Islamabad is overhauling its vehicle registration system, adopting a U.S.-inspired model that assigns registration numbers to individuals rather than vehicles, according to a notification released Wednesday by the Excise and Taxation Department. This transformative policy aims to improve transparency, efficiency, and owner control.
Under the new regulations, each vehicle owner will be assigned a permanent number plate tied to their identity. Upon selling a vehicle, the existing registration will be deactivated, and the new owner will obtain a fresh registration number.
Owners can retain their personal registration number for up to one year without it being linked to a vehicle. However, if unused for a year, the number will be revoked. These changes apply to both new and pre-owned automobiles, including those being transferred.
Separately, Punjab is considering substantial increases in vehicle and motorcycle registration costs. The Excise, Taxation, and Narcotics Control Department has proposed changes designed to bolster provincial income and registration system transparency.
Proposed increases include raising fees for vehicles up to 1000cc from PKR 1,200 to PKR 5,000; for vehicles between 1000cc and 1800cc from PKR 2,000 to PKR 11,000; and for vehicles above 1800cc from PKR 8,000 to PKR 22,000.
Motorcycle registration costs may also jump from PKR 4,000 to PKR 11,000. These potential adjustments represent a significant shift in vehicle registration practices nationwide, emphasizing modernization, clarity, and stronger regulatory oversight.