BH Number Plate in Ladakh: Eligibility & How to Apply

For vehicle owners in Ladakh, frequent relocations can be especially demanding due to the limited reach of RTO facilities in remote areas like Leh and Kargil. Alongside, repeated paperwork and hefty one-time road tax payments can make vehicle registration even more cumbersome.

To ease the trouble, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) introduced the BH (Bharat) Series number plate in 2021. This procedure offers a Pan-India registration and two-year road tax validity, reducing the process of frequent re-registrations at the time of a change in location of a car owner.

If you prefer a digital route, you can apply for a BH number plate in Ladakh through the MoRTH’s Parivahan portal. The following steps need to be taken:

• Step 1: Open the Vahan Portal: Go to the official Parivahan Portal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). Navigate to "Online Services" and then to "Vehicle Related Services."
• Step 2: Select Application: Select your state as “Ladakh”, enter your vehicle registration number, choose RTO, and then click on "Proceed." Navigate the application form for new vehicle registration or transfer of vehicle ownership.
• Step 3: Vehicle Details: Enter details as requested, and submit the required documents, such as proof of identity (Aadhaar, passport, or government ID), vehicle insurance documents, etc.
• Step 4: Fee Payment: Pay the relevant registration fee and road tax through the online payment gateway.
• Step 5: Receipt of Notification: After processing your application, you shall receive an SMS or email notification with information regarding your BH series number plate.

Visit the nearest RTO in Ladakh and have your BH series number plate affixed to your vehicle.

For those who prefer assistance, the offline process can be completed through an authorised dealer in Ladakh. The dealer will guide you through every step. Here’s how the process goes:

• Step 1: Visit a Dealer: Visit an authorised vehicle dealer in Ladakh to initiate the application for the BH series. They will submit Form 20 on your behalf on the Vahan Portal.
• Step 2: Documents Submission: Submit the required documents to the dealer, including Form 60, work ID, and employment certificate, vehicle documents, etc.
• Step 3: Eligibility Check: Transport officials of Ladakh will verify your eligibility and the BH series norms compliance.
• Step 4: Approval & Fees: After verification, your application will be approved by the RTO. You need to pay the road tax and any other applicable charges online.

Upon approval, the registration number of the BH series will be issued. Your vehicle is then eligible for seamless use across all Indian states and union territories without re-registration.

Documents required at the time of application for a BH series number plate in Ladakh include the following:

• 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

The BH series 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 purchasing a BH number plate in Ladakh, one should know the eligibility criteria. BH registration is carried out for individuals who frequently change addresses due to work commitments. The eligible candidates to apply are:

• Government Employees: Permanent government and central government department employees, like Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), can opt for the BH number plate.
• Armed Forces Personnel: Paramilitary and military officers, who are generally stationed within and around Ladakh, can also enjoy the convenience of the BH number plate.
• Private Sector Employees: Staff working in private organisations with branches in over four states or union territories are also eligible.

Here are some additional eligibility criteria that must be fulfilled in order to apply for a BH number plate in Ladakh:

• Documentation from Employers: For private sector applicants, an official letter or certificate from the employer is mandatory to confirm eligibility for BH registration. This document, along with proof of employment, must be provided when applying.
• Vehicle Compliance and Ownership: The car should be registered in the applicant's name and should meet all the legal criteria. The requirements are as follows:
  • Valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
  • An active insurance policy
  • Registration Certificate (RC) and documents as needed

Meeting these requirements is essential to prevent delay or legal complications in obtaining the BH number plate.

Renewal of your BH number plate in Ladakh is a quick online process to keep your vehicle in line with tax policies. Here are the steps to follow:

• Step 1: Go to the Parivahan Portal: Go to the official Parivahan Sewa website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to begin the renewal process.
• Step 2: Login and Access Services: Log on to the website, choose Ladakh as your state, and go to "Pay Your Tax" in the Online Services. Then go to "Renew Registration" in the options.
• Step 3: Vehicle Details: Provide your vehicle registration number and the last five characters of the chassis number. Upload any documents that are needed to authenticate ownership and guarantee your vehicle meets all legal and registration needs.
• Step 4: Select Renewal Term: Choose a renewal term that suits you—two years or multiples like 4, 6, or 8 years, depending on your convenience.
• Step 5: Payment: Pay the road tax online. Then, your vehicle's tax status will be updated by the system.

On successful payment, you will receive a renewal email or SMS for BH registration. Save the electronic receipt for future reference.

Having a BH series number plate in Ladakh would not alter your status as an owner of a motor vehicle under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. You would still be bound to maintain, as for any other vehicle, a valid motor insurance policy.

The insurance premium is not influenced by BH registration. Instead, it depends on factors like the make and model of the vehicle, its age, and the place of registration. This means vehicle owners can have the convenience of the BH number plate without paying any additional insurance charges.

The BH series number plate in Ladakh offers pan-India registration validity, flexibility in paying taxes, and reduced paperwork. With its electronic renewal system, this scheme provides an easy and hassle-free experience for eligible professionals who frequently need to relocate.