ALL ABOUT THE NEW BHARAT SERIES NUMBER PLATE

What is Bharat Series Number Plate?

The Bharat Series (BH-series) number plate is a standardized vehicle registration system introduced by the Government of India in 2021 to facilitate vehicle movement across states. BH series vehicle registrations aims to simplify the process for vehicle owners who often need to relocate to different states. Introduction of Bharat series number registration eliminated the need for re-registration and provided a uniform system for vehicle identification nationwide.

When Was Bharat Series Registration Introduced in India?

The Bharat series number plates were first issued on the 28th of August 2021. The registration for the new number plates started on the 15th of September, 2021. By the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, vehicle owners had to transfer the registration of their vehicle within 12 months of transfer to the new state.

BH Series Number Plate Format

The BH-series number plates follow a specific format for easy identification and uniformity. The format for the Bh series number plate starts with vehicle registration year in YY format, followed by “BH” which indicates the “BHARAT” series registration. BH is followed by a 4 digit unique number, and single or double random alphabets.  

 

 

 

 

• Year of Registration: 21
• Bharat Series Code: BH
• Serial Number: A unique alphanumeric code assigned to vehicle (e.g., 1234)
• Single or Two Alphabet: Random alphabets assigned to vehicle 

 

21BH Number Plate Meaning

21BH is vehicle registration number series under Bharat series registration where "21" signifies year of vehicle registration "2021" and "BH" represents Bharat Series.

22BH Number Plate Meaning

Similarly 22BH is vehicle registration number series under Bharat series registration where "22" signifies registration year of vehicle i.e. 2022 and "BH" represents Bharat Series.

23BH Number Plate Meaning

Vehicle number plates starting with 23BH are registered under "BHARAT" series where 23 denotes the vehicle registration year of 2023 and  "BH" indicates Bharat series registration.

 

Features of BH Series Number Plates

1. BH-series plates offer a consistent valid format across all states of India.
2. Simplifies interstate vehicle transfer process without needing re-registration.
3. Bh Series number plates incorporate advanced features like holograms and barcodes to prevent counterfeiting.
4. Unique registration number of vehicle facilitates easier tracking and identification of vehicles across the country.

 

Benefits of Bharat Series Number Plates

Restrict Illegal Registrations: Centralized registration reduces illegal registration transfers and fake number plates.

Ease of Relocation: The Bharat Series registration makes it easier to transfer and renew vehicle insurance when moving to a different state, as it removes the need to re-register the vehicle.

Reduce Frauds: Unique registration numbers across the country makes it easy for authorities to track and verify vehicle information, helping with law enforcement.

Reduce Paperwork: Elimination of re-registration on state to state transfer reduces administrative process paperwork.

Cost Saving: Reduced road tax payment and No need of NOC and re-registration provides cost saving advantages to BH series registered vehicle owners.

 

Eligibility for BH Series Number Registration

• Applicants must be central, state government, PSU or bank employees. Defense personnel, administrative service employees can also apply for BH series registration.  
• Private sector employees are also eligible for Bharat series number plate application but they must have their offices in more than four states or UTs.
• Applicants must have permanent address proof of India.
• BH Series registration is available to only personal and commercial vehicles only and not transport vehicles like bus, taxi, and trucks.
• New as well as old vehicles are eligible for BH series number application.
• For application of old vehicles, it must be under its current registration validity, and the conversion to a BH series plate must be done before the re-registration period expires.
• Applicant vehicles must be cleared with road tax.
• Vehicle must possess valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate

 

How to Apply for Bharat Series Number? 

Step 1: Log in to MoRTH Vahan Portal at https://parivahan.gov.in/

Step 2: Select Select "Vehicle Related Services" option under "services" menu

Step 3: Click on "Permit Related Services" option

Step 4: Select "BH Series" option under "Permit Related Services"

Step 5: Provide asked details like vehicle registration and chassis number.

Step 6: Upload soft copies of vehicle registration certificate, proof of identity, proof of address, and employment proof.

Step 7: Pay the applicable fees online.

Step 8: After completing all the steps, click on “submit” to fill your application.

 

Note: You can also seek assistance from your nearby dealer, the dealer fills out Form 20 on the Vahan portal on your behalf.

Applicants from the private sector employees with offices in more than four states or UTs must submit Form 60 and provide their employment ID with a work certificate.

 

Documents Required for BH Series Vehicle Number Plate Registration

• Vehicle Registration Certificate
• Road Tax Receipt
• Valid PUC Certificate
• Identity Proof
• Address Proof
• Employment Proof
• Form 60

 

BH Number Plate Price in India
 

 

Note: Pricing for the Bharat series application can vary state to state and it also depends on the type of vehicle. It's recommended to contact your local RTO or check their official website for the exact fees applicable in your region.

 

FAQs on Bharat Series Vehicle Number Plates

Can I Get BH Number Plate for an Old Vehicle? 

Yes, both new and old vehicles meeting registration guidelines are eligible to apply for BH registration number plates.

 

Is BH Series Number Registration Available for Two-Wheelers?

Yes, BH-series registration is available for two-wheelers, including motorcycles and scooters.

 

Can I Transfer My BH-Series Registered Vehicle to Another State?

Yes, with BH series registration you can relocate with your vehicle to another state without need of registration transfer.

 

What Kind of Vehicles Can Apply for a BH Series Number Registration?

As of now BH number plates registration is limited to personal and commercial vehicles only, and can't be applicable for transport vehicles like bus, taxi, trucks.

 

21BH Number Plate is from Which State?

21 in 21BH series number plates does represent any state, it signifies that vehicle was registered in the year 2021 and BH represents Bharat Series registration. 

 

22BH Number Plate is from Which State?

22 in 22BH series number plates does represent any state, it signifies that the vehicle was registered in the year 2022 and the BH represent vehicle is registered under Bharat series.

 

23BH Number Plate is from Which State?

23 in the 23BH series does not represent any Indian state; rather it signifies the vehicle registration year of 2023 and BH represents vehicle registration under Bharat series.

 

Does Bharat Series Number Vehicles Have to Follow Different Traffic Rules?

No, vehicles with BH series number plates follow a uniform set of traffic rules and regulations across all states, differing from state-specific RTO rules.

 

How Does the Bharat Series Number Plate System Affect Insurance Policies?

The Bharat series number plate system does not directly affect motor insurance policies, but it simplifies the process of updating vehicle details with insurance providers when moving across Indian states.