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The Sindh Excise and Taxation Department has officially extended the deadline for biometric verification of vehicles and motorcycles until August 14, 2025, giving citizens one last opportunity to complete the mandatory process. The announcement was made following a review of the current registration and verification backlog across the province.
Final Extension – No More Deadlines After August 14
Deputy Director Asif Ali Bhatti confirmed that this will be the final extension, stressing that no additional time will be granted beyond the new date. He urged all vehicle owners to complete the biometric registration process immediately to avoid complications after the deadline.
“This is the last chance for owners to get their vehicles verified. After August 14, biometric authentication will become compulsory for both buyers and sellers during vehicle transfers,” Bhatti stated.
He also reiterated that any vehicle not currently registered under the owner’s name must be officially transferred and verified, adding that delays will not be tolerated going forward.
Millions of Motorcyclists Yet to Collect Number Plates
The department is also facing a significant challenge with uncollected motorcycle number plates. Despite having 6.5 to 7 million motorcycles registered in Sindh, only 1.6 million number plates have been issued so far, leaving over 5 million motorcycles without proper registration plates.
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Bhatti disclosed that the standard fee for obtaining a motorcycle number plate is Rs 2,450, and encouraged owners to promptly apply either in-person or through the department’s online portal.
Dedicated Counters Operating in Karachi
To streamline the process, multiple distribution and verification counters have been set up across Karachi, including:
- Civic Centre
- Executive Office Clifton
- Awami Markaz
These locations are handling both biometric registration and number plate issuance. Due to the growing number of applicants, the department has announced plans to expand the number of counters at Civic Centre to handle the increasing foot traffic.
Technology Upgrades: Smarter Number Plates
The department has recently rolled out newly designed number plates equipped with advanced security features, aimed at improving road monitoring and crime deterrence. These smart plates are designed to be readable by surveillance cameras even at night, increasing enforcement and traffic safety capabilities.
Bhatti acknowledged the challenge posed by agent mafias in the registration and plate issuance process, noting that while crackdowns have occurred, such groups continue to reappear.
“We’re actively working to eliminate the role of middlemen and ensure citizens can access services directly,” he added.
Public Urged to Use Official Channels
Authorities have strongly advised citizens to avoid unofficial intermediaries and use authorized centers or the official online platform for all registration and verification services. The biometric verification and number plate issuance are critical steps in building a secure and traceable vehicle database, which will help in combating theft, fraud, and unregistered sales.
Key Takeaways for Citizens:
- Deadline for biometric verification extended to August 14, 2025
- No further extensions will be granted
- Mandatory for all vehicle transfers going forward
- Motorcycle plate fee: Rs 2,450
- Verification and plate collection available at multiple centers in Karachi
- Online application options available for convenience
- New plates are camera-readable and feature enhanced security
