BH Number Plate in Madhya Pradesh: Eligibility & How to Apply

Re-registration of vehicles between states is a tedious process for vehicle owners in Madhya Pradesh who often change their residence to seek employment. To address such issues, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) introduced the BH (Bharat) Series number plate in September 2021.

This is a pan-Indian vehicle registration scheme that enables qualified vehicle owners to travel freely across states without the need for re-registration. In Madhya Pradesh, a vehicle with a BH plate can be driven anywhere in India under the same registration, saving time, paperwork, and additional fees.

The steps to apply for BH number plate registration online are as follows:

• Step 1: Go to the VAHAN Portal: Visit the official Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) portal
• Step 2: Log in to Your Account: Enter your credentials to proceed.
• Step 3: Enter Vehicle Details: Provide the required vehicle and personal details accurately.
• Step 4: Upload Documents: Submit scanned copies of the necessary documents, including identity proof, employment proof, and vehicle documents.
• Step 5: Make Payment: Complete the payment of road tax through the online system.

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

Throughout this process, you can track your application status on the VAHAN portal. The online route helps avoid multiple visits and enables you to keep an eye on any portal notifications or emails regarding additional requirements or appointments.

Alternatively, you can apply through your authorised vehicle dealer (the dealer handles the online process on your behalf). The offline steps are:

• Step 1: Inform your automobile dealer that you want a BH series plate. Provide all the necessary documents (Aadhaar, PAN, Form 60, employment ID, vehicle invoice, insurance, etc.). The dealer will prepare your application.
• Step 2: The dealer logs into the VAHAN portal, selects Madhya Pradesh, and completes Form 20 for your vehicle. They will choose the “BH” series in the application.
• Step 3: The dealer uploads copies of your documents (ID proofs, employment certificate, vehicle papers, etc.) to the portal. Private-sector employees must submit a work certificate and Form 60, issued by their employer.
• Step 4: The road tax payment is collected online (as per your vehicle’s price). The RTO then reviews and approves the application. Once verified, the BH registration number is generated, and the BH plate can be affixed.

This offline method is helpful if you need assistance with the formalities. Your dealer manages the VAHAN portal steps, while you ensure your eligibility documents are complete.

You will need to submit the following key documents during the BH registration process:

• Proof of Identity: Aadhaar Card (mandatory). Also, keep a PAN card and any other valid ID (such as a passport or voter ID) on hand.
• Proof of Employment: Government employee ID or PSU ID, or a “Form 60” (work certificate) from your employer if you work in the private sector. The certificate should state that your company has offices in four or more states/UTs.
• Address Proof: Documents like Aadhaar, passport, driver’s license, or utility bills can be used.
• Vehicle Documents: Original sale invoice (Form 21), Insurance Certificate (Form 51), Registration Certificate (RC) or Sale Certificate (Form 22), and PUC certificate. These prove the vehicle’s purchase and fitness.
• Other: If switching an existing vehicle to BH, you’ll need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the current RTO and proof of tax payment.

Ensure you have scanned copies (in PDF or image format) of all the above when applying online. If applying through a dealer, bring originals for verification and hand over clear photocopies.

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.

Not everyone can get a BH plate; eligibility is limited to certain transferable jobs. In Madhya Pradesh, you can apply only if you fall into these categories:

• Central or State Government employees (including officers on transfer).
• Defence and paramilitary personnel.
• Employees of Public Sector Undertakings (e.g. BSNL, ONGC, BHEL) or central PSUs.
• Private-sector employees whose companies have offices in at least four states or Union Territories.
• Other government-approved cases (e.g. leased company cars for eligible firms).

Before applying, make sure you have already paid the one-time road tax in Madhya Pradesh (or have an NOC if transferring from another state) and that your vehicle’s Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate is up-to-date.

BH registrations require road tax renewal every 2 years (instead of a one-time payment). The renewal process is simple and online:

Here's the step-by-step renewal process:

• Step 1: Visit the Parivahan Portal: Go to the official Ministry of Road Transport and Highways website, Parivahan Sewa, to initiate the renewal process.
• Step 2: Login and Access Services: Select “Pay Your Tax” from the Online Services menu, and choose Madhya Pradesh as your state.
• Step 3: Enter Vehicle Details: Provide the last five digits of your chassis number along with your registration number. The system will automatically fetch your vehicle details and display the pending tax amount.
• Step 4: Make the Payment: Select the payment period, typically two years or a multiple thereof, such as four or six years. Complete the transaction using the available payment options.
• Step 5: Get Confirmation: Once the payment is successful, the portal will update your vehicle’s tax status and reflect the next due date on your record. You can also download the payment receipt for future reference.

Having valid motor insurance is mandatory for any vehicle in India, and a BH-registered car is no exception. A BH plate does not affect your insurance premium or coverage requirements. You must maintain a current comprehensive (or at least third-party) car insurance policy such as bike insurance as required under the Motor Vehicles Act.

In fact, your insurance policy (along with RC, PUC, etc.) is one of the documents you upload during the registration process. The BH scheme does not give any insurance discount; premiums continue to be based on vehicle type, age, and declared value.

In return, a unified BH registration helps insurers and authorities easily track the vehicle nationwide if ever needed (for claims or legal issues).

The BH series number plate in Madhya Pradesh can be highly beneficial for those whose professions require frequent relocations. Both the application and renewal processes can be completed online, ensuring zero paperwork and reducing the hassles of repeated RTO visits.

Thus, if you are eligible for BH registration, opting for it can be an ideal way to maintain the validity of your vehicle registration as you relocate to a new state.