In a major step toward digital governance and public facilitation, the Excise & Taxation Department Punjab has officially launched the PAK-ID App for biometric verification of vehicles. The new digital system aims to enhance transparency, simplify ownership transfer, and eliminate manual verification procedures across the province.
The innovative application has been developed in collaboration with National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB). This partnership ensures secure digital verification and seamless integration with national identity databases.
Fully Online Vehicle Ownership Verification
The newly launched PAK-ID App allows vehicle owners—both in Pakistan and overseas—to complete biometric verification entirely online for vehicle registration and transfer in Punjab.
Previously, overseas Pakistanis were required to visit Pakistani embassies, submit attested affidavits, or issue a power of attorney to complete vehicle ownership verification. With the introduction of this app, those procedures have been completely eliminated.
Now, vehicle owners can verify their identity using biometric authentication and Face ID technology directly from their mobile phones, without visiting any government office.
Special Benefit for Overseas Pakistanis
One of the most significant features of the PAK-ID App is its convenience for overseas Pakistanis. They no longer need to travel to embassies or consulates for document attestation.
The system enables remote biometric verification, making the entire vehicle transfer process faster and more accessible. This development is expected to save both time and costs for expatriates who own vehicles in Punjab.
Face ID Feature for Senior Citizens
The app includes a Face ID authentication system, which is especially helpful for senior citizens. In many cases, older individuals face difficulties with fingerprint verification due to faded or changed thumb impressions.
The Face ID feature ensures that elderly citizens can complete ownership verification smoothly without complications.
End of Manual and Embassy-Based Verification
Director General Excise, Umar Sher Chatha, emphasized that with the launch of the PAK-ID App, all manual, alternate, and embassy-based verification procedures have been abolished.
Earlier, the presence of ADR (Alternate Dispute Resolution) mechanisms often complicated the vehicle transfer process. The new digital system removes these barriers and provides a direct, secure, and streamlined method for ownership verification.
Cashless and Paperless Transfer Through E-Pay
The Excise & Taxation Department has already implemented an E-Pay system for vehicle transfer fee collection. The process is fully:
- Cashless
- Visit-less
- Paperless
Once biometric verification and payment are completed, the vehicle ownership transfer is finalized within 48 hours.
This digital workflow significantly reduces delays, corruption risks, and administrative burdens.
National-Level Integration of Vehicle Data
While speaking to the media, DG Excise Umar Sher Chatha stated that, in collaboration with NADRA, online verification of vehicle owners across all four provinces will enable integration of provincial vehicle data at the national level.
This integration is expected to strengthen transparency, improve record management, and reduce fraudulent transfers across provinces.
Vision for Citizen-Centric Services
The launch of the PAK-ID App reflects the broader vision of the Excise & Taxation Department Punjab to deliver citizen-focused services directly to people’s homes. By leveraging modern technology, the department aims to promote digital governance and simplify public services.
Officials believe this initiative marks a major milestone in Punjab’s journey toward a modern, efficient, and technology-driven administrative system.
With biometric verification, Face ID authentication, and online fee payment now available, vehicle ownership transfer in Punjab has entered a new digital era.
