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How to Transfer a Used Vehicle

Buying or selling a used car? The ownership must be officially transferred at the Excise office. Here is how to do it correctly and avoid common scams.

Excise⏱ 1–3 hours at office💰 Transfer fee + token tax arrears (if any)
  • Original registration book (log book) of the vehicle
  • Original CNICs of both buyer and seller
  • CNIC photocopies of both parties
  • Signed transfer form (available at Excise office)
  • Fee payment receipt for transfer charges
  • NOC from previous district if vehicle is registered in a different city
  • Insurance certificate in buyer's name
1
Verify the vehicle before buying
Before any money changes hands: check the registration book matches the chassis and engine numbers on the vehicle. Run the vehicle number plate on the Punjab/Sindh Excise portal to confirm the registered owner. Check for outstanding token tax, fines, or court orders against the vehicle.
2
Get a NOC if the vehicle is from another district
If the seller's vehicle is registered in a different city, they must get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their Excise office first. Without it, the buyer's district office cannot process the transfer.
3
Visit the Excise office together
Both buyer and seller must be physically present at the Excise office in the buyer's district. Bring all documents. Some offices allow a representative with a signed authority letter, but both CNICs are still required.
4
Fill out the transfer form
Obtain the vehicle transfer form at the counter. Both parties sign it. Staff verify the signatures against CNICs.
5
Clear any outstanding token tax
Any unpaid token tax from previous years must be cleared by the seller before transfer. The Excise system will show the outstanding amount. The buyer and seller should agree on who pays this beforehand.
6
Pay the transfer fee
Pay the transfer fee via bank challan. Fees vary by province and vehicle type — typically PKR 1,000–5,000.
7
Collect updated registration book
The registration book is updated with the new owner's name and CNIC. This may take a few days. A receipt is issued immediately. Do not drive without the original registration book.
  • Never pay full amount until the transfer is complete at the Excise office
  • Check outstanding token tax before agreeing on price — it becomes your liability after transfer
  • Run the registration number online to verify ownership before the meeting
  • Take photos of the chassis and engine number before and after handover
  • A vehicle with a court order or police hold cannot be transferred — the system will reject it
Can I transfer without the seller being present?
Usually no. Some offices accept a signed authority letter plus CNIC copy, but this varies by district. The safest route is both parties present.
What if the log book is lost?
The seller must apply for a duplicate registration book first. This takes a few weeks. Do not complete the purchase without a valid log book.
How do I check if a vehicle has a police hold or court order?
Run the registration number on the Punjab Excise portal (punjab.gov.pk/excise) or Sindh Excise portal. A hold will show in the system and the transfer will be blocked.
Last updated: 2026-03-20. Requirements and fees can change — always verify with the official office before visiting.