Quick Answer

The Islamabad Excise & Taxation Office (Motor Registration Authority) is located adjacent to the HEC Building, Service Road, Sector H-9, Islamabad. ICT Administration lists its vehicle registration service timings as Monday to Friday, 08:00 AM to 01:30 PM. The main contact lines are ETO-I (051-9265588), ETO-II (051-9265589) and the helpdesk (051-9265500). Token tax payment, vehicle detail checks and some other services are available online through the City Islamabad app and the official portal. Before you visit, check your vehicle's record through our Islamabad Excise online verification guide.

Introduction

A wasted trip to the Excise Office is a common experience in Islamabad. People arrive after the counters have closed, go to the wrong sector because an old blog listed an outdated address, or bring an incomplete document set and have to return another day.

This guide fixes those problems. It sets out the official address, the service timings, the contact numbers, the full list of services, the documents needed for registration and transfer, the current fee structure, and which tasks you can finish online without visiting.

At the Institute of Corporate & Taxation (ICT), we teach Pakistani tax law every day, and vehicle-related taxes come up constantly. Our students regularly ask about token tax, vehicle tax rates in Islamabad, and how filer status affects what they pay. This article is built from official ICT Administration and Islamabad Excise sources, supplemented by 2026 news reporting where official pages have not yet been updated. If you want the wider context first, our complete guide to excise and taxation in Pakistan explains how the system works across all provinces.

Islamabad Excise Office at a Glance (2026)

What Is Excise and Taxation?

Excise is a tax on specific goods, services or activities, such as owning a motor vehicle, selling tobacco or running a hotel. A general sales tax applies to most transactions; an excise applies only to the particular items or activities the law names. Taxation is the wider system by which the state levies and collects these charges. Together, "excise and taxation" refers both to these targeted taxes and to the government departments that collect them.

Excise and taxation in Pakistan: two levels

In Pakistan, the term covers two separate systems, and confusing them is common:

When people say "the Excise Office", they almost always mean the provincial or ICT department, not the FBR.

In the provinces, these departments often also handle narcotics control. This is why their full titles include it, for example the Punjab Excise, Taxation & Narcotics Control Department and its Sindh and KP counterparts.

What Excise & Taxation Departments collect

The exact list varies by province. In Islamabad, the department collects Entertainment Duty, Professional Tax, Education Cess, Bed Tax, Tobacco Vend Fee, Liquor Permit fees, and Property/Motor Vehicle Dealer Tax, alongside vehicle registration and transfer.

For most citizens, three matter most:

• Vehicle registration and transfer fees: one-time charges when a vehicle is registered or changes owner
• Token tax (motor vehicle tax): the recurring tax that keeps a vehicle's registration valid
• Federal income tax collected at the counter: the Excise Office also collects advance tax under Section 231B of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, on the FBR's behalf. This is why your filer status affects what you pay.

Excise vs customs vs sales tax

For a fuller comparison of how these taxes interact, see our complete guide to excise and taxation in Pakistan and our explainer on what sales tax is in Pakistan.

Key terms you will see at the Excise Office

• MRA (Motor Registration Authority): the official role the Excise Department performs for vehicle registration
• ETO (Excise & Taxation Officer): the officer in charge of an excise office; Islamabad has ETO-I and ETO-II
• Form 'F': the vehicle particulars form used during registration and transfer
• PSID (Payment Slip ID): the unique payment code generated for paying token tax online
• Registration book / smart card: proof of registration and ownership
• ATL (Active Taxpayers List): FBR's list of filers, which determines whether you pay filer or non-filer rates

What Is the Islamabad Excise & Taxation Department?

The Islamabad Excise & Taxation Department is the government body that registers and transfers motor vehicles in the federal capital and collects several local taxes and duties.

It is part of the Islamabad Capital Territory Administration. The Deputy Commissioner also serves as Director General Excise and Taxation, and the Chief Commissioner exercises the powers of the Secretary Excise. Day-to-day operations are led by the Director (Excise & Taxation), with two Excise & Taxation Officer (ETO) offices, ETO-I and ETO-II.

People search for it under many names: "ETO Islamabad", "Islamabad Excise", "Motor Registration Authority Islamabad" or "Excise office Islamabad". They all refer to the same department.

What does the department actually do?

According to ICT Administration, the department handles vehicle registration and transfer and collects taxes and duties including Entertainment Duty, Professional Tax, Education Cess, Bed Tax, Tobacco Vend Fee, Liquor Permit fees, and Property/Motor Vehicle Dealer Tax.

For most citizens, the office matters because of four things: registering a new vehicle, transferring ownership, paying token tax and checking a vehicle's record before buying it.

Why Excise and Taxation Is Important

Excise and taxation affects almost everyone in Pakistan who owns a vehicle, runs a business or earns a professional income. Here is why the system matters to citizens, businesses and the economy.

Here is why this system matters to citizens, businesses and the economy.

1. It proves who legally owns a vehicle

Your registration record is the legal link between you and your vehicle. Without it, you cannot prove ownership, sell the vehicle, or defend yourself if the vehicle is misused.

Recent reforms have strengthened this protection. Islamabad has moved to owner-based number plates, and the department said the change is designed to make vehicle ownership easier to track. Biometric verification and mandatory physical inspection add further safeguards against stolen vehicles and fraudulent transfers.

2. It funds public services in the capital

Token tax, registration fees and other excise collections are a significant source of local revenue. During the 2026-27 budget discussions, officials told the National Assembly committee that Islamabad had collected around Rs 3.9 billion from vehicle taxes that year, and that revenue was expected to rise to Rs 5.2 billion in the next fiscal year under the revised rates.

The scale is large: in 2025, the Director Excise said the department had registered approximately 1.42 million vehicles.

3. It supports security and road regulation

Accurate vehicle records help law enforcement identify vehicles quickly. This is why Islamabad now requires M-Tags: since January 2026, vehicles without them are not allowed into the capital, and tag readers at entry points and checkpoints identify vehicles without tags.

4. It connects vehicle ownership to the tax net

The Excise Office also collects federal income tax on behalf of the FBR, including advance tax under Section 231B at registration and transfer. Because non-filers pay three times the filer rate, vehicle transactions are one of the clearest financial incentives in Pakistan to join the Active Taxpayers List. For filers, the advance tax is adjustable against their annual income tax liability, so it is not a sunk cost. Our filer vs non-filer guide explains the difference in detail.

5. It regulates businesses, not just vehicles

Excise departments also tax commercial activity. In Islamabad, this includes Professional Tax on those earning from a profession, trade or employment, Education Cess on organisations with ten or more employees, and Bed Tax on larger hotels. Any business operating in the capital needs to know which of these apply to it.

6. It is driving Pakistan's shift to digital government

Excise departments are among the most digitised public services in the country. In Islamabad, token tax can be paid through the City Islamabad app using a PSID, and vehicle records can be checked online. Even so, officials reported that only about 19% of the year's vehicle tax collection came through digital channels, so there is still a long way to go.

Why it matters for professionals

For accountants, tax consultants and business advisers, excise and vehicle taxes are everyday client questions: what a car will really cost, whether advance tax can be claimed back, and which local taxes a business owes. Understanding how provincial excise and federal income tax interact is a practical, in-demand skill. Our complete guide to excise and taxation in Pakistan covers the system province by province, and ICT's Certified Tax Advisor course teaches the withholding and income tax rules behind it. Explore the Course

Islamabad Excise Office Timings 2026

Weekday timings (Monday to Friday)

The official ICT Administration service pages for both vehicle registration and vehicle transfer list the timings as Monday to Friday, 08:00 AM to 01:30 PM.

This is the window for submitting applications and completing counter work. Some unofficial websites list longer hours, such as 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Staff may remain in the building after 1:30 PM, but you should plan your application work within the officially listed service window.

Friday timings

Friday is a working day. Many Islamabad government offices slow down around Friday prayers, so arrive early on Fridays. If your task involves a physical vehicle inspection or several counters, choose Monday to Thursday.

In June 2026, the department announced that its offices would remain open on Fridays and Saturdays so the public could access services including vehicle registration, ownership transfer and token tax payment. That announcement came during a busy period, so check with the helpdesk whether any extended arrangement is still running on the day you plan to visit.

Is the Islamabad Excise Office open on Saturday?

Saturday is not a regular working day, but the department does open on Saturdays during special drives. For example, in December 2024, the Director Excise announced that the token tax counter would open on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM before a token tax enforcement campaign.

Practical rule: Only visit on a Saturday if the department has publicly announced a Saturday opening. Call 051-9265500 first.

Is it open on Sunday or public holidays?

No. The office is closed on Sundays and on gazetted public holidays. Online services through the City Islamabad app remain available.

Best time to visit

• Arrive at opening time. The service window closes at 1:30 PM, so a late-morning arrival leaves little margin for queues or a second counter.
• Avoid deadline weeks. Token tax deadlines and the start of a new fiscal year (July) bring heavy crowds.
• Avoid Mondays after long holidays, when pending work piles up.
• Bring the vehicle only when an inspection is needed (new registration and some transfer cases).

Islamabad Excise Office Address and Location

Official address

Excise & Taxation Department (Motor Registration Authority), Adjacent to HEC Building, Service Road, Sector H-9, Islamabad.

This is the address ICT Administration lists for the department, along with its website, islamabadexcise.gov.pk. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) building is the easiest landmark to give a ride-hailing driver.

How to reach the office

Enter "HEC Building, H-9, Islamabad" as your destination in any ride-hailing or maps app. The Excise Office is on the Service Road right next to it. If you are driving your own vehicle, make sure it has a valid M-Tag, as vehicles without one can be stopped at Islamabad checkpoints.

Why some guides give a different address

Several websites list the Excise Office in G-6 or G-9. One unofficial guide, for example, gives Sector G-9/1 as the office address, while another describes a main office in G-6/1-2 and a facilitation centre in H-9.

For vehicle registration, transfer and related counter work, go to the address in the official ICT Administration service listing: Service Road, H-9, next to the HEC Building. If your matter concerns a non-vehicle tax, such as Professional Tax or Education Cess, call the helpdesk first to confirm which office handles it.

Is there an Excise Office near me?

Islamabad has one Motor Registration Authority for ICT-registered vehicles. Instead of looking for a nearer branch, you can often avoid travelling altogether through:

1. The City Islamabad app for token tax payment.
2. The home service, booked through 051-111-383-383 (explained below).
3. NADRA e-Sahulat centres for biometric verification slips. The official portal includes an e-Sahulat centre locator.

If you live in Rawalpindi and your vehicle is registered in Punjab, the Islamabad office cannot help you. Punjab-registered vehicles are handled by the Punjab Excise, Taxation & Narcotics Control Department.

Islamabad Excise Contact Numbers and Official Channels

The Director, ETO-I and ETO-II numbers above are taken from the official Islamabad Excise contact page. The helpdesk number comes from the ICT Administration department page, which lists a different Director number (051-9255987). If one number does not connect, try the other.

Only use official sources

The department warns citizens against unofficial information sources. Its website names only two official channels, the website islamabadexcise.gov.pk and the City Islamabad app, and says it is not responsible for misleading information from unauthorised sources.

This matters in practice. Agents and copycat websites often quote outdated fees or charge "processing" amounts that the department does not levy.

Complete List of Islamabad Excise Services

Vehicle services

The official portal's menu confirms several of these online tools. It lists New Vehicle Registration, Vehicle Transfer of Ownership, Check Vehicle Detail, Check Vehicle Smart Card Status, an e-Sahulat Centre Locator, Biometric Receipt Verification, Fee Calculators and Tax & Fee Schedules.

Non-vehicle taxes and duties

ICT Administration states that Professional Tax is levied under the Finance Act 1977, Education Cess under the Workers Children Ordinance 1972 for organisations with ten or more employees, and Bed Tax under the Finance Act 1965 on hotels with more than 20 lodging units.

Does the Excise Office issue driving licences?

No. This is a frequent misunderstanding. In Islamabad, driving licences are handled by the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP), not the Excise & Taxation Department. ITP issues licences only to drivers who pass ability and medical fitness testing. Do not go to the Excise Office for a learner's permit or licence renewal.

How to Register a New Vehicle in Islamabad

Step-by-step process

The official procedure is as follows:

1. Complete your documents (listed below).
2. Visit the designated Excise Inspector with the vehicle for physical inspection and document verification. The inspector records the report on the manual Form 'F' and signs the application.
3. Go to the Data Entry Operator (DEO). If your documents are complete, the DEO processes the file. If not, you are told what is missing.
4. Sign the computerised Form 'F' issued by the DEO to confirm your particulars.
5. Pay the fee at the same window.
6. Receive the vehicle registration receipt once the DEO takes your file.
7. Pay the number plate fee in cash to the DEO.

Physical inspection is mandatory. In May 2026, the department issued a public notice stating that physical inspection is required in every case before registration cards are issued, and that delays in inspection will delay the documents.

Can I apply for vehicle registration online?

Partly. The official portal has "Online Vehicle Registration" and "Vehicle Transfer of Ownership" options under its online services. You can start the process online, but you cannot finish it online, because physical inspection is mandatory before a registration card is issued.

You can also skip the trip altogether through the home service. Book on 051-111-383-383 and a departmental team will visit your location to complete registration or transfer.

Registering an Electric Vehicle (EV) in Islamabad

The registration process for an EV is the same as for a petrol car: documents, physical inspection, Form 'F', fee payment and number plates. The differences are in the fees and taxes.

Transfer fees are based on motor power, not engine capacity. Under the April 2025 notification, EVs up to 50 kW pay Rs 2,500, EVs between 50 kW and 100 kW pay Rs 5,500, and EVs above 100 kW pay Rs 10,000. Before that notification, EV transfers were free.

Advance tax (Section 231B) works differently. Because an EV has no engine capacity, advance tax applies only where the vehicle's value is Rs 5 million or more, at 3% of the import or invoice value. Confirm the current treatment against the FBR Withholding Tax Rate Card before paying.

Token tax and registration fee relief has been proposed, not confirmed. In May 2026, PakWheels reported that the draft New Energy Vehicle policy proposes no registration fee and no annual token tax for NEVs in Islamabad. A proposal is not law, so ask the Excise counter whether any exemption has been notified before you register.

Documents and steps: EV owners follow the standard procedure. You get a biometric verification slip from the Excise Office or a NADRA e-Sahulat centre, submit your documents, receive a computerised Form 'F' and a fee challan, and then pay the smart card and number plate fees.

For comparison: Other regions already give EVs relief. Punjab exempts 95% of both the registration fee and annual motor vehicle tax for EVs, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa charges no token tax on electric four-wheelers until 30 June 2028, and Balochistan has waived it until 30 June 2030.

Documents required for new vehicle registration

• Photocopy of the applicant's CNIC
• Application to the Excise & Taxation Officer for registration
• Proof of purchase:
  • Locally manufactured vehicle: sale invoice, sale certificate and related documents
  • Imported vehicle: Bill of Entry, Bill of Lading, old registration book and related documents
  • Auctioned vehicle: auction voucher and related documents
• Proof of residence in Islamabad: utility bill (electricity, gas), CNIC, lease agreement, registry, allotment letter, or office card/appointment letter for government servants

This list follows the official ICT Administration registration page.

Registration fees and taxes

The total amount is not a single "registration fee". ICT Administration calculates it as registration fee plus advance tax, token tax and income tax, with Professional Tax added for commercial vehicles.

Key rules to know:

• Late fee: A late fee applies if registration is delayed beyond 60 days from the invoice date.
• Special number: A separate special number fee applies if you choose a particular registration number.
• Pro-rata taxes: Income tax and token tax rates apply for the fiscal year from 1 July to 30 June, and you pay for the remaining months according to your registration date.
• Filer status matters: The income tax portion differs for filers and non-filers. Check your status first using our ATL filer status guide.

Processing time: The official page lists 90 days. Use the official fee calculator on islamabadexcise.gov.pk for your exact amount.

Advance income tax at registration (Section 231B)

The largest part of the registration bill is usually not the registration fee but the advance income tax under Section 231B of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001. The Excise Office collects it on behalf of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). It is a federal tax, so the same rates apply in Islamabad and the provinces.

Since 1 July 2024, it has been charged as a percentage of the vehicle's value. According to published rate analyses, the Finance Act 2026 did not change the vehicle bands, so the 2025-26 rates carry over into 2026-27.

Source: Division VII, Part IV, First Schedule to the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, as reproduced by the Punjab Excise Department. Verify against the current FBR Withholding Tax Rate Card before relying on it.

Worked example: For a 1,300cc car invoiced at Rs 5,000,000:

• Filer: 1.5% × 5,000,000 = Rs 75,000
• Non-filer: 4.5% × 5,000,000 = Rs 225,000

Being on the Active Taxpayers List saves Rs 150,000 on this one transaction.

Key points:

• It is adjustable. Filers can claim this advance tax against their annual income tax liability, so keep the excise receipt for your return.
• It is not collected on transfers after five years. No advance tax is collected on transfer once five years have passed since the vehicle's first registration in Pakistan.
• Filer status applies to the token tax payment too. According to the Director Excise, the City Islamabad app distinguishes between filer and non-filer citizens and applies the relevant rates when generating the PSID.

Not a filer yet? Our guide on how to become a filer in Pakistan explains the steps, and our non-filer tax rates 2026 guide shows how much more non-filers pay across other transactions.

Special (Choice) Number Plates

If you want a particular registration number, you must pay a special number fee in addition to the normal registration charges. ICT Administration says the special number fee schedule is published online and is also available at the information counter.

Before you apply:

1. Check the official schedule on islamabadexcise.gov.pk under "Tax & Fee Schedules". Premium numbers cost more than ordinary choice numbers.
2. Remember the owner-based rule. Because Islamabad numbers now belong to the owner, your special number stays with you when you sell the car. You can keep it for up to one year without a vehicle before it is cancelled.
3. Avoid agents who "guarantee" a number. Allocation is made only through the department.

How to Transfer Vehicle Ownership in Islamabad

Step-by-step process

The official transfer procedure has four steps: complete the documents, deposit the fee at the designated window, have the documents verified by the Excise Inspector, and collect the receipt from the Data Entry Operator.

Documents required for vehicle transfer

• Application for transfer of ownership addressed to the MRA/ETO, Islamabad
• Photocopy of the buyer's CNIC
• Filled and signed Form 'F'
• Photocopy of the seller's CNIC
• Computerised transfer letter
• Transfer of Ownership form (print it on legal-size paper)
• For a leased vehicle: NOC or transfer letter from the bank or leasing company
• Affidavit confirming that the vehicle is not stolen or wanted in any case

If the registered owner does not appear in person, the seller's CNIC copy, computerised transfer letter and transfer form must be attested by a Class-I officer, whose CNIC copy and official phone number must also be provided.

Extra documents for vehicles registered in another district

If you are bringing a vehicle registered outside Islamabad onto the ICT record, you will also need:

• Proof of residence in Islamabad
• An affidavit from the host, who must appear in person, if you live with someone else
• Photocopy of the registration book
• Photocopy of the complete registration file
• The original file, if the other Excise department has returned it
• An NOC for transfer from the relevant Excise & Taxation Department

These additional requirements appear on the official transfer page.

Islamabad vehicle transfer fees

ICT's Chief Commissioner revised transfer fees through a notification issued on 11 April 2025, effective 14 April 2025, under Section 43 of the West Pakistan Motor Vehicle Ordinance, 1965.

Source: ICT notification of April 2025 as reported by PakWheels. The ICT Administration service page still shows an older range, so confirm the current figure on the official fee calculator before paying.

Advance tax on transfer

Advance tax applies to vehicles registered for less than five years from their first registration date in Pakistan, and a 10% depreciation per year is applied to it. This advance tax is an income tax collected under the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, so the amount depends on whether the buyer is on the Active Taxpayers List. Our filer vs non-filer guide explains why non-filers pay considerably more.

Processing time: The official page lists four weeks.

Owner-based number plates: what changes on transfer

Islamabad now links registration numbers to owners, not vehicles. Under a July 2025 notification, the number stays with the registered owner; when a vehicle is sold, the buyer receives a new registration number and the seller must return the old one to the department. The rule applies to existing and future registrations.

Owners may keep their number for up to one year without a vehicle; if it is not assigned to another vehicle within that year, it is cancelled.

What this means for buyers: Expect a new number and new plates when you buy a used Islamabad-registered car. Budget for the plate fee and allow time for the new registration.

Biometric verification for transfer

Both parties must complete biometric verification. You can obtain the biometric slip at a NADRA e-Sahulat centre, and the Islamabad Excise website publishes a procedure for doing it through NADRA's Pak ID app. NADRA's Pak ID app offers vehicle biometric verification for Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan and Islamabad-registered vehicles, although the remaining transfer formalities may still have to be completed with the relevant Excise department.

Transfer when the seller cannot come in person

This is common when the seller lives abroad or in another city. There are two routes:

1. Attestation route: If the registered owner cannot appear in person, the seller's CNIC copy, computerised transfer letter and transfer form must be attested by a Class-I officer. The officer's CNIC copy and official phone number must also be provided.
2. Pak ID route: NADRA's Pak ID app offers vehicle biometric verification for Islamabad-registered vehicles, so the seller can complete biometrics from a phone. The remaining transfer formalities may still have to be completed with the Excise department.

Tip: Complete the verification and payment steps before the seller opens the Pak ID app. Doing things out of order is one of the most common reasons biometric attempts fail.

Post-Registration Services: Duplicate Card, Record Changes and Smart Card Status

Lost your registration book or smart card?

Report the loss first, then apply for a duplicate at the Excise Office. Generally you will need:

• A police report of the loss
• Your original CNIC and a copy
• Your latest token tax receipt
• Photographs showing the chassis and engine numbers
• For a leased vehicle, a letter from the bank or leasing company

Duplicate processing can take several weeks, so apply as soon as you notice the loss. Confirm the exact document list and fee with the helpdesk (051-9265500) before visiting.

Check your smart card status online

You don't need to visit the office to ask whether your card is ready. The portal's "Check Vehicle Smart Card Status" service shows where your card is in the process.

Other post-registration changes

The official portal lists "Post Registration Processes" as a separate service category. These are record changes made after registration, such as updating details on an existing registration. The requirements differ from case to case, so call the helpdesk before your visit and ask which documents your specific change needs.

Token Tax in Islamabad: 2026 Update

Token tax is the annual motor vehicle tax levied under the West Pakistan Motor Vehicles Taxation Act, 1958, as applied in ICT. The structure changed significantly this year.

Under the Finance Act 2026, effective 1 July 2026, Islamabad replaced the old fixed, engine-based token tax with an invoice-value system for most categories.

Source: Finance Bill 2026-27 schedule as reported by The News and PakWheels.

Two points need care:

• Invoice value, not market value. The percentage applies to the vehicle's invoice value, not its current resale price.
• The Rs 20,000 band. Published explanations differ on whether this is a yearly or one-time amount, so confirm on the official token tax calculator before paying.
• Commercial vehicles and taxis have separate rates. The Finance Bill 2026-27 set separate token tax rates for motor cabs, which are different from the private car bands above. Commercial owners should use the official calculator rather than this table.

For worked examples and the full rate history, read our detailed Islamabad vehicle tax rates 2026 guide and the national vehicle token tax guide.

How to pay token tax without visiting the office

According to the Director Excise, you register on the City Islamabad app, enter your vehicle number, and the app calculates the fee, applying filer or non-filer rates, and generates a PSID. You can then pay through any online banking channel linked to the PSID.

The full walkthrough is in our guide on verifying registration and paying token tax online in Islamabad.

What happens if you do not pay?

The department runs periodic crackdowns. During the 2024-25 drive, officials said missing the deadline would lead to cancellation of registration, with a 200% penalty to restore it. Penalties and deadlines are announced drive by drive, so follow official announcements rather than assuming last year's terms apply.

Islamabad Vehicle Verification Before You Buy

Always verify a used vehicle before you pay. The official portal's "Check Vehicle Detail" service lets you confirm the registration record and tax status using the registration number.

Compare the online record against:

• the chassis and engine numbers physically on the vehicle
• the registration book or smart card
• the seller's CNIC

Any mismatch is a reason to stop the deal. For a step-by-step method, see our Islamabad Excise online verification guide. If you hold a digital card, our article on digital vehicle card features in Pakistan explains what it shows and where it is accepted.

M-Tag Requirement for Islamabad Vehicles (2026)

If you drive in Islamabad, an M-Tag is now as important as your registration card. The Islamabad Excise website displays a notice asking owners to install M-Tags on their vehicles, warns of strict action against vehicles without one, and links to a list of issuance points.

What is an M-Tag?

An M-Tag is a prepaid RFID sticker placed on the windscreen. It identifies the vehicle at toll plazas and checkpoints and automatically deducts toll charges, so there is no need to queue.

Is it mandatory?

Yes. From 1 January 2026, the ICT administration decided that vehicles without M-Tags would not be allowed to enter Islamabad. Tag readers have been installed at entry points and checkpoints to identify vehicles without tags.

Motorcycles were added in the second phase. M-Tag issuance for motorcycles began on 20 February 2026, and owners must bring their vehicle registration documents and a valid CNIC.

How much does it cost?

When the deadline was announced in December 2025, Dawn reported that the M-Tag issuance fee was Rs 250 per vehicle. Confirm the current fee at the issuance point.

Where can I get one?

Use the official list of issuance points linked on islamabadexcise.gov.pk. In February 2026, the Director General Excise said tags were being installed at 13 designated points across the city.

Tip: Buying a used car? Check whether the M-Tag is still linked to the seller. Under the owner-based system, the vehicle's registration number will change on transfer, so ask at the issuance point whether the tag needs re-linking to your new record.

What You Can Do Online vs What Needs a Visit

Excise Home Service in Islamabad

You may not need to go to H-9 at all. Under an initiative announced in June 2026, citizens can book an appointment through 051-111-383-383 for vehicle registration, ownership transfer and other excise procedures, after which a departmental team visits the applicant's location.

This service is especially useful for elderly owners, busy professionals and families with more than one vehicle to process.

Islamabad vs Rawalpindi and Other Cities

Your vehicle's place of registration decides which department you deal with, not where you live.

A common Rawalpindi mistake is visiting the Islamabad office for a Punjab-registered car. The ICT office cannot process it. Punjab runs its own online system, and Punjab Excise launched the Pak-ID app for biometric vehicle verification on 16 February 2026. Our Punjab Excise online guide covers that process in full.

What to Do If Your Case Is Delayed

If your registration, transfer or duplicate card is taking longer than the official processing time (90 days for registration, four weeks for transfer):

1. Check the status online through the portal's smart card status and vehicle detail services.
2. Call ETO-I (051-9265588) or ETO-II (051-9265589) with your receipt number ready.
3. Use the department's feedback channel. The official website has a FeedBack page and an FAQ page that explain how to submit suggestions or complaints.
4. Escalate through the Pakistan Citizen's Portal if the matter is still unresolved. It is the federal government's official complaint system, and ICT departments are covered by it.

Keep copies of every receipt, form and PSID. A complaint backed by a receipt number gets resolved far faster.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Going to an outdated address. Use the H-9 address next to the HEC Building for vehicle work.
2. Arriving after 1:30 PM. The official service window closes early.
3. Visiting on a Saturday without an announcement. Saturday openings are special arrangements, not routine.
4. Missing the 60-day registration window. A late fee applies after 60 days from the invoice date.
5. Skipping the physical inspection. No registration card is issued without it.
6. Buying without verification. Always check the record, chassis number and seller's CNIC.
7. Ignoring filer status. Non-filers pay higher income tax with registration, transfer and token tax.
8. Relying on agents or unofficial sites. The department recognises only its website and the City Islamabad app.
9. Forgetting leasing NOCs. A financed vehicle cannot be transferred without the bank's NOC or transfer letter.
10. Assuming the seller's number plate stays. Under the owner-based system, the buyer receives a new number.
11. Driving without an M-Tag. Vehicles without M-Tags are not allowed to enter Islamabad, and checkpoints use tag readers to identify them.
12. Registering before becoming a filer. On a Rs 5 million 1,300cc car, a non-filer pays Rs 150,000 more in advance tax than a filer.

Pre-Visit Checklist

• Confirm the office is open (call 051-9265500)
• Original CNIC plus photocopies (buyer and seller)
• Purchase proof: invoice, Bill of Entry or auction voucher
• Proof of Islamabad residence
• Filled Form 'F' and transfer forms (printed on legal paper)
• Biometric slips from Pak ID or e-Sahulat
• Bank/leasing NOC, if applicable
• Fee estimate from the official calculator
• Filer status checked on the ATL
• Vehicle brought along, if an inspection is needed
• M-Tag installed on the vehicle (mandatory for entering Islamabad) Filer status confirmed before registration (non-filers pay three times the advance tax)

Why Choose ICT to Understand Excise, Vehicle and Withholding Taxes

The Excise Office processes your vehicle, but most of what you pay there is tax law: advance income tax under Section 231B, filer versus non-filer rates, token tax and the withholding rules that decide whether you can claim that money back. The Institute of Corporate & Taxation (ICT) teaches exactly this, so professionals and business owners can calculate, plan and advise on these costs correctly.

Please note: ICT is a training institute, not a government office or registration agent. Vehicle registration, transfer and token tax payment are handled only by the Excise & Taxation Department, ICT, at its H-9 office or through its official website and the City Islamabad app.

What you can learn at ICT

Our Certified Tax Advisor course covers income tax law, sales tax, withholding tax and corporate tax procedures in Pakistan, with practical training in return filing, compliance and FBR portals. The course outline includes:

• Income Tax: slabs, return preparation, deductions and avoiding penalties, which is where adjustable vehicle taxes are claimed
• IRIS 2.0: login, dashboard and form submission, plus an IRIS Replica module for practising filings in a simulated environment
• Sales Tax: registration, returns and input/output adjustments
• SECP and business structures: relevant for businesses registering company vehicles and paying Professional Tax

Explore the Certified Tax Advisor Course

For deeper work on notices, appeals and disputes with tax authorities, our Advance Taxation & Litigation course takes you further. Enroll Now

Learn from a qualified tax and legal practitioner

The Certified Tax Advisor course is led by Mr Rai Basharat Ali, a corporate law and taxation expert with more than ten years of legal, academic and advisory experience. He is an ACA (ICAEW), CA Affiliate (ICAP), Advocate High Court, and the author of Decoding Taxation Laws of Pakistan.

Visit an ICT campus

ICT runs campuses in Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore:

Operating hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Email: admissions@ict.edu.pk

ICT's campuses are open on Saturdays, unlike the Excise Office. Excise Office visits have to happen on weekdays, but you can book an ICT counselling session on a Saturday.

Keep reading

• Islamabad vehicle tax rates 2026
• How to check your filer status on the ATL
• How to become a filer in Pakistan

Book a Seat at ICT and learn Pakistan's tax system from practising professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Islamabad Excise Office timings in 2026?

ICT Administration lists vehicle registration and transfer service timings as Monday to Friday, 08:00 AM to 01:30 PM. Extended days are announced separately.

Is the Islamabad Excise Office open on Saturday?

Not routinely. The department opens on Saturdays during special drives, such as token tax campaigns. Call 051-9265500 before visiting.

Is the Islamabad Excise Office open on Sunday?

No. It is closed on Sundays and public holidays. Token tax can still be paid through the City Islamabad app.

Where is the Islamabad Excise Office located?

Adjacent to the HEC Building, Service Road, Sector H-9, Islamabad.

What is the Islamabad Excise helpline number?

The helpdesk is 051-9265500. ETO-I is 051-9265588 and ETO-II is 051-9265589. For home service bookings, call 051-111-383-383.

Can I pay Islamabad token tax online?

Yes. Register on the City Islamabad app, enter your vehicle number, generate a PSID and pay through online banking.

What documents do I need for vehicle transfer in Islamabad?

You need an application, CNIC copies of the buyer and seller, Form 'F', a computerised transfer letter, the transfer of ownership form, an affidavit and, for leased vehicles, a bank NOC. Biometric verification is also required.

How much is the vehicle transfer fee in Islamabad?

Under the April 2025 notification, the fee is Rs 2,750 up to 1,000cc, Rs 5,500 for 1,001–1,800cc and Rs 11,000 above 1,800cc. Advance tax may apply on top.

How long does vehicle registration take in Islamabad?

The official page lists up to 90 days for new registration and four weeks for transfer.

Does the Excise Office issue driving licences in Islamabad?

No. Driving licences in Islamabad are issued by the Islamabad Traffic Police.

Will I get a new number plate when I buy a used car in Islamabad?

Yes. Under the owner-based system, the buyer receives a new registration number and the seller keeps or returns the old one.

Can the Excise team come to my home?

Yes. Book an appointment through 051-111-383-383 for registration, transfer and other excise services.

Is M-Tag mandatory in Islamabad?

Yes. Since January 2026, vehicles without M-Tags are not allowed to enter Islamabad, and motorcycles were added from 20 February 2026.

How much advance tax does a non-filer pay on vehicle registration?

Non-filers pay three times the filer rate under Section 231B. For a 1,001–1,300cc car, that is 4.5% of the vehicle's value instead of 1.5%.

How do I get a duplicate registration card in Islamabad?

Report the loss, then apply at the Excise Office with your CNIC, token tax receipt and photographs of the chassis and engine numbers. Processing takes several weeks.

Can overseas Pakistanis transfer an Islamabad vehicle without coming to Pakistan?

The seller can complete biometric verification through NADRA's Pak ID app. Alternatively, the documents can be attested by a Class-I officer. Some formalities may still need a representative at the Excise Office.

How do I get a special number plate in Islamabad?

Check the special number fee schedule on islamabadexcise.gov.pk and pay the fee at the time of registration. Under the owner-based system, the number stays with you when you sell the vehicle.

Where can I complain about a delay at the Islamabad Excise Office?

Call ETO-I or ETO-II first, then use the department's feedback page or the Pakistan Citizen's Portal.

Do electric vehicles pay registration fee and token tax in Islamabad?

EVs currently pay transfer fees based on motor power (Rs 2,500 to Rs 10,000). A registration and token tax exemption for EVs in Islamabad has been proposed under the draft NEV policy, so confirm at the Excise counter whether it has been notified.

Conclusion

The Islamabad Excise Office is simple to deal with once you know three things: go to the official H-9 address next to the HEC Building, arrive within the 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM service window, and bring a complete document set. Better still, use the City Islamabad app, the official verification tools and the home service to avoid the queue entirely.

The bigger picture is tax. With invoice-based token tax from July 2026, advance tax on transfers and higher rates for non-filers, understanding the rules saves real money every year. If you want to master Pakistan's tax system professionally, or advise clients on it, ICT can help.

Book a Seat at the Institute of Corporate & Taxation. Visit us at Plot No 63, Service Road North, I-10/3, Islamabad, or at our Lahore and Karachi campuses, Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.