Buying a used vehicle in Punjab and want to confirm the number plate is genuine? Or checking the delivery status of your new plate? This page covers everything — how to check number plate status online, what the status codes mean, how to replace a lost plate, and how Punjab’s personalized plate scheme works.
Quick answer: Go to mtmis.excise.punjab.gov.pk, enter your vehicle registration number, complete the captcha, and click Search. Your number plate and Smart Card status will appear instantly.
Punjab Number Plate Guide
Get exact steps for your situation
- 1Open mtmis.excise.punjab.gov.pk
- 2Find Number Plate Status on the homepage
- 3Enter your registration number exactly as on your plate
- 4Complete the captcha and click Search
- 5Your status appears instantly
- 1Check status on MTMIS portal using your registration number
- 2Call 0800-08786 — free helpline — report delay directly
- 3File a complaint on citizenportal.gov.pk if helpline does not resolve
- 4Visit nearest Excise office in person with registration documents
- 1Open mtmis.excise.punjab.gov.pk
- 2Click Verification by CNIC
- 3Enter 13-digit CNIC without dashes — example: 3740512345671
- 4Complete captcha and click Submit
- 5All vehicles appear — select any to see plate status
| Vehicle Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Car / Motor Vehicle | PKR 1,200 |
| Motorcycle / Rickshaw | PKR 750 |
- 1Pay replacement fee at a designated bank — get the deposit slip
- 2Collect all documents: CNIC, registration, FIR copy, bank slip
- 3Visit your nearest Excise and Taxation office
- 4Submit complete file at the counter
- 5Receive tracking reference — track replacement on MTMIS portal
- 1Visit nearest police station with your CNIC and vehicle registration
- 2Report the lost or stolen plate — ask for an FIR
- 3Get a copy of the FIR — keep it safe
- 4Come back and follow the replacement steps
- ✓Search registration number on MTMIS — confirm owner name
- ✓Ask seller for original CNIC — name must match MTMIS exactly
- ✓Check plate city code matches registration district
- ✓Physically inspect plate — look for tampering or re-painting
- ✓Confirm plate is not reported lost or stolen
- ✓Verify token tax is fully paid — unpaid tax transfers to you
- ✓Complete ownership transfer at Excise office immediately after purchase
| Category | Starting Price | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | ~PKR 5 lakh | AAA 777 |
| Platinum | ~PKR 50 lakh | ABID 786 |
| Corporate | ~PKR 1 crore | COMPANY |
- 1Clear all token tax dues on your vehicle first
- 2Go to excise.punjab.gov.pk
- 3Select plate category — Gold, Platinum, or Corporate
- 4Pay non-refundable participation fee — ~PKR 5,000 Gold · ~PKR 10,000 Platinum
- 5Bid in the online auction — if you win, pay full amount
- 6Plate is issued and registered to your vehicle
| Code | City |
|---|---|
| LHR | Lahore |
| RWP | Rawalpindi |
| FSD | Faisalabad |
| MUL | Multan |
| GRW | Gujranwala |
| SKT | Sialkot |
| BWP | Bahawalpur |
| LEA / BLL | Lahore older series |
Last Verified: 2 August 2026. Number plate fees and personalized plate prices were checked against the Excise and Taxation Department published fee schedule. Confirm the latest fee with your district Excise office as charges may change.
How to Check Punjab Number Plate Status Online
You do not need to visit any office to check your number plate status. The MTMIS Punjab portal shows real-time status for all registered vehicles.
- Open mtmis.excise.punjab.gov.pk in your browser
- Find the Number Plate Status or Smart Card / Number Plate option on the homepage
- Enter your vehicle registration number exactly as on your plate — for example: LHR-2025-1234
- Enter the captcha code shown on screen
- Click Search
Your plate status will appear within seconds.
What the Number Plate Status Codes Mean
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| In Process | The plate is being manufactured |
| Issued | The plate has been prepared and issued |
| Dispatched | The plate has been sent from the Excise office |
| Delivered | The plate has reached the designated delivery point |
| Pickup Ready | You can collect your plate from your nearest Excise office |
If the status shows Pickup Ready, visit your nearest Excise and Taxation office with your CNIC and vehicle documents to collect the plate.
No result showing? Try your registration number with and without dashes. Newly registered vehicles may take 3 to 5 working days to appear in the system.
How to Check Number Plate by CNIC
If you do not have the registration number, you can search by CNIC.
- Open the MTMIS Punjab portal
- Click Verification by CNIC
- Enter the 13-digit CNIC number without dashes — example: 3740512345671
- Complete the captcha and click Submit
- All vehicles registered under that CNIC appear — select your vehicle to see plate and Smart Card status
This method is also useful when buying a used vehicle — verify that the seller’s CNIC matches the registered owner before completing any payment.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Number Plate?
Standard delivery takes 2 to 4 weeks after vehicle registration. In Lahore and major cities, delivery is usually faster — within 7 to 14 working days. Remote districts may take up to 30 working days.
If 30 working days have passed and your plate has not arrived:
- Track the status on the MTMIS portal
- Call the Excise helpline at 0800-08786 (free call)
- File a complaint on the Pakistan Citizen’s Portal at citizenportal.gov.pk
- Visit your nearest Excise office with your registration documents
Number Plate Fees in Punjab
| Item | Car / Motor Vehicle | Motorcycle / Rickshaw |
|---|---|---|
| Standard number plate | PKR 1,200 | PKR 750 |
| Replacement plate (lost/stolen) | PKR 1,200 | PKR 750 |
These fees are set by the Excise and Taxation Department Punjab per the official fee schedule. Confirm the current amount with your district Excise office before payment.
Punjab Number Plate Format — How to Read It
Punjab number plates follow a specific format. Understanding it helps you verify whether a plate matches the registration documents.
Standard plate format:
LHR - 2025 - 1234
↑ ↑ ↑
City Year Serial
codeCommon Punjab city codes:
| Code | City |
|---|---|
| LHR | Lahore |
| RWP | Rawalpindi |
| FSD | Faisalabad |
| MUL | Multan |
| GRW | Gujranwala |
| SKT | Sialkot |
| BWP | Bahawalpur |
| LEA | Lahore (older series) |
| BLL | Lahore (older series) |
When verifying a used vehicle, always confirm that the city code on the plate matches the district of registration shown in MTMIS.
New Punjab Number Plates — Security Features
Punjab has rolled out new reflective security-feature number plates for all newly registered vehicles. Key features:
- Reflective material — clearly visible at night and in low light
- Embedded barcode — police can scan instantly at checkpoints
- Tamper-evident design — plate cannot be removed without visible damage
- Issued with Smart Card — both plate and Smart Card are issued together at registration
Older number plates remain valid until the vehicle is transferred, re-registered, or a replacement is issued.
What to Do If Your Number Plate Is Lost or Stolen
Step 1 — File an FIR
Visit your nearest police station immediately. Report the lost or stolen plate. The police will issue a First Information Report (FIR). Keep this document — it is required for the replacement process.
Step 2 — Gather Documents
Collect the following before visiting the Excise office:
- Original CNIC
- Vehicle registration book or Smart Card copy
- FIR copy from the police
- Bank deposit slip for the replacement fee — PKR 1,200 for cars, PKR 750 for motorcycles
Step 3 — Apply for Replacement
Visit your nearest Excise and Taxation office. Submit the complete file. A replacement plate will be issued and you will receive a tracking reference.
Step 4 — Track Your Replacement Plate
Track the replacement plate status on the MTMIS portal using your registration number — same process as a new plate.
Never drive without a number plate. Police can issue an immediate fine for missing or damaged plates.
Personalized Number Plates in Punjab
Punjab offers a personalized number plate scheme through the Excise Department. You can apply your name, a combination of letters and numbers, or your company name on a registered vehicle’s plate.
Three Categories
| Category | Starting Price | What You Can Use | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | Approx. PKR 5 lakh | 3 letters or numbers | AAA 777, XYZ 111 |
| Platinum | Approx. PKR 50 lakh | Up to 8 letters or numbers including name | ABID 786 |
| Corporate | Approx. PKR 1 crore | Company name or brand | COMPANY |
Prices shown are starting bids. Final price depends on auction bidding — popular combinations go significantly higher.
How to Apply for a Personalized Plate
- Go to the official Excise website at excise.punjab.gov.pk
- Select the plate category — Gold, Platinum, or Corporate
- Pay the non-refundable participation fee — approximately PKR 5,000 for Gold, PKR 10,000 for Platinum (confirm current amount on the official site before applying)
- Take part in the online auction
- If you win, pay the full bid amount within the specified deadline
- Plate is issued and registered to your vehicle
Eligibility
- Vehicle must be registered in Punjab
- No outstanding token tax or dues on the vehicle — see our Token Tax Punjab guide to clear dues first
- Applicant must be the registered owner
Important Conditions
- Personalized plates are tied to the vehicle, not the owner
- If you sell the vehicle, the plate transfers with it unless you apply to retain it
- Obscene, politically sensitive, or restricted combinations are not permitted
- Government-approved combinations only — the Excise Department has the right to reject any combination
Number Plate Check Before Buying a Used Vehicle
Before paying for any used vehicle in Punjab, confirm the number plate through MTMIS:
- Enter the registration number on the MTMIS portal — confirm owner name matches the seller’s CNIC
- Check that the plate format matches the registration documents
- Physically inspect the plate — look for signs of tampering, re-painting, or altered characters
- Confirm the plate is not reported lost or stolen
- Complete ownership transfer at the Excise office immediately after purchase
See our Bike Verification guide and Punjab Vehicle Transfer Fee 2026 guide for the complete pre-purchase and transfer process.
Common Problems and Solutions
Plate not showing in MTMIS
Try with and without dashes in the registration number. Wait 3 to 5 working days for newly registered vehicles. If still no result, call 0800-08786.
Wrong information on plate
Visit the Excise office where you registered with original documents and request a correction. No fee applies if the error is on the government’s side.
Plate damaged
Apply for a replacement at your nearest Excise office. Bring your CNIC, registration documents, and pay the replacement fee.
Plate does not match registration documents
Report to the Excise office immediately. This could indicate a stolen vehicle or fraudulent documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check my Punjab number plate status online?
Go to mtmis.excise.punjab.gov.pk, enter your registration number, complete the captcha, and click Search. Your plate status appears instantly.
What does “Pickup Ready” mean on the number plate status?
Your plate has been prepared and is ready for collection at your nearest Excise and Taxation office. Bring your CNIC and registration documents.
How much does a number plate cost in Punjab?
PKR 1,200 for cars and motor vehicles. PKR 750 for motorcycles and rickshaws. The same fee applies for a replacement plate.
How long does it take to get a number plate in Punjab?
2 to 4 weeks after registration in most districts. Lahore and major cities are faster — 7 to 14 working days. If 30 working days have passed, call 0800-08786.
Can I check a number plate by CNIC?
Yes. Use the CNIC verification option on the MTMIS portal. Enter your 13-digit CNIC without dashes to see all vehicles and their plate status.
What if my number plate is lost or stolen?
File an FIR at the nearest police station first. Then visit the Excise office with your FIR, CNIC, registration documents, and the replacement fee.
What is a personalized number plate in Punjab?
A personalized plate lets you put your name or a custom combination on your vehicle. Punjab offers Gold, Platinum, and Corporate categories through an online auction at excise.punjab.gov.pk.
How much does a personalized plate cost?
Starting prices are approximately PKR 5 lakh for Gold, PKR 50 lakh for Platinum, and PKR 1 crore for Corporate. Final price depends on bidding. A non-refundable participation fee also applies.
Can I keep my personalized plate if I sell my vehicle?
The personalized plate is tied to the vehicle. If you sell the vehicle, the plate transfers with it unless you apply to the Excise Department to retain or cancel it separately.
Is it legal to drive without a number plate in Punjab?
No. Driving without a number plate is illegal and subject to an immediate fine. If your plate is damaged, stolen, or missing, apply for a replacement immediately.
Related Guides
Punjab Vehicle Transfer Fee 2026, Token Tax Punjab, Vehicle Smart Card Status, Bike Verification, MTMIS Lahore Verification and Registration, e-Punjab Guide, and Imported Vehicle Verification.
Visit our homepage for more MTMIS Punjab guides, learn more About Us, or Contact Us if you have a question.
Editorial Note
Last Verified: 2 August 2026
Fact Checked: Yes. Number plate fees, personalized plate auction prices, and reference links were checked against the Excise and Taxation Department published fee schedule.
Editorial Note: MTMIS Punjab is an independent informational website. It is not affiliated with the Government of Punjab or the Excise and Taxation Department. Always verify the latest fee and process with your district Excise office.
Official References: Punjab Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department at excise.punjab.gov.pk — Pakistan Citizen’s Portal at citizenportal.gov.pk
