Bharat (BH) Number Plate for Bikes

What is the BH Series Number Plate?

The BH series also known as Bharat Series number plate is a standardized vehicle registration system valid across all states and union territories (UTs) of India. It was launched in 2021 to eliminate the need for re-registration when vehicle owners relocate. This system removes the hassle of the registration process and creates a seamless experience for individuals who frequently move between states.

Instead of re-registering your vehicle every time you move to another city, the BH number remains valid throughout the country. This eliminates the task of paying road tax in each new state, which acts as a significant relief for frequent relocators. The format of a BH number plate is YY BH XXXX AA, where YY represents the year of registration, BH stands for Bharat, XXXX is a unique alphanumeric code, and AA represents the vehicle category.

Key Features of BH Series Number Plate

Who is Eligible for a BH Number Plate for Bikes?

Essentially, in India the individual's employment involves a frequent relocation across state borders. It's important to note that self-employed individuals or business owners who frequently relocate are currently *not* eligible for BH number plates.

Here is a list of parties who are eligible for getting a BH number plate for bikes:

• Government Employees: Central and State government employees are eligible.
• Private Sector Employees: Employees of private companies with offices in four or more states are eligible. This is a crucial inclusion, as it caters to a large segment of the working population.
• Defense Personnel: Members of the armed forces are also eligible.

How to Apply for Bharat Series Number Plate 2025?

The application process for a BH number plate for bikes is similar to that for cars. It involves the following steps:

1. Obtain NOC: If your bike is already registered in a state, you must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the registering authority in that state. This NOC confirms that there are no outstanding dues or legal issues related to the bike.
2. Apply Online: The application for a BH number plate is typically made online through the MORTH (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways) VAHAN portal.
3. Submit Documents: You will need to upload scanned copies of the required documents, including:
• Proof of identity (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.)
• Proof of address
• Employment ID card or Form 16 (for private employees)
• NOC from the previous registering authority (if applicable)
• Bike's registration certificate
• Bike insurance policy document
• PUC certificate
4. Pay Fees: The required fees for the BH number plate and registration need to be paid online through the portal.
5. Vehicle Inspection: In some cases, you might be required to take your bike for a physical inspection at the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
6. BH Number Allotment: Once the application is processed and approved, the BH number will be allotted, and a new registration certificate will be issued. The new number plate needs to be affixed to your bike.

Benefits of a BH Number Plate for Bikes

To check all the benefits of a BH number plate, check the below points:

1. No Re-registration: The biggest advantage is eliminating the need to re-register your bike when you move to a different state. This saves time, effort, and money.
2. Unified Road Tax: You pay road tax based on the state where the vehicle was initially registered, simplifying taxation and avoiding multiple road tax payments in different states. The road tax is levied annually and is calculated proportionally based on the vehicle's age.
3. Simplified Documentation: A single registration document is valid across the country, reducing paperwork and administrative hassles.
4. Increased Resale Value: A bike with a BH number plate might have a slightly higher resale value, as it appeals to a broader audience, particularly those who anticipate relocating in the future.

Drawbacks of BH Number Plates for Bikes

Having BH number plate comes with a few drawbacks as well:

1. Eligibility Restrictions: The eligibility criteria are quite specific, excluding self-employed individuals and business owners who frequently relocate. This limits the reach of the BH series.
2. Initial Complexity: The initial application process, including obtaining the NOC, can be slightly complex and time-consuming.
3. Limited Awareness: Awareness about the BH number plate system, especially for bikes, is still relatively low. This can sometimes lead to confusion at RTOs or during interstate travel.
4. Potential for Misuse: There is a potential for system misuse, with ineligible individuals trying to obtain BH number plates. Authorities are constantly working to prevent such fraudulent activities.

Road Tax Implications for BH Number Plates

The road tax for bikes with BH number plates is levied annually. The road tax rate is based on the bike's age and the state where the vehicle was initially registered, not the state where the bike is currently being used. This is a crucial aspect of the BH series and significantly simplifies taxation for interstate travellers.

BH Number Plates vs. Regular State Number Plates

The primary difference lies in the validity. A regular state number plate is valid only within that specific state. When you move to another state, you must re-register your bike and obtain a new number plate. A BH number plate, on the other hand, is valid across the entire country, eliminating the need for re-registration.

Future of BH Number Plates for Bikes

The BH number plate system is a welcome move towards simplifying vehicle registration in India. As awareness increases and the system becomes more streamlined, it is expected to gain wider acceptance. Expanding the eligibility criteria to include more categories of individuals could further enhance its utility. The BH series has the potential to create a truly unified vehicle registration system, making interstate travel much smoother and hassle-free for bike owners.

Cost of the BH Series Number Plate

The price of a BH number plate depends on the vehicle's invoice cost and fuel type. The base tax rates are as follows:

• Less than ₹10 lakh: 8% of the invoice cost
• ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh: 10% of the invoice cost
• More than ₹20 lakh: 12% of the invoice cost

A 2% surcharge applies to diesel vehicles, while a 2% discount is given for electric vehicles. For private vehicles, the road tax is collected for a period of 2 years or in multiples of 2 (e.g., 4, 6, or 8 years). Therefore, the final cost is calculated as:

Final Cost = (Invoice Cost * Base Tax Rate * Fuel Type Adjustment) * Years (for private vehicles)

Note: Fuel Type Adjustment is 1.02 for Diesel, 0.98 for Electric, and 1.00 for Petrol.

How to Pay BH Series Tax Online?

Follow the below steps to pay the BH series tax online:

1. Visit the Parivahan Sewa Portal: Open your web browser and navigate to the Parivahan Sewa portal.
2. Select the State: From the dropdown menu, choose the Indian state where your BH series number was originally registered. This is crucial as tax collection and procedures vary slightly between states.
3. Enter Registration Number and Proceed: Type your complete vehicle registration number (including the BH series identifier) into the designated field. Double-check for accuracy to avoid errors. Then, click the 'Proceed' or similar button to move to the next step.
4. Navigate to 'Pay Your Tax': Look for the 'Online Services' section on the portal. Within this section, find and click on the option labelled 'Pay Your Tax,' 'Road Tax Payment,' or something similar.
5. Enter Chassis Number Details: Enter some identifying information about your vehicle. This often includes the last five digits of your bike's chassis number (also known as the Vehicle Identification Number of your bike or VIN). This helps to ensure you are paying tax for the correct vehicle.
6. Select Tax Mode and View Details: Choose the tax payment period. For BH series vehicles, road tax for private vehicles is typically collected for two years or in multiples of two (4, 6, or 8 years). Select the appropriate option. After this, the portal should display your bike's details, including the make, model, and previous tax payment information. Verify that the information is correct.
7. Make Payment: Choose your preferred online payment method (e.g., credit card, debit card, net banking, UPI). Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the payment securely. Once the payment is successful, you should receive a confirmation message and a receipt. The portal will also update the tax due date for your vehicle and, at last, save a copy of the payment receipt on your device for your records.

Will the BH Series Number Plate Affect Bike Insurance Premium?

Bike owners with BH number plates must comply with the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 and have a valid third-party bike insurance policy, just like any other regular registration number bike. The BH number plate itself does not affect the bike insurance premium. Premiums are calculated based on factors like the bike's type, age of the bike, model, location, and the coverage chosen. Therefore, having a BH series number plate will not change your bike insurance premium.

How to Buy BH Series Bike Insurance Online?

Follow the below procedure to buy Bharat (BH) series bike insurance online:

1. Go to the official website of Policybazaar Insurance Brokers Private Limited.
2. Select 'Bike Insurance' under the 'Insurance Products' dropdown menu available at the top of the page.
3. Next, enter your BH series bike number in the relevant field and click 'View Prices'.
4. Now select further details about your bike, such as the RTO (Regional Transport Office) where it has registered, the make and model of the bike, the specific variant, and the year of registration.
5. Fill out the online registration form with your personal details, contact information, and any other required information.
6. Browse through the available bike insurance plans offered by various bike insurance companies. Here, you compare their features, coverage, and premiums. Choose the plan that best suits your needs and budget. You can also select any add-ons covers for bike insurance, such as personal accident cover, roadside assistance, or zero depreciation cover, at an additional cost for enhanced coverage.
7. Complete the proposal form, providing all the necessary information. Then, proceed to make the online payment using your preferred payment method.
8. After successful payment, Policybazaar will typically send your BH series bike insurance policy documents to your registered email address. You can then download and print these documents for your records.

FAQs About BH Number Plate in India