BH Number Plate in Sikkim: Eligibility & How to Apply

Relocating to or from Sikkim with a vehicle can be a tedious process, involving new registration, extensive paperwork, and significant road tax payments every time you cross state boundaries.

To make this easier, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) came up with the BH (Bharat) Series number plate in 2021. It helps remove the re-registration part when relocating to another state, which will make the management of the vehicle easier and less stressful.

Applying for a BH series registration in Sikkim is a straightforward process that can be carried out online from the comfort of your home. Simply follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Open the Parivahan Portal: Go to the official Parivahan website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
• Step 2: Choose the Service: Select “Online Services”, then click on “Vehicle Related Services” and set your state as “Sikkim.”
• Step 3: Log In and Select Application Type: Sign in to the portal and choose the relevant option, either for registering a new vehicle or for transferring ownership.
• Step 4: Enter Details and Upload Documents: Fill in the required information and upload scanned copies of the necessary documents, such as identity proof, address proof, and the vehicle’s papers.
• Step 5: Complete the Payment: Pay the prescribed road tax and registration fees through the portal. After your application has been reviewed, you will receive an SMS or email confirming the BH registration.

Finally, visit your nearest RTO office in Sikkim to have the BH number plate affixed to your vehicle.

Follow the steps below to apply for a BH series number plate offline in Sikkim:

• Step 1: Contact an Authorised Dealer: Approach your vehicle dealer to start the BH registration process.
• Step 2: Form Filling: The dealer will complete Form 20 on the VAHAN portal on your behalf.
• Step 3: Submit Documents: Hand over the necessary paperwork and details to the dealer for submission.
• Step 4: Verification and Approval: After the authorities verify the application, the BH registration number will be granted.

If you are applying for a BH registration number in Sikkim, you will be required to present the following paperwork:

• 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.

The BH Series number plate was launched to facilitate seamless interstate vehicle movement, for those who frequently relocate for work. The eligibility criteria are clearly specified and apply to both government and private employees.

Eligible categories are as follows:

• All permanent employees of central and state government departments are eligible.
• Members of the armed forces, paramilitary forces, and other defence-related services.
• Staff of organisations such as BHEL, ONGC, BSNL, and similar PSUs.
• Employees working in companies or firms that have offices in four or more states or union territories are eligible to apply.

Renewing a BH series registration in Sikkim is a simple online process that ensures vehicle owners stay up to date with their road tax requirements. Follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Access the Parivahan Website: Visit the official Parivahan Sewa portal run by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
• Step 2: Log In and Choose the Service: Go to “Online Services”, click on “Pay Your Tax”, and select “Sikkim” as your state.
• Step 3: Enter Vehicle Details: Type in the last five digits of both your chassis number and your registration number. The system will automatically retrieve your vehicle record and show the tax amount due.
• Step 4: Make the Payment: Select the option to pay road tax in two-year blocks, or in longer periods such as four or six years. Once you complete the payment, the updated tax validity will appear on your account.
• Step 5: Confirmation: After successful payment, your renewal will be recorded on the portal, and the next tax due date will be displayed clearly for future reference.

Having a BH registration plate in Sikkim does not alter your obligations as a vehicle owner under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. You are still required to maintain a valid motor insurance policy at all times. Importantly, holding a BH number plate has no bearing on your insurance premium.

The cost of your policy will continue to depend on usual factors such as the vehicle’s make, model, age, and the region in which it is used. In other words, the convenience of nationwide mobility under the BH scheme comes without any increase in insurance charges.

The BH registration scheme is particularly beneficial for individuals who relocate often, as it allows vehicles to be used across states without the hassle of repeated registrations. In Sikkim, both the application and renewal of a BH number plate are straightforward, and with the right documents in hand, owners can easily take advantage of this simplified system.

By completing the required steps, you can obtain a BH plate, keep your road tax updated, and enjoy worry-free ownership no matter how frequently you change locations.