What is Bharat (BH) Number Plate for Bikes
The Bharat (BH) number plate is a government initiative under the Motor Vehicles Act, 2019, aimed at simplifying vehicle registration and tracking. Introduced in 2021, the BH series provides a unique identification code that ensures smooth inter-state movement, eliminating the need for re-registration and paying road tax in each new state.
Unlike traditional state registrations, the BH registration for bike remains valid nationwide. 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: YY BH XXXX AA where,
YY: year of registration
BH: Bharat series
XXXX: unique alphanumeric code
AA: vehicle category
Benefits of a BH Number Plate for Bikes
To check all the benefits of a BH number plate, check the below points:
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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.
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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.
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Simplified Documentation: Single Bharat number plate is valid across the country, reducing paperwork and administrative hassles.
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Increased Resale Value: The BH number for two wheeler plate might have a slightly higher resale value, as it appeals to a broader audience, particularly those who anticipate relocating in the future.
Key Features of BH Series Number Plate
| Key Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration System | Bharat (BH) Series |
| Governing Body | Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) |
| Legal Basis | Motor Vehicles Act |
| Launch Date | August 28, 2021 |
| Geographic Scope | All of India |
| Application Process | Online (morth.nic.in) |
| Eligible Individuals | State & central govt. employees, bank employees, administration and service employees, defense personnel, and private employees |
Hence, the Bharat series number plate simplifies the process for bike owners who often relocate for work.
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.
So, if you’re wondering can I get BH number plate for bike, check if your employment meets these conditions, before applying for it.
How to Get BH Number Plate for Bike? (2025 Process)
To apply for a BH number plate for bike, follow the below procedure:
- 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.
- Apply Online: Visit the VAHAN portal on the MoRTH website to begin your BH registration for bike.
- 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
- Pay Fees: Pay the applicable BH number plate for bike price online through the portal.
- Vehicle Inspection: In some cases, you might be required to take your bike for a physical inspection at the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
- BH Number Allotment: Once the application is processed and approved, the BH number for bike will be allotted along with the new registration certificate and the plate can be affixed.
Drawbacks of BH Number Plates for Bikes
Having BH series for bike comes with a few drawbacks as well:
Eligibility Restrictions
Initial Complexity
Limited Awareness
Potential for Misuse
Road Tax Implications for BH Number Plates
The road tax for bikes with BH number plate bike 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.
To check your exact tax, you can use a BH series tax calculator for bike available online.
However, here is base tax rate:
- Under ₹10 lakh – 8%
- ₹10–20 lakh – 10%
- Above ₹20 lakh – 12%
- Diesel bikes: +2%
- Electric bikes: -2%
Additionally, you can use a BH series registration fee calculator for bike for precise estimates.
How to Pay BH Series Tax Online?
Follow the below steps to pay the BH series tax for bike online:
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Visit the Parivahan Sewa Portal: Open your web browser and navigate to the Parivahan Sewa portal.
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Select the State: From the dropdown menu, choose the Indian state where your BH number for bike was originally registered. This is crucial as tax collection and procedures vary slightly between states.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 future BH registration for bike renewals.
Cost of the BH Series Number Plate
The BH number plate price 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.
BH Number Plates vs. Regular State Number Plates
The below highlights the difference between a BH number plate for two wheeler and a regular number plate for bike.
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:
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Go to the official website of Policybazaar Insurance Brokers Private Limited.
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Select ‘Bike Insurance’ or ‘Two Wheeler Insurance’ under the ‘Insurance Products’ dropdown menu available at the top of the page.
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Next, enter your BH number for bike in the relevant field and click ‘View Prices’.
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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.
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Fill out the online registration form with your personal details, contact information, and any other required information.
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Browse through the available bike insurance plans offered by various bike insurance companies. Compare their features, coverage, and premiums. Choose the plan that best suits your needs and budget. You can also select any add-ons, such as personal accident cover, roadside assistance, or zero depreciation cover, at an additional cost for enhanced coverage.
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Complete the proposal form, providing all the necessary information. Then, proceed to make the online payment using your preferred payment method.
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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.
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.
FAQs About BH Number Plate in India
-
Q. Is a BH number plate expensive?
Ans: The BH number plate for bike price depends totally upon the bike’s invoice value and tax rate. -
Q. Is BH registration worth it?
Ans: It is most helpful if you move between states a lot. It saves you the trouble of re-registering your vehicle every time. If you stay in one state, it might not be as necessary. -
Q. Can anyone get a BH number plate?
Ans: No. It is mainly for government employees, bank employees, and private employees working across 4+ state. -
Q. How long is BH registration valid?
Ans: The BH registration for bike itself is valid all over India. You pay road tax every two years (or for 4, 6, or 8 years at a time). -
Q. Can someone working for a private company get a BH number plate?
Ans: Yes, if their company has offices in four or more states. -
Q. What number plates are illegal?
Ans: As per the traffic authority, all motor vehicles should have high-security registration plates. Moreover, they should follow the rules of it (size, font, color). Having bad words, real numbers hidden, or a sticker on them is illegal. Any number plate that breaks the traffic rules is illegal.
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