Punjab Introduces Online Auction for Fancy Vehicle Number Plates

The Punjab government has launched a digital platform allowing citizens to bid online for premium or “fancy” vehicle number plates. The move, spearheaded by the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) in collaboration with the Excise, Taxation & Narcotics Control Department, aims to make the process more transparent, efficient, and accessible for vehicle owners.

The new system allows owners of cars, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles to participate in auctions from their smartphones or computers, eliminating the need for middlemen. Interested participants can register through a dedicated web portal or mobile app, view available numbers, place bids, and track auction results in real time.

“Our goal is to make the allocation of premium numbers completely transparent and accessible to all citizens,” said Faisal Yousaf, Chairman of PITB. “The digital auction system ensures fairness and removes any chance of manipulation or favoritism.”

How the Auction Works

Vehicle owners can create accounts on the PITB/Excise platform, verify their vehicle information, and select desired numbers. The platform supports bidding for numbers with single or double digits, special sequences, or lucky numbers. Winners are notified digitally, after which they must complete the payment and documentation process before officially receiving the plate.

The initiative is part of the Punjab government’s strategy to modernize vehicle registration services and generate additional revenue through the sale of premium numbers. Popular numbers such as “1,” “786,” or repeating sequences are expected to attract high bids.

Benefits for Citizens

The online auction provides a fair and convenient way for citizens to obtain desirable registration numbers without relying on offline channels or agents. By digitizing the process, the government ensures security, transparency, and real-time monitoring, while vehicle owners can participate from anywhere in Punjab.

Moreover, the auction system reduces corruption and favoritism historically associated with the allocation of premium plates. It also sets a precedent for further digitalization of public services across the province.

Things to Know Before Bidding

• Registration on the official PITB/Excise portal is mandatory.

• Only eligible vehicle owners can participate.

• Bidders must follow all payment and documentation rules set by the Excise department.

• Auctions run for a limited period, and winners are allotted numbers based on the highest bid.

Challenges Ahead

While the initiative is a major step forward, some vehicle owners have previously shown hesitation toward premium plates due to high costs or limited perceived value. Additionally, the actual issuance and enforcement of the plates remains a process that requires efficient coordination between auction organizers and regional Excise offices.

Punjab’s online auction for fancy vehicle number plates represents a modern, transparent, and citizen-friendly approach to an age-old demand for premium registration numbers. The government hopes that by reducing intermediaries and digitizing the process, more vehicle owners will have equal access to these coveted numbers while simultaneously increasing provincial revenue.

Citizens interested in participating should register promptly and review all rules to ensure eligibility and compliance.

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