Car Registration Transfer Pakistan 2026 — NADRA App & Complete Guide
Car Registration Transfer in Pakistan — What Changed in 2026?
Transferring a car’s ownership in Pakistan used to mean multiple trips to the Excise & Taxation office, long queues, and at least one mandatory visit to a NADRA centre for biometric verification. In 2026, that process has been transformed — both buyer and seller can now complete biometric verification from their smartphones using NADRA’s Pak-ID app, without stepping outside their homes.
This guide covers the full car registration transfer process in Pakistan for 2026, including the new NADRA facial recognition method, required documents, fees by province, and common problems people encounter.
Old Method vs New NADRA App Method
| Feature | Old Method | New Pak-ID App Method (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Biometric verification | Physical visit to NADRA centre | Smartphone (fingerprint or face) |
| Excise office visit | Mandatory for both buyer & seller | One visit to finalise record update |
| NADRA biometric certificate validity | Issued on same day at centre | 7 days after digital verification |
| Facial recognition option | Not available | Available since January 20, 2026 |
| Transfer completion time | 2–5 working days | Within 48 hours after excise visit |
| Available for overseas Pakistanis | No — required physical presence | Yes — app works internationally |
What is the Pak-ID NADRA App?
The Pak-ID app is Pakistan’s official digital identity app developed by NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority). It allows Pakistani citizens to verify their identity using biometrics — fingerprint or facial recognition — directly from their smartphone. The app is available for both Android and iOS and is free to download.
As of January 2026, NADRA has activated facial recognition biometric verification across all its systems. This was specifically introduced to assist citizens whose fingerprints cannot be read due to age, manual labour, or medical conditions — the system now matches a live selfie against NADRA’s official CNIC photograph database.
Upon successful verification, NADRA issues a digital certificate containing:
- Purpose of verification
- Citizen’s recent photograph alongside the CNIC photograph on record
- CNIC number, name, and father’s name
- A unique tracking ID and QR code
This certificate is valid for 7 days and must be presented at the Excise office to complete the transfer.
Step-by-Step: Transfer via NADRA Pak-ID App (Punjab)
Punjab was one of the first provinces to go fully digital for vehicle ownership transfers in 2026, integrating the Pak-ID app with the Excise & Taxation Department’s system.
Step 1 — Pay the Transfer Fee (Buyer)
The buyer pays the vehicle transfer fee through the ePay Punjab app or at a designated bank branch. A transaction ID / Payment Slip ID (PSID) is generated as proof of payment.
Step 2 — Download Pak-ID App (Both Parties)
Both buyer and seller must download the Pak-ID app (Android / iOS) and register using their CNIC number.
Step 3 — Complete Biometric Verification
Inside the app, select “Vehicle Transfer Verification.” Enter the vehicle’s registration number. The app will prompt you to verify your identity via:
- Fingerprint scan — using the phone’s fingerprint sensor or camera-based scan
- Facial recognition — live selfie matched against CNIC record (active since Jan 20, 2026)
Both the buyer and the seller must complete this step separately on their own phones.
Step 4 — Receive NADRA Verification Certificate
Upon successful biometric match, a digital NADRA certificate is instantly generated — valid for 7 days. Save or print this certificate.
Step 5 — Visit Excise & Taxation Office
Both parties (or their authorised representatives) visit the relevant Excise & Taxation office. Submit the NADRA digital certificate (printout or phone display accepted), along with all required documents (see list below).
Step 6 — Ownership Transfer Finalised
The Excise office updates the ownership records in the MTMIS database. The transfer is completed within 48 hours. The new owner receives the updated registration details.
Step-by-Step: Transfer via NADRA Pak-ID App (Sindh)
NADRA rolled out online biometric verification for Sindh vehicle transfers in early 2026 through the Pak-Identity App. The process is similar to Punjab:
- Both buyer and seller download the Pak-Identity App (or Pak-ID App).
- Complete biometric verification within the app (fingerprint or face).
- Obtain the digital NADRA verification certificate.
- Visit the Sindh Excise and Taxation office (or Motor Registration Office) with all documents to finalise the transfer.
For queries, NADRA helpline: 1777 | Website: nadra.gov.pk
Documents Required for Car Registration Transfer
| Document | Who Provides |
|---|---|
| Original Vehicle Registration Book (log book) | Seller |
| CNIC copies of buyer and seller (original + copy) | Both parties |
| Token tax clearance receipt (current year) | Seller |
| Transfer fee payment receipt / PSID | Buyer |
| NADRA biometric verification certificate (from Pak-ID app) | Both parties |
| Sale Agreement / Written sale deed (affidavit) | Both parties |
| Form T.O. (Transfer of Ownership application form) | Available at Excise office |
Important: In Punjab, biometric verification is mandatory for vehicle ownership transfer. Without it, the transfer cannot be processed under any circumstances.
Transfer Fees by Province — 2026
| Province / Region | Vehicle Category | Transfer Fee (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| Punjab | Up to 1000cc car | Rs 3,025 |
| Punjab | 1001cc to 1800cc car | Rs 6,050 |
| Punjab | Above 1800cc car | Rs 9,075+ |
| Punjab | Motorcycle | Rs 605 |
| Islamabad (ICT) | Cars (revised Apr 2025) | Varies by CC (hiked Apr 2025) |
| Sindh | Cars | Visit Sindh Excise portal for rates |
| KP | Cars | Visit KP Excise portal for rates |
Fees are paid separately from the NADRA biometric verification — the Pak-ID app verification itself is free of charge. Official fee calculators: Punjab (excise.punjab.gov.pk), Sindh (excise.gos.pk), KP (excise_taxation.kp.gov.pk).
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Problem 1: Fingerprint Not Recognised
Solution: Use the facial recognition option in the Pak-ID app (active since January 20, 2026). If facial recognition also fails, visit a NADRA registration centre for assisted biometric verification. Call NADRA helpline 1777.
Problem 2: Token Tax Not Cleared
Solution: Pay outstanding token tax first via ePay Punjab app, or visit your nearest bank. Token tax clearance is mandatory before transfer can proceed. See our full guide: M-Tag Registration Guide for related documentation tips.
Problem 3: NADRA Certificate Expired (7-day validity lapsed)
Solution: Re-do the biometric verification in the Pak-ID app. The 7-day window means both parties should ideally complete their verification on the same day and visit the Excise office promptly.
Problem 4: Registration Book (Log Book) is Lost
Solution: Apply for a duplicate log book at the relevant Excise & Taxation office before initiating the transfer. Provide an FIR (First Information Report) from police if the log book was stolen.
Problem 5: Seller Not Cooperating / Unavailable
Solution: The transfer legally requires both buyer and seller biometric verification. If the seller is unavailable or deceased, a legal heir certificate or court order may be required — consult a lawyer and contact your local Excise office for case-specific guidance.
Problem 6: Vehicle Shows Outstanding Dues or Court Order
Solution: Always verify the vehicle on MTMIS before purchase. Check via MTMIS Punjab, Sindh, or KP portals to ensure there are no outstanding fines, tax arrears, or court freezes on the vehicle.
Excise Office Locations (Key Cities)
- Lahore: Excise & Taxation Department Punjab, 7 Empress Road, Lahore — excise.punjab.gov.pk
- Islamabad: ICT Administration Motor Registration, H-9 Islamabad — ictadministration.gov.pk
- Karachi: Sindh Excise & Taxation, Civic Centre Karachi — excise.gos.pk
- Peshawar: KP Excise & Taxation Department — excise_taxation.kp.gov.pk
Important: Transfer Within 30 Days of Sale
The Motor Vehicles Ordinance requires that any second-hand vehicle transfer must be reported to the relevant Registration & Taxation Office (RTO) within 30 days of the sale. Missing this deadline can result in fines and complications in completing the transfer. Do not delay — initiate the Pak-ID biometric process on the day of sale and visit the Excise office within the 7-day certificate window.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I transfer a car without visiting the Excise office?
A: Not currently. While the biometric verification can now be done via the Pak-ID app from home, both buyer and seller (or authorised representatives) still need to visit the Excise office at least once to finalise the ownership record update in MTMIS.
Q: What is the NADRA Pak-ID app and where do I download it?
A: The Pak-ID app is NADRA’s official digital identity app. Download it from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store by searching “Pak-ID” or “NADRA Pak-ID.” It is free.
Q: How long does a vehicle transfer take in 2026?
A: Once the Excise office receives all documents and verifies the NADRA certificate and fee payment, the transfer is typically completed within 48 hours. The entire process from biometric verification to completed transfer can be done in 1–3 days.
Q: Does the new NADRA method work for overseas Pakistanis?
A: Yes. The Pak-ID app works internationally — overseas Pakistanis can complete biometric verification from abroad. However, someone must still attend the Excise office in Pakistan (buyer, seller, or their authorised representative with a Power of Attorney).
Q: Do I need the original log book or will a photocopy work?
A: The original vehicle registration book (log book) is required. Photocopies are not accepted for ownership transfer. If lost, apply for a duplicate before proceeding.
Q: What is the token tax clearance requirement for transfer?
A: All outstanding token tax must be paid before a vehicle transfer can be processed. The seller is responsible for clearing any tax arrears. Buyers should verify token tax status via MTMIS before purchasing any used vehicle.
Q: Can I check vehicle transfer status online?
A: Yes. Use the MTMIS portal for your province. Punjab: mtmis.excise.punjab.gov.pk — enter the registration number to verify current ownership and any pending dues.
Q: Is the PakWheels car transfer service worth using?
A: PakWheels offers an assisted car transfer service that handles the paperwork and Excise visits on your behalf. It is convenient for buyers and sellers who find the process complex, but costs more than doing it yourself. See their fee at pakwheels.com/products/car-transfer.
Stay informed about Pakistan’s latest auto regulations at Carr.pk. Also read our guides on M-Tag Registration 2026, Jaecoo J7 PHEV — 5 Key Technologies, and Hyundai Palisade — Pakistan Launch Preview.
