Punjab has taken a decisive step toward modernizing vehicle administration by allowing cars registered in other provinces or federal territories to be officially re-registered in Punjab. The reform addresses a long-standing issue faced by thousands of vehicle owners operating in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad, where registration and tax payments were misaligned with actual road usage. This move is expected to reshape resale dynamics and compliance across the used cars market in Pakistan.

What Has Changed in Punjab’s Vehicle Registration Policy

Under amendments to the Motor Vehicles Ordinance 1965, the Punjab Excise and Taxation Department now permits inter-province registration transfers through a centralized digital system.

Key highlights include:

Vehicles registered in Sindh, Islamabad, or other provinces can now shift to Punjab
A No Objection Certificate from the original registering authority is mandatory
Re-registration fees are significantly lower than fresh registration costs
Previously paid token taxes in other provinces will be accepted in Punjab

This change directly benefits owners of used cars who frequently faced resale penalties due to out-of-province number plates.

How the New Digital System Works

Developed with support from the Punjab Information Technology Board, the new software allows Excise officials to verify vehicle data online and issue Punjab registration numbers almost immediately.

The process includes:

Obtaining an NOC from the original province
Online record verification by Punjab Excise
Assignment of a new Punjab number plate
Future integration of e-Pay for digital transactions

The rollout begins in Lahore and major cities before expanding province-wide.

Impact on Car Prices and Resale Value in Pakistan

Market analysts expect this policy to positively influence car prices in Pakistan, particularly in the used cars segment. Vehicles operating in Punjab but registered elsewhere typically suffered reduced resale value.

According to Car Advisers Research, Punjab-registered vehicles command up to 7–10% higher resale premiums in Lahore and Rawalpindi compared to out-of-province units. This reform also supports transparency, discourages fake registrations, and strengthens vehicle documentation integrity.

Why This Matters for Buyers and Sellers

For buyers, this ensures cleaner ownership records and easier verification. For sellers, especially those planning to sell my car or buy car online, Punjab registration improves buyer confidence and market liquidity.

FAQs

1. Can any car be re-registered in Punjab?
Yes, provided it has a valid NOC and clean registration history.

2. Will I pay token tax twice?
No. Punjab will accept token taxes already paid in Sindh or Islamabad.

3. Does re-registration increase resale value?
Yes, especially in Punjab’s used car markets.

4. Is the process fully online?
Verification is digital, with e-Pay integration coming next.

Final Verdict

Punjab’s inter-province vehicle re-registration policy is a structural reform that aligns taxation, resale value, and road usage realities. It strengthens regulatory transparency while offering tangible financial benefits to vehicle owners, dealers, and buyers across Pakistan’s automotive ecosystem.

Do you think other provinces should adopt a similar nationwide vehicle registry? Share your view below.

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