The Government of Sindh has introduced changes to the vehicle registration system. It has linked number plates directly to the owner’s Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) instead of the vehicle itself.
The new policy has been implemented by the Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department under the Provincial Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Act 2024.
Officials say the move is aimed at simplifying ownership rules and giving vehicle owners more flexibility.
Number plate becomes owner’s property
According to an official announcement shared by the department, number plates will now be treated as the personal property of the vehicle owner.
This means that when a vehicle is sold, the number plate will remain with the original owner rather than being transferred with the car.
Owners will also be allowed to move their existing number plates to newly purchased vehicles.
The image released by the department highlights that plates will be linked to the CNIC and not to a specific vehicle.
It also notes that plates can be transferred to another vehicle without extra charges.
Key features of new policy
The official notice outlines several points under the new system:
- The number plate belongs to the owner.
- The plate stays with the owner when a vehicle is sold.
- Plates can be transferred to a new vehicle.
- Separate plates are required for each vehicle owned.
- No additional fee will be charged for transferring a plate.
- Inactive plates can be reserved for up to one year.
The announcement includes a helpline number and directs citizens to the excise department’s website for further information.
Amendment in the act
After clause (i), the following new clause shall be inserted:
(j) “registration mark” means a Personalised Registration Mark (PRM) or a number plate or any other shape, type or document assigned to the owner of a vehicle. It will contain alphanumeric characters allotted by the registering authority;
(k) “Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)” refers to the identifying code for all vehicles. The Chassis number of a vehicle shall be used as the VIN for all purposes.
For rule 32, the following shall be substituted:
32. Assignment and exhibition of registration marks: (1) The registering authority, during the process of a registration, shall allot a personalised registration mark to the owner of a vehicle. Which shall be retained by the owner at the time of sale of the vehicle.
(2) Separate personalised registration marks shall be issued to an owner having more than one vehicle(s).
(3) An owner may retain a deactivated personalised registration mark for a period of up to one year in accordance with the instructions issued by the registration authority.
(4) An owner will either apply their already available personalised registration mark on the vehicle or shall apply for a new/personalised registration mark, as per the schedule.
(5) Any registered number plate issue against a vehicle, prior to this amendment, shall be considered as a “Personalised Registration Mark” in the name of its current owner.
Chassis number of these vehicles will be taken as VIN with applicability of all provisions as mentioned in these rules.
(6) The provision of this section shall only be applicable to vehicles registered in the name of an owner.
(7) No fees will be charged on the transfer of number plates.
(8) CNIC data in the record will be upgraded in real time.
(9) The number plate will be retained or changed with the mutual consent of both the buyer and seller.
(10) The existing Fifth Schedule, which lays down the fee structure for the transfer of ownership of a motor vehicle, shall mutatis mutandis apply to the provisions of the section.
Aim to improve transparency
Officials say the changes are intended to make vehicle ownership records clearer and reduce complications during vehicle transfers.
By linking number plates to CNICs, the department expects better tracking of ownership and smoother administrative processes.
The new system is now in effect across Sindh, and vehicle owners have been advised to contact their nearest excise office for guidance on transfers and registration updates.
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