Overseas Pakistanis Gain Digital Access to Vehicle Registration and Transfers

In a major digitalisation milestone, the Islamabad Excise and Taxation Department has introduced a new facility that allows overseas Pakistanis to register or transfer their vehicles completely online through the PakID mobile application. The initiative aims to simplify bureaucratic procedures and enhance convenience for Pakistanis living abroad.

Under the new system, expatriate Pakistanis can now download the PakID mobile app and complete biometric verification — including facial recognition and fingerprints — directly from their location overseas. This removes the need for embassy visits, physical presence, or submission of power of attorney documents.

Biometric verification through the app will now serve as official identity confirmation, eliminating the need for the traditional Transfer Order (TO) form previously required for vehicle ownership transfers. However, officials have clarified that a signed transfer letter from the seller will still be necessary to ensure the transaction’s legal validity.

This system is designed to make the registration and transfer process faster, more transparent, and less prone to fraud, while supporting the government’s broader digital transformation goals.

For millions of Pakistanis living abroad, the reform is a game-changer. Previously, vehicle transfers or registrations required complex coordination with representatives in Pakistan or trips to embassies. Now, these tasks can be completed remotely in a matter of minutes, making the process smoother and more secure.

The integration of biometric verification also ensures stronger identity authentication, reducing the chances of fake ownership transfers or fraudulent activity in the automotive market.

According to Excise Department officials, once an overseas Pakistani records their biometric data through the PakID app, the vehicle transfer request will be processed digitally. The system automatically validates identity and ensures compliance with all registration requirements before final approval.

Authorities have also initiated parallel actions to ensure compliance in vehicle taxation. Several vehicles with unpaid token taxes — some dating back decades — have had their registrations suspended. Owners are required to clear their dues and reapply for reinstatement through the new system.

The digital vehicle transfer and registration facility currently operates under the Islamabad Excise and Taxation Department but is expected to expand to other provinces soon. Experts believe the move sets a precedent for digitising other public services, offering a model that could modernise Pakistan’s broader governance structure.

By merging technology with governance, Pakistan is taking another significant step toward enabling remote access to essential services for its global diaspora — ensuring efficiency, transparency, and greater connection between overseas citizens and national systems.