BH Number Plate in Meghalaya: Eligibility & How to Apply

For vehicle owners in Meghalaya, frequent relocation often brings the inconvenience of re-registration—standing in long queues at RTOs, paying a hefty one-time road tax, and managing endless paperwork every time you move to a new state. This becomes especially difficult for IT professionals, corporate employees, defence personnel, and government staff whose jobs require frequent transfers.

To ease this burden, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) introduced the BH (Bharat) Series number plate in September 2021. With a single nationwide registration and road tax payable in two-year blocks, it removes the need for repeated re-registration when shifting to another state.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) provides an online facility through the Parivahan Sewa Portal, making it simple for vehicle owners in Meghalaya to apply for a BH series number plate. Follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Visit the Portal – Go to the official Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) portal.
• Step 2: Login: Provide your login credentials to proceed with the application.
• Step 3: Enter Vehicle Details – Fill in information such as the vehicle category, engine number, and chassis number.
• Step 4: Upload Required Documents – Submit documents like proof of address, ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN card), and an employment certificate (mandatory for private-sector employees).
• Step 5: Pay the Fees – Complete the payment of registration charges and applicable road tax, which will vary depending on the type of vehicle.

The Meghalaya RTO will verify your application. Once approved, your vehicle will be officially registered under the Bharat series, and the BH number plate will be issued. It can either be collected from the nearest RTO or affixed directly by the vehicle dealer.

Vehicle owners can also apply for a BH number plate through an authorised car dealer in Meghalaya. The offline process is as follows:

• Step 1: Visit an Authorised Car Dealer: Go to your preferred automobile dealer to start the BH series application process.
• Step 2: Form Submission: The dealer will fill out Form 20 on the VAHAN portal on your behalf.
• Step 3: Submit Documents: Provide the required documents and details to the dealer.
• Step 4: Application Verification: After the authorities verify the application, the BH series registration number is issued.

This method is preferable for individuals who prefer assistance for the BH series application process.

Below is the list of commonly required documents for BH registration:

• Identity Proof – Aadhaar / PAN / Passport
• Address Proof – Aadhaar / Utility bill / Bank statement
• Employer Certificate – Company in 4+ states/UTs (for private employees)
• Form 20 – Vehicle registration application
• Form 60 – Work certificate (private employees)
• Vehicle Papers – Invoice, Insurance, PUC

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.

The BH series number plate was introduced to facilitate the movement of vehicles across states for individuals with transferable jobs. Its eligibility norms are clearly laid out and apply to employees in both government organisations and the private sector.

Eligible categories are as follows:

• Central and State Government employees posted in Meghalaya or transferable across India.
• Defence personnel and employees of paramilitary forces.
• Employees of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) with offices in Meghalaya or transferable jobs.
• Private sector employees whose companies/organisations have offices in at least four or more states/UTs.

Vehicle owners who meet the above criteria at the time of new vehicle registration in Meghalaya are eligible.

Follow the steps below to renew your BH registration:

• Step 1: Visit the Parivahan Portal – Go to the official Parivahan Sewa website managed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
• Step 2: Choose the Service – Log in, select “Pay Your Tax” under Online Services, and choose Meghalaya as your state.
• Step 3: Enter Vehicle Details – Provide your registration number and the last five digits of your chassis number. The portal will display your vehicle details and the tax due.
• Step 4: Make the Payment – Select your preferred payment block (two, four, or six years) and complete the payment online. The system will update your tax records with the new validity.
• Step 5: Confirmation of Renewal – Once the payment is processed, your BH registration status will be updated, and the portal will notify you of the next due date.

Vehicle owners in Meghalaya using BH number plates must follow the same rules under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, as any other vehicle owner. This includes the mandatory requirement of purchasing a valid motor insurance policy for their vehicle.

The BH series number plate does not affect insurance premiums. Rates are determined by factors such as the vehicle’s model, age, type, and the owner’s location. Therefore, choosing a BH registration will not change or increase your insurance premium in Meghalaya.

The Bharat (BH) Series number plate is more than just a registration—it’s a practical solution for Meghalaya’s professionals and families who often move across states. With nationwide validity, flexible tax payments, and reduced paperwork, it ensures smooth mobility without the stress of re-registration.

Applying is simple, whether through the Parivahan Sewa portal or directly via your dealer. For defence personnel, government staff, private employees, or anyone with transferable jobs in Meghalaya, the BH series is a wise choice that saves time, lowers costs, and guarantees actual hassle-free travel across India.