JPJ Sabah: Road Tax & Driving Licence Guide
What does JPJ do in Sabah?
JPJ, the Road Transport Department, handles road tax, driving licences, vehicle registration and the learner theory test in Sabah. Its state HQ is on Jalan Bundusan in Penampang, with services also available at UTC Kota Kinabalu.
JPJ in Sabah at a glance
The Road Transport Department, known as JPJ (Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan), manages everything to do with vehicles and driving in Sabah — road tax, driving licences, vehicle registration and theory tests.
The Sabah headquarters is on Jalan Bundusan, Penampang, on 088-511 888 (JPJ, checked 6 October 2026). Many routine tasks can now be done online or at agents, but JPJ counters and the UTC KK office remain the place for anything that needs in-person handling.
Road tax and licence renewals can be done on the MyJPJ app, the JPJ public portal or at post offices, leaving JPJ counters for registrations and tasks that need an officer.
Road tax renewal
Renewing road tax (cukai jalan) is the service most drivers use. You need valid motor insurance first, after which road tax can be renewed on the MyJPJ app or JPJ public portal, at a post office, at selected Puspakom centres or at a JPJ counter. MyEG was suspended as a JPJ collection agent from 5 October 2026 (mStar, checked 6 October 2026). The road tax is now largely digital, though a printed slip is still useful to keep in the vehicle.
Renew before the expiry date. Set a reminder, as insurance and road tax usually fall due together each year.
Driving licences
JPJ issues and renews driving licences, from the learner licence (LDL) and probationary licence (PDL) to the full competent driving licence (CDL). New drivers begin with a theory test, then complete practical training through registered institutes before earning a PDL, which lasts one year (JPJ, checked 6 October 2026).
Licence renewals are straightforward and can often be done at JPJ counters, UTC KK, post offices or on the MyJPJ app. Bring your MyKad and existing licence. Foreigners and new residents should check the rules for converting or recognising an overseas licence.
Vehicle registration and Sabah plates
JPJ handles vehicle registration and the issue of number plates. Sabah plates start with the letter S, and the second letter marks the district, such as SA (Kota Kinabalu), SS (Sandakan), ST (Tawau), SB (Beaufort), SU (Keningau), SK (Kudat) and SD (Lahad Datu) (Paul Tan, checked 6 October 2026), so a plate can hint at where a vehicle was first registered.
Registration covers new vehicles, ownership transfers and changes of particulars. For a transfer, both buyer and seller usually need to be involved, and the vehicle may require a Puspakom inspection beforehand.
Other JPJ services
Beyond the core tasks, JPJ manages vehicle inspection referrals to Puspakom and the learner theory test. It also enforces road transport rules and processes summonses.
Fees, online channels and procedures change over time. This page is general information, not official advice. Confirm the latest details on jpj.gov.my or at a JPJ counter before acting.
Office and contact details
The Sabah JPJ headquarters is on Jalan Bundusan, Penampang, reachable on 088-511 888 or 088-717 777, and opens Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (lunch break 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, Friday break 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM) (JPJ, checked 6 October 2026). The official website, jpj.gov.my, sets out services, fees and the online options that can save a counter visit.
For in-person tasks outside office hours, the JPJ counter at UTC Sabah, Jalan Belia, Kota Kinabalu, opens 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays (Friday break 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM) and 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday (JPJ, checked 6 October 2026). District offices serve drivers in towns beyond the capital.