A Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) certificate will be mandatory for obtaining or renewing vehicle revenue licences across Sri Lanka from November 1, 2026, with the Western Province Department of Motor Traffic issuing detailed instructions to officials on implementing the requirement.
The circular, dated October 29 and issued by the Western Province Commissioner of Motor Traffic, has been sent to all Divisional Secretaries in the province.
The nationwide requirement follows the Inland Revenue Department’s circular SEC/2026/E/07, issued on September 22, under the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act, No. 11 of 2026.
According to the Western Province circular, vehicle owners applying for revenue licences using the original Certificate of Registration (CR) must submit their TIN certificates.
In cases where vehicle ownership is being transferred, applicants presenting MTA 11 and CMT 52 forms must provide the TIN certificate of the person named in the CMT 52 form.
The department has instructed officials to accept both hard copies and electronic copies of TIN documentation, including screen printouts.
Officials must also maintain records of the TIN information submitted by applicants.
The circular identifies several categories exempt from submitting TIN certificates, including individuals under 18, qualifying non-resident foreign nationals who have stayed in Sri Lanka for fewer than 183 days, individuals whose applications for TIN registration have been rejected, those entitled to diplomatic privileges, and entities other than individuals.
The instructions issued in the Western Province provide further clarification on the implementation of the national requirement, which also covers several other transactions, including vehicle registration, banking, land registration and business registration. (Newswire)
