What Is a Number Plate?
A number plate is a metal or plastic plate on your car or bike. It has numbers and letters on it, like LHR-2025-1234.The government gives you this plate when you register your car or bike. This plate shows that your vehicle is legal and you can drive on the road.
Why Do We Need a Number Plate?
Every car or bike must have a number plate. Police check the plate to know who owns the vehicle.If your number plate is missing, you can get a fine. It also helps find your car or bike if it is lost or stolen.
Last Verified: 2 August 2026 – number plate fees and personalized plate prices on this page were checked against the Excise and Taxation Department published fee schedule. Please verify the latest applicable fee from the Punjab Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department, as charges may change.
What Is New for Number Plates in Punjab?
Punjab has rolled out new, reflective security-feature number plates with an embedded barcode and special material that shines in light. Police can read these plates easily, even at night, and new vehicles also get a Smart Card issued together with the plate.
What Is a Smart Card?
A smart card is a small card, like your school ID card.It has your car or bike details.You get this card from the government when you register your vehicle.You must keep the smart card with you.
How To Check Your Number Plate Status Online
Now, you do not have to go to any office.You can check your number plate from your home using your phone or computer.
Follow these easy steps:
1.Go to mtmis.excise.punjab.gov.pk
2.Find “Number Plate Status” or “Smart Card/Number Plate” option.
3.Type your car or bike number (like LHR-2025-1234).
4.Write the captcha code you see.
5.Click the search button.
Your plate status will appear on the screen.
What Does the Status Mean?
When you check online, you will see one of these words:
- In Process: The plate is being made.
- Issued: The plate is ready.
- Dispatched: The plate has been sent.
- Delivered: The plate is at the office.
- Pickup Ready: You can collect your plate.
If you see “Pickup Ready,” go to your Excise office and get your plate.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Number Plate?
It usually takes 2 to 4 weeks after you register your car or bike.Sometimes it can take a little longer.If you do not get your plate in 1 month, talk to the Excise office or make a complaint online.
How Much Does a Number Plate Cost?
Per the Excise and Taxation Department official fee schedule, a standard number plate costs PKR 1,200 for cars and other motor vehicles, and PKR 750 for motorcycles and rickshaws. You pay the same fee if you lose your plate and need a replacement. Please verify the exact current amount with your district Excise office, as charges may change.
What If My Number Plate Is Lost or Stolen?
If your number plate is lost or stolen, do not worry.
Do this:
- Go to your local police station and tell them. The police will give you a paper called FIR.
- Download the form for a new plate from here.
- Collect these documents:
- CNIC (ID card) copy
- Vehicle registration copy
- FIR copy from police
- Bank slip for the replacement plate fee (PKR 1,200 for cars, PKR 750 for motorcycles/rickshaws)
- CNIC (ID card) copy
- Go to the Excise office and submit everything.
You can check your new plate’s status online just like before.
What To Do If There Is a Problem?
If your plate is very late, or the info on your plate is wrong, you can ask for help online.
How to complain:
- Go to the Pakistan Citizen’s Portal.
- Make an account.
- Fill the form and tell your problem.
- The Excise team will help you soon.
Important Tips for Everyone
- Always keep your registration slip and smart card safe.
- Never drive your car or bike without a number plate.
- If you buy a used car, check if the number plate is real and matches the papers.
- Do not pay anyone extra money for a quick plate. Only use government offices.
Personalized (Vanity) Number Plate
Three Categories for Personalized Plates
Punjab offers three main types of special plates:
| Category | Starting Price (via auction) | Details & Examples |
| Gold Category | From approx. 5 lakh rupees | Select 3 letters or numbers. Example: AAA 777, XYZ 111 |
| Platinum Category | From approx. 50 lakh rupees | Use up to 8 letters or numbers, including names. Example: ABID 786 |
| Corporate Category | From approx. 1 crore rupees | Use company name or logo. Example: COMPANY |
How to Apply for a Personalized Plate
It is very easy to apply for your own special plate.
Follow these steps:
- Go to the official Excise website: excise.punjab.gov.pk
- Select the plate type you want (Gold, Platinum, or Corporate).
- Take part in the online auction.
- If you win, pay the fee.
- Get your own name or number on your number plate!
Why Get a Personalized Plate?
- You can show your style or your name on your car or bike.
- Business people can use their brand or company name.
- Your car or bike looks unique.
Simple Questions and Answers
Q: Can I write my name on my number plate?
A: Yes! The personalized scheme lets you do this.
Q: How much is the fee for a special plate?
A: Prices start from roughly 5 lakh rupees for Gold, 50 lakh rupees for Platinum, and 1 crore rupees for Corporate plates, sold through an online auction, so the final price can go higher depending on bidding.
Q: Who can apply for these plates?
A: Only people in Punjab with registered vehicles.
Q: Can I use any plate I want?
A: No, only government-approved plates are legal.
Useful Links
- Check Number Plate Status
- Excise Official Website
- Download Forms
- Complaint Portal (Pakistan Citizen’s Portal)
What If I Sell My Car or Bike?
If you sell your vehicle, transfer the number plate to the new owner.Go to the Excise office together and fill out the transfer form.Do not give your car or bike to anyone without changing the name in records.
Safety and Legal Advice
- Never use a fake number plate.
- If you lose your plate, always file a police report (FIR).
- Never trust people who promise fast plates for extra money.
- Always follow the law and use government websites for help.
Conclusion
Number plates help everyone know who owns a car or bike.The Punjab government has made it very easy to check your plate and even get your own special number.Always keep your documents safe, follow the rules, and enjoy driving your vehicle.
If you want to know about current tax payments, check out the Punjab Token Tax Calculator.
More Number Plate Questions
Q: Is there a fee just to take part in the personalized plate auction?
A: Yes. Beyond the winning bid, a non-refundable participation fee applies when you register for the auction – reported as roughly PKR 5,000 for Gold and PKR 10,000 for Platinum categories. Confirm the current amount on the official Excise website before applying.
Q: Do I need to clear my token tax before applying for a personalized plate?
A: Yes, your vehicle should have no outstanding token tax or dues before you can take part in the auction. See our Token Tax Punjab guide to check and clear dues first.
Q: Does my number plate change if I transfer ownership of my vehicle?
A: The physical plate usually stays with the vehicle, but the Smart Card and registration record are updated to the new owner’s name. See our Punjab Vehicle Transfer Fee 2026 guide for the full transfer process.
Q: Can I check a vehicle’s number plate before buying it?
A: Yes. Use the official Excise verification portal or MTMIS Punjab to confirm the registration, ownership, and dues status of a plate before you buy the vehicle.
Related Guides
You may also find these guides useful: Punjab Vehicle Transfer Fee 2026, Vehicle Smart Card Status, Token Tax Punjab, Bike Verification, MTMIS Lahore Verification & Registration, and Imported Vehicle Verification.
Visit our homepage for more MTMIS Punjab guides, learn more About Us, or Contact Us if you have questions.
Editorial Note
Last Verified: 2 August 2026
Fact Checked: Yes – number plate fees, personalized plate auction prices, and reference links on this page were checked against the Excise and Taxation Department’s published fee schedule and independent trusted reporting on the vanity plate scheme.
Editorial Note: MTMIS Punjab is an independent, unofficial information resource and is not affiliated with the Government of Punjab or the Excise and Taxation Department. This guide is reviewed periodically and updated whenever the Excise Department revises its official fee schedule or process. Please verify the latest applicable fee and process with your district Excise office.
Official References: Punjab Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department (excise.punjab.gov.pk) – official fee schedule and vehicle verification service. Pakistan Citizen’s Portal (citizenportal.gov.pk) – official government complaint system.
