Know J&K's District Codes: A Comprehensive Guide to Vehicle Registration in Jammu and Kashmir

SRINAGAR, JUNE 28 — In a bid to streamline administrative processes and improve identification protocols for vehicles across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, authorities have delineated unique district codes from JK01 to JK22 for vehicle registration purposes. Each code corresponds to a specific district, aiding both in logistical convenience and enforcement of transport regulations.

The move is part of a broader framework by the Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) to ensure better governance and facilitate clarity for law enforcement agencies. The identification system, which has been in effect for several years, continues to be a vital tool for both administrative tracking and public awareness.

District-wise Breakdown of Registration Codes

The capital city of Srinagar is designated with the code JK01, while the winter capital, Jammu, carries the code JK02. Other major districts include Anantnag (JK03), Budgam (JK04), Baramulla (JK05), and Doda (JK06). The border districts of Kargil (JK07) and Leh (JK10), which now fall under the Union Territory of Ladakh, continue to retain their previous registration codes for legacy vehicles, although new registrations are governed under separate Ladakh-specific codes post-reorganization.

The southern districts like Kathua (JK08), Udhampur (JK14), and Samba (JK21) also feature prominently in the list, reflecting the comprehensive geographic coverage. The northwestern frontier is represented by Rajouri (JK11) and Poonch (JK12), while central Kashmir includes Pulwama (JK13), Ganderbal (JK16), and Bandipora (JK15).

Newer administrative districts like Kishtwar (JK17), Kulgam (JK18), Ramban (JK19), Reasi (JK20), and Shopian (JK22) have been duly assigned codes in sequence, ensuring that no region is left unaccounted for in the official transport records.

Importance of District Codes

The assignment of unique district codes serves multiple purposes beyond identification. Law enforcement agencies rely heavily on these identifiers during surveillance operations, vehicular inspections, and in tracing ownership in cases of theft or accident. Additionally, these codes help citizens in determining the origin of a vehicle, which is particularly useful in areas with cross-border vehicular movement.

As part of efforts to promote transparency and ease of governance, the Jammu and Kashmir Transport Department has urged citizens to familiarise themselves with these codes, especially in the context of second-hand vehicle purchases and inter-district transfers.

Full List of District Codes – JK01 to JK22:

JK01 – Srinagar

JK02 – Jammu

JK03 – Anantnag

JK04 – Budgam

JK05 – Baramulla

JK06 – Doda

JK07 – Kargil

JK08 – Kathua

JK09 – Kupwara

JK10 – Leh

JK11 – Rajouri

JK12 – Poonch

JK13 – Pulwama

JK14 – Udhampur

JK15 – Bandipora

JK16 – Ganderbal

JK17 – Kishtwar

JK18 – Kulgam

JK19 – Ramban

JK20 – Reasi

JK21 – Samba

JK22 – Shopian