How to Register a BH Number Plate for Bikes?

If you often move from one state to another for professional reasons, the BH number plate can make owning a bike much simpler. It's a new registration system that lets you use your bike anywhere in India without re-registering or additional paperwork.

However, to take advantage of this system, you need to know the eligibility criteria, along with what benefits it offers, and what drawbacks you should keep in mind. Keep scrolling for a detailed guide.

Getting a BH number plate for your bike isn't complicated, and you can complete most of the steps online. The whole process is described below: 

• Get an NOC if Needed

A no-objection certificate from the previous state's RTO is required if your bike is registered in some other state. It shows that there are no pending fines, loans against it, or any court cases. 

Since the RTO must verify all records before issuing the NOC, this step may take a few days. 

• Apply Online on the VAHAN portal

Go to the VAHAN portal on the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways website, and start the BH number plate application for your bike. The portal is easy to use, and most of the details can be filled in a single go.

• Upload Required Documents

You will have to upload scanned copies of a few documents. These include: 

1. ID proof like Aadhaar or Passport

2. Address proof

3. Employment ID card or Form 16 for private employees

4. NOC from your old RTO if the bike was registered earlier in a different state 

5. Bike’s registration certificate

6. Insurance policy

7. PUC certificate

Make sure to submit all the correct documents, so there is no delay. 

• Pay the Required Fees

After uploading all the documents, you can pay the registration and road tax online. The tax is calculated based on your vehicle's ex-showroom price.

• Take the Bike for Inspection if Asked

Sometimes, the RTO may ask you to bring your bike for a physical inspection, and this is mainly done to verify the chassis number and the condition of the vehicle. 

• Get Your BH Number Allotted

Once your application gets approved, the BH number is generated. You get a new registration certificate with the BH series number, which you can affix to your bike.

The BH number plate is available only for certain groups of people. It is meant for individuals who may need to move across states often. The following people can apply for a BH number plate for their bike:

• State government employees

• Central government employees

• Defence personnel 

• Bank employees

• Administrative services employees

• Employees of private companies that have offices in more than four states or union territories

Because the scheme is designed for frequent transfers, only these categories are included. There are also some conditions related to the vehicle: 

• It should be a non-transport vehicle; hence, commercial vehicles are not eligible.

• Road tax has to be fully paid.

• The bike should have a valid PUC certificate 

• Old bikes can be eligible if the current registration has not expired 

The BH number plate provides several facilities to bike owners, such as:  

• No Need for Re-registration:- Owners do not need to re-register their bike when moving to another state/UT. The BH plate stays valid across India, saving time and effort. It also eliminates the need to pay large lump-sum state registration fees.

• Centralised Road Tax:- BH road tax is paid once every two years through the online VAHAN portal or at the nearest RTO, regardless of the state where the owner lives.

• Less Paperwork:- Since the BH plate is accepted nationwide, documentation becomes simpler. Owners do not need to visit multiple RTOs or submit repeated forms when relocating. 

• Better Resale Appeal:- Bikes with BH number plates may have a higher resale value because their registrations are valid across all states, making them more attractive to buyers who relocate frequently.

The drawbacks of a BH number plate for a bike owner are explained in the table below:

• Limited Eligibility:- Strict rules restrict who can apply. Self-employed individuals and business owners who frequently relocate are often not eligible, limiting the scheme’s reach.

• Low Awareness:- Many states still have low awareness about BH number plates. This may confuse RTOs during interstate travel.

• Initial Process Can Feel Complex:- Steps such as obtaining an NOC, uploading documents, or navigating the online process may feel complicated for first-time applicants.

• Chance of Misuse:- Some individuals attempt to misuse the system by applying without eligibility. Authorities conduct checks to prevent this, but misuse remains a concern. 

The BH number plate does not affect the insurance premium, as the premium is determined by various other factors. All bike owners with a BH number plate must comply with the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, and it is mandatory to own a third-party bike insurance policy. 

Insurance companies calculate premiums based on the type of bike, model, age, IDV, location, and the coverage type you choose. So, the BH series number plate has no role in deciding the amount you pay. Your premium will not change even when your bike has a BH number plate.