What is the cost of a BH number plate?

Updated on - 05 Jan 2026

The Bharat Series (BH) number plate is part of a centralised vehicle registration system launched by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. This registration system aims to make car ownership easier for those who move between states regularly, since moving from one state to another used to require re-registering the vehicle. The BH number plate ensures compliance with transport rules by offering a single, nationally recognised registration.

Let’s take a closer look at the features and cost of the BH number plate.

What is a BH number plate?

Introduced in 2021, a BH number plate, or Bharat Series number plate, is a vehicle registration plate issued by the Indian government for non-transport vehicles. The following category of vehicle owners is eligible for this registration plate:

• Government employees: Individuals employed by the central or state government.
• Defence personnel: Members of the armed forces.
• Private sector employees: Those working in private firms with offices in four or more states or union territories.

With the BH number plate, these people can avoid the complex process of registering and re-registering every time they move from one state to another.

Features of the BH series number plates

The BH number plate offers several features that make vehicle registration simpler and more efficient for owners, such as:

• The BH number plate remains valid throughout India, eliminating the need for re-registration when moving to a new state.
• Vehicle owners can save significant time as they no longer have to undergo repeated re-registration processes during relocations.
• In the event of accidents, theft or other mishaps, authorities can quickly identify the vehicle owner using the BH series registration.
• The system standardises and streamlines vehicle registration, helping prevent duplication, corruption and other issues related to manual processes.
• The road tax is paid on a pro-rata basis for two years at a time, making it convenient for those who change states frequently.
• It applies only to non-transport vehicles, ensuring a clear distinction from commercial registrations.

BH number plate format

The BH number plate follows a specific alphanumeric format:

YY BH #### XX

Where,

• YY: Last two digits of the registration year.
• BH: Denotes the Bharat series.
• ####: A random four-digit number.
• XX: Two alphabets serving as a unique identifier.

For example, a BH series number plate might read as '24 BH 1234 AB,' indicating a vehicle registered in the year 2024.

What is the cost of a BH number plate?

The cost of the car determines the fees for the BH series license plates. The Bharat series registration has a transparent and uniform fee structure. The charges are displayed in the table below according to the vehicle’s invoice price:

It is important to note that diesel vehicles incur an additional 2% charge, while electric vehicles receive a 2% reduction.

Renewal and validity details of the BH number plates

The BH registration continues to be valid as long as the road tax is paid on time and other regulatory compliances, such as insurance and pollution certificates, are maintained.

Under the BH series, the road tax is paid for an initial period of two years from the date of registration. After this, vehicle owners can renew the tax in multiples of two years, such as four, six or eight years, depending on their preference. Once the vehicle completes 14 years, the renewal is done annually instead of in two-year blocks.

The renewal process can be finished in just a few simple steps:

1. Go to the official Ministry of Road Transport and Highways portal (Parivahan Sewa) to begin the renewal.
2. Click “Pay Your Tax” under “Online Services” and select the state where the vehicle was first registered.
3. Provide the last five digits of your chassis and registration number. The portal will show your vehicle details, including any outstanding road tax.
4. Choose the payment term, such as two years or multiples of it, like four or six years, and complete the payment. After confirmation, the updated due date will be reflected on your account.
5. The portal updates your renewal status and provides the next payment date for your records.

BH number plate vs regular number plate: What’s the difference?

The BH series number plate system is designed to make vehicle ownership easier and more flexible for those who travel or move between states often. It offers benefits like uniform vehicle management and simplified processes across India.

The table below shows the key differences between a regular number plate and a BH series number plate.

How does a BH number plate affect your car insurance?

A BH number plate does not have any direct impact on your car insurance policy. Insurers continue to calculate premiums based on factors such as the vehicle’s make and model, age, engine capacity, location of registration, Insured Declared Value (IDV) and the policyholder’s claims history. The presence of a BH registration number does not alter these criteria.

One advantage of the BH series is the ease of insurance portability. Since the registration remains valid nationwide, policyholders can maintain their existing car insurance policy even after relocation. There is no need for re-registration or modification of the insurance documents, which reduces additional paperwork and expenses.

It is also important to note that BH number plate holders must comply with the same mandatory insurance requirements under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Every car must have at least a third party car insurance plan, while comprehensive car insurance remains optional but highly recommended for broader protection. If you need personalised advice, fill out the form provided on this page, and let our experts guide you.

Conclusion

Car ownership and registration in India are made easier and more convenient by the BH number plate. It allows for easy interstate travel, reduces paperwork and offers flexible road tax payments in instalments. Professionals in the public, military and private sectors who hold jobs that can be transferred benefit from simple registration and compliance with regulations. For those who meet the eligibility criteria, going for a BH number plate is a practical choice for convenience and flexibility.

FAQs

1. Is it possible to move a BH license plate to a different car?

No, license plates cannot be moved to another car because they are associated with a particular vehicle.

2. Can commercial vehicles use the BH license plate?

No, BH number plates are only available for non-transport (private) vehicles, not commercial or transport vehicles.

3. Do I need to update my address with a BH number plate?

Yes, while the registration is nationwide, you should update your address with the transport authorities if you move to a new state.

Disclaimer: This blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. Verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.