BH Number Plate in Goa: Eligibility & How to Apply

For vehicle owners in Goa, transferring to another state usually comes with the burden of re-registering, waiting in long queues at RTOs, and filling out numerous paperwork. To solve this problem, the Government of India unveiled the Bharat series (BH) number plate in 2021 under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

This universal registration permits only one license plate and a single block of payment for road tax, which is flexible, so no one has to re-register when changing states. The BH series is a one-nation, one-registration solution, ensuring a smooth mobility experience for qualifying vehicle owners.

The BH series is only for private, non-commercial vehicles. Commercial vehicles (taxis, goods carriers, etc.) are not eligible. Additionally, some initial confusion existed regarding private employees; however, the latest guidelines now permit eligible applicants from the private sector.

The BH number plate can be applied for online via MoRTH’s Parivahan (Vahan) portal. Here’s the general process for Goa residents:

• Step 1: Visit the official MoRTH Parivahan website and select the Online Services, and select Vehicle Related Services. Now, choose Goa as your state.
• Step 2: Enter your credentials or create an account if needed. Navigate the vehicle registration application. Fill in all required vehicle information (make, model, engine and chassis numbers, etc.) and owner details.
• Step 3: Upload scanned copies of the necessary documents, including identity proof, address proof, eligibility certificate, and other required documents.
• Step 4: Choose the BH series option in the registration form. Pay the applicable road tax online. You will pay the tax for the chosen period (typically two years) on the portal.
• Step 5: Click on “Apply”. After verification, the portal will generate and issue your BH series registration number (often via email or SMS).

You may then visit your nearest Goa RTO (Regional Transport Office) to have the BH number plate affixed to your vehicle.

Alternatively, you can apply for BH number plate offline through an authorised automobile dealer. Here are the steps:

• Step 1: Approach your vehicle dealer. The dealer will fill out Form 20 on the Vahan portal on your behalf and select the BH series option.
• Step 2: Hand over the required documents and proofs to the dealer. They will submit your application, after which state RTO officials verify your eligibility and documents.
• Step 3: Upon approval, the RTO issues the BH series registration and provides instructions on tax payment.
• Step 4: Pay the road tax (online or at RTO) for the selected period.

This offline route is often convenient if you prefer in-person assistance. Once processed, your vehicle will receive a BH registration in Goa, just as if it were applied online.

When applying for a BH number plate, prepare the following documents:

• Aadhaar Card
• PAN Card
• Form 60 (applicable for private-sector employees)
• Official ID Proof (Government employee ID card or PSU ID card, as relevant)
• Company’s GST Registration Certificate

Ensure all documents are up-to-date and self-attested. Keep both originals and scanned copies, as RTO may require submission or verification.

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.

Eligibility for a BH number plate is strictly defined. The following vehicle owners can apply for BH registration in Goa:

• Government Workers: All permanent employees of central and state government departments and ministries are eligible for BH registration in Goa.
• Defence Services: Personnel in the Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force) and paramilitary forces.
• PSU Employees: Staff of Central PSUs like ONGC, BHEL, BSNL, etc.
• Private Sector Workers: Employees of companies or firms that have offices in four or more states/UTs. This caters to transferable jobs in the private sector.

Added eligibility requirements will include an eligibility certificate or letter from your employer confirming your transferable status, along with proof that your company has offices in multiple states.

Renewing BH registration simply means paying the next road tax instalment online. Here’s how:

• Step 1: Visit the official Parivahan website and select “Online Services” and then click on “Pay Your Tax.”
• Step 2: Select “Goa” as your state, as your vehicle is registered there.
• Step 3: Input your registration number and the last five digits of the chassis number. The portal will automatically fetch your vehicle details and display the pending tax amount.
• Step 4: Select the tax payment period (e.g., 2 years or multiples, such as 4 or 6 years). Complete the payment online using the available options (credit/debit card, net banking, etc.).
• Step 5: Upon successful payment, the portal will update your tax due date and record the payment. You can download the receipt or e-challan for your records.

Owning a BH plate in Goa does not alter your legal requirement to have valid motor insurance. You must have a comprehensive (or third-party) insurance policy such as bike insurance as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Significantly, the BH series itself does not change your insurance premium. The premium is still calculated based on factors such as vehicle model, age, location, and driving record.

In other words, having a BH number plate has no impact on your insurance cost. Maintain an up-to-date insurance policy; the national registration does not require any special or additional coverage beyond the standard requirements.

The Bharat (BH) Series number plate is designed for convenience, making life easier for people who often relocate between states. Instead of changing plates each time, the same BH number stays with your car, and you just need to renew its tax validity.

Road tax is paid in easy instalments, initially every two years and then yearly after 14 years. As long as you renew on time, you can drive hassle-free across the country without worrying about penalties.