BH Number Plate in Punjab: Eligibility & How to Apply

For Punjab vehicle owners, repeated transfers of jobs translate into cumbersome re-registration procedures, a one-time lump-sum road tax, and recurrent RTO visits. Such issues have been resolved with the launch of the BH (Bharat) Series number plate in 2021 by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

It comes with a single nationwide registration and road tax payable in two-year blocks, making it ideal for professionals with transferable jobs. The BH number plate is designed for government employees, defence personnel, and private-sector workers whose organisations have establishments in four or more states. It curbs the need for re-registration at the time of relocation.

Here is the simple step-by-step process to apply for BH number plate online in Punjab:

• Step 1: Access the VAHAN Portal: Go to the official portal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)
• Step 2: Sign in: Input your credentials to continue.
• Step 3: Provide Vehicle Information: Accurately fill in the required vehicle and personal information.
• Step 4: Upload Required Documents: Submit scanned versions of necessary documents, such as identity proof, employment verification, and vehicle paperwork.
• Step 5: Process Payment: Finalise the road tax payment through the online platform.

Once the application and documents are verified, the vehicle will be assigned a BH series registration number.

The following are the steps to apply for a BH series number plate in Punjab in the offline mode:

• Step 1: Contact a Genuine Dealer: Go to your car dealer to start the BH series application process.
• Step 2: Submit the Form: The dealer will complete Form 20 on the VAHAN portal for you.
• Step 3: Document Submission: Provide the necessary documents and information to the dealer for processing.
• Step 4: Verification of Application: After the authorities confirm the application, the BH series registration number will be assigned.

The offline method is advantageous for applicants who seek help in fulfilling the requirements.

Below is the list of commonly required documents:

• PAN Card
• Official ID Proof (Government employee ID card or PSU ID card, as relevant)
• Aadhaar Card
• Form 60 (applicable for private-sector employees)
• Company’s GST Registration Certificate
• Vehicle Road Tax Payment Proof
• Vehicle documentation (including insurance papers, PUC certificate, original registration 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.

The main objective behind introducing the BH series number plate was to simplify interstate vehicle movement for those who often relocate from state to state. The eligibility criteria for applying for a BH number plate in Punjab are as follows:

• State or government employees
• Bank employees
• Defence personnel
• Administrative service employees
• People working in public sector undertakings like ONGC, BHEL, BSNL, etc.
• Private employees with offices in more than four states or union territories.

Renewing BH registration in Punjab is an online process that makes road tax payments easier every two years, ensuring vehicles used across states remain compliant. You can complete the renewal through the Parivahan portal, which is accessible from anywhere in India.

Here’s a simple guide to renewing your BH number plate:

• Step 1: Access the Parivahan Website: Go to the Parivahan Sewa portal managed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
• Step 2: Log in and go to Online Services: Choose “Pay Your Tax” from the Online Services menu, and choose Punjab as your state.
• Step 3: Enter Vehicle Details: Input your registration number and the last five digits of your chassis number.
• Step 4: Complete the Payment: Click on “Pay Your Tax” under “Online Services”. After verifying your vehicle details, pay the calculated road tax.
• Step 5: Record and Confirmation: After payment, the updated tax due date will show on the portal. Make sure to save the confirmation for your records.

Owning a BH number plate in Punjab does not change your obligations as a vehicle owner according to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Similar to any other vehicle, it is essential to maintain a genuine motor insurance policy such as bike insurance. Notably, the BH series does not influence your insurance premium.

Your premium continues to be determined by factors including the type, model, age, and location of the vehicle. Consequently, you can take advantage of the benefits of a BH number plate without the concern of increased insurance expenses.

BH (Bharat) series number plate registration is the most suitable registration process for Punjab vehicle owners who frequently shift for professional purposes. It eliminates the re-registration hassle, permits tax payment for two years at a time, and makes it valid across the country.

Whether you are a government officer, defence personnel, or a private-sector professional with a transferable job, BH registration in Punjab provides convenience, cost savings, and less documentation. Register online via the VAHAN portal or with your dealer for a hassle-free, future-proof vehicle registration process.