A Digital Shift in Vehicle Ownership
The government of Punjab has launched a new digital system for registering and transferring vehicles and motorcycles. Effective from 1 September 2025, the reform links each vehicle’s registration number directly to the owner’s Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC).
Officials say the move marks a departure from the previous model, where registration was attached to the vehicle’s chassis number. The new approach is designed to improve record-keeping, strengthen security, and provide owners with direct access to their complete vehicle history.
Retaining Number Plates Across Purchases
One of the most significant changes is that owners can now retain their existing number plates. If they sell their vehicle and purchase a new one, they may transfer the registration number to the new vehicle. Previously, buyers often had to accept newly issued numbers, which created both financial and procedural burdens.
The Excise Department has clarified that a small fee will still apply when transferring an old number to a new vehicle. In contrast, opting for a newly issued number will involve the standard charges.
Fee Structure for Transfers
The government has released details of the associated fees:
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Motorcycles: PKR 1,000 for number transfer.
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Cars and other vehicles: PKR 1,000 to PKR 6,000, depending on engine capacity (CC).
When purchasing a used vehicle, a new number will automatically be issued. This ensures that the previous owner retains the right to their preferred number if they wish to transfer it later.
Reserved Numbers for Two Years
In another consumer-friendly step, individuals may now reserve their preferred registration numbers for up to two years, even if they do not currently own a vehicle. These reserved numbers remain attached to their CNICs.
If the number is not linked to a vehicle within the two-year period, however, it will expire and become available for reissuance.
Benefits for Vehicle Owners
Authorities have highlighted several advantages of the new system:
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Reuse of preferred numbers: No need to abandon a chosen or symbolic plate.
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Cost savings: Luxury or distinctive numbers often cost hundreds of thousands of rupees. Now, they can be reused, saving owners significant sums.
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Transparency: Clearer records make buying and selling vehicles more secure and traceable.
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Security enhancement: Linking numbers to CNICs reduces the risk of fraud, duplication, or misuse of plates.
Enhancing Transparency and Security
Punjab has one of the largest vehicle populations in Pakistan, with millions of motorcycles and cars registered across its districts. Until now, the transfer and registration process was often criticized as slow, opaque, and vulnerable to fraud.
By shifting the system to a CNIC-linked model, the government hopes to create a centralized, easily traceable database. This will not only make transactions more convenient for citizens but also support law enforcement agencies in tackling vehicle-related crimes.
A Step Toward Digital Governance
The reform is part of Punjab’s wider digital governance initiatives, which include efforts to modernize property records, streamline tax collection, and improve service delivery through e-governance tools. A related move is the Digital Payment System for Metro and Orange Line in Punjab, launched to enhance commuter convenience.
Excise Department officials argue that such initiatives are necessary in a province of over 120 million people, where demand for efficient public services continues to grow.
Conclusion
The introduction of CNIC-linked vehicle registration marks a significant step forward for Punjab. By making the process simpler, more secure, and citizen-focused, the provincial government aims to bring long-term benefits in transparency, cost savings, and administrative efficiency.
For millions of vehicle owners, the change offers not just convenience, but also greater control over an asset that is both financially and personally valuable.
