BH Number Plate in Manipur: Eligibility & How to Apply

For vehicle owners in Manipur, frequent relocations across states often result in a lengthy and tiring re-registration process. Working professionals face numerous RTO visits, costly state-specific road taxes, and repetitive documentation each time their jobs require them to move to new locations.

Recognising these challenges, India's Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) launched the BH (Bharat) series number plate in 2021, transforming vehicle ownership across state boundaries.

Here’s the step-by-step process for BH registration using the VAHAN portal online:

• Step 1: Visit the VAHAN Portal: Go to https://parivahan.gov.in/ portal of the Official Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). Navigate Online Services, and choose Vehicle Related Services.
• Step 2: Login: Select “Manipur” as your state, and use your valid credentials to access the system. Visit the vehicle registration application to initiate the process.
• Step 3: Enter Vehicle Details: Provide accurate vehicle and personal details in the form.
• Step 4: Upload Documents: Attach scanned copies of ID proof, employment proof, and vehicle documents.
• Step 5: Make Payment: Pay the road tax online through a secure payment system.

Once the application and documents are checked, the BH series registration number will be issued.

Here’s the process on how you can apply for a BH number plate in Manipur offline:

• Step 1: Visit an Authorised Dealer: Begin the BH series application by approaching an authorised automobile dealer in Manipur. The dealer will guide you through the initial process.
• Step 2: Submission of Form 20: The dealer is responsible for completing and uploading Form 20 on the official VAHAN portal on your behalf.
• Step 3: Provide the Necessary Documents. Hand over all required paperwork and personal details to the dealer, including proof of eligibility, identity documents, and employment certificates.
• Step 4: Application Verification and Approval: After the concerned transport authorities check and confirm your application, your vehicle will be issued a BH (Bharat) series registration number.

Many applicants in Manipur prefer the offline method because the dealer manages most of the formalities, reducing the chances of mistakes and saving time.

The list of commonly required documents for the BH series number plate registration is given below:

• 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 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 in Manipur can get a BH series number plate. The government has set certain eligibility criteria so that only those who frequently move for work can avail themselves of this facility. The following categories of people can apply:

• 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).

The Bharat (BH) series, introduced to simplify interstate vehicle transfers, allows owners to pay road tax in flexible instalments. The instalments are due every two years during the first 14 years of registration and annually thereafter.

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

• Step 1: Access the Parivahan Sewa Portal. Begin the renewal process by visiting the official Parivahan Sewa website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
• Step 2: Log in and Choose the Service: From the Online Services menu, select the "Pay Your Tax" option. Please ensure that you choose Manipur as your state before proceeding.
• Step 3: Provide Vehicle Information: Enter your vehicle registration number along with the last five digits of your chassis number. The system will then automatically display your vehicle profile and the road tax amount due.
• Step 4: Complete the Payment: Choose the payment duration—two years, or multiples such as four or six years—and finalise the transaction using any available digital payment method.
• Step 5: Confirmation: Once payment is successful, the portal updates your tax records instantly, including the next due date. You can also download and keep a digital receipt for proof of payment and future reference.

A BH registration number does not change how your vehicle insurance premium is calculated. As elsewhere in India, motor insurance providers in Manipur determine premiums based on factors such as the vehicle’s make and model, age, engine size, and the driver’s claim history.

If you convert your vehicle’s registration in Manipur to a BH series plate or relocate from the state, you must inform your insurance company. Updating your insurer ensures your policy records remain accurate and prevents any breach of terms due to unreported changes in registration.

The Bharat or BH Series number plate is a smart solution for today’s modern lifestyle. If your profession requires frequent relocation, the BH series ensures nationwide validity, streamlined tax payments, and minimal paperwork.

Applying through the Vahan portal or your dealer makes the process even more seamless. In short, it’s a choice that saves time, reduces costs, and guarantees proper hassle-free mobility anywhere in India.