BH Number Plate for Bikes in India
Relocating to a new state used to mean a mountain of paperwork, paying a fresh round of road tax, and applying for a refund from your previous RTO. The BH number plate for bike owners has completely changed this. Introduced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), the Bharat (BH) series offers a unified, "One Nation, One Registration" system that allows your bike to move freely across India without the need for re-registration.
What is a Bharat (BH) Number Plate for Bikes?
A Bharat number plate for a bike is a centralised registration system that eliminates the need to change your vehicle’s registration when you move from one state to another for more than 12 months. Traditionally, bikes registered in one state (e.g., MH for Maharashtra) had to be re-registered if moved to another state (e.g., KA for Karnataka). With bh registration for bike, your number remains the same no matter which state you reside in.
Key Features of the BH Series Number Plate
The BH series number plate for a bike follows a standardised format:
- YY: Year of first registration (e.g., 26 for 2026).
- BH: Code for Bharat Series.
- ####: Four randomly generated numbers.
- XX: Two random letters (e.g., AA, AB).
Example: 26 BH 1234 AA
Benefits of Choosing a BH Number Plate for Bikes
- Seamless Inter-state Movement: No need to apply for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or re-register your bike every time you relocate.
- Lower Upfront Cost: Instead of paying 15 years of road tax at once, the bh registration for two-wheeler allows you to pay tax in smaller, biennial (2-year) instalments.
- Higher Resale Appeal: A bh number for a two-wheeler is attractive to buyers with transferable jobs, as they can easily take the bike to any state.
- Standardised Format: Easy identification for authorities across the country.
Eligibility Criteria for BH Number Plate Registration
Not every bike owner can opt for BH registration for 2 wheeler. Eligibility is generally restricted to:
- Government Employees: Central and State government officials.
- Defence Personnel: Members of the Indian Armed Forces.
- Private Sector Employees: Those working in companies that have offices in four or more states/UTs.
- PSU Employees: Staff of Public Sector Undertakings.
- Note: Private employees must submit Form 60 (Working Certificate) signed by their employer to prove multi-state presence.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a BH Number Plate for Bikes
The process of how to get bh number plate for a bike is largely digital:
- Vahan Portal: Log in to the official Parivahan/Vahan portal.
- Fill Form 20: Your dealer can do this on your behalf if you are buying a new bike.
- Submit Form 60: Specifically required for private employees to prove eligibility.
- RTO Verification: The local RTO scrutinises your employment documents and eligibility.
- Pay Fees Online: Once approved, pay the BH number plate fee for the bike (registration fee + first 2-year tax instalment) online.
- Number Assignment: A randomised BH number is generated and assigned to your bike.
Road Tax Rules and Implications for BH Number Plates
The bh series tax calculator for bike uses a slab-based system on the invoice price (Ex-showroom price):
- Bikes under ₹10 Lakh: 8% tax.
- Bikes between ₹10–20 Lakh: 10% tax.
- Bikes above ₹20 Lakh: 12% tax.
- Fuel Type Adjustments: Diesel bikes attract an additional 2% surcharge, while electric bikes receive a 2% discount.
The road tax is typically paid for 2 years initially, followed by 2-year renewals for the first 14 years.
How to Pay BH Series Road Tax Online?
- Visit the Parivahan portal.
- Select "Vehicle Related Services."
- Enter your bike's number plate and chassis number.
- Navigate to "Pay Your Tax" and choose the renewal duration.
- Complete the payment via UPI or Net Banking.
Cost of Getting a BH Series Number Plate for Bikes
The BH number plate cost for the bike includes:
- Registration Fee: Standard RTO charges for a new number.
- Road Tax Installment: Calculated based on the bh calculation formula (percentage of invoice price spread over 15 years, paid in 2-year chunks).
- HSRP Charges: For the physical High-Security Registration Plate.
Disadvantages of BH Number Plates You Should Know
- Strict Eligibility: Self-employed individuals and those in small local companies are currently excluded.
- Periodic Renewal: You must pay the tax every 2 years; failing to do so can result in penalties.
- Resale Limitations: If you sell a BH series 2-wheeler to an ineligible person, the bike must be converted back to a regular state series.