Abu Dhabi Number Plate 2026 : Types, Categories, Codes & Price

Source: AI Generated/Human Edited

Special Category	Who It's For
Diplomatic Plates	Assigned to embassies, consulates and diplomatic mission vehicles
International Organisation Plates	Issued to approved international organisations operating in Abu Dhabi
Ceremonial Plates	Used for official government ceremonies and special occasions
Classic Plates	Issued to registered vintage and classic vehicles that meet the eligibility criteria
Motorcycle Plates	Separate plate format for motorcycles, also available in distinguished numbers through auctions

Distinguished vs Non-Distinguished Plates: What Changed in 2025

In September 2025, the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) issued an administrative decision that fundamentally changed how plate ownership works in Abu Dhabi. Before this, the rules around owning a plate number as a standalone asset (separate from a vehicle) were unclear.

Under the new rules, all Abu Dhabi plates are now officially classified into two groups:

1. Distinguished numbers: All plates with 1 to 4 digits fall into this category. Certain 5-digit plates with special patterns also qualify. These plates can now be formally owned, bought, sold, and transferred independently of a vehicle, with an official ownership certificate issued by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC).
2. Non-distinguished numbers: Standard 5-digit plates issued during regular vehicle registration. These remain tied to vehicles in the usual way.

The new rules mean UAE citizens and residents can legally own any number of distinguished plate numbers as investment or personal assets, with proper documentation. If you currently hold a distinguished plate but don't have an ownership certificate, the DMT process allows you to formalise your claim.

Source note: Official source: Abu Dhabi Mobility/DMT news release dated 13 September 2025.

Abu Dhabi Number Plate Price and Fees

The cost of an Abu Dhabi number plate depends on what you want to do. Reserving a regular plate, replacing a damaged plate, and buying a distinguished number are different services with different fees.

Service	General cost / fee	Important note
Reserve plate for 3 months	AED 500	Reservation only — does not mean auction purchase
Reserve plate for 6 months	AED 1,000	Must be assigned before expiry
Reserve plate for 12 months	AED 1,500	Verify the latest fee on TAMM
Replace one damaged long plate	AED 45	Fee can depend on plate type
Replace one damaged short plate	AED 35	Fee can depend on plate type
Replace two lost long plates	AED 70	Two lost plates may require a police/service centre process
Replace two lost short plates	AED 60	Two lost plates may require a police/service centre process
Sports plate replacement	AED 500	Check TAMM/Abu Dhabi Police for current conditions
Distinguished/special number	Auction or ownership-based price	No fixed price; value depends on digit count, pattern, category and demand.

For special or distinguished plates, there is no single fixed price. A single-digit or rare patterned plate can sell for a much higher amount than a standard five-digit plate. The final price depends on the auction, ownership certificate status, category, number pattern, and buyer demand.

How to Reserve a Number Plate in Abu Dhabi?

If you have a specific plate number in mind and want to hold it before assigning it to a vehicle, you can reserve it through official government channels. The reservation locks the number for you for a set period.

Steps to Reserve a Number Plate

1. Log into the TAMM portal (tamm.abudhabi) using your UAE Pass
2. Navigate to Drive & Transport > Vehicles > Vehicle Plate Services
3. Select 'Reserve a plate number’
4. Browse the available plate numbers and choose the one you want
5. Select your reservation period and pay the applicable fee

Plate Reservation Fees

The cost of reserving a plate in Abu Dhabi depends on how long you want to hold it before assigning it to a vehicle:

Reservation Period	Fee (AED)
3 Months	500
6 Months	1,000
12 Months (1 Year)	1,500

These fees are for reserving the number. The final cost may differ if you are buying, assigning, replacing, or transferring a plate. Always check the latest fee on TAMM before payment.

Once the reservation period ends, if you haven't assigned the plate to a vehicle, the number goes back into the available pool. In this case, others can reserve or purchase it.

How to Buy a Special Number Plate in Abu Dhabi?

There are three common ways to get an Abu Dhabi number plate:

1. TAMM for standard available plates: For regular available numbers, you can use TAMM during vehicle registration, transfer, or plate reservation. This is best for standard plates and non-premium numbers.
2. Emirates Auction for distinguished plates: Premium and short-number plates are commonly sold through official auctions organised with Emirates Auction and the Integrated Transport Centre. You usually need a valid Emirates ID and traffic file details to participate. The highest bidder wins the number.
3. Private seller or marketplace listings: You may also see Abu Dhabi plates listed by private sellers on vehicle or plate marketplaces. This route needs more caution. Ask for the official ownership certificate, check the seller's name, confirm transfer eligibility, and complete the transfer through the approved official channel.

Buyer Checklist Before Paying for a Private Plate

1. Ask for the official ownership certificate
2. Check that the seller can legally sell or transfer the number
3. Confirm the category, plate number, and any transfer fee
4. Do not pay the full amount before the official transfer process is clear
5. Avoid screenshots or verbal promises as proof of ownership

Source note: The Abu Dhabi Media Office confirmed the March 2026 Most Noble Number online charity auction was organised with Emirates Auction and involved Abu Dhabi Mobility/ITC.

How to Transfer an Abu Dhabi Number Plate?

In Abu Dhabi, a number plate is linked to a vehicle's registration. To transfer the plate to someone else, you generally transfer vehicle ownership. Here's a quick overview of the process:

1. Gather documents like
   1. Vehicle registration card (Mulkiya)
   2. Emirates ID for both buyer and seller
   3. Valid insurance
   4. Copies of passports and visas
   5. Notarised sale agreement
   6. An NOC from the bank if the vehicle is financed
2. Get a vehicle inspection at an approved centre, if required
3. Clear any outstanding traffic fines via Abu Dhabi Police or TAMM
4. Visit the Abu Dhabi Traffic Department or an authorised registration centre
5. Submit the ownership transfer application and pay the transfer fee
6. Collect the new Mulkiya (vehicle registration card) in the buyer's name

For distinguished plates: Following the September 2025 DMT decision, transferring a distinguished (short-digit) plate separately from a vehicle is now officially possible. You will need a formal ownership certificate from the ITC to complete such a transfer.

RTA/Driving License
RTA - Roads and Transport Authority	Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Dubai
Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Sharjah	Driving License UAE
Transfer Car Registration	Driving License in Dubai

Abu Dhabi vs Dubai Number Plates: Key Differences

It's common to confuse the two systems since both emirates are part of the UAE. Here's how they differ:

Feature	Abu Dhabi Number Plates	Dubai Number Plates
Code format	Numbered category/code	Letter code such as A, B, C and later series
Main platform	TAMM/Abu Dhabi Police/relevant ITC services	RTA Dubai services
Premium plate route	Emirates Auction with Abu Dhabi Mobility/ITC auctions	RTA-linked auctions and approved channels
Prestige marker	Lower categories and short/distinctive numbers are usually valued higher	Short numbers and older/rare letter codes are usually valued higher
User confusion point	Plate code usually means category number	Plate code usually means letter code

The main difference is the code format. Abu Dhabi mainly uses numbered categories, while Dubai mainly uses letter codes.

Can You Check Vehicle Owner Details by Number Plate in Abu Dhabi?

No public portal should be treated as a way to view someone's private owner details by number plate. You may, however, be able to check services linked to your own traffic file, vehicle, fines or plate availability through official channels. But full ownership details are not normally shown publicly for privacy and security reasons.

If you are buying a used car or a special plate, ask the seller for official proof. For a vehicle, check the Mulkiya and complete the transfer through TAMM or an authorised service centre. For a distinguished plate, ask for the official ownership certificate and complete the transfer through the approved channel.

Source Notes for Fact Checking

1. Abu Dhabi Mobility / DMT - Administrative decision on ownership of unregistered distinctive vehicle plate numbers: https://admobility.gov.ae/en/news/ownership-of-unregistered-distinctive-vehicle-plate-numbers-in-abu-dhabi
2. Abu Dhabi Media Office - 2026 Most Noble Number auction with ITC/Abu Dhabi Mobility and Emirates Auction: https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/community/integrated-transport-centre-abu-dhabi-mobility-raises-aed1194m-through-online-charity-auction-in-support-of-mother-of-the-nation-endowment-for-orphans/
3. TAMM - Issue Replacement for a Lost Vehicle Plate Number: https://www.tamm.abudhabi/en/life-events/individual/DriveTransport/plates/requestforacircularoncertificatesissuedbyvehiclesdriverslicensingdepartment
4. TAMM - Issue Replacement for Damaged Plate Number: https://www.tamm.abudhabi/en/life-events/individual/DriveTransport/plates/requestforreplacementofdamagedvehicleplate
5. UAE Government Portal - Registering vehicles: https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/transportation/registering-vehicles
6. Ministry of Interior - Distinguished Plate Number Ownership card replacement service: https://moi.gov.ae/en/eservices/eservice.277.aspx

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