If you’ve ever relocated for work—especially if you’re in the armed forces, a central government employee, or work for a private company with offices in multiple states—you know the headache that comes with it. Packing, finding a new home, and… re-registering your car. Again. But what if your vehicle registration could move with you, nationwide, without the bureaucratic nightmare? Enter the BH series vehicle registration, a revolutionary scheme from the Indian government designed to make life infinitely easier for the country’s most mobile citizens.
Table of Contents
- What is BH Series Vehicle Registration?
- Key Benefits of the BH Series Scheme
- Who is Eligible for BH Series Registration?
- How to Apply for BH Series Number Plate: Step-by-Step
- BH Series vs. Traditional State Registration: A Quick Comparison
- Conclusion
- Sources
What is BH Series Vehicle Registration?
Launched by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), the Bharat Series (BH series vehicle registration) is a pan-India registration mark for vehicles. The ‘BH’ stands for ‘Bharat’, signifying its national character. Unlike traditional state-specific number plates (like MH for Maharashtra or DL for Delhi), a BH series plate is valid across all 29 states and 7 Union Territories of India [[1]].
This means if you have a BH series car, you can move from Chennai to Chandigarh, or from Kolkata to Kozhikode, without having to visit the local RTO to change your registration or pay a new road tax. It’s a single registration for a mobile nation.
Key Benefits of the BH Series Scheme
The primary goal of the BH series is to eliminate the hassle of interstate transfers. Here’s a breakdown of its major advantages:
- No More Re-Registration: The biggest win. Move states as often as your job requires without any RTO paperwork for your vehicle.
- Seamless Road Tax Payment: Instead of paying the full tax upfront to one state, BH series owners pay a two-year tax, which is renewed periodically. This is calculated based on the vehicle’s cost and is standardized nationally.
- Saves Time and Money: You avoid the costs associated with the old No Objection Certificate (NOC) process, new registration fees, and potential agent commissions.
- Ideal for Corporate Fleets: Companies with employees who relocate frequently can register their official vehicles under this scheme, simplifying their logistics immensely [INTERNAL_LINK:corporate-fleet-management].
Who is Eligible for BH Series Registration?
The scheme isn’t open to everyone, which has been a point of discussion. Eligibility is currently restricted to specific categories:
- Central/State Government Employees: All officers and staff of central and state governments.
- Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) Employees: Staff working in companies owned by the central or state governments.
- Private Sector Employees: Employees of private companies that have offices in four or more states/UTs. The company must provide a certificate to this effect.
- Defense Personnel: All personnel of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
This targeted approach ensures the scheme serves those with a genuine, documented need for frequent interstate movement.
How to Apply for BH Series Number Plate: Step-by-Step
Applying for a BH series registration is a largely online process through the Vahan portal (parivahan.gov.in). Here’s how to do it:
- Visit the Vahan Portal: Go to the official website: https://vahan.parivahan.gov.in/.
- New Vehicle Registration: Select ‘New Vehicle Registration’ and choose the option for ‘BH Series’.
- Enter Vehicle Details: Input your vehicle’s invoice details, chassis number, engine number, etc.
- Upload Required Documents: This includes your ID proof, address proof, and crucially, your eligibility proof (e.g., an employment certificate from your company stating they have offices in 4+ states, or your government ID).
- Pay the Fees: Pay the registration fee and the initial two-year road tax online.
- Get Your Number: Once approved, you’ll be allotted a BH series number (format: YY BH XXXX XX, where YY is the year of registration).
BH Series vs. Traditional State Registration: A Quick Comparison
To make an informed choice, here’s a simple comparison:
| Feature | BH Series Registration | Traditional State Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | Nationwide | Valid only in the issuing state |
| Road Tax | Paid every 2 years | Paid once for 15 years (in most states) |
| Interstate Move | No action required | Requires NOC, re-registration, new tax |
| Eligibility | Limited to specific categories | Open to all residents |
Conclusion
The BH series vehicle registration is a forward-thinking policy that directly addresses a major pain point for a significant segment of India’s workforce. While its limited eligibility might seem restrictive, it’s a pragmatic start to a system that could eventually expand. If you fall into one of the eligible categories and anticipate moving between states, switching to the BH series isn’t just convenient—it’s a smart financial and logistical decision that will save you countless hours and rupees in the long run. It’s a small change on your number plate that makes a world of difference on the road.
Sources
- [[1]] Times of India. “BH series vehicle registration in India: How to apply, key benefits and seamless interstate transfers for frequent movers.” January 28, 2026.
- [[5]] Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). “Notification on Bharat Series (BH-series) Registration Mark.” Official Gazette.
- [[10]] Vahan Portal. “Online Services for Vehicle Registration.” https://vahan.parivahan.gov.in/