How to Verify the Ownership of Cars for Sale in Lahore

When buying a car for sale in Lahore, verifying ownership is crucial to avoid legal issues, fraud, or purchasing a stolen vehicle. Fortunately, several methods allow you to confirm the legitimacy of a car and its owner before finalizing the deal. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensuring a safe purchase.

1. Check the Original Registration Book

The registration book (also called the Excise & Taxation Certificate) is the most important document for verifying car ownership.

• Ensure the owner’s name matches the seller’s CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card).
• Verify the chassis number and engine number printed in the book with those on the vehicle.
• Check for the official stamp and signature from the Punjab Excise & Taxation Department.
• Look for any duplicate or tampered pages, which could indicate fraud.

2. Use the Punjab Excise & Taxation Online Verification System

The Punjab Excise & Taxation Department provides an online vehicle verification system.

How to verify ownership online:

1. Visit the Excise & Taxation Punjab website: https://mtmis.excise.punjab.gov.pk/
2. Enter the vehicle’s registration number.
3. The system will display the car’s registered owner’s name, model, token tax details, and chassis number.
4. Cross-check this information with the documents provided by the seller.

If the online record does not match, the car may have ownership issues.

3. Verify Ownership via SMS

Another quick method is SMS verification through the Punjab Excise & Taxation Department.

Steps to verify via SMS:

1. Open your messages app on your phone.
2. Type the vehicle registration number.
3. Send it to 8785.
4. You will receive a message with details of the registered owner.

If the seller’s details do not match, do not proceed with the purchase.

4. Perform Biometric Verification of the Seller

Since 2022, the Punjab Government requires biometric verification for car ownership transfers.

• The seller must visit an Excise & Taxation Office or use the online biometric verification system.
• The biometric slip is proof that the owner has legally transferred the car.
• If the seller refuses biometric verification, it could indicate an issue with the car’s legal status.

5. Check for Bank Lease or Outstanding Loans

If a car is bank-leased or has an unpaid loan, it cannot be legally transferred until the loan is cleared.

How to verify if a car is leased?

• Check the registration book for any mention of a bank’s name.
• Ask the seller for a loan clearance certificate if the car was previously financed.
• Verify with the Punjab Excise & Taxation Department to ensure no outstanding dues.

A leased or financed car cannot be transferred to a new owner until all payments are cleared.

6. Cross-Check the Engine and Chassis Number

Every car has a unique chassis number and engine number assigned by the manufacturer.

• Find these numbers engraved on the car’s body and engine.
• Match them with the numbers in the registration book and online verification system.
• If the numbers don’t match, the car may be stolen or tampered with.

7. Verify the Number Plates

In Punjab, the Excise & Taxation Department issues official number plates with vehicle registration.

• The number on the plates should match the registration documents.
• If the seller provides aftermarket plates, ask for the original ones or a proof of request for duplicates.
• Check for any signs of tampered or altered number plates, as they may indicate legal issues.

8. Check the Car’s Tax Payment History

Before buying a used car, ensure that all token taxes have been paid.

• Use the Excise & Taxation Punjab website to check tax records.
• If taxes are unpaid, the new owner will be responsible for clearing them before transfer.
• Ask the seller for a tax clearance certificate if there are pending payments.

9. Request a Car Inspection Report

To confirm that the car has not been involved in any accidents or illegal modifications, get a professional inspection.

• Services like FameWheels, PakWheels, or authorized workshops provide detailed inspection reports.
• These reports include accident history, engine condition, and structural integrity.

Final Checklist Before Buying a Car

Verify the registration book and match details with the online system.
Perform SMS verification via 8785.
Ensure the seller completes biometric verification.
Check if the car is leased or has unpaid loans.
Confirm chassis and engine numbers are original.
Verify the tax payment history.
Get a mechanic’s inspection for hidden issues.

By following these steps, you can safely verify car ownership and avoid fraud when buying a car in Lahore.

Would you like a step-by-step guide on how to transfer car ownership after verification?