Reregistration of Vehicles Begins in Punjab – Official Update
As of February 14, 2026, the Punjab Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department has officially launched the re-registration process for vehicles originally registered in other provinces.
This policy allows owners of cars and motorcycles with number plates from:
- Sindh
- ICT (Islamabad)
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
- Balochistan
- Gilgit-Baltistan
- Azad Jammu & Kashmir
to convert their registration into a Punjab number plate.
The decision resolves long-standing issues related to token tax payments, resale complications, and inter-provincial compliance.
Why This Update Matters
For years, residents living in Punjab but driving vehicles registered elsewhere faced:
- Difficulty paying annual token tax
- Resale challenges in the Punjab market
- Police checking complications
- Insurance documentation delays
With this reform, vehicles can now be fully integrated into Punjab’s digital database system.
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) – Step-by-Step Process
The new framework is structured to prevent fraud, theft, and duplicate registration.
1️⃣ Obtain NOC from Original Province
You must secure a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the original Excise authority where the vehicle was first registered.
Examples:
- Karachi vehicle → Sindh Excise
- Islamabad vehicle → ICT Excise
Without NOC, Punjab will not process re-registration.
2️⃣ Vehicle Clearance & Police Verification
You must provide:
- Clearance certificate
- Police 15 verification report
This ensures the vehicle is not stolen or under legal dispute.
3️⃣ Submit Complete Original File
The full original registration file must be presented, including:
- Registration book/smart card
- Transfer letters (if applicable)
- Tax record
4️⃣ Owner’s Affidavit
A notarized affidavit confirming:
- Lawful ownership
- Intent to transfer registration
- Absence of pending disputes
5️⃣ Biometric Verification (Mandatory)
Owner must appear physically at the Excise office for biometric authentication.
Major centers include:
- Lahore
- Rawalpindi
- Faisalabad
- Multan
This step ensures identity matching with CNIC records.
Fees & Tax Structure (2026 Update)
Registration Fee
- Charged according to Punjab’s current engine capacity schedule.
- Lower than fresh registration but still applicable.
Token Tax Adjustment
Punjab will not charge duplicate tax for periods already paid in the original province.
Only outstanding dues (if any) must be cleared.
New Punjab Number Plate Issuance
After approval:
- Old provincial registration is officially cancelled.
- New Punjab number is issued.
- Updated smart card will be processed.
CNIC-Linked Number Plate System (Major Reform 2026)
Punjab is transitioning toward a CNIC-linked registration model.
Key features:
- Registration number tied to owner’s CNIC.
- Owners can retain their number when selling vehicle.
- Number can be transferred to next vehicle.
- Prevents misuse of registration identities.
This aligns Punjab with advanced vehicle identity systems.
Key Benefits of Re-Registration
Higher Resale Value
Punjab-registered vehicles sell more easily within the province.
Easy Token Tax Payment
Annual tax can be paid through:
- ePay Punjab app
- Bank branches
- Online portal
No need to travel to original province.
Improved Legal Compliance
- Vehicle becomes part of Punjab law enforcement database.
- Simplifies FIR reporting and insurance processing.
Who Should Apply Immediately?
- Punjab residents driving Sindh/Islamabad vehicles.
- Owners planning resale within Punjab.
- Individuals facing tax payment difficulty.
- Long-term inter-provincial relocations.
Common Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I re-register without NOC?
No. NOC from the original province is mandatory.
2. Will my old number remain valid?
No. It will be officially cancelled after Punjab number issuance.
3. How long does the process take?
If documents are complete, approval may take 7–21 working days depending on office workload.
4. Is biometric verification compulsory?
Yes. Owner must appear in person.
5. Can I keep my number for future use?
Yes, under the new CNIC-linked system, you may retain your number for future vehicle registration.
Important Compliance Reminder
Do not use agents promising “fast-track” services without verification. Always:
- Visit official Excise offices
- Keep original documents
- Obtain official receipts
Final Summary – February 2026 Update
- Service Active: Yes
- Applies To: All out-of-province vehicles
- NOC Required: Mandatory
- Biometric Required: Mandatory
- Double Taxation: Not allowed
- CNIC-Linked Numbers: Implemented
