BH Number Plate in Karnataka: Eligibility, Rules, and How to Apply

India’s professional workforce is constantly on the move, thanks to job transfers, remote roles, and national assignments. With this mobility comes one recurring challenge: vehicle re-registration every time someone changes states.

The BH number plate was designed to solve this. And in Karnataka, where IT parks, PSU offices, and government departments thrives, this system is especially useful. This pan-India registration system is tailor-made for a state where relocation is common.

What is a BH Number Plate?

The BH number plate stands for Bharat Series, launched in 2021 by MoRTH. It was introduced to simplify vehicle ownership across states without the hassle of re-registration.

The format is YY BH #### XX, for example, 23 BH 4567 AB.
It’s valid throughout India, and once issued, you don’t need a new plate even after moving to a different state. That makes it ideal for jobholders with frequent transfers.

Importance of BH Number Plate in Karnataka

With Bengaluru leading India’s tech revolution and cities like Mysuru, Hubli, and Mangaluru growing rapidly, the number of people relocating in and out of Karnataka is always high.

From IT professionals in global tech parks to government employees in central departments, and from PSU staff to defence personnel, interstate transfers are routine. But with every move comes the burden of vehicle re-registration, time-consuming, bureaucratic, and expensive.

This is where the BH number plate in Karnataka comes into the picture. Once registered under the BH series, your vehicle doesn’t need to be re-registered no matter where you move in India. The number remains valid across all states and Union Territories.

As awareness increases, more people are choosing this option, especially those in roles where transfers are frequent. It’s a small change that makes a big difference in long-term convenience and compliance.

Who is Eligible for BH Number Plate in Karnataka?

Not everyone can apply for a BH number plate in Karnataka. The eligibility criteria are defined clearly to ensure the system supports people who frequently move across states for work.

You can apply if you fall into any of these categories:

• Central or State Government employees
  
• Defence personnel or employees in armed forces and paramilitary services
  
• PSU (Public Sector Undertaking) staff
  
• Private sector employees working in companies that have offices in four or more states or Union Territories

In all cases, you must provide the right supporting documents:

• Proof of employment, such as an official letter or certificate from your employer
  
• Government-issued ID
  
• Company PAN card details
  
• Form 60, if you don’t have a PAN

The scheme is open to both two-wheelers and non-commercial four-wheelers. Commercial vehicles like taxis or trucks are not eligible for the BH plate.

This eligibility model ensures that the BH plate serves its true purpose, simplifying interstate vehicle ownership for people whose jobs demand frequent relocations. If you meet the criteria, applying for a BH number plate in Karnataka is a practical long-term decision.

BH Number Plate Rules and Validity

Once issued, a BH number plate in Karnataka remains valid across India, regardless of how many times you move or where you go. The vehicle stays registered under the Bharat Series for its entire life, unless you choose to switch it to a local number later.

Unlike regular Karnataka registrations, where road tax is paid upfront for 15 years, BH plate holders pay road tax every 2 years, which can be renewed as needed. This helps reduce the financial burden, especially if you don’t plan to stay in one state long term.

The BH number continues to remain valid even after job transfers or relocation. It only becomes inactive if:

• The vehicle is sold
  
• The vehicle is scrapped
  
• The owner deregisters it voluntarily

If someone decides to settle permanently in Karnataka, they have the option to convert the BH number plate to a KA registration by following local RTO procedures.

How to Apply for BH Number Plate in Karnataka?

Getting a BH number plate in Karnataka is a straightforward process, and you can apply either online via the VAHAN portal or directly through your vehicle dealer.

A. Online Application

To apply online, follow these steps:

• Go to vahan.parivahan.gov.in
  
• Click on “New Vehicle Registration” and choose the BH series option
  
• Upload necessary documents:
  
  • Employment proof
    
  • Government ID
    
  • Company PAN
    
  • Form 60 (if applicable)
    
• Select your vehicle type (two-wheeler or four-wheeler)
  
• Pay the road tax for two years online
  
• Submit the application and note the reference number

Once submitted, the application is reviewed by the RTO. If everything is in order, your BH number is allotted digitally, and the vehicle is cleared for road use across India.

Tracking can be done directly on the portal using your application ID.

B. Application Through Dealer

Most authorised dealers in Karnataka, especially in Bengaluru, are equipped to handle BH plate registrations.

• Declare your eligibility at the time of booking
  
• Submit required documents at the dealership
  
• Dealer uploads everything to the VAHAN portal and coordinates with the RTO
  
• The vehicle is usually delivered with the BH number pre-assigned, speeding up the process

While dealers may charge a small handling fee, it’s a faster option for those who want a hassle-free experience.

BH Number Plate Format and Meaning

The BH number plate follows a unique and standardised format across India. Unlike traditional Karnataka plates that begin with “KA”, BH plates follow this structure:

Code	Meaning
23	Year of Registration
BH	Bharat Series
4567	Unique Vehicle Number
AB	Random Alphabets

Example: 23 BH 4567 AB

This format makes it easy for enforcement agencies, toll booths, and FASTag systems to identify a BH vehicle, regardless of where it was originally registered.

Because it doesn’t carry a state code like “KA” or “DL”, it’s easy to spot and track across borders. This plate visually separates itself from regional numbers, reducing confusion during inspections or inter-state drives.

Once issued, this number stays with the vehicle, unless the owner chooses to convert it into a local state registration later.

Road Tax Rules for BH Series in Karnataka

Vehicles registered under the BH number plate in Karnataka follow a distinct road tax structure compared to standard KA registrations. Instead of paying a lump sum for 15 years, BH owners pay tax in 2-year blocks, which can be renewed every two years for up to 14 years. After that, the tax is paid annually at half the previous rate.

The tax percentage is based on the vehicle’s ex-showroom price:

• Below Rs.10 lakh: 8%
  
• Rs.10 to 20 lakh: 10%
  
• Above Rs.20 lakh: 12%

For example, a petrol car priced at Rs.9 lakh would incur a tax of Rs.72,000 (8% of Rs.9 lakh) for a 2-year period. This tax is paid online via the Parivahan portal, and the process is straightforward.

This staggered payment system reduces the upfront financial burden, making it especially beneficial for individuals who relocate frequently. It also ensures that vehicle owners are not overpaying if they plan to use the vehicle for a shorter duration.

Where is BH Number Plate Available in Karnataka?

The BH number plate is accessible across Karnataka, with major adoption in urban centers. Key RTOs facilitating BH registrations include:

• Bengaluru: High uptake in areas like Whitefield, Rajajinagar, and Electronic City
  
• Mysuru
  
• Mangaluru
  
• Hubli-Dharwad

While these cities have streamlined processes, some smaller towns may still route applications through district offices. Many car dealerships, especially in metropolitan areas, are well-versed in handling BH plate applications, ensuring a smoother experience for applicants.

It’s advisable to consult with your local RTO or dealership to confirm the availability and specific procedures related to BH number plate registration in your area.

BH vs KA Registration Plates

Choosing between a BH number plate and a KA state registration depends entirely on your lifestyle and mobility. Here’s how they compare:

Feature	BH Number Plate	KA Number Plate
Validity	Pan-India	Karnataka only
Tax Duration	2 years, renewable	15 years upfront
Renewal	Every 2 years	After 15 years
Re-registration	Not required when relocating	Required when moving states
Ideal For	People with transferable jobs	People settled in Karnataka

If you’re someone whose job might take you out of Karnataka, even once in the next few years, the BH number plate makes more sense. But if you plan to stay in the state long term, a traditional KA plate will keep things simple.

The table above gives first-time buyers a clear picture of what to choose based on their needs.

Conclusion

The BH number plate in Karnataka is a practical solution for a state that sees high professional mobility. Whether you’re in the IT sector, defence, central government, or a private company with offices across India, this registration makes owning and moving a vehicle much easier. It removes the need for re-registration, splits tax payments, and simplifies interstate ownership. You can apply online or let your dealer handle it during purchase.

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