BH Number Plate: What It Is, Eligibility, Cost, Rules & Pros/Cons (2026)

Update (Aug 28, 2024): Thanks to Mr. Manish Gupta for bringing a piece of potentially incorrect info in this article to our attention. Kindly refer to the “Tax Structure” heading in this article. Mr. Gupta purchased a vehicle and was charged for BH registration based on the invoice price including GST. Meanwhile, we had mentioned about the BH registration on invoice price tax excluding GST. After thoroughly searching the web for government notifications regarding any amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act pertaining to the BH registration, we could only find a document. Click Here.

This notification from Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways (MoRTH), dated August 26, 2021, says:

In case of fully built non-transport vehicles, the motor vehicle tax shall be calculated electronically through the portal on the basis of invoice price excluding Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Generally, registration is charged per the ex-showroom price regardless of the invoice price. Although, in some cases, it sounds possible that some states may charge registration fees as per the invoice price. In this case, you can get a lower cost in registration tax if you bought the car at a discount (invoice price < ex-showroom price) from the dealer.

However, it’s more than rare to find a situation where the government are charging registration tax based on the invoice price excluding the GST. That would drastically bring down the taxable amount, and thus, government’s revenue. For now, we’re holding the information as is in this article. We’ll have to further look into this and try to find clarification from legal experts, who are better at understanding the complex language of the government containing technical jargons, which sometimes contradict themselves.

What Is BH Series Number Plate?

Unlike regular number plates, the BH series number plates are valid throughout the country. So, even if you change the state of residence, after a year or 4 years of purchasing a vehicle, you won't need to re-register it in the new state. This is how a BH vehicle registration plate looks.

Note: Check your Car EMI with our - Car EMI Calculator

The central government introduced the BH series number plate to dismiss this complex process in September 2021. People with a transferable job can register their new car with this number plate series and easily travel across the country. Unlike regular number plates, the BH series number plates are valid throughout the country.

What does a BH number plate look like?

A BH number plate follows this format: 25 BH 4613 AB

Here is what each part means:

Here, the first 2 numbers signify the year of registration, 2025 in this case, followed by BH, which stands for Bharat. Then there are 4 random, computer-generated numbers followed by 2 random alphabets excluding ‘I’ and ‘O’.

The usual registration plates have a sequence that starts with the two-letter code of the state, followed by the area's RTO code, two randomly assigned letters, and four randomly assigned numbers. This is how a regular vehicle registration plate looks:

MH 01 AA 1111

On the other hand, a BH series number plate looks like this:

25 BH 1111 AA

Here, the first 2 numbers signify the year of registration, 2025 in this case, followed by BH, which stands for Bharat. Then there are 4 random, computer-generated numbers followed by 2 random alphabets excluding ‘I’ and ‘O’.

Also Read: How to Apply for a High Security Number Plate Online?

What state is a 26 BH / 25 BH / 24 BH / 23 BH number plate from?

This is one of the most common questions about BH number plates, and the answer is: none. The BH series is not linked to any state. The number at the start (22, 23, 24, 25, 26...) is simply the year of registration, not a state code. A vehicle with a 25 BH plate was registered in 2025 and can be used across all of India.

As mentioned, the BH series number plate is for people with transferrable jobs.

The BH series number plate is available to:

• Central and state government employees
• Employees of public sector undertakings (PSUs) such as BHEL, ONGC, BSNL, etc.
• Defence personnel
• Employees of private companies that have offices in at least 4 states or union territories

Can private employees get a BH number plate?

Yes — private sector employees are eligible if their employer has a presence in at least 4 states or UTs. The company does not need to be a large corporation; it just needs registered offices or branches in 4 or more states. The employee must obtain a working certificate in Form 60 from their employer to submit at the dealership.

Documents required

Also Read: State Code by Regional Transport Office (RTO) of India

Is BH registration available for used cars?

As of March 2025, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) proposed amending Rule 48 of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988 to allow existing vehicles to convert to the BH series. This process is expected to be formalised. Currently, BH registration is readily available only for new, privately owned, non-transport vehicles

How To Get a BH Series Number Plate?

It is a relatively simple process. One needs to submit the office ID card copy (applicable for government employees) or working certificate in Form 60 (for private employees) to the dealership. Then the dealer will apply for the BH registration which will take a few days to get allotted.

Note: Currently, the BH series number plate is only available for new, privately owned, non-transport vehicles.

BH Number Plate Rules

BH Number Plate — Rules You Should Know

1. Nationwide validity: A BH-registered vehicle does not need an NOC or re-registration when moving between states or UTs.
2. Private vehicles only: BH registration currently applies only to non-transport, privately owned vehicles — not commercial vehicles, taxis, or trucks.
3. New vehicles at purchase: BH registration must be done at the time of purchase through the dealership. The dealer applies for the registration on the owner's behalf via the Vahan portal.
4. Number is computer-generated: You cannot choose a custom or preferred number with BH registration — the 4-digit number and 2-letter suffix are randomly assigned.
5. Tax paid in 2-year cycles: Instead of paying road tax for 15 years upfront (as with regular plates), BH registrations require road tax every 2 years, paid through the e-Vahan portal.
6. Toll charges: BH-registered vehicles pay the same toll rates as other vehicles at national highways. There is no separate toll rate for BH plates.
7. Transferability: BH number plates can be transferred to a new owner. The NOC process, however, may need to be done offline at the RTO since the Parivahan portal does not always show this option.
8. Conversion to state series: If a BH registration holder becomes ineligible (e.g., changes to a non-qualifying job), they can convert their vehicle to a regular state registration. This is done in person at the local RTO.
9. Choice numbers: The BH series does not currently support fancy or choice numbers. The allocation is fully computer-generated.
10. 2026 update: From 2026, new BH plates will show the prefix "26". Plates registered in prior years retain their original year prefix (22, 23, 24, 25) indefinitely.

BH Series Number Plate – Tax Structure

When you get a new car registered with the regular number plate, you have to pay road tax for 15 years at once during the purchase. Additionally, the tax value varies depending on various aspects of the car, such as the length of the car, engine capacity, etc.

If you get your car registered with the BH series number plate, you will only have to pay road tax for the 2 years after the purchase. After that, you will have to pay road tax every 2 years. You can pay this road tax via the official e-vahan website.

Additionally, the road tax for a BH series-registered vehicle is calculated on the invoice value of the car excluding GST rather than on the ex-showroom price. This means that if you get a good discount on a car, the tax will be calculated on the discounted price of the car, saving you some money there as well. Here is the tax structure for a car registered with the BH series number plate.

The tax structure given above is for a petrol car. Electric vehicles will get a 2% waiver whereas diesel cars will be charged 2% extra. The tax calculated on the given basis will be for 15 years, which you will have to pay every 2 years for 14 years, followed by annual tax submission.

Note: Check your car’s fuel cost with Fuel Cost Calculator India

How much does BH registration cost?

The road tax for a BH-registered vehicle is calculated as a percentage of the invoice price of the vehicle excluding GST, applied for a 2-year period. Here are the rates:

Petrol vehicles:

• Diesel vehicles: Add 2% to the above rates
• Electric vehicles: Deduct 2% from the above rates

The tax is structured for a 15-year life, paid in 2-year instalments. The divisor of 7.5 gives you the biennial payment (15 years ÷ 2 years = 7.5 cycles)

BH registration cost vs regular registration — which is cheaper?

This is one of the most searched questions, and the answer depends on how long you keep the vehicle and which state you are in.

BH registration is cheaper upfront because you pay for only 2 years at a time instead of 15 years upfront. However, over the full 15-year life of the vehicle, the total road tax paid is roughly similar or marginally higher with BH (due to potential rate revisions over time).

BH registration can save money if:

• You get a discount on the car (tax is on discounted invoice price, not ex-showroom)
• You move between states frequently (avoids re-registration costs of ₹5,000–₹15,000 each time)
• You sell the vehicle within the first few years (you've paid less tax upfront)

Regular registration may be better if:

• You never relocate
• You plan to keep the car for 15+ years (total tax may be similar but regular gives you certainty)

State-wise registration cost comparison: BH vs regular

The table below shows an approximate comparison for a ₹15 lakh petrol car (invoice ex-GST assumed at ₹12.5 lakh after discount):

Note: State road tax rates vary by vehicle length, engine size, and fuel type. The figures above are indicative. BH rate used: 10% ÷ 7.5 = 1.33% per 2 years × ₹12.5 lakh = ₹16,667.

BH registration cost after the first 2 years

After the initial 2-year tax period, you renew through the e-Vahan portal (parivahan.gov.in) every 2 years. The renewal rate is the same as your initial payment. After 14 years of biennial payments, you switch to annual payments for the final years of the vehicle's registered life.

BH Registration — State-Specific Information

BH Registration in Karnataka

Karnataka employees in Bengaluru and other cities can apply for BH registration through their dealership at the time of purchase. The process is the same as in other states — the dealer applies via the Vahan portal using Form 60 (for private employees) or an ID card copy (for government/PSU employees).

Recent news (2025): Karnataka RTO offices have been processing BH registrations routinely. There are no Karnataka-specific restrictions on BH eligibility beyond the national criteria.

Employees working for IT companies (Infosys, Wipro, TCS, etc.) headquartered in Bengaluru are typically eligible since these companies have offices in well over 4 states. Your employer's HR team can issue the Form 60 certificate.

BH Registration in Delhi

Delhi-based employees are among the most active users of the BH scheme, given the frequency of central government postings and the presence of large PSUs. The road tax savings vs Delhi's standard rate (13.3% upfront) can be significant on a ₹15–20 lakh vehicle.

BH Registration in Maharashtra

Maharashtra's standard road tax ranges from 7–11% depending on vehicle type. BH registration at 8–12% in 2-year installments offers an immediate cash flow benefit even if the long-term total is similar.

BH Number Plate — Pros and Cons

BH Series Number Plate – Pros

Here are the benefits of the BH series number plate:

1. Hassle-free ownership across the country
2. Low upfront cost
3. Lower road tax
4. No re-registration when relocating — the most significant advantage. Regular vehicle owners must pay ₹5,000–₹15,000 in fees and go through an RTO process each time they move states. BH plate holders simply drive.
5. Lower upfront cost — paying road tax in 2-year cycles improves cash flow compared to a large lump sum at purchase.
6. Tax calculated on invoice price (ex-GST) — if you negotiate a discount on the car, your BH road tax is calculated on the discounted price, not the ex-showroom price.
7. Hassle-free tolls and traffic — a BH plate is recognised across the country. No issues with interstate checkpoints.

BH Series Number Plate – Cons

Here are the shortcomings of the BH series number plate:

1. Not available for old or commercial vehicles
2. Submitting road tax periodically could be time-consuming
3. Cannot get a number of one’s choice as it is computer-generated
4. Periodic payment responsibility — you must remember to renew road tax every 2 years via the e-Vahan portal. Missing a payment can technically make the vehicle non-compliant.
5. Converting an existing vehicle to BH series requires a physical RTO visit and inspection — the process is not yet fully online.
6. Eligibility verification — if you change jobs and no longer meet the eligibility criteria, you may need to convert to a state-series plate.
7. Resale complexity — while BH plates are transferable, buyers may be unfamiliar with the renewal process, which can complicate private resale negotiations.

Note: List of Upcoming Cars in India

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 25 BH, 24 BH, or 23 BH mean? Which state is it from?

The two-digit prefix in a BH number plate is the year of registration, not a state code. There is no state associated with a BH number plate. BH stands for Bharat, and the plate is valid across all states and union territories in India.

This is different from a regular number plate, where the first two letters indicate the state (e.g. MH for Maharashtra, KA for Karnataka). With a BH plate, no state is indicated because the vehicle is registered under the central government's pan-India scheme.

---

Q: Who is eligible for a BH series number plate?

The following are eligible for BH series registration:

• Central and state government employees
• Employees of PSUs such as BHEL, ONGC, BSNL, etc.
• Defence personnel
• Employees of a private company that has offices in at least 4 states or union territories

Private sector employees must obtain a working certificate in Form 60 from their employer confirming the company's presence in 4 or more states.

---

Q: How much does BH registration cost?

Road tax is calculated on the invoice price of the vehicle excluding GST, paid every 2 years. The rates are:

The tax is structured over a 15-year vehicle life, paid in 2-year installments. To calculate your 2-year payment: apply the applicable rate to the invoice price (ex-GST) and divide by 7.5.

---

Q: Is BH registration cheaper than regular registration?

Upfront, yes — BH requires only a 2-year road tax payment instead of 15 years at once. Over the full 15-year life of the vehicle, the total tax paid is roughly similar to a regular registration.

The more significant saving comes from avoiding re-registration costs (typically ₹5,000–₹15,000 per state) every time you relocate. For someone who moves states every 2–3 years, this adds up considerably.

An additional saving is possible if you negotiate a discount on the car — BH road tax is calculated on the discounted invoice price (ex-GST), not the ex-showroom price.

---

Q: What are the rules for a BH number plate?

1. Nationwide validity — A BH-registered vehicle does not need an NOC or re-registration when moving between any states or union territories.
2. Private vehicles only — BH registration currently applies only to privately owned, non-transport vehicles. Commercial vehicles and taxis are not eligible.
3. New registrations at dealership — BH registration is applied for through the dealership at the time of purchase via the Vahan portal.
4. Computer-generated number — The 4-digit number and 2-letter suffix on a BH plate are randomly assigned. You cannot request a specific or preferred number.
5. 2-year tax renewal — Road tax must be renewed every 2 years through the e-Vahan portal (parivahan.gov.in). After 14 years of biennial payments, you switch to annual payments.
6. Toll charges — BH-registered vehicles pay the same toll rates as any other private vehicle. There is no special rate or exemption for BH plates.

---

Q: Can I get a choice or fancy number with a BH plate?

No. BH number plates are fully computer-generated. The 4-digit number and 2-letter suffix are randomly assigned by the system. Fancy or choice numbers are not available under the BH registration scheme.

---

Q: Can I convert my existing car to BH series registration?

Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria. Fill Form 27(A) and submit it at your state's RTO along with the following documents:

• PAN card
• Aadhaar card
• Office ID card (government/PSU/defence employees) or Form 60 working certificate (private sector employees)

The vehicle may require a physical inspection at the RTO. In March 2025, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) also proposed simplifying this conversion process by amending Rule 48 of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988.

---

Q: What happens when I renew BH road tax after 2 years?

Log in to the e-Vahan portal (parivahan.gov.in), navigate to the vehicle tax payment section, and pay the 2-year road tax at the same rate as your initial payment. You will receive a digital receipt as proof of payment.

If you are no longer employed at an eligible organisation at the time of renewal, there is no automatic cancellation of your BH registration — however, you should check with your local RTO, as eligibility is technically tied to your employment status.

---

Q: Can I sell my BH series car?

Yes, a BH series vehicle can be sold like any other car. The key point is what happens to the registration:

• If the buyer is BH-eligible — They will receive a fresh BH series number plate as per the ongoing sequence at their regional RTO.
• If the buyer is not BH-eligible — They will be assigned a regular state-series number plate and will need to pay applicable state road tax.

For the sale, standard documents apply: Registration Certificate (RC), insurance papers, PUC certificate, and Forms 29 and 30 for transfer of ownership.

---

Q: Can I transfer my BH number plate to another vehicle?

No. A BH number plate cannot be transferred to a different vehicle. Each new vehicle receives a fresh, computer-generated BH number as per the ongoing sequence from the regional RTO.

---

Q: Can I sell my BH vehicle to someone who is not BH-eligible?

Yes. There are no restrictions on selling a BH-registered vehicle to a non-eligible buyer. The new owner will need to apply for a regular state-series registration number at their regional RTO and pay the applicable state road tax. The BH registration does not carry over to them.

---

Q: Can I buy a used car with a BH number plate?

Yes. You can purchase a used car with a BH number plate. If you are BH-eligible, you can apply for a new BH series number in your name at your regional RTO. If you are not eligible, you will be assigned a regular state-series number and pay the applicable state road tax.

Always consult the local RTO or a legal expert to ensure that all necessary procedures are being followed while selling your BH registration car. Additionally, check for any specific rules or regulations in your state or the buyer's state regarding the sale of BH series vehicles

Also Read: Tips to Increase Car Mileage - CNG, Petrol & Diesel