Lost the M-Tag sticker from your windshield, or had it stolen or damaged? Don’t ignore it. An M-Tag is linked to your vehicle and your toll balance, so you should deal with a lost one quickly. This guide explains how to replace a lost M-Tag on Pakistan’s motorways, who to call first, and what the guides say about documents and costs.
I could not find an official NHA or One Network page with the exact steps and fees for replacing a lost tag. The steps below come from recent guides, so please call the M-Tag helpline to confirm the current process.
What Is the M-Tag?
The M-Tag is an electronic toll sticker for Pakistan’s motorways. It sits on your windshield and is read by a scanner at the toll plaza, so you can pass through without stopping to pay cash. Most motorways use it. Wikipedia says it is deployed on every motorway except the M-8, and that it started on the M-2 as the E-Tag.
Step 1: Report the Loss Immediately
Guides say the first thing to do is report the lost or stolen tag to the M-Tag helpline on 1313. The reason is to block misuse, so that no one can use the tag and your balance. Tell the agent your vehicle number and CNIC details, and ask them to check the tag’s status.
Step 2: Apply for a Replacement
Guides say you can get a replacement at any M-Tag registration centre or motorway toll booth. For registration, a 2026 guide says to visit a toll booth with your CNIC, and that most booths work from about 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For a replacement, ask the helpline or the booth which documents they need for your case.
Documents to Take
- Your original CNIC
- Your vehicle registration book or smart card
- Your vehicle’s registration number
- Any receipt, tag number, or account details from your old tag, if you still have them
Guides do not list one official document set for replacements, so the booth staff may ask for more.
Step 3: Pay the Replacement Fee
I could not confirm a replacement fee. One 2026 guide lists the new M-Tag registration at Rs. 250, plus a starting balance of Rs. 300 (Rs. 550 in total). It says a replacement tag has “additional charges”, without giving a number. Another guide says only that a 5-year-old M-Tag could be replaced for a nominal fee before June 30, 2026. Ask 1313 for the exact amount before you go.
Step 4: Install the New Tag and Check Your Balance
- The new sticker is fitted on your windshield by the officer.
- Ask what balance is on your account, and whether any balance from the lost tag can be moved over.
- Top up your balance if needed. Guides say you can top up through JazzCash, Easypaisa, or the One Network app.
- Check that the tag works. A guide says a green beep at the toll plaza confirms that the tag is active and has enough balance.
Why You Should Not Wait
- Misuse: a lost tag may be used by someone else until it is blocked.
- Higher toll: a report says vehicles without an M-Tag pay about 50 percent more toll on some motorways, so driving without a working tag can cost more.
- Delays: toll plazas can be slower if your tag does not scan.
If Your Tag Is Damaged, Not Lost
If the tag does not scan, the cause may be a damaged sticker, low balance, or wrong placement. One guide says you can visit the nearest motorway booth for a free check or repair. If the sticker is lost or badly damaged, report it and ask for a replacement.
Old Tags May Need Replacing Too
One Network advised motorists with five-year-old tags to replace them before June 30, 2026, so older stickers can stop working properly. If your tag is very old and does not scan, ask the helpline whether it needs replacement.
Staying Safe
- Use only the official M-Tag helpline, the toll booth, or the official One Network app.
- Do not send your CNIC or card details to unknown people or websites that offer a “quick replacement”.
- Never share an OTP or PIN with anyone.
- Keep your receipt after you get the new tag.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first if my M-Tag is lost?
Call the M-Tag helpline, 1313, and report it so that it can be blocked.
Where do I get a replacement?
Guides say at any M-Tag registration centre or motorway toll booth.
How much does a replacement cost?
I could not confirm an official figure. Ask 1313 or the toll booth before you go.
What documents do I need?
Take your CNIC and vehicle registration papers, and ask what else your case requires.
Can I drive on the motorway without an M-Tag?
You may have to pay a higher toll without a working tag, according to a report. Replace it as soon as you can.
A lost M-Tag is easy to fix if you act fast. Report it to 1313, visit a registration centre or toll booth with your CNIC and vehicle papers, and check your balance and tag before you drive.
