Buying or selling a vehicle in Punjab involves more than exchanging keys and cash. The ownership transfer at the Excise & Taxation Department is what legally makes the vehicle yours — and it comes with a government transfer fee that depends on the type of vehicle and, for cars, on engine capacity. Many buyers are surprised to learn that the transfer fee is only one part of the total cost.
This guide gives you the complete picture: the vehicle transfer fees in Punjab for 2026 in one table, the extra charges people usually forget, the documents you need, and the step-by-step process including biometric verification.
Vehicle Transfer Fees in Punjab 2026 (Fee Table)
The table below follows the commonly published Excise & Taxation Punjab schedule for 2026. Treat these figures as a reliable guide for planning your budget, but note that fee schedules are revised from time to time, so always confirm the current amount on the official Excise Punjab portal or at the office before paying.
| Vehicle Category | Transfer Fee (Rs.) |
|---|---|
| Motorcycle / Scooter | 550 |
| Motor Car / Jeep up to 1000cc | 2,500 |
| Motor Car / Jeep 1001cc to 1800cc | 5,000 |
| Motor Car / Jeep above 1800cc | 10,000 |
| Commercial Vehicle (goods) | 10,000 |
| Commercial Vehicle (passenger) | As per official schedule — confirm at the time of transfer |
The transfer fee is generated as a payment voucher with a PSID, which you pay through the e-Pay Punjab app, mobile banking, an ATM, or a bank branch — the same PSID system used for challans and token tax. Before starting, it is a good idea to verify the vehicle’s current record and ownership with our guide on checking vehicle ownership by CNIC online in Pakistan.
Extra Charges Buyers Usually Forget
Advance Tax on Transfer (Cars)
For motor cars, an advance (withholding) tax on the transfer of ownership also applies under the Income Tax Ordinance. The amount depends on the car’s engine capacity and on whether the buyer and seller are income tax filers or non-filers — non-filers pay more. This tax is calculated by the system when your transfer file is processed, so keep some budget aside beyond the transfer fee shown in the table.
Smart Card and Document Charges
After transfer, a new registration smart card is issued in the buyer’s name, and a card/document fee applies. If the number plates are damaged or need replacement, plate charges can also apply. The smart card is normally delivered to your address by post after processing.
Pending Token Tax and Challans
A vehicle cannot be transferred smoothly with dues pending. Unpaid token tax and outstanding e-challans attached to the vehicle must be cleared first, and sensible buyers make the seller clear them before the sale. Check the token tax position in advance with our guide on car token tax in Punjab – check and pay online, and check for pending challans on the e-challan portal as well.
Documents Required for Vehicle Transfer in Punjab
- Original registration book or smart card of the vehicle
- CNIC copies of both the buyer and the seller
- Transfer letter / TO form duly filled and signed
- Sale receipt or agreement between buyer and seller
- Biometric verification of both buyer and seller (see below)
- Application form for transfer of ownership, available at the Excise office or e-Khidmat Markaz
Requirements can vary slightly by vehicle category and office, so confirming the current list on the official Excise Punjab website before your visit saves a wasted trip.
Step-by-Step Transfer Process (With Biometric Verification)
Step 1: Biometric verification
Both the seller and the buyer complete biometric verification, available at NADRA e-Sahulat franchises and Excise offices. The seller’s biometric confirms the sale, and the buyer’s biometric confirms acceptance. Complete the transfer promptly after biometric verification, as the verification remains valid only for a limited period.
Step 2: Submit the file
Visit the Excise & Taxation office where the vehicle is registered, or an authorised e-Khidmat Markaz, with the complete document set listed above. The staff will examine the file, verify the vehicle record, and calculate the total payable amount — transfer fee, advance tax, and any dues.
Step 3: Pay the generated voucher
You will receive a payment voucher with a PSID. Pay it through e-Pay Punjab, your banking app, an ATM, or a bank branch, and keep the payment receipt safe.
Step 4: Processing and smart card delivery
After payment, the transfer is processed and the record is updated in the buyer’s name. The new smart card is printed and delivered to the buyer’s address by post. Once it arrives, confirm that your name, CNIC, and vehicle details are printed correctly.
For a broader overview covering both provinces, you can also read our earlier article on vehicle ownership transfer online in Punjab and Sindh.
Smart Buyer Tips Before You Pay the Seller
Verify the vehicle online before money changes hands — the engine and chassis numbers on the vehicle must match the record exactly. Insist that pending challans and token tax are cleared by the seller, or adjust the price accordingly. Complete the transfer immediately after purchase instead of “doing it later”: until the transfer is done, challans and legal notices keep going to the seller’s record, and the seller can face problems for a vehicle they no longer own. Keep copies of the sale agreement, both CNICs, and all payment receipts in one file.
Transferring a Vehicle Within the Family
Transfers between family members — for example from a father to a son — follow the same process and the same fee schedule as any other transfer. There is no separate “family rate”, and biometric verification of both parties is still required. Where the registered owner has passed away, the process is different: the legal heirs first complete the succession formalities through the relevant authority, after which the vehicle can be transferred into an heir’s name with the succession documents attached to the file. Because requirements in such cases vary, confirm the exact document list at the Excise office before starting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the transfer fee for a 1300cc car in Punjab in 2026?
As per the commonly published schedule for 2026, a car between 1001cc and 1800cc carries a transfer fee of Rs. 5,000. Advance tax and any pending dues are charged in addition. Always confirm the current amount on the official portal before paying.
Is biometric verification compulsory for vehicle transfer in Punjab?
Yes. Biometric verification of both the seller and the buyer is a standard part of the Punjab transfer process and is done through NADRA e-Sahulat or the Excise office before the file is processed.
Can I transfer a vehicle if token tax or challans are pending?
Pending token tax and e-challans attached to the vehicle must be cleared as part of the process. In practice, the dues are calculated and must be paid before the transfer is completed.
How long does the transfer take and when do I get the smart card?
The in-office steps are usually completed the same day once documents and payment are in order. The new smart card is then printed and delivered by post, which can take some weeks depending on workload. Keep your payment receipts until the card arrives.
Does the buyer or the seller pay the transfer fee?
By custom, the buyer usually pays the transfer fee and related charges, but this is a matter of agreement between the two parties. Whatever you decide, write it into the sale agreement to avoid disputes later.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Fees follow the commonly published schedule for 2026 and may be revised. Always confirm the current amount on the official Excise & Taxation Punjab portal before paying.