31st August 2025, Kathmandu
In a significant move towards modernizing the country’s transport sector, the Department of Transport Management (DoTM) has accelerated the implementation of embossed number plates, making them mandatory for all new and renewing vehicles.
Embossed Number Plates Nepal
This initiative is not just about a new look for number plates; it’s a foundational step towards a fully digitized vehicle registry, promising improved security, streamlined management, and enhanced road safety across Nepal.
Currently, the installation of these high-tech number plates is being carried out at nine different transport offices across several provinces, with a major expansion planned for the coming month.
This strategic rollout aims to make the service more accessible to vehicle owners nationwide, reducing congestion at a few central locations and speeding up the overall process.
Where to Get Your Embossed Number Plate Now
The DoTM has confirmed that vehicle owners can currently get their embossed number plates installed at the following nine offices: Currently, embossed number plate installation is available at nine offices across several provinces.
In Bagmati Province, you can get them at the Transport Management Office in Ekantakuna, Lalitpur; the Transport Management Service Office in Hetauda, Makwanpur; the Transport Management Office in Gurjudhara; and the Vehicle Testing Office in Teku.
Gandaki Province has one location at the Transport Management Office in Kaski Pokhara. For those in Lumbini Province, the service is offered at the Transport Management Offices of Rupandehi Butwal, Dang Tulsipur, and Nepalgunj Banke.
Lastly, in Karnali Province, the installation is being carried out at the Transport Management Office in Surkhet.
This initial phase focuses on key regional hubs, ensuring that a significant portion of the vehicle-owning population has access to the service without having to travel long distances.
The DoTM’s guidance for vehicle owners is to visit their most convenient office to get the number plate installed at their earliest convenience, especially since the plates are now mandatory for registration, ownership transfers, and renewals.
Expansion on the Horizon: 7 More Offices from Ashoj 1
Starting from Ashoj 1, the DoTM will launch embossed number plate installation at seven additional offices, further broadening the service’s reach. This expansion is a direct result of the Inter-Provincial Ministerial Committee’s decision to make these plates mandatory, which is designed to accelerate the nationwide implementation process.
Beginning from Ashoj 1, the installation of embossed number plates will be expanded to seven additional offices across different provinces.
In Sudurpaschim Province, the Transport Management Offices in Dhangadhi and Kanchanpur will start providing the service. In Madhesh Province, the Transport Management Office in Lahan Siraha will begin installation.
Bagmati Province will see the service start at the Transport Management Office in Chitwan, while in Koshi Province, the Transport Management Offices of Sunsari Itahari and Jhapa Birtamod will also commence operations on the same day.
This strategic expansion ensures that all seven provinces will soon have operational centers for embossed number plate installation, laying the groundwork for a standardized and secure vehicle identification system across the entire country.
The Technology Behind the Plates
Embossed number plates are more than just a cosmetic upgrade. They are equipped with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip, a microchip that holds all essential vehicle and owner information.
This data includes registration details, tax status, and other critical records, which can be instantly read by specialized RFID readers. The government is actively building a network of these RFID readers, known as RFID gates, at 10 main entry and exit points across Nepal.
This network will enable the DoTM and law enforcement agencies to remotely and accurately monitor vehicles, ensuring compliance with traffic laws and tax regulations. According to the DoTM, two such gates in Kathmandu have already been completed and are in use, marking a new era of digital transport management in the capital.
A Future of Digitized Mobility
The widespread adoption of embossed number plates with RFID technology will pave the way for a fully digitized vehicle registry. In the near future, all vehicles in Nepal are expected to have these plates, and their details will be securely stored and accessible digitally.
This will not only combat vehicle theft and fraud but also make the process of paying road taxes, renewing licenses, and transferring ownership significantly more efficient.
This landmark initiative by the Department of Transport Management signifies a powerful commitment to using technology to improve governance and public services.
By making the switch to embossed number plates mandatory, the government is not just enforcing a new rule—it is building the digital infrastructure for a safer, smarter, and more secure transportation system for all of Nepal.
For more: Embossed Number Plates Nepal