ISLAMABAD – Islamabad Excise and Taxation Department rolled out major change in car registration process, shifting from vehicle-based to owner-based number plates in line with international practices, particularly American model.
As per new policy, number plates will now be issued to car owner rather than vehicle itself. When a car is sold or transferred, a new registration number will be issued to buyer, and previous number plate will remain with the original owner.
After latest tweaks, Registration numbers will now be registered against individuals, not vehicles.
Transferred vehicles will receive new registration numbers. Officials also launched One-Year Retention Period as Owners can retain their old number plate for up to one year without assigning it to another vehicle.
Also, if unused for a year, the number will be automatically canceled. Sellers must return their number plate to the Excise Department upon selling the vehicle. The new rule affects both old and new registration numbers, regardless of issuance date.
This new regulation has been formally notified by Director General of Islamabad Excise and Taxation. Authorities say step is aimed at improving security, ownership transparency, and anti-fraud measures.
