Abu Dhabi Car Number Plate
The Abu Dhabi plate number system is used for all private and commercial vehicles in the emirate. Each plate shows the vehicle category, ...read more
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What is the Abu Dhabi Plate System?
Abu Dhabi uses a standard number plate format. It shows a vehicle’s registration category, issuing authority, and code.
Example of an Abu Dhabi Car Number Plate!
An Abu Dhabi car number plate has a simple, consistent format that is easy to recognise. It shows the emirate name and a unique number for each vehicle.
How Does an Abu Dhabi Plate Number Usually Look?
Most Abu Dhabi plate numbers use a numeric sequence of 1 to 5 digits. Here are some realistic examples of how plates commonly appear —
| Example Plate | How It Is Used |
|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi 48291 | Standard five-digit plate |
| Abu Dhabi 07354 | Plate with leading zero |
| Abu Dhabi 999 | Three-digit plate |
| Abu Dhabi 45 | Two-digit plate |
| Abu Dhabi 1 | Single-digit plate |
These formats are widely seen on vehicles registered in Abu Dhabi.
Common Design Features
Most Abu Dhabi number plates share the same visual layout —
- White background for standard plates
- Black numbers for clear visibility
- The emirate name ‘Abu Dhabi’ shown on the plate
- Rectangular plate design used across the UAE
Abu Dhabi Number Plate Registration
Abu Dhabi number plate registration is the process of officially linking a plate number to a specific vehicle in the emirate. Registration is completed through Abu Dhabi Government vehicle licensing services. This is done when a new vehicle is registered, ownership is transferred, or a reserved plate number is assigned to a vehicle. Once registered, the Abu Dhabi plate number becomes part of the vehicle’s official traffic file maintained by Abu Dhabi Police.
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Key Points to Know
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Abu Dhabi Number Plate Categories (Full 2026 Breakdown)
Abu Dhabi’s number plate categories are defined and managed by the Abu Dhabi Police. These categories appear in the emirate’s official plate system. They represent the different formats currently used for registered vehicles. Each Abu Dhabi number plate category follows a standard layout and can be identified by either a colour group or a numbered category.
Here is the complete list of plate categories exactly as they are recognised in Abu Dhabi’s official system—
1. Official Colour-Based Number Abu Dhabi Number Plate Categories
Abu Dhabi number plates appear in several colour groups. These colours represent recognised plate formats used for vehicles registered in the emirate. Here are the key colour categories —
- Red Plates
- Blue Plates
- Green Plates
- White Plates
- Orange Plates
- Yellow Plates
- Gray Plates
These colours are part of the standard identification structure used when issuing or verifying an Abu Dhabi plate number.
2. Official Number-Based Abu Dhabi Number Plate Categories
Abu Dhabi also uses a set of numbered categories, introduced to unify and modernise plate formats. These numbered groups appear in the official vehicle plate system. Find below the number categories —
- First Category
- First Category Yellow
- Second Category
- Third Category
- Fourth Category …. and consecutively so on till
- Twenty-First Category
3. Other Abu Dhabi Number Plate Categories
Apart from standard number plates, Abu Dhabi also supports several specialised number plate categories. These plates are issued for specific purposes and are visually distinct within the emirate’s vehicle registration system.
| Special Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Diplomatic Plates | Assigned to diplomatic and consular missions |
| International Organisations Plates | Issued to approved international organisations operating in Abu Dhabi |
| Ceremonial Plates | Used for official ceremonies and special government occasions |
| Classic Plates | Used for vintage and approved classic vehicles |
Abu Dhabi Green Number Plate Category
The Abu Dhabi green number plate category is a recognised plate colour listed in the emirate’s official vehicle plate system.
Key Features of Abu Dhabi Green Number Plates —
- Green plates follow the same numeric format as other Abu Dhabi plates
- The plate number may include 1 to 5 digits
- The emirate name ‘Abu Dhabi’ appears on the plate
- Only the colour band or background differs
This means a green plate still looks like a regular Abu Dhabi car number plate, with colour being the main visual difference.
Abu Dhabi Number Plate Reservation Fees
When reserving a number plate in Abu Dhabi, the cost depends on how long you choose to hold the plate before assigning it to a vehicle. The following reservation fees apply —
| Reservation Period | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Reservation for 3 months | 500 |
| Reservation for 6 months | 1,000 |
| Reservation for 12 months (1 year) | 1,500 |
Key Points —
- Reservation fees apply only to holding a plate number, not issuing or installing it
- The reservation period determines how long the plate remains blocked for your use
- Once the reservation expires, the plate number may become available again
How to Buy an Abu Dhabi Number Plate?
You can get an Abu Dhabi plate number through official government platforms like TAMM and Abu Dhabi Police vehicle licensing services. These websites let you reserve, buy, and assign a plate number when you register a vehicle or transfer ownership.
- Log in to the TAMM portal or Abu Dhabi Police services using UAE Pass
- Go to Drive & Transport
- Select Vehicles
- Choose Vehicle Plate Services
- Pick the relevant option —
- Reserve a plate number
- Assign plate to a vehicle
- Replace the damaged or lost plate
- You will see available plate numbers and reservation options inside these flows.
Abu Dhabi Car Number Plate Replacement
If your Abu Dhabi car number plate is damaged, lost, or unreadable, you can apply for a replacement through official government services. You can replace both standard and special plate numbers online using UAE Pass.
When Can You Apply for Replacement?
- Plate is damaged or faded
- Plate is lost or stolen
- Plate is bent, broken, or unreadable
- Special or owned plate number needs re-issuance
Replacement Fees for Abu Dhabi Number Plates
Standard Vehicle Plates
| Plate Type | Replacement Fee (AED) |
|---|---|
| Long plate (damaged) | 45 |
| Short plate (damaged) | 35 |
| Sports plate (damaged) | 50 |
| Long plate (lost – two plates) | 70 |
| Short plate (lost – two plates) | 60 |
| Sports plate (lost) | 500 |
Special / Owned Plate Numbers
| Replacement Type | Fee (AED) |
|---|---|
| Damaged special plate number | 500 |
| Lost special plate number | 500 |
Steps to Replace an Abu Dhabi Plate Number
- Log in using UAE Pass
- Submit the replacement application
- Upload the required document (original Emirates ID)
- Pay the applicable replacement fee
- Receive the new Abu Dhabi plate number within the processing time
How to Buy a Special Number Plate in Abu Dhabi?
Many car owners looking for unique number plates take part in auctions organised by Emirates Auction and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai. In fact, Emirates Auction also offers online bidding for Abu Dhabi number plates on its website.
To participate, you need a valid Emirates ID and a traffic file number. Keep in mind that only the highest bidder wins the special number plate.
How to Transfer Abu Dhabi Car Number Plate Ownership?
You can transfer your Abu Dhabi number plate ownership by transferring the vehicle ownership altogether.
Transferring vehicle ownership in Abu Dhabi is a simple process. Whether you're buying or selling, here are the steps to follow —
- Step 1: Gather the Required Documents — Make sure you have these documents ready:
- Vehicle Registration Card (Mulkiya): The seller must have this document
- Emirates ID: Both the seller and buyer need to present their IDs
- Passports and Visas: Copies for both parties
- Insurance Certificate: Valid insurance for the vehicle
- Sale Agreement: A signed and notarised agreement
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): If the vehicle is financed, get an NOC from the bank
- Step 2: Vehicle Inspection — Take the vehicle to an approved inspection centre to ensure it meets safety standards. The inspection certificate is needed for the transfer.
- Step 3: Pay Outstanding Fines — Check for any fines on the vehicle and clear them before proceeding. You can pay for these online through the Abu Dhabi Police website.
- Step 4: Visit the Traffic Department — Visit the Abu Dhabi Traffic Department or an authorised registration centre. Find the nearest one using the TAMM services.
- Step 5: Fill in the Transfer Application — Get the vehicle ownership transfer application form at the registration centre, fill it out, and submit it with your documents.
- Step 6: Payment — Pay the transfer fee, which depends on the vehicle type and age. Fee details are available on the TAMM website or app.
- Step 7: Collect the New Registration Card — Once approved, you’ll get the new vehicle registration certificate (also known as Mulkiya) in the new owner’s name.
Related Links
| Dubai Car Number Plate - Number Plate Type, Reserve & Replace |
| Sharjah Car Number Plate - Types, Reserve & Replace, Charges |
| Steps to Take After You Lose Number Plate in UAE |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is an Abu Dhabi plate number?
An Abu Dhabi plate number is a unique identification number assigned to a vehicle registered in Abu Dhabi. It appears on the vehicle’s number plate and is officially recorded with Abu Dhabi Police as part of the vehicle’s registration.
How does the Abu Dhabi car number plate system work?
The Abu Dhabi car number plate system uses a combination of numeric sequences, colour-based categories, and numbered categories. Each plate is issued, registered, and managed through Abu Dhabi Police and government platforms like TAMM.
How many digits can an Abu Dhabi plate number have?
Most Abu Dhabi plate numbers have 1 to 5 digits. Single-digit and low-digit numbers are considered special or distinguished, while five-digit numbers are the most common.
What are the different types of number plates in Abu Dhabi?
The types of number plates in Abu Dhabi include —
- Standard plates
- Colour-based categories (white, red, blue, green, yellow, orange)
- Number-based categories
- Special plates such as diplomatic, classic, ceremonial, and distinguished plates
What do Abu Dhabi number plate colours mean?
Abu Dhabi number plate colours represent officially recognised plate categories in the registration system. While the government does not define the purpose of each colour, these colours are used to visually differentiate plate types.
What is the Abu Dhabi green number plate category?
The Abu Dhabi green number plate category is an officially listed plate colour in the emirate’s system. Green plates follow the same number format as other plates, with the colour being the main visual difference.
What is a plate code in Abu Dhabi?
A plate code in Abu Dhabi refers to the identifier used within the plate category and numbering system. Plate codes help authorities organise plate series and categories.
What does Abu Dhabi plate category meaning refer to?
The Abu Dhabi plate category refers to how number plates are grouped under colour-based, number-based, or special categories within the official system. These categories help manage registration, reservation, and plate issuance.
How can I do an Abu Dhabi plate number search?
An Abu Dhabi plate number search is usually done during plate reservation, assignment, or replacement through government platforms. Public searches are limited and detailed ownership information is protected.
Can I check vehicle owner details by number plate in Abu Dhabi?
No. Vehicle owner details by number plate in Abu Dhabi are not publicly available. Ownership information is protected and can only be accessed through authorised government services by eligible users.
How to buy an Abu Dhabi number plate?
To buy an Abu Dhabi number plate, you need to log in to government platforms such as TAMM or Abu Dhabi Police services using UAE Pass. You can reserve, assign, or purchase available plate numbers during the vehicle licensing process.
What is the Abu Dhabi new number plate price?
The Abu Dhabi new number plate price depends on whether the plate is standard, reserved, or distinguished. Standard plate issuance has fixed government fees, while special numbers are priced separately.
What are Abu Dhabi number plate reservation fees?
Reservation fees depend on how long you hold the plate —
- 3 months: AED 500
- 6 months: AED 1,000
- 12 months: AED 1,500
These fees apply only to reserving the plate number.
How does Abu Dhabi car number plate replacement work?
Abu Dhabi car number plate replacement is available if your plate is lost, damaged, or unreadable. You can apply online through government services, submit your Emirates ID, pay the fee, and receive a replacement.
Will my plate number change during replacement?
No. During replacement, the Abu Dhabi plate number remains the same. Only the physical plate is re-issued.
Can I transfer my Abu Dhabi plate number to another vehicle?
Yes, plate numbers can be transferred during ownership changes or vehicle replacement, subject to approval through official registration procedures.
Where can I manage all Abu Dhabi plate-related services?
All services related to Abu Dhabi car number plates, including buying, registering, reserving, and replacing plates, are managed through official Abu Dhabi Government platforms and Abu Dhabi Police vehicle licensing services.
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