How to Apply for New Vehicle Registration
Register a new vehicle at the Excise and Taxation office in your district within 60 days of purchase. Bring the dealer invoice, CNIC, customs clearance (for imported vehicles), and vehicle inspection report. Registration fee depends on engine CC and vehicle value. Process takes 7-15 days.
When New Vehicle Registration Is Required
New vehicle registration is required whenever a brand-new car or motorcycle is purchased from a dealer. The dealer provides the basic documents, but the registration itself is the buyer's responsibility at the Excise and Taxation office. You have approximately 60 days from purchase to register — after that, late registration penalties apply.
What You Need for New Registration
- CNIC — original and photocopies
- Purchase invoice from the authorized dealer
- Customs clearance / import documents (for imported vehicles)
- Vehicle inspection certificate — some offices require this before registration
- Insurance certificate (if applicable)
- Registration fee — based on engine CC and vehicle assessed value
Registration Process
- Collect all purchase documents from the dealer.
- Visit the Excise and Taxation office in your district.
- Submit documents and the registration application form.
- Vehicle inspection may be conducted at the office (engine/chassis number verification).
- Pay registration fee, token tax (first year), and number plate charges.
- Receive temporary registration papers. Permanent registration book and number plates are issued within 7-15 days.
Buying a used vehicle instead? See ownership transfer process. For vehicle verification before purchase: MTMIS guide. Calculate your token tax: vehicle token tax calculator.
Registration Costs
Registration fees include: registration charge (based on vehicle value), first year token tax (based on engine CC), number plate fee, and any applicable duties. Total costs for a new car can range from Rs. 10,000 for a small car to Rs. 100,000+ for luxury vehicles. Motorcycles are significantly cheaper — Rs. 2,000-5,000 total.
Late Registration Consequences
- Penalty charges after the 60-day window — increasing with delay duration.
- Police challans for driving an unregistered vehicle.
- Insurance invalidation — most policies require valid registration.
- Resale complications — an unregistered vehicle is harder to sell and transfer.
New Vehicle Registration — Required Documents
| Document | New Car | Used Car (Transfer) | Motorcycle |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNIC (original) | ✓ | ✓ Both buyer & seller | ✓ |
| Invoice / sale letter | ✓ Dealer invoice | ✓ Sale agreement | ✓ |
| Customs clearance | ✓ (imported only) | — | ✓ (imported) |
| Transfer letter | — | ✓ From seller | — |
| Fitness certificate | — | ✓ (inter-province) | — |
| Photos of vehicle | ✓ 2 photos | ✓ 2 photos | ✓ 2 photos |
| Fee | Registration + token tax | Transfer fee + token tax | Registration fee |
Punjab's MTMIS system has digitized vehicle records significantly, making verification quick and accessible. Always verify any vehicle before purchase — check MTMIS for ownership, token tax status, theft flags, and registration validity. A 5-minute online check prevents purchasing stolen, court-attached, or heavily tax-defaulted vehicles. The verification is free and instant — there's no reason to skip it.
For vehicles registered outside Punjab, use the respective province's portal (Sindh Excise, KPK Excise, Islamabad Police). Cross-province verification is important when buying vehicles with registration from another province — the transfer process requires additional steps including fitness certification and re-registration.
Register within 60 days. The 60-day window from purchase is strict. Dealers sometimes offer to handle registration — verify they actually complete it rather than just collecting fees. Check MTMIS after 30 days to confirm your vehicle appears in the system.
New Vehicle Registration — Owner Questions
Approximately 60 days from purchase date. Late registration attracts penalty charges that increase with delay duration.
Varies by vehicle value and engine CC. Small cars: Rs. 10,000-30,000 total. Larger vehicles: Rs. 30,000-100,000+. Motorcycles: Rs. 2,000-5,000. Includes registration fee, first-year token tax, and number plate charges.
Some dealers offer registration service. Verify they actually complete it — check MTMIS within 30 days to confirm your vehicle and your name appear in the system. Some dealers collect fees but delay the actual registration.
Insurance requirements vary by province and vehicle type. Some Excise offices require proof of insurance for cars before processing registration. Check with your local Excise office for current requirements.