How to register your car in Dubai
Owning a car in Dubai can make life much more comfortable for residents, allowing them to move around the city with ease. But there are certain rules and regulations when it comes to owning a vehicle in Dubai. For instance, you have to register your car before you can drive it around. Here we break down the procedure of car registration in Dubai, for first-time and used car registration, as well as renewal.
NEW CAR REGISTRATION IN DUBAI
If you are purchasing a new car from the showroom, the dealer will typically take care of the registration paperwork for you. However, you can also get the first-time car registration done yourself, through the various RTA service centres or service providers.
Keep in mind that to register a car in Dubai, you will need to have one of the following:
- Valid residence visa
- Rental Contract in Dubai under your name
- Passport copy
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
For a new car registration in Dubai, you will need the following documents:
- One of Vehicle Clearance Certificate (VCC), export certificate, transfer certificate, possession transfer certificate, possession certificate, or lost export certificate replacement.
- Original Emirates ID
- Residence visa copy
- Passport copy
- Electronic vehicle insurance document
- Add mortgage electronically (if applicable)
- Valid diplomatic ID + letter from Ministry of Foreign Affairs (applicable on diplomats)
- An official letter in Arabic, trade licence copy, endorsement of signature and authorisation letter (for companies).
Car registration in Dubai online is possible via these channels:
- MOI smart application on Google Play or Apple Store
- MOI website
- Emirates vehicle gate
- RTA smart application on Google Play or Apple Store
- RTA website
- Abu Dhabi Police
Alternatively, you can visit the Tasjeel, Wasel or Mumayaz Testing Centres for car registration in Dubai.
After paying the new car registration fees in Dubai, you will receive the vehicle license card (also known as the Mulkiya Card), vehicle number plates and expiry stickers.
VALIDITY
The validity of vehicle registration in Dubai is typically one year, after which it must be renewed again.
NEW CAR REGISTRATION CHARGES IN DUBAI
For those looking to register a new car in Dubai, the cost will be AED 420. Additionally, if you have not had any previous file, you will need to open a traffic file, which will cost an additional AED 220.
USED CAR REGISTRATION IN DUBAI
Purchasing a second-hand car? The process of registering second-hand cars in Dubai is slightly different and requires additional documents. If you are purchasing a second-hand car from an authorised dealership or car agency, usually, they will assist you with the process and you will only be required to hand over the necessary documents. However, if you are purchasing a second-hand car from elsewhere, these following steps will be required.
Bear in mind that the following process applies to those who are residing and working in Dubai, and purchasing a second-hand car previously registered in Dubai.
However, before the registration process can take place, you will need to also go through the procedure for transfer of ownership.
DOCUMENTS FOR USED CAR REGISTRATION IN DUBAI
For second-hand car registration in Dubai, you will need the following documents:
- Traffic File
- Vehicle Technical Inspection Certificate
- Vehicle Insurance
- Original Emirates ID (Buyer and Seller)
- Copy of Residence Visa (Buyer)
- Copy of Passport (Buyer)
- Vehicle License / Mulkiya (Seller)
After the technical inspection of the vehicle has been done at the Tasjeel or Shamil centre and documents are submitted, the ownership will be transferred to the buyer and then the registration process will take place. Once the service fees have been paid, the new owner will receive the expiry stickers and vehicle license, and new vehicle license plates, in case the number was changed.
WHERE TO GO FOR USED CAR REGISTRATION IN DUBAI
You can get the second-hand car registration in Dubai at Tasjeel or Shamil centres in the city. The procedures for transfer of ownership (such as vehicle inspection) can also be done at the Tasjeel or Shamil centres.
VEHICLE REGISTRATION RENEWAL ONLINE IN DUBAI
For vehicle registration renewal online in Dubai, you need to visit the RTA App. Here are the steps to follow for online RTA Dubai car registration:
- On the app, the seller has to select ‘Change Vehicle Ownership’ from services. If there are any pending fines, they have to be paid first.
- Add the personal details of the buyer.
- Via the UAE Pass app, sign the Sales Purchase Agreement (SPA) online.
- The SPA will be signed by the buyer as well.
- Pay the fee. RTA car renewal Dubai fee is AED 450 along with AED 20 charge for knowledge and innovation.
- Once the fee has been paid, the seller will have to visit an RTA customer happiness centre and hand over the Dubai registration plates. This has to be done within two weeks of the SPA being signed.
- The buyer will receive a notification and then he can choose the previous Dubai registration plates or choose another one. Car registration Dubai price may change depending on the type of plate you choose.
SECOND-HAND CAR REGISTRATION COST IN DUBAI
The cost of used car registration in Dubai is also AED 450, however, there are additional costs that come with the transfer of ownership:
- Vehicle Technical Inspection: AED 170
- Transfer of Ownership: AED 350
- Traffic File (if not already opened): AED 220
Dubai car registration fees can also include:
- AED 350 for light vehicle private/public
- AED 35 for short plate fee
- AED 50 for selling agreement fee – which the buyer will have to pay.
- AED 50 long plate fee
- AED 200 Dubai branded plate fee
- AED 500 luxury plate fee
- AED 10 expiry sticker fee
- AED Knowledge and Innovation fee
CAR REGISTRATION RENEWAL IN DUBAI
The car registration in Dubai is typically valid for one year, after which it needs to be renewed again. After the date of expiry, the vehicle-owner has a grace period of 30 days to have their vehicle registration renewed. Once the grace period has expired, a late fee for registration renewal in Dubai will be applied.
Fortunately, the steps to renew vehicle registration in Dubai are quite simple. But first, take a look at the documents needed for vehicle registration renewal in Dubai.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR CAR REGISTRATION RENEWAL IN DUBAI
- Original Emirates ID
- Valid Driving License
- Renewed Vehicle Insurance
- Old Vehicle Registration Card / Mulkiya
- Vehicle Technical Inspection Certificate
PROCESS TO RENEW YOUR CAR REGISTRATION IN DUBAI
The first step in renewing your car registration is to pay off any outstanding traffic fines in Dubai that you may have accrued, which can be done through a number of channels. However, if you have any black points against your licence, you may need to visit the Dubai Police stations to clear them before going for car registration renewal in Dubai.
After you have cleared outstanding fines and black points, you will need to take your car for vehicle testing. Bear in mind that vehicle testing only needs to be done for cars older than three years. If the vehicle passes the technical inspection, the owner can proceed with the renewal process. However, should the vehicle fail the inspection, the owner will be required to make repairs before attempting the inspection test again.
After passing the technical inspection and preparing the necessary documents, motorists can apply for this service. The renewal process can be done through various channels, such as the service providers, RTA customer happiness centres, call centre or online channels.
Motorists will need to provide the required documents and information and then settle the car registration renewal fee in Dubai. If they are renewing the registration through the kiosks, service centres or service providers, they will receive the new vehicle licence card and expiry sticker immediately. However, if they are applying through online channels or the call centre, they can either have the new vehicle licence card and sticker couriered to them via a reliable courier service in Dubai. Alternatively, they can pick it up from specific service centres or kiosks.
CAR REGISTRATION RENEWAL CHARGES IN DUBAI
The vehicle registration renewal fees in Dubai are as follows:
- Renewal: AED 380
- Vehicle Technical Inspection (if required): AED 170
- Courier: AED 25
- Late Fine: AED 25 (per month)
SERVICE CHANNELS
The various service channels through which the renewal of vehicle registration in Dubai can be done are as follows:
- Tasjeel, Shamil, Wasel or Mumayaz Vehicle Testing
- RTA Customer Happiness Centres
- Kiosk Machines
- RTA Mobile Application (Anroid) | (IOS)
- RTA Website
- RTA Call Centres
You can check which of the vehicle testing centres and customer happiness centres have the facilities for renewal of vehicle registration in Dubai through the RTA website.
RTA CONTACT NUMBER
If you have more questions you can contact the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) at 800-90-90.
FAQs
IS THERE A GRACE PERIOD FOR CAR REGISTRATION IN DUBAI?
Yes, motorists get a grace period of 30 days after the expiry of their vehicle’s registration to get it renewed. After 30 days, there will be a fine of AED 35 applied for each month delayed.
New car as well as used car registration process in Dubai is straightforward so make sure you follow the rules and avoid any fines.
HOW MANY CARS CAN I REGISTER UNDER MY NAME?
There is no limit to the number of cars that customers can register under their name in Dubai.
HOW DO I TRANSFER THE OWNERSHIP OF A CAR IN DUBAI?
For the car ownership transfer in Dubai, you need to first get the vehicle testing done at Tasjeel or Shamil centres. After this, you need to submit the following documents at the centre:
- Vehicle insurance
- Technical inspection certificate
- Original Emirates ID for both the buyer and seller
- A copy of the residence visa and passport for the buyer
- Old vehicle registration card (Mulkiya) from the seller.
Once the service fee (AED 350) has been paid, the process for the transfer of ownership will be complete. Please note the new car registration Dubai fees may vary.
CAN I REGISTER A CAR IN DUBAI WITHOUT A DRIVING LICENCE?
No, having a driving licence is mandatory.
And that brings us to the end of MyBayut’s guide to car registration in Dubai. We hope this article helps you navigate the various processes related to registering cars in the city. But before you can register your vehicle, you need to get car insurance. MyBayut has rounded up some of the best car insurance companies in Dubai that provide coverage against accidental damage and road hazards.
You can also find out how to recharge your Salik account, which is the official name of the toll gates in Dubai. Aside from owning a car, there are also alternative options for motorists who want to get around the city, such as rental cars. Take a look at things to consider before renting a car in Dubai and find out if it’s the right choice for you.
For most government procedures in Dubai, you need to provide your Emirates ID, the legal identity card in the United Arab Emirates. Find out all about applying and renewing your Emirates ID in the UAE with MyBayut’s complete guide.
Stay tuned to MyBayut to find out more about owning and driving a vehicle in Dubai.
