Finding your nearest driving licence centre depends on which province you’re in — each has a different system, and not all of them offer a simple map-based locator. Here’s how to find one wherever you are.
Punjab: Any Centre, No Fixed “Nearest” Required
Punjab’s system, run through DLIMS (Driving License Issuance Management System), actually makes finding your “nearest” centre less critical than in other provinces — you can get a licence issued or renewed at any Driving Licensing Authority across the province, not just one tied to your home address. License holders can similarly renew in any district in Punjab, and issued licences can even be delivered to your doorstep.
That said, if you want to find a specific centre near you:
- Six major cities — Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Multan, and Sialkot — have centres open 24 hours.
- Centres in smaller cities typically operate extended daytime hours.
- For exact addresses, check the official DLIMS portal (traffic.punjabpolice.gov.pk/dlims) or contact your local traffic police office directly, since a full searchable address list isn’t always easy to find on the main site.
Sindh: The DLS App Has a Built-In Locator
Sindh’s Driving Licence Sindh (DLS) system, run by the Excise & Taxation Department, offers the most direct way to actually search for your nearest centre:
- Download the official DLS mobile app (search for it on the Google Play Store) or visit dls.gos.pk.
- Use the app’s branch address / nearest centre search feature, which covers all driving licence centres across Sindh, not just Karachi.
- Alternatively, check the “Offices” page on the DLS website footer for a list of branch locations.
As a general guide, Karachi has offices in Clifton, Nazimabad, and Korangi issuing permanent licences, while Hyderabad, Larkana, Sukkur, and Mirpur Khas each have at least one office. Around 26 centres across Sindh issue learner’s licences. Since branch details can change, confirm current locations through the app or by calling the department directly at +92-21-9925052-6.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Digital System, Check the Transport Department App
KP has introduced its own digital driving licence system and a dedicated app through the provincial Transport Department, which is the best starting point for locating a nearby centre or checking renewal options — including an online renewal option for overseas Pakistanis with a KP-issued licence. Since KP’s system has been rolling out province-wide, check the Transport Department’s official channels or app for the latest list of operational centres in your district.
Islamabad: One Primary Office
In Islamabad, driving licence services are handled directly through the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP). Rather than multiple centres spread across the city, you’ll generally need to visit the ITP office directly, or use the ITP website for online license verification and related services. For questions, you can reach ITP at info@islamabadtrafficpolice.gov.pk.
A General Tip If You Can’t Find a Locator Tool
Not every province offers a slick, searchable map the way some other government services do. If you can’t find a clear locator:
- Call your provincial traffic police or excise helpline directly and ask for the nearest centre to your address.
- Check official social media pages or recent news announcements, since new centres are opened periodically and may not always be reflected on older web pages.
- If you’re renewing rather than applying fresh, confirm whether your province allows renewal at any centre (as Punjab does) rather than assuming you’re restricted to one specific office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to visit the centre closest to my home address?
Not necessarily. In Punjab, for example, you can visit any Driving Licensing Authority in the province — you’re not restricted to your nearest one.
Which province has the easiest way to search for a nearby centre?
Sindh’s DLS app includes a dedicated feature for finding the nearest driving licence centre anywhere in the province, which is more direct than what’s currently available in some other provinces.
What if the centre I find online has since closed or moved?
Since some published lists are outdated, it’s worth calling ahead to confirm a centre is still operational before making the trip, especially for less common locations.
Can I apply for a driving licence entirely online without visiting a centre?
Parts of the process — like applying for a learner’s licence or booking an appointment — can often be done online, but a visit to a centre is still typically required at some stage, such as for your test or biometric verification.
Since locator tools vary so much by province, a quick phone call to your local traffic police or excise office is often the fastest way to confirm your nearest centre, especially if the online listings seem out of date.
