BH Number Plate in Tripura: Eligibility & How to Apply

For vehicle owners in Tripura, shifting locations frequently can be a hassle due to limited RTO facilities, repeated paperwork, and the burden of paying hefty one-time road taxes. This becomes an even bigger challenge for defence personnel, central and state government employees, and corporate staff who are often required to relocate across cities and states for work.

To address these challenges, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) introduced the BH (Bharat) Series number plate in 2021. This registration system allows a vehicle to have a single nationwide registration, with road tax paid for just two years at a time. The biggest advantage is that vehicle owners no longer need to go through the tedious re-registration process every time they move to a new state.

The BH series addresses the concerns of relocation by providing a single registration number valid across India. Vehicle owners under this series are required to pay road tax every two years, or in multiples of two, in the state where the vehicle is currently located.

The tax is levied at a rate 25% higher than the standard rate. This system not only eases the process for vehicle owners but also reduces the administrative burden on regional transport offices (RTOs).

Acquiring a BH series number plate in Tripura has been simplified to allow vehicle owners to complete the registration process from the comfort of their home. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Step 1: Access the Parivahan Portal: Visit the Parivahan Portal, navigate to “Online Services”, and select “Vehicle Related Services”.
• Step 2: Log in to the System: Set your state as Tripura, enter your existing vehicle registration number, choose your respective RTO, and click “Proceed”.
• Step 3: Enter Vehicle and Personal Details: Carefully fill in your vehicle information, including engine and chassis numbers, vehicle category, and personal details like name and address.
• Step 4: Upload Required Documents: Prepare and upload scanned copies of the following:
  • Proof of Eligibility: Employment certificate or official letter
  • Identity Proof: Aadhaar, passport, or other government-issued ID
  • Vehicle Documents: Registration certificate (RC), insurance policy, and PUC certificate
• Step 5: Make the Payment: Pay the applicable road tax and registration fees online through the portal.

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

For vehicle owners in Tripura who prefer hands-on guidance, the offline method via an authorised dealer offers a seamless way to register under the BH series. The dealer ensures support at every stage, making the process convenient and hassle-free. Follow these steps:

• Step 1: Visit an Authorised Dealer: Head to a government-approved vehicle dealer in Tripura to initiate the BH series registration. The dealer will assist with all formalities and provide step-by-step guidance.
• Step 2: Submission of Form: The dealer will fill out Form 20 on your behalf on the Vahan Portal.
• Step 3: Document Submission: Provide the necessary documents to the dealer, including:
  • Proof of employment or eligibility certificate
  • Proof of identity (Aadhaar, passport, or any government-issued ID)
  • Vehicle documents (insurance, invoice, registration certificate, and pollution under control certificate)

• Step 4: Verification by Transport Authorities: The Tripura State Transport authorities will verify your employment status, eligibility, and adherence to the BH series criteria before approval.

After successful processing, your vehicle receives the BH registration number. Your vehicle is now legally recognised and can be used seamlessly across all Indian states and union territories.

To register a vehicle under the BH series in Tripura, you are required to submit several key documents:

• Proof of Eligibility: A letter from your employer confirming that you qualify for the BH series registration.
• Form 20: The official application form for vehicle registration.
• Form 60: A certificate verifying your employment details.
• Identity and Address Proof: Valid government-issued documents such as an Aadhaar card, passport, or driving licence to confirm your identity and residential address in Tripura.
• Vehicle Documents: The original registration certificate (RC), insurance papers, pollution under control (PUC) certificate, and the vehicle invoice, which are necessary for calculating road tax.

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.

Before applying for a BH series number plate in Tripura, it is important to review your eligibility and personal circumstances to ensure the scheme aligns with your travel needs and lifestyle. Follow the given eligibility criteria:

• Government Employees: Government employees in Tripura, whether at the state or central level, are eligible for a BH number plate. This provision is designed to ease vehicle registration for individuals who may frequently relocate due to official transfers.
• Defence Personnel: Members of the Indian defence forces stationed in or moving out of Tripura can also apply for a BH series number plate. This system facilitates hassle-free interstate vehicle movement without the need for re-registration with each transfer.
• Private Sector Professionals: Professionals employed by private companies operating across at least four states or union territories, including Tripura, are eligible. This caters to employees who travel frequently for business purposes and require a seamless registration process.

Here are some additional eligibility criteria that must be fulfilled to apply for a BH number plate in Tripura:

• Vehicle Ownership and Documentation: First, confirm that the vehicle you intend to register is in your name and meets all regulatory requirements. Proper documentation ensures a smooth application process and compliance with Tripura’s motor vehicle regulations.
• Compliance with Legal Requirements: All vehicles must adhere to local laws, including holding valid insurance, a pollution under control (PUC) certificate, and any other essential documents. Ensuring compliance helps avoid delays or issues during the registration process and guarantees that vehicles are roadworthy.
• Employer Verification: Applicants must submit a formal letter or documentation from their employer confirming their employment status. This verification is crucial to establishing eligibility for the BH series and to ensuring the registration process is approved without complications.

By fulfilling such qualifying criteria, citizens of Tripura have pan-India vehicle registration validity, ease in tax payment, and hassle-free documentation.

The BH series, designed to facilitate interstate vehicle movement, requires owners to pay road tax in instalments at regular intervals—initially every two years, then annually after 14 years of registration.

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

• Step 1: Visit the Parivahan Portal: Start by accessing the official Parivahan Sewa website, maintained by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), to begin the renewal process.
• Step 2: Log in and Access Services: Log in to your account and navigate to “Pay Your Tax” under Online Services. Select Tripura as your state, then click on “Renew Registration” from the list of available options.
• Step 3: Enter Vehicle Information: Provide the required details, including your vehicle registration number and the last five digits of the chassis number. The system will automatically retrieve your vehicle records and display any pending tax dues.
• Step 4: Make Payment: Complete the road tax payment using the available online payment methods. The portal will update your vehicle’s tax status once the payment is successfully processed.
• Step 5: Receive Confirmation: After payment, you will receive confirmation via email or SMS that your BH registration has been renewed. You can also download or save the receipt for future reference.

Possessing a BH series number plate in Tripura does not change your obligations as a vehicle owner under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Like any other vehicle, it is mandatory to maintain a valid motor insurance policy.

The BH registration does not affect your insurance premium, which is determined by factors such as the type of vehicle, its model, age, and location. This means that vehicle owners in Tripura can enjoy the flexibility and convenience of a BH number plate without incurring any additional insurance charges.

The BH series number plate in Tripura offers vehicle owners the benefit of nationwide registration validity, simplified tax payments, and minimal paperwork. It is particularly useful for government employees, defence personnel, and professionals who frequently relocate, ensuring smooth compliance and hassle-free mobility.

With the digital application process available on the Parivahan portal, vehicle owners in Tripura can enjoy a modern, efficient, and convenient approach to vehicle registration and renewal.