Punjab Begins Auction Registration for Premium Vehicle Number Plates

The Punjab Excise & Taxation Department has officially opened registration for the December auction of attractive (or “fancy”) vehicle number plates.

This time, registrations are being handled through the digital platform developed by Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), the e-Auction App and Web Portal, making the process easier and more accessible than ever.

How to Register and What You Should Know

Interested individuals can register online until December 30, 2025.
The e-Auction platform allows bidding for three types of number plates: motorcycle, motorcar, and commercial vehicles.
Once bids close and winners are selected, the platform publishes the list of successful bidders directly on the app – ensuring transparency and giving users easy access to results.
According to PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf, the e-Auction system has completely replaced the old manual approach. Now citizens can bid online without visiting any Excise office, which saves time and reduces hassles.

Proven Reach of the Digital System

The move to digital has already seen significant results:

Since its launch in August 2020, the e-Auction App and Web Portal have attracted around 450,000 registrations from people hoping to secure attractive vehicle numbers.
Over 213,000 vehicle numbers have been issued through the system to date, and the provincial government has collected substantial revenue, highlighting the popularity and scale of the program.
The platform supports integrated fee payments via e-Pay Punjab, making the transaction process smooth and paperless.

Why This Matters – Convenience, Transparency & Modernization

The online auction initiative represents a shift toward digital governance and citizen-friendly services. By removing traditional barriers, such as long queues, paperwork, and dependency on middlemen or agents, the government is offering a transparent, efficient, and modern alternative.

This not only simplifies the process for vehicle owners, but also strengthens accountability in public services.

Moreover, offering registration and bidding from home allows a wider segment of the population, from busy professionals to people in remote districts, to participate. This inclusive approach helps ensure equal opportunity for all citizens to get a “fancy” plate number if they wish.

What You Should Do If You Want to Apply

Download the e-Auction App or visit the portal: the link is available on the PITB website.
Register by entering your details (CNIC, vehicle info, etc.) and choose the type of vehicle (motorcycle, car, or commercial).
Place your bid for the preferred number plate before the deadline — December 30.
After the auction, check the app to see if you’ve won. Winner details will be posted online.
Once notified as a successful bidder, follow the instructions from Excise to complete any required formalities and payment.

Why Timing & Changes Matter

This December 2025 registration cycle follows a recent decision by the Excise department to significantly raise the base fees for “fancy” number plates. For example, highly sought-after numbers like “1” or “786” now start from a much higher base price compared to earlier auctions.

The increase reflects growing demand for premium vehicle numbers and aims to regulate the process while generating revenue. Nevertheless, the e-Auction system ensures that bidding remains open and fair for all interested participants.

Conclusion

With the 2025 December registration now live, the e-Auction App and web portal provide a fast, transparent, and user-friendly way for Punjab residents to bid for attractive vehicle number plates. The digital-first approach by PITB and the Excise & Taxation Department shows the government’s commitment to modernizing public services and improving citizen experience. If you’ve been waiting for the chance to get a fancy number, now is the time to apply.