BH Number Plate in Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Eligibility & How to Apply

For vehicle owners in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, frequent relocations can often become a hectic task. Limited Regional Transport Office (RTO) facilities, repeated documentation, and one-time road taxes add to the challenge. This is particularly relevant for work professionals who frequently transfer to different cities across the country for work-related commitments.

To reduce these difficulties, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) introduced the BH (Bharat) Series number plate in 2021. In this guide, we will take you through the details of BH registration in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, covering its advantages, eligibility requirements, step-by-step application process, and other important information.

Obtaining a BH (Bharat) series registration number plate in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has been simplified through the online process. Vehicle owners can conveniently register from home by following these steps:

• Step 1: Visit the Parivahan Portal: Go to the official Parivahan website. Select “Online Services” and then click on “Vehicle Related Services.”
• Step 2: Log In: Select “Andaman and Nicobar Islands” and your state, and proceed. Enter your user credentials to access the portal.
• Step 3: Go to the Application: Navigate the vehicle registration application or the transfer of vehicle ownership.
• Step 4: Provide Relevant Information: Fill in accurate details such as the vehicle class, engine number, chassis number, etc. Submit other required documents, such as proof of eligibility, proof of identity, and vehicle documents.
• Step 5: Complete the Payment: Pay the applicable road tax and registration fees securely through the portal.

After the application and documents are verified, the BH series registration number will be issued to the vehicle.

For individuals who prefer face-to-face assistance, the offline process via an authorised dealer in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands ensures a hassle-free experience for obtaining the BH series registration. The steps are as follows:

• Step 1: Visit an Authorised Dealer: Begin by approaching a recognised vehicle dealer in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to initiate your BH series registration.
• Step 2: Submission of Application Form: The dealer will assist in completing Form 20 on your behalf through the Vahan Portal.
• Step 3: Provide Necessary Documents: You will need to submit the required documents to the dealer, such as an employment certificate as proof of eligibility, a valid proof of identity, and other vehicle-related documents.
• Step 4: Verification by Transport Authorities: The State Transport Department of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands will verify your employment details, eligibility, and compliance with BH series requirements.

Once approved, your BH registration number will be issued, making your vehicle legally valid for use across all Indian states and union territories.

The following is the list of documents that are most frequently needed:

• Proof of Eligibility: Letter of employment stating eligibility for BH registration.
• Form 20: Government application for registering a vehicle.
• Form 60: Required for private-sector employees, confirming employment details.
• Proof of Identity and Address: Aadhaar card, passport, or government-issued ID.
• Vehicle Documents: Original vehicle registration certificate (RC), motor insurance policy, pollution under control (PUC) certificate, and vehicle invoice.

The BH number plate is reserved exclusively for personal, non-transport vehicles like passenger cars and two-wheelers. Commercial vehicles such as buses, taxis, and trucks are not eligible for BH Series registration, ensuring it remains limited to private use only.

Before applying for a BH series number plate in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, it is important to carefully review the eligibility requirements. The scheme applies to the following categories:

• Government Employees: Permanent staff of central/state departments and autonomous bodies.
• Defence Personnel: Armed forces, paramilitary, and defence staff can register under BH.
• Private Sector Employees: Workers in firms operating in four or more states/UTs may apply, easing interstate movement for professionals relocating from the islands.

Here are some additional eligibility criteria that must be fulfilled to apply for a BH number plate in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands:

• Employment Proof: Applicants must provide valid documentation confirming their employment. This could be an official employment certificate or an employer’s letter verifying eligibility under the BH scheme.
• Vehicle Registration Compliance: The vehicle must be registered in the name of the applicant and must meet all legal requirements. This includes holding a valid insurance policy, a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, and an official Registration Certificate (RC).
• Regulatory Adherence: Vehicles must comply with all local road safety and environmental regulations of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This ensures the registration process is smooth and prevents complications during interstate travel.

By meeting these conditions, residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands can have the advantage of Pan-India registration validity, simplified road tax payment, and reduced paperwork.

The BH (Bharat) series registration is intended to simplify inter-state vehicle movement across India. Under this scheme, vehicle owners are required to pay road tax in instalments, every two years until the 14th year of registration, after which the payment becomes annual.

Here is the step-by-step renewal process in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands:

• Step 1: Access the Parivahan Portal: Visit the official Ministry of Road Transport and Highways website, Parivahan Sewa, to begin the renewal procedure.
• Step 2: Log in and Choose Services: Navigate to the Online Services section, select ‘Pay Your Tax’, and ensure that your state/UT is chosen as Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• Step 3: Enter Vehicle Information: Input the last five digits of your chassis number along with your vehicle registration number. The system will automatically retrieve your vehicle records and display any outstanding tax amount.
• Step 4: Complete the Payment: Select your desired payment period, commonly two years, or a multiple such as four or six years. Proceed with the transaction through the available online payment methods.
• Step 5: Confirmation and Receipt: After successful payment, the portal will update your vehicle’s tax status, showing the next due date. A digital payment receipt can also be downloaded for your records.

Possessing a BH series number plate in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands does not change your obligations as a vehicle owner under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. As with any other vehicle, it is essential to hold a valid motor insurance policy.

The insurance premium remains unaffected by BH registration and is instead calculated based on factors such as the vehicle type, model, age, and registration location. This means that vehicle owners in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands can benefit from the convenience of a BH number plate without incurring any additional insurance costs.

The Bharat (BH) Series number plate is a practical solution for today’s dynamic lifestyle. For residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where many people have jobs that involve frequent transfers, the BH Series offers significant convenience.

Therefore, opting for a BH Series registration in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands means smoother mobility, reduced costs, and a hassle-free driving experience across the country.