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How to Spot Fake Documents When Buying a Car

Published on January 22, 2026

Fake car documents are a serious problem in Pakistan. Here's how to detect them before you pay.

1. Check the Watermark

Genuine Excise registration books have a watermark. Hold it to the light — the watermark should be visible and consistent.

2. Examine the Paper Quality

• Genuine: Thick, government-issued paper
• Fake: Thin, photocopy-like, or plastic-coated

3. Verify Serial Numbers

Every registration book has a serial number. Cross-check with:

• Excise office records
• Previous owner's documents
• Online Excise verification (where available)

4. Check the Fonts

Government documents use specific fonts. Look for:

• Inconsistent font sizes
• Uneven spacing
• Blurry text
• Different ink colors

5. Look for Overwriting

Fake documents often have:

• Whited-out sections
• Overwritten numbers
• Fresh ink on old paper
• Staple marks suggesting page replacement

6. Verify Chassis and Engine Numbers

This is the most important check:

• Open the bonnet and find the actual chassis plate
• Find the engine number on the engine block
• Compare with registration book
• Numbers should match EXACTLY
• Look for signs of grinding or re-stamping

7. Visit the Excise Office

The only 100% reliable check: take the car to Excise office and ask for official verification. Costs a small fee, saves you from fraud.

8. Check the Seller's CNIC

Seller's CNIC name must match the name on the registration book. If it doesn't, ask why — it might be a fake sale or stolen vehicle.

9. Verify Transfer History

Ask for previous transfer letters. A car with 5 owners in 2 years is suspicious.

10. Look for Signs of Accident

Not a document issue but related:

• Mismatched paint
• Uneven panel gaps
• Welding marks on frame
• Fresh undercoating (hiding rust)

Common Fake Document Schemes

• Duplicate registry: Same book, different cars
• Stolen books: Books reported stolen, re-used
• Tampered numbers: Chassis re-stamped to match a stolen car
• Fake signatures: Previous owner's signature forged

Final Advice

If anything feels off about the documents, walk away. There are thousands of cars for sale — you don't need to risk your money on a suspicious one.

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