BH Number Plate in Lakshadweep: Eligibility & How to Apply

For vehicle owners in Lakshadweep, frequent relocations can be challenging due to limited RTO facilities, repeated paperwork, and hefty one-time road tax payments. This is especially true for defence personnel, government employees, and corporate staff who need to shift across different cities for professional reasons.

To ease these hassles, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) launched the BH (Bharat) Series number plate in 2021. It offers a single countrywide registration and road tax for a span of two years, eliminating the need for re-registration when shifting to a different state.

Owning a BH series number plate in Lakshadweep does not alter your responsibilities as a vehicle owner under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Just like any other vehicle, you must maintain a valid motor insurance policy.

Your insurance premium is not influenced by BH registration and is determined by the type of vehicle, model, age, and place. Therefore, the Lakshadweep vehicle owners can avail themselves of the convenience of a BH number plate without an extra insurance fee.

Getting a BH series number plate online in Lakshadweep is an easy process that enables the owner of the vehicle to register from home. Follow the steps mentioned below:

• Step 1: Visit the Vahan Portal: Head over to the Parivahan Portal, click on “Online Services” and then “Vehicle Related Services”.
• Step 2: Login: Enter your credentials to proceed.
• Step 3: Enter Vehicle Details: Enter correct details such as vehicle class, engine number, chassis number, and personal information.
• Step 4: Upload Mandatory Documents: Upload scanned documents such as:
  • Proof of eligibility (letter or employment certificate)
  • Proof of identity (Aadhaar, passport, or government ID)
  • Vehicle documents (RC, insurance, PUC certificate)
• Step 5: Payment: Pay road tax and registration charges through the website.

For those who prefer in-person assistance, the offline method through an authorised dealer ensures smooth processing of the BH series registration with guidance at every step. Here are the steps to follow:

• Step 1: Visit a Dealer: Proceed to an authorised vehicle dealer in Lakshadweep to start your BH series registration.
• Step 2: Submission of Form: The dealer will fill out Form 20 on your behalf on the Vahan Portal.
• Step 3: Provide Required Documents: Submit documents required for the dealer, such as:
  • Employment certificate proof of eligibility
  • Proof of identity (Aadhaar, passport, or PSU/government ID)
  • Vehicle documents (insurance, invoice, RC, and PUC certificate)
• Step 4: Verification of Qualification: State transport authorities will check your employment status, eligibility, and compliance with BH criteria.

Once processed, your BH registration number is issued, and your vehicle is now fit for use in all Indian union territories and states.

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 you apply for the BH series number plate, it is crucial to assess the eligibility criteria. It is applicable to both government and private sector employees. Check them out below:

• Government Employees: Permanent employees of the central or state government departments are eligible. This ensures interstate transfers and frequent transfers fall under the Bharat series.
• Defence Personnel: Paramilitary personnel, defence personnel, and other defence personnel are allowed to register their vehicles under the BH series. It allows for smoother interstate movement without constantly having to re-register.
• Private Sector Employees: Employees in private organisations whose services are extended to four or more union territories or states can become eligible for BH registration. It offers security to professionals, making interstate travel an easy affair.

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

• Documentary Requirements: Applicants must submit proof of employment in the form of a formal certificate of employment or a letter. This ensures that they are fulfilling the requirement of BH registration.
• Vehicle Registration Compliance: The vehicle must be registered in the name of the owner and with all the legally stipulated parameters. These include the availability of a valid insurance policy, a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, and a registration certificate (RC).
• Regulation Compliance: All the cars must be compliant with local regulations to ensure roadworthiness. This allows for smooth processing of the BH registration and the prevention of legal issues in interstate travel.

By fulfilling such qualifying criteria, citizens of Lakshadweep have pan-India registration validity, ease in tax payment, and hassle-free documentation.

Follow the steps mentioned below to renew your BH number plate online in Lakshadweep:

• Step 1: Visit the Parivahan Portal: Visit the official Parivahan Sewa website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to start the renewal process.
• Step 2: Login and Access Services: Log in and go to "Pay Your Tax" in Online Services. Select Lakshadweep as your state, and then click on "Renew Registration" from the available options.
• Step 3: Enter Vehicle Details: Provide the required information, including your vehicle’s registration number and the last five digits of the chassis number. The system will automatically fetch your vehicle records and display the pending tax amount.
• Step 4: Confirm Ownership: Submit any document that might be required to confirm ownership, ensuring your vehicle meets all legal and registration requirements.
• Step 5: Select Renewal Period: Choose the renewal duration—two years or a multiple thereof, as you find suitable and convenient.
• Step 6: Pay the Amount: Proceed with road tax payment through the online payment facilities available. The vehicle's tax status will be displayed accordingly by the system.
• Step 7: Get the Confirmation: Once your payment is successful, you will receive a message via email or SMS that your BH registration has been renewed. You can even save the receipt for later use.

Owning a BH series number plate in Lakshadweep does not alter your responsibilities as a vehicle owner under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Just like any other vehicle, you must maintain a valid motor insurance policy.

Your insurance premium is not influenced by BH registration and is determined by the type of vehicle, model, age, and place. Therefore, the Lakshadweep vehicle owners can avail themselves of the convenience of a BH number plate without an extra insurance fee.

The BH series number plate in Lakshadweep provides vehicle owners with registration validity across the country, ease in paying taxes, and reduced paperwork. The BH series promises hassle-free movement, easy compliance, and convenience in the long run for government officers, defence personnel, or professionals who need to frequently relocate.

Additionally, with fast and digital application and renewal on the Parivahan portal, vehicle owners can experience a convenient, new-age, and efficient vehicle registration process.