Punjab moves to make biometric verification mandatory for property registration
The Punjab government has decided to make biometric verification compulsory for obtaining and registering property documents across the province.
The Punjab government has taken a major step to strengthen transparency and reduce fraud in property transactions by introducing mandatory biometric verification for property registration. In this regard, the proposed Registration Act 2026 has been sent to the Governor of Punjab for final approval.
The bill was passed by the Punjab Assembly on Thursday through a majority vote. Once approved by the Governor of Punjab, the new law will formally amend the Registration Act of 1908.
According to the draft legislation, biometric verification will become compulsory for the registration of properties as well as other items and documents that legally require registration. Authorities believe the move will help prevent fake transactions, illegal transfers, and identity fraud linked to property dealings.
Under the proposed amendment, the Punjab Land Records Authority will establish an electronic record management system to support the biometric verification process and maintain digital records of transactions.
Officials say the new system is expected to modernize the province’s land registration mechanism and improve security for buyers and property owners. The government also aims to make the transfer process more transparent and reliable by linking records with biometric data.
The initiative is part of broader efforts by the Punjab government to digitize public services and strengthen monitoring within the property sector. Legal experts believe the new law could significantly reduce land disputes and fraudulent registrations if implemented effectively.
The final implementation will begin after the governor signs the bill into law.