations with transferable jobs can benefit from it. Generally, if you plan to stay in a different Indian state for more than 12 months and want to operate your vehicle there, you need to re-register it in that state.

The BH number plate for bikes eliminates this requirement, so individuals with a transferable job can work in a different state and operate their bikes with this registration.

What is the Format of a BH Number Plate on Bikes?

If you wonder what a BH number plate on a bike looks like, note that it differs in format from a regular registration plate. Suppose, as a government employee, you applied for a BH number plate for your bike. Upon approval, your bike’s number plate will arrive as ‘XX BH YYYY AA’.

Here, XX is the year your bike was registered. BH represents the Bharat Series, and the YYYY is a unique alphanumeric combination allocated for your bike. And lastly, the AA represents the vehicle category.

Also Read: Decoding BH Number Plate 22 Meaning

What are the Eligibility Criteria to Obtain a BH Number Plate for Bikes?

The BH registration for two-wheeler follows a certain fulfilment criteria. Note the following criteria of eligibility in terms of employment before you apply for a Bharat number plate for your motorcycle:

Private Sector Employees

Individuals employed by private organisations can also apply for a BH number plate for bikes, but there is a condition. An individual private-sector employee can apply for a BH number plate for their bike if their company has branches in 4 or more states in India.

Defense Personnel

Members of the Indian armed forces also require frequent travel across states for relocation. Hence, such personnel are also eligible to apply for a BH number plate on their bikes.

Government Employees

If you are an employee working for the central government or your native state government and require frequent relocation, you can apply.

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What is the Process to Get a BH number plate for Bikes?

To apply for and obtain a BH number plate for your bike, note the following steps:

Step 1: On your device, open a browser and head to the official  VAHAN portal. Note that you need to obtain an NOC from your Regional Transport Office (RTO) if your bike is already registered.

Step 2: Register or log in to the portal to begin registering your bike's BH number plate.

Step 3: Upload scanned copies of documents like your Aadhaar Card, Passport, etc., for identity verification. Upload a document for proof of address (e.g. utility bill), employment ID, and Form 60.

Step 4: Upload a copy of the NOC from your RTO, if applicable, and a copy of the Registration Certificate.

Step 5: Upload the updated bike insurance policy for your motorcycle, along with a copy of its updated PUC.

Step 6: Pay the required fees online, and once the authorities review and approve your application, you will get a new BH number plate with a new RC.

How Much of Road Tax Applies to a BH Number Plate for Bikes?

As you apply for and get a BH number plate, note that it is subject to a biennial road tax. However, the amount of tax depends on the price, age, and the state where the bike is actually registered. However, here is a base tax rate for this type of plate:

Also Read: BH Number Plate Price: Features, Documents Needed, and Validity

What are the Key Benefits of Obtaining a BH Number Plate for Your Bike?

Now that you have noted the specifics of the BH number plate for bikes, note some of its key benefits:

Nationwide Recognition

By attaching a BH number plate to your bike, you get nationwide validity to travel with it. It means you can travel across Indian states and Union Territories without requiring additional road permits or re-registration.

Saves Additional Expenses

As you relocate multiple times across Indian states for work, your bike's regular registration plate needs to be re-registered frequently. It is not only time-consuming and may involve hassle, but it also increases overall expenses as you have to pay for re-registration every time. Thus, a BH number plate for bikes eliminates the need for this additional expense.

Reduces Hassle For Insurance

When you re-register, you need to update your two-wheeler insurance policy as well. It increases both the cost and hassle, too. Therefore, with a BH number plate, you can carry one insurance policy under that registration number as you move interstate.

Few Drawbacks of the BH Number Plate for Bikes

Aside from its benefits, BH number plates for motorcycles also come with a few limitations:

Limited Eligibility

You have noted that government and private sector employees with offices across multiple states can apply for this plate. It means not everyone in India can apply for this type of plate as of yet.

Randomised Number Application

In regular number plates, a bike owner may apply for a number of their choice by paying an additional fee. However, the BH bike number plate does not allow you to choose a number; you have to stick with the one assigned to you. 

Also Read: Why Shouldn't You Use Fancy Number Plates on Your Bike?

Final Word

The BH number plate for bikes allows bike owners to travel interstate for work purposes if they require frequent relocations. Government employees and defence personnel can apply for it with the required documents. Private sector employees must ensure that their organisation operates across multiple states to be eligible to apply.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell my bike if it is registered with a BH number plate?

You may sell your bike with the BH registration plate to a buyer eligible for a BH registration. However, if that buyer is not eligible, the bike must undergo state-specific re-registration based on its original registration details.

How many Indian states issue a BH number plate for bikes?

All Indian states and Union Territories issue BH number plates for government employees and eligible private-sector employees in India.

How long does a BH registration stay valid?

A BH registration usually remains valid if you keep paying the tax on time. You must pay the road tax for it every 2 years, or for 4, 6, or 8 years at once.

Does a BH plate affect my bike insurance?

No, the BH number plate does not affect your bike insurance premium. Your insurer determines the premium based on the IDV of your bike, age, model, coverage amount, location, etc.

How long does it take to complete the BH number plate for bikes?

Once you upload all required documents and make the required payments, the process typically takes 3 to 7 days.

What is the significance of the 'BH' colour scheme on number plates?

BH plates feature black text on a white background, following the standard private vehicle colour code, ensuring consistency with regular non-commercial bike registrations.

Do electric bikes qualify for BH series registration?

Yes, electric two-wheelers are eligible. They benefit from the same interstate mobility, though motor vehicle tax rates may vary by state due to state-specific EV policies.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.

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