Introduction
Back on August 5, 2025 a decision from a thematic committee meeting asked for embossed number plates to be made mandatory across Nepal from Asoj 1, 2082 (September 17, 2025). These plates are made of durable aluminum with raised characters, have a reflective finish, and include an embedded RFID chip that connects each vehicle to a central database. The policy is intended to standardize vehicle identification, reduce forgery, and pave the way for digital transportation services.
Yet, questions remain about capacity, affordability, and readiness. Many criticized this matter, as the public saw a burden/load coming in their head for no reason. As for now the decision has been slightly changed due to public demand and is made compulsory for newly bought vehicles only. Further decisions and initiatives are on hold.
What is an embossed number plate?
An Embossed number plate, also known as an Electronic Vehicle Number Plate (EVNP), is a high‑security aluminum plate where the alphanumeric characters are pressed (raised) rather than painted. It has an RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) microchip embedded to store and verify key registration data of the owner. And it has a tamper‑resistant, standardized format for consistency and enforcement.
What Are the Different Types of Embossed Number Plates?
Color coding remains consistent with existing conventions while adding digital capability:
- Private vehicles: White background, black letters
- Government vehicles: White background, red letters
- Public & tourist vehicles: Yellow background, black letters
- Diplomatic vehicles: White background, blue letters
This uniform scheme makes visual identification quick, while the RFID chip enables electronic verification.
Reasons Why Government is Forcing Embossed System In
The mandate is intended to deliver public‑interest benefits and modernize governance:
- Anti‑forgery & theft deterrence: Raised characters and RFID make plates harder to clone and easier to trace.
- Digital verification & faster checks: RFID supports quick scanning at checkpoints without long stops.
- Improved tax and renewal compliance: A centralized link between vehicles and records curbs evasion.
- National standardization: One format for plate dimensions, fonts, and layout across Nepal.
- E‑governance foundation: Enables future services like online renewals, ownership transfers, and integrated insurance/traffic systems.
How To Apply for an Embossed Number Plate Online?
Follow these steps to complete your EVNP application:
1) Online application
2) Visit the Office and Pay the fee (as per vehicle class)
- Two-wheeler: NPR 2,500
- Three‑wheeler: NPR 2,900
- Four‑wheeler (cars/jeeps/vans): NPR 3,200
- Bus/large vehicle: NPR 3,600
3) Prepare and Submit Documents
- Citizenship (individual) or company registration/PAN (business)
- Bluebook copy and original for verification
- Latest tax clearance certificate
- Bank approval letter if the vehicle was financed
- Proof of fee payment (receipt)
- 2 passport-sized photos
4) Biometric Verification & Issuance
- You’ll receive an SMS with the date/time for biometrics at your Transport Management Office.
- Provide fingerprints and submit your Bluebook for final verification.
- Your embossed plate is then issued and affixed to your vehicle.
Where to submit the application?
- Online: Begin with the official DoTM EVNP portal for form submission, document upload, and fee payment. Later, print those forms out and visit your nearest TMO's office.
- In person: Attend your assigned or nearest Transport Management Office for biometrics, Bluebook verification, and final plate collection/installation.
What happens if we don't follow this rule?
Non‑compliance from Asoj 1, 2082 triggers escalating consequences:
- Traffic fines (generally NPR 200–1,000)
- Road tax renewal blocked until EVNP is installed
- Ownership transfer restricted for non‑compliant vehicles
- Potential road‑use limitations for persistent violations
Note: For now the government has held down the “compulsory” tag, so owners of old plates need not worry about these rules.
What Initiatives Does the Government Need to Plan for Proper Execution of Embossed System
For smooth and credible implementation, the following actions are essential:
- Recalibrate the timeline
- A phased, region‑wise rollout aligned to actual processing capacity is more realistic than a single hard deadline.
- Scale up production & daily issuance
- Expand plate manufacturing, logistics, and on‑site installation capacity at busy offices to handle surges.
- Complete RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) infrastructure first
- Ensure scanning gates, control rooms, networks, and data centers are fully operational to realize the digital benefits from day one.
- Simplify citizen experience
- Streamline forms, reduce paperwork, extend online services, and staff up counters to minimize queues.
- Transparent communication & support
- Run bilingual awareness campaigns explaining costs, steps, and benefits; publish daily processing stats to build trust.
- Inclusive design choices
- Consider bilingual (Devanagari + English) character options to address cultural concerns and reduce resistance.
- Data governance & integration
- Establish policies for secure data handling; integrate EVNP with tax, insurance, enforcement, and traffic systems for real‑world utility.
- Independent oversight
- Monitor delivery milestones across contractors and offices to ensure accountability and course corrections.
Current Situation
- Mandate date: Asoj 1, 2082 (September 17, 2025)
- Cost pressure: Owners face significantly higher costs versus hand‑painted plates, with particular strain on fleet operators.
- Capacity bottlenecks: Historical installation/output has been low relative to Nepal’s 5.5M+ vehicle base; some busy offices report ~100 plates/day processing—insufficient to meet demand quickly.
- Supply status: Hundreds of thousands of plates are produced, with a sizable portion still in storage and awaiting distribution/installation.
- RFID readiness: Plans for multiple RFID scanning gates remain incomplete, limiting immediate digital functionality.
- Public sentiment: Concerns persist around affordability, English‑only script, service delays, and the practicality of enforcing a single nationwide deadline.
A Guide to Driving License Application in Nepal
Conclusion
Embossed number plates aim to improve security, standardize identification, and facilitate e-governance in Nepal's transportation system. The concept is sound; the challenge is execution. With realistic timelines, completed RFID infrastructure, expanded capacity, and clear public communication, the rollout can shift from controversy to credibility—delivering tangible benefits for citizens, operators, and regulators alike.
Notice For Owners of Omoda & Jaecoo Vehicles
While the government doesn't have proper set rules for the urgency of this system. But it is advised for new buyers and owners of Omoda and Jaecoo to apply for their embossed number plates for their vehicles. You should also keep in mind that sooner or later you will be needed to add to the system, so work on it as suited for you.
FAQs
From Asoj 1, 2082 (September 17, 2025) for all vehicle categories.
NPR 2,500 (two‑wheelers), NPR 2,900 (three‑wheelers), NPR 3,200 (four‑wheelers), NPR 3,600 (buses/large vehicles).
No. Road tax renewal and ownership transfer may be blocked until your vehicle is EVNP‑compliant (as for now, a new voice under the hold of this subject is yet to come, so we can say that you can renew your tax and transfer ownership even without EVNP).
To curb forgery/theft, enable digital verification, improve tax compliance, and create a standardized national system that supports future online services.
Yes. You must attend biometric verification at a Transport Management Office before issuance.
Citizenship or company registration/PAN, Bluebook (copy + original), latest tax clearance, bank approval letter (if financed), and payment proof.
Some infrastructure is in place, but full readiness requires completing scanning gates, control rooms, and network connectivity across key corridors.
The system currently follows standardized formats. Depending on the policy, bilingual options may be included.
Expect fines, temporary service restrictions (tax renewal/transfer), and possible road‑use limitations until you comply—this was based on a previous decision, but for now you won’t face any charges.
Timelines vary by location and office capacity. Applying early and keeping documents ready helps avoid delays.
