How to get your vehicle registered in Abu Dhabi?
Every year, thousands of people move to the UAE capital to make it their home. Since most people prefer to drive around the city, it’s important to be aware of the process for car registration in Abu Dhabi. Without checking off your car registration in Abu Dhabi, you are not legally allowed to drive that vehicle in the capital.
Car Registration in Abu Dhabi
The Abu Dhabi authorities have made it easy for companies and individuals to register the car they own using a simple and efficient process. An important thing to remember, when it comes to owning a vehicle in the capital, is that getting a driving licence is not sufficient. Your vehicle cannot be on the road until it is registered in the capital city.
How to go about Registering a Car for the first time in Abu Dhabi?
Registration of a new car in Abu Dhabi is usually the responsibility of the agency or dealership from which you buy the vehicle. Even if it’s a second-hand car that you are registering for the first time in Abu Dhabi the process is fairly similar. There are multiple outlets available to start the process of registering a new car in Abu Dhabi for the first time.
- MOI smart application on Google Play or Apple Store
- MOI website
- Emirates vehicle gate: An electronic service for drivers and vehicle owners in the UAE
What are the steps for Abu Dhabi car registration?
To register a new car in Abu Dhabi in your name, you will have to follow these steps:
- You will need to get your vehicle inspected at an authorised testing centre. This can be skipped if your vehicle was produced in the last three years before the date of registration. Car registration in Abu Dhabi is only possible if you get a positive inspection result.
- Get vehicle insurance from an authorised insurer.
- Pay any pending fines (if applicable).
- Apply for your Abu Dhabi car registration through the aforementioned registration channels.
- Pay the registration fees.
- Collect the plate number, expiry date sticker and vehicle ownership card (Mulkiya)
What documents are required for new car registration in Abu Dhabi?
The documents required to register a new car in Abu Dhabi include:
- Documents that can serve as proof of ownership. These include vehicle clearance certificate (VCC) or export certificate. Transfer certificate, possession certificate or possession transfer certificate can also be used. A replacement certificate would be required in case the original export certificate gets lost.
- Emirates ID, passport copy and a copy of the residence visa (if applicable)
- Car insurance
- Mortgage (if applicable)
- Diplomats have to provide a valid diplomatic ID and a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Companies have to provide an official letter in Arabic, an endorsement of signature and an authorisation letter along with a copy of the trade license.
What is the new car registration fees in Abu Dhabi?
The new car registration fee is AED 400.
What is the Car Registration validity period in Abu Dhabi?
Car registration in Abu Dhabi lasts for about twelve months. A thirty-day grace period starts after these twelve months, where one can get the car repaired (if needed), inspected and insured. All insurance policies remain valid for thirteen months, hence, your grace period is also covered. The initial registration is the responsibility of the car dealer. However, all subsequent annual car registration is the responsibility of the new owner.
What documentation is required for Car Registration Renewal in Abu Dhabi?
The documents required for car registration renewal in Abu Dhabi are quite similar to those needed for the initial registration.
You would need the following documents for Car Registration Renewal in Abu Dhabi:
- Emirates ID and driving license
- Renewed motor vehicle insurance
- Old registration card
- Car test clearing New cars are exempt from this testing for the first two years. From the third year, you will have to visit the vehicle testing centre to get an assessment and get the required certification.
- Pay any pending fines.
What is the cost of the Car Inspection?
The cost of the inspection is AED 170 and it takes about 30 to 45 minutes on average. If the car fails once, you would have to get the problem resolved. All tests are charged individually, so it might be wise to eradicate all the issues before going for the test.
Where to go for Car Inspection in Abu Dhabi?
Multiple locations in Abu Dhabi have car inspection facilities. Here’s a list of some of the areas where you will find car inspection centres.
- Al Dhafra
- Muroor
- Yas
- Musaffah
- Samha Rest Area (Sout-West)
- Baniyas South-West
- Mahawi
- Al Istiqlal
What is the car registration renewal fees in Abu Dhabi?
The car registration renewal fee is AED 350. Car registration renewal fee in Abu Dhabi can be paid online or in-person, depending on the choice of the process you make.
How to submit an application for Car Registration Renewal in Abu Dhabi?
Once you have all the required documents, there are two ways you can submit them for car registration renewal in Abu Dhabi. You can visit the registration centre of the Abu Dhabi Police (Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters). Once the process is complete you will be given a new registration sticker. Place the new sticker on your rear number plate – directly on the old one.
Alternatively, car registration in Abu Dhabi can be done online. Visit the Abu Dhabi Police e-services portal. Select the tab for registration, enter all required details, submit documents and confirm your preferred delivery method. Within five working days, the process will be completed. Similarly, the MOI website and Emirates Vehicle Gate can also be used. The process would be the same.
What is the Penalty for Driving a Car with an Expired Registration?
People caught driving a car with expired registration will be fined AED 500. Four black points will be added to their record when they pass through new toll gates in the emirate. In some cases, cars can be impounded for a week and drivers can also lose their license.
How can I contact the Abu Dhabi Police?
If you have questions, you can contact the Abu Dhabi Police at +971-2-446-1461.
Buying and registering a car in Abu Dhabi can open many possibilities for you. Hence, when you are planning to move to Abu Dhabi and can afford to buy a car, it is vital to learn the process of car registration in Abu Dhabi. Having clarity on the matter will ensure that you make the most of your time and money. After you get done with car registration in Abu Dhabi, you might want to explore other traffic rules that apply to residents. You can read more about the Abu Dhabi Salik registration, Abu Dhabi driving licence fees and the process of checking traffic fines online.
The process of car registration in Dubai is not too different. As part of the digitalisation process, the UAE government now offers a lot of services online. Projects like Service Center 1 and Amer Centres in Dubai are revolutionary steps in that direction.
