Any transport vehicle plying for hire in Punjab needs a route permit before it can legally go on the road. The Punjab Transport Department's Route Permits service explains the permit types, the documents to submit, and how to apply — including online through the Punjab Digital Transport Governance portal. This guide pulls it all together in one place.
Why You Need a Route Permit
Under Section 44 of the Motor Vehicles Ordinance, 1965, no transport vehicle may be used or driven without a permit issued by the Provincial or District Regional Transport Authority. In practice, that means taxi, rickshaw, bus, wagon, and goods vehicle operators must hold the right permit for their vehicle category — and keep it renewed.
Types of Route Permits and Their Validity
| Permit Type | Covers | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Stage Carriage Permit | Buses, wagons, etc. plying on intercity as well as urban routes | 1 year, renewable |
| Contract Carriage Permit | Motor cab taxis, rickshaws, and motorcycle rickshaws | 1 year, renewable |
| Public/Private Carrier Permit | Goods vehicles | 3 years, renewable |
Documents Required
The application must be filled on the prescribed form and accompanied by:
- Affidavit on stamp paper (the department provides a sample)
- Copy of CNIC
- Proof of ownership — the vehicle registration book
- Proof of token tax paid
- Proof of a valid fitness certificate
- Third-party risk insurance (sample provided)
- Route permit fee, as fixed by the government from time to time
- Passenger guarantee — only for inter-city stage carriage permits (sample provided)
Note how these documents connect: you can't obtain a permit without a valid fitness certificate, and a vehicle that skips its fitness test can be denied a route permit altogether. If you operate commercial vehicles, read our guide to the commercial vehicle fitness certificate (VICS) first, since it comes before the permit.
Application Forms
The department publishes sample forms for each category:
- Application for a permit for a particular Stage Carriage
- Application for a Contract Carriage permit
- Application for a Public Carrier permit
How to Pay: Fee Deposit
Fees are charged through a bank challan. You can deposit the route permit fee through:
- Any branch of the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP)
- Over the Counter (OTC) in GoPb Biller
- Alternative Delivery Channels (ADC) through all banks
The fee for a new permit isn't listed on the main page — the department links a fee structure notification (PDF) instead. Fees change over time, so confirm the current amount with the Regional Transport Authority before paying.
Renewal: Don't Pay the Late Fee
- Apply for renewal one month before the permit expires
- The renewal fee stated by the Transport Department is PKR 650, payable through the same channels (NBP branch, GoPb Biller OTC, or ADC)
- A late fee of PKR 300 per month or part of a month applies if you miss the window
With stage and contract carriage permits lasting just one year, it's worth setting a calendar reminder around ten or eleven months after issue.
Applying Online: Punjab Digital Transport Governance
The Transport Department links an online route permit service on the Punjab Digital Transport Governance (PDTG) portal. The department also publishes video tutorials covering three steps:
- Creating an online account and applying for a route permit
- Adding your vehicle to the "My Vehicle Listing"
- Applying for a digital route permit and NOC online
The department's flow chart and videos are on its Procedure of Obtaining Route Permit page — worth watching before you start so you have every document scanned and ready.
Step-by-Step Summary
- Identify the permit you need: stage carriage, contract carriage, or goods carrier.
- Make sure the vehicle has a valid fitness certificate, paid token tax, and third-party risk insurance.
- Prepare your affidavit on stamp paper, CNIC copy, registration book, and (for inter-city stage carriage) a passenger guarantee.
- Create an account on the PDTG portal, add your vehicle, and apply online — or use the prescribed application form.
- Pay the fee by bank challan through NBP, GoPb Biller OTC, or an ADC channel.
- Collect your permit and note its expiry date.
- Apply for renewal a month early, and keep the late fee of PKR 300 per month off your books.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a goods vehicle route permit valid?
Three years, renewable, for Public/Private Carrier permits. Stage carriage and contract carriage permits are valid for one year.
When should I apply for renewal?
One month before the permit expires. The department states a renewal fee of PKR 650 and a late fee of PKR 300 per month (or part of a month).
Do I need a passenger guarantee for every permit?
No — it is required only for inter-city stage carriage permits.
Can I apply online?
Yes. The Transport Department links an online route permit service on the Punjab Digital Transport Governance portal, with tutorials for creating an account, adding a vehicle, and applying for a digital permit and NOC.
Related Reading
- Vehicle Fitness Certificate Punjab: Commercial Vehicle VICS Guide
- Punjab PVICS Guide: Vehicle Fitness Certificate for Private Cars (2026)
For video guide, view this video
Final Thoughts
A route permit is the legal foundation of any commercial transport business in Punjab, and it depends on a chain of other paperwork — fitness certificate, token tax, and insurance. Get those in order, apply through the Transport Department's Route Permits service or the PDTG portal, and renew a month early to avoid the late fee.
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