Car Number Plate Types Pakistan — Complete Guide
Car Number Plate Types Pakistan — Complete Guide
Pakistan’s vehicle number plates are more than just an identification system — the colour, format, and design of your plate communicates crucial information about the vehicle’s registration, ownership type, province, and even the social status of the owner. From standard white reflective plates to rare diplomatic black plates, each type serves a distinct legal and administrative purpose.
This complete guide explains every number plate type in Pakistan, the registration requirements for each, and what the numbers and letters mean — essential knowledge for every car owner, buyer, and road user.
Standard Number Plate Format in Pakistan
A standard Pakistani number plate follows this format:
ABC-123
- First Letter: Province/Region code
- Second & Third Letters: District/City code
- Numbers (3-4 digits): Sequential registration number
Province Letter Codes
| Letter | Province/Territory |
|---|---|
| L | Punjab (Lahore) |
| K | Karachi / Sindh |
| B | Balochistan |
| P | Peshawar / KPK |
| IS | Islamabad Capital Territory |
| AJ | Azad Jammu & Kashmir |
| GB | Gilgit-Baltistan |
Types of Number Plates in Pakistan
1. White Reflective Plates (Standard Private)
Who gets these: All privately registered passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, motorcycles)
Appearance: White/silver reflective background with black letters and numbers, crescent & star emblem
Format: ABC-1234 (3 letters + 4 digits)
Requirement: Standard vehicle registration with MTMIS (Motor Transport Management Information System)
2. Yellow Plates (Commercial Vehicles)
Who gets these: Commercial vehicles — trucks, buses, minibuses, taxis, three-wheelers
Appearance: Yellow background with black text
Purpose: Immediately identifies the vehicle as commercial — subject to different road taxes, route permits, and fitness certificates
Note: Taxis and ride-hailing vehicles (Uber, Careem) operating commercially should technically have yellow plates in most provinces, though enforcement varies. Read our ride-hailing guide for more.
3. Green Plates (Government Vehicles)
Who gets these: Federal and provincial government vehicles
Appearance: Green background with white text; may include ministry/department designation
Variations:
- Dark green: Federal government vehicles
- Light green: Provincial government vehicles
- Green plates with no number (just insignia): Official use by senior officials
4. Red Plates (Temporary Registration)
Who gets these: Newly purchased vehicles or vehicles being transported from manufacturer/importer
Appearance: Red background with white text
Duration: Valid for 30-90 days pending permanent registration
Important: A car with a red plate cannot be driven beyond 30-90 days without getting permanent registration. Insurance validity may also be limited on red-plated vehicles.
5. Black Plates (Diplomatic / International)
Who gets these: Foreign embassies, consulates, international organizations (UNDP, WHO, etc.)
Appearance: Black background with white/yellow text
Format: CD followed by numbers for diplomatic, CC for consular
Legal status: Diplomatic vehicles have immunity from most traffic enforcement under the Vienna Convention
6. Fancy / Choice Number Plates
Who gets these: Anyone willing to pay the premium fee at Excise Department
Examples: Specific numbers like 786, 111, 555, 007, or personal initials
Cost: Ranges from Rs 5,000 to Rs 5 lakh+ depending on the desirability of the combination
Province-specific: Each province has its own schedule — Punjab MTMIS, Sindh Excise, KPK Excise have different processes
Plate Types by Province — Key Differences
| Province | Registration Authority | Online Portal | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Punjab | MTMIS Punjab | mtmis.punjab.gov.pk | Biometric verification; blockchain records since 2022 |
| Sindh | Excise Sindh | excise.sindh.gov.pk | Karachi plates most common; high resale premium on K-series |
| KPK | Excise KPK | excise.kpk.gov.pk | P-series; manual processes in smaller districts |
| ICT | MVRS Islamabad | mvrs.islamabad.gov.pk | IS prefix; most digitized system; online transfer available |
Token Tax and Plate-Related Fees (2026)
| Fee | Punjab | Sindh |
|---|---|---|
| Initial registration (up to 1000cc) | Rs 2,500–5,000 | Rs 3,000–5,000 |
| Initial registration (1001-1500cc) | Rs 5,000–8,000 | Rs 5,000–9,000 |
| Duplicate number plate | Rs 500–1,500 | Rs 1,000–2,000 |
| Transfer of ownership | Rs 2,000–5,000 | Rs 3,000–6,000 |
When buying a car, ensure all token taxes are paid by the seller. Unpaid token tax becomes the buyer’s liability after transfer. Always verify registration status online before purchase.
Plan your vehicle costs with current fuel price data, and compare insurance options for your registered vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the letters on a Pakistani number plate mean?
The first letter indicates the province (L=Lahore/Punjab, K=Karachi/Sindh, P=Peshawar/KPK, B=Balochistan, IS=Islamabad). The following 2 letters indicate the district or registration series. The numbers are the sequential registration number within that series.
Can I keep my number plate when I sell my car?
In Punjab and Islamabad, number plates are associated with the vehicle, not the owner. When you sell, the new owner gets the same number. A fancy/choice plate’s premium is typically reflected in the car’s resale price. You cannot legally transfer a number plate to a different vehicle.
Are fancy number plates legal in Pakistan?
Yes, if obtained through the official Excise Department process. Unofficially made fancy plates (non-standard fonts, designs) are illegal and police can confiscate the vehicle. Always get fancy plates through official channels.
What is the difference between white and yellow plates in Pakistan?
White plates indicate private passenger vehicles. Yellow plates indicate commercial vehicles (trucks, buses, taxis). The type of plate affects road tax rates, insurance classification, and permit requirements.
How do I verify a vehicle’s registration in Pakistan?
Punjab: SMS vehicle number to 8785 (MTMIS service). Sindh: excise.sindh.gov.pk online portal. Islamabad: mvrs.islamabad.gov.pk. These services let you verify the registration, current owner’s CNIC (last 4 digits), and whether the vehicle has any dues or challan history.
