BH Number Plate in Kerala: Eligibility & How to Apply

Vehicle owners in Kerala who need to relocate to a new city often face challenges when transferring the registration of their vehicle. It is a hectic process with repeated paperwork, hours-long waits at the RTO, and other related tasks. Government and state employees, as well as defence personnel, often face these issues due to their job demands, which frequently require relocation.

In such a scenario, getting a BH registration in Kerala for your vehicle is necessary to avoid the hassles of re-registration. The MoRTH (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways) have introduced the BH series number plate  in September 2021 for a single nationwide vehicle registration. So, if you need to relocate, you no longer have to face vehicle re-registration.

The Kerala High Court recently ruled that vehicles with Bharat (BH) number plates must pay motor vehicle tax as per the state’s rates, not central rules. The judgment highlights that taxation is a state matter, sparking debate over whether states or the Centre can control such taxes.

• Step 1: Visit the Parivahan portal or the official website of the Kerala transport department, and click on “Online Services,” and then click “Vehicle Related Services.”
• Step 2: Select “Kerala” as your state, and log in with your credentials to proceed. Navigate the application form for new vehicle registration or transfer of vehicle ownership.
• Step 3: Enter the necessary information and upload your personal documents, including address proof, ID proof, vehicle insurance, etc.
• Step 4: Make an online payment for the registration fees.
• Step 5: Once the process is complete, you will receive an SMS or email, updating you on your vehicle's BH number plate.

To install the BH number plate Kerala in your vehicle, you need to visit the nearest RTO (Regional Transport Office).

You can apply for the BH number plate in Kerala offline with the assistance of a dealer. Here are the steps to follow:

• Step 1: The dealer will help you submit the Form 20 on your behalf through the Vahan Portal.
• Step 2: If you are a private sector employee who works for companies that have offices in more than four Indian states, you need to submit your work certificate, employment ID and Form 60.
• Step 3: After submitting the necessary documents, your eligibility for BH series registration in Kerala will be verified by the state authorities.
• Step 4: After verification, the RTO will approve your application for the Bharat series registration. To pay for the registration fee, opt for the online mode.

The documents needed for BH registration in Kerala include the following:

• PAN Card
• Aadhaar Card
• Official ID proof
• Form 60
• Company’s GST Registration Certificate

Vehicle owners with BH series registration need to renew their road tax every year after a duration of 14 years. Here are the procedures for the renewal of the BH number plate in Kerala:

• Step 1: Log in to the official Parivahan Sewa or Ministry of Road Transport and Highways portal.
• Step 2: Navigate to the “Pay Your Tax” option under the Online Services tab after selecting your state as Kerala.
• Step 3: Enter the last five digits of your vehicle's registration and chassis number. Your vehicle details will be automatically displayed on the system, along with the due amount of your road tax.
• Step 4: For two years or in multiples (four or six years, for example), select the road tax payment option. The revised due date will appear on your tax information page after the payment has been completed and verified.
• Step 5: Your BH number plate renewal status will be updated by the portal, and a confirmation about your upcoming payment due date will be sent to you.

The BH number plate system is particularly beneficial for individuals who frequently relocate for work. In Kerala, it streamlines vehicle registration, eases interstate travel, and minimises paperwork.

With options like instalment-based road tax payments and no need for re-registration, it offers convenience to government employees, defence staff, and private-sector workers alike.

Having a BH number plate in Kerala does not alter a vehicle owner's obligations under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. A valid motor insurance policy such as car insurance remains mandatory, and the BH series does not impact insurance premiums, which are determined by factors such as vehicle type, model, age, and location—ensuring flexibility without extra costs.