KATHMANDU: The government has made embossed number plates mandatory for vehicles starting from September 17.
According to the Department of Transport Management, embossed number plates will be compulsory for services such as vehicle registration, ownership transfer and renewal from September 17 onwards.
However, the government is drawing flak for enforcing the provision without adequate preparations. Many say designated offices lack infrastructure and human resources to serve a large number of service seekers.
Although the DoTM introduced embossed plates in 2016, they have been installed on only about 90,000 vehicles so far. The department had initially targeted to complete the installation of embossed plates on 2.5 million vehicles by December 2021.
Following the department’s recent notice, crowds have started gathering at transport offices to install embossed plates. Many service seekers are unaware of the exact process to get the plates installed.
At present, embossed number plates are installed only at 21 designated transport offices. Even there, you cannot get the plates directly without completing the required online application.
MeroAuto will guide you through the installation process:
- First, open the Department of Transport Management’s official website. On the homepage, click on the “Embossed Number Plate System” option located on the right-hand side. A new window will open. Click on “Get Started.”
- Enter your current vehicle registration number and registration date. (For older zone-based number plates, leave the office code blank and enter details like lot code, classification, and number.) Provide your mobile number and email address. Enter the OTP sent to your phone or email to proceed.
- On the next page, fill in details such as vehicle number, engine number, chassis number, weight, capacity, and type. Then, enter the owner’s details, including mobile number and email.
- Next, upload scanned copies of required documents, including the bluebook, citizenship certificate or passport, tax payment receipt, and any other requested files.
- Review the information and click “Submit.” Print the application form displayed on the screen.
- After applying online, you must pay the prescribed fee: Rs 2,500 for two-wheelers, Rs 2,900 for three-wheelers, Rs 3,200 for small and medium four-wheelers and Rs 3,600 for heavy vehicles. Payment can be made online or through designated bank branches inside transport offices.
- Once payment is completed, take the printed form along with necessary documents (citizenship, bluebook, payment receipt, and a consent letter from the financing company if the vehicle is under installment) to the concerned transport office.
- Officials there will verify your application details and, upon approval, install the embossed number plate on your vehicle.
