askST: How to apply for VEP and RFID tag before driving to Malaysia
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You can collect the VEP-RFID tag in Johor or have it delivered to your home in Singapore.
PHOTO: ST FILE
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SINGAPORE – From Oct 1, all foreign-registered vehicles entering Johor from Singapore must have a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP)
The VEP, which comes with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, is meant as an “identity card” for your vehicle when you drive into Malaysia.
The tag will allow you to pay the RM20 (S$5.75) road charge when you enter Johor via both checkpoints, as well as the toll fees on Malaysia’s expressways using the designated RFID lanes.
Here is a closer look at the VEP requirements.
1. Do I need a VEP?
If you drive a Singapore-registered private car, you will need to apply for a VEP and get the RFID tag by Oct 1.
If you cannot get your car fitted with the RFID tag in time, you can still enter Johor after Oct 1, but you need to show Malaysian officers the confirmation slip from your VEP application. Eventually, a tag must be installed on the car.
If you drive a commercial or government vehicle, or ride a motorcycle, you still need a VEP, but the RFID tag will be rolled out later.
2. What documents do I need for the application?
You should have your NRIC, passport, vehicle road tax, insurance, model and certificate of entitlement (COE) details ready.
You can retrieve your vehicle log card (as a PDF file) from the Land Transport Authority’s OneMotoring website.
3. Do I need a Touch ’n Go e-wallet for the application?
Yes, you can download the Touch ’n Go app before applying for the VEP. The e-wallet can be linked to your VEP-RFID tag for payments on the road.
4. How do I apply for the VEP?
You can go to vep.jpj.gov.my
After you authenticate your account by e-mail, you can log in to the portal to upload your vehicle log card or manually fill in the information, including your vehicle’s model, COE and chassis numbers.
A representative can apply on your behalf.
After the information is verified and the application is approved, you will receive a confirmation e-mail.
Past applicants told The Straits Times that they waited for days or weeks for the confirmation e-mail.
Applicants can monitor the status of their application on vepams.jpj.gov.my
5. How can I get the VEP-RFID tag?
You can opt for self-collection in Johor. Malaysia’s Road Transport Department (JPJ) will tell you via e-mail when, where and how to pick up your tag.
You can also choose home delivery. The tag will be delivered to an address of your choice in Singapore or Malaysia.
The processing fee for the tag is RM10.
Applicants will also have to pay a service fee of RM30 and a postage fee of around RM15 if opting for delivery to Singapore. Sales and services tax also applies.
6. How do I install the tag on my car?
To install the tag, you can ask a JPJ officer for help or do it yourself.
First, select a flat surface on the car’s left headlamp and make sure it is clean and dry. This surface should be at least 5cm away from any part of the car’s metal frame.
JPJ officers recommend that the tag be pasted on the car’s left headlamp on the passenger’s side, with specific instructions included with the tag sent by post.
While some drivers may prefer to paste the tag on the car’s windscreen, a JPJ officer said those are for exceptions involving some tags collected over the counter, adding that drivers should follow instructions sent with the tag or that of JPJ officers.
After pasting the tag on the car, a picture of the fitted tag together with the car’s licence plate should be taken and uploaded to vepams.jpj.gov.my
You will be notified by e-mail once the tag is activated.
Do not remove the tag after it is pasted or you may damage it and risk needing another tag.
7. Is the VEP-RFID tag the same as the Touch ’n Go RFID tag?
Some visitors to Malaysia might have previously obtained a Touch ’n Go RFID tag, which can also be used to pay toll fees on expressways.
But the Touch ’n Go tag does not help the JPJ regulate foreign vehicles in Malaysia, so you still need to get the VEP-RFID tag to freely enter and exit Malaysia after Oct 1.
8. I applied for the VEP a few years ago, but have not received the tag. What should I do?
You can try logging in to the portal again to update your information.
Once your details are verified, you will be directed to make payment and choose the collection method for your tag.
If you face difficulties logging in or have forgotten the e-mail address used for your previous registration, e-mail JPJ at or call +603-7941-2888 for assistance.
9. I had the tag installed previously. Do I have to reapply for a new one?
No, tags issued before the May 28 announcement are still valid if they have not expired. The tags last for five years from the date of activation.
You can check your tag’s validity on the VEP portal. A reminder e-mail will be sent to you six months before the tag expires.
10. I am driving a used car that comes with the previous owner’s tag. Is this okay?
No, the VEP-RFID tag is no longer valid when the vehicle’s ownership is transferred to another individual or company, according to JPJ.
The onus is on the previous owner to deregister the car on the JPJ website, or face fines or punishment for road transport offences committed by the new owner.
The new owner is responsible for obtaining another VEP-RFID tag.
If the previous owner is uncontactable, the new owner can contact JPJ with supporting documents for assistance at
11. I am buying a new car. Can I transfer my tag to the new car?
No, the tag is unique to each vehicle and not transferrable.
12. If my VEP tag is damaged or stolen, what should I do?
You are required to update the status of your tag on the VEP registration portal.
You will need to submit a police report to the JPJ when collecting a new tag and pay an additional administration fee.
13. A few false starts in the past have led to some scepticism over the VEP system. Can drivers be sure that it will be enforced this time?
The VEP enforcement was halted in 2019 and 2020 over a mixture of technical issues that affected the availability of tag installation vendors, as well as a low number of Singapore vehicles installing the tag.
JPJ records in 2020 showed that around 230,000 vehicles were registered for the VEP, but only 60,000 of them had the RFID tags installed.
“Since 2019, there have been many improvements to the VEP system to enhance the user’s experience and enforcement efficiency,” Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke said on May 29.
“Hence, Malaysia’s Ministry of Transport is determined to enforce VEP by Oct 1, 2024.”
Additional reporting by Shannon Teoh
Clarification note: Point No. 6 has been edited for clarity.
