How to Apply for a BH Number Plate Online: A Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for a Bharat (BH) number plate online is quite easy. You can do so by visiting the Vahan Portal under the MoRTH when you purchase a vehicle.

State and central government employees can apply for it online when purchasing a vehicle in India if their job profile requires frequent relocation. As per the PIB, private-sector employees can apply for it if their organisation has offices across 4 Indian states.

As a central or state government or a private sector employee with a frequent relocation need, if you want to learn how to apply for a BH number plate online, read about it here.

How to Apply for a BH Number Plate Online?

To make the process seamless, you can apply for it online when you purchase a vehicle, before its registration. Here is a step-by-step guide for it:

Step 1: Open a browser on your computer and head to the Vahan portal or the official website of the transport department of your state. Locate the option to register a new vehicle or transfer ownership of an already registered vehicle.

Step  2: Enter the necessary information, such as your name, the type of vehicle you are registering, its engine number, chassis number, etc.

Step 3: Upload the copies of the required documents, such as the identity and address verification documents. Also, submit copies of relevant documents to prove your employment details.

Step 4: Pay the registration fee online using your preferred payment mode and submit the application.

Step 5: Once the authorities review the application and your documents and approve, most RTOs issue the BH number plate within 7 to 10 working days.

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

Other Ways to Apply for a BH Number Plate in India

Now that you know how to apply for a BH number plate online, you must note other ways in case you face difficulties while applying for it online. You may apply for a BH series number plate via the dealership from where you are purchasing your vehicle:   

Step 1: Visit the authorised dealer of the vehicle that you have chosen. During the registration process, request a BH number plate.

Step 2: Submit the required identification and address proof, along with your employment proof and Form 60 for private-sector employees.

Step 3: Once you hand over copies of the required documents, you fill out the BH number plate application Form (Form 20). They will upload the scanned copies with the required vehicle and personal details on the Vahan portal.

Step 4: Pay the applicable BH series road tax instalment. After your application is successfully verified, the RTO approves your BH number plate for your vehicle.

As you get a BH number plate for your vehicle, do not forget to keep its insurance updated to drive legally and hassle-free on the Indian roads. Download the Bajaj General app for insurance options!

Also, Red: How to Apply for a Vehicle Registration Certificate?

What are the Required Documents to Apply for a BH Number Plate?

Now that you know how to apply for a BH number plate online, it is important to understand that certain documents are required during the application process. For a hassle-free application note, keep the following documents handy:

What is the Purpose of Having a BH Number Plate?

The key purpose behind introducing the BH number plate by the Indian government is to remove the requirement of re-registration of vehicles when you relocate to another state with your vehicle (e.g. a private car). It provides a nationally recognised registration format for private vehicles and is aimed at employees who have transferable jobs. 

Aside from eliminating the need for re-registration, the BH series makes road tax payments more flexible. Here, you may wonder how the BH number plate makes road tax payment flexible? Here, note that instead of paying a 15-year road tax upfront, the BH number plate allows you to pay it in instalments of 2 years or multiples of 2.

Also, suppose you are buying a new car. Here, for car insurance, you have to update or buy a new policy when you relocate, re-register, and get a new plate for your vehicle with a regular registration. However, with a BH number plate, you can keep the same insurance (e.g., third-party insurance) and drive it in another state.

Hence, the purpose of a BH number is to make interstate vehicle movement easy and save on vehicle costs, insurance purchases, and more.

Things to Consider While Applying for a BH Number Plate in India

After learning how to apply for a BH number plate online, it is important to note some of its aspects:

Road Tax Instalments

You have learnt that a BH number plate does not require the 15-year upfront road tax payment required for a regular registration. Here you can pay for it every two years. Otherwise, you may pay the road tax, for example, for 4, 6, or 8 years at a time. Hence, when purchasing a vehicle and during a BH registration, decide which option to choose.

 Road Tax Amount

Although it saves on road tax through instalments, you should note that the tax amount depends on your vehicle's ex-showroom price. For example, on vehicles under ₹10 lakh, a 8% applies. It increases as the ex-showroom price rises. Therefore, enquire with your RTO or vehicle dealer about this amount to estimate the road tax.

The NOC Requirement

If you are applying for a BH number plate for a vehicle, such as a car you already own and are registered with, you must obtain an NOC. You get it from the RTO where it is originally registered and submit it during the application. 

Also Read: Types of Number Plates in India: A Complete Guide

Final Words

If you are planning to buy a new vehicle with a BH registration, you must understand how to apply for a BH number plate online. Applying online is easy; you can do it yourself or through your dealer on the Vahan portal. You must keep the required documents, applicable forms, and the necessary road tax amount ready for a seamless application.

Secure your vehicle with a third-party or comprehensive insurance and drive with confidence on the roads. Download the  Bajaj General app for more details!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the BH number plate applicable to commercial vehicles?

No, the BH number plate is only applicable for non-transport private vehicles to allow seamless interstate travel, especially for employees with transferable jobs.

What is the format of the BH number plate on vehicles?

A BH number plate follows the format of YY BH 1234 XX, where YY represents the registration year, and BH stands for Bharat Series. The 1234 is a random numeric code, and XX consists of alphabetic characters to indicate the vehicle category.

What is one key disadvantage of the BH number plate?

The key disadvantage of this plate is its limited applicability. Other professionals, apart from public and eligible private company employees, cannot apply for it at this time.

Can I use my car with a BH number plate in the Union Territories?

Yes, you can use your car on roads in Union Territories such as Delhi and Chandigarh without a separate registration.

What if I fail to pay road tax for the BH number plate on my vehicle?

In that case, there may be penalties, such as a monetary fine, that increase your unnecessary expenses. Also, you may not be able to drive your car on roads without paying the tax. Hence, set a reminder for it and pay the tax within the time.

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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