Car Registration in Abu Dhabi (2026) - A Comprehensive Guide

Who Handles Car Registration in Abu Dhabi - Is It the RTA?

No. The RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) only manages vehicle registration in Dubai. In Abu Dhabi, vehicle registration and licensing services are delivered by Abu Dhabi Police through the TAMM platform, the MOI app and website, and Abu Dhabi Police smart services.

TAMM is Abu Dhabi’s unified government services platform. Its vehicle services including 'Issue Vehicle Ownership', 'Transfer Vehicle Ownership' and 'Renew Vehicle Registration Card' are all provided by Abu Dhabi Police. You log in with UAE Pass to use them.

If someone searches for 'RTA car registration Abu Dhabi', the correct services are on tamm.abudhabi, moi.gov.ae or adpolice.gov.ae.

What Documents are Required for Car Registration in Abu Dhabi?

You need the following documents for car registration in Abu Dhabi:

Requirement	Details (per the UAE Government portal)
Proof of vehicle ownership	One of: Vehicle Clearance Certificate (VCC) Transfer certificate Export certificate Possession certificate Possession transfer certificate or lost export certificate replacement
Identity	Original Emirates ID
Insurance	Electronic vehicle insurance document from an authorised insurer
Mortgaged vehicle	The mortgage must be added electronically (bank finance)
Diplomats	Valid diplomatic ID plus a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Companies	Official letter in Arabic, copy of the trade licence, endorsement of signature, and authorisation letter

For a used car transfer, MOI also requires an electronic vehicle inspection and an electronic mortgage release (if the car was financed). All traffic fines must be paid before registration.

How Do You Register a New Car in Abu Dhabi?

If you buy a new car from an approved agency in the UAE, the agency carries out the vehicle registration for you. You provide your Emirates ID and insurance, pay the fees, and receive the Mulkiya (vehicle ownership card) and plates with the car.

If you register the vehicle yourself, follow the official steps:

1. Get the vehicle inspected at an authorised testing centre — vehicles produced in the last 3 years are exempt. The result must be positive.
2. Get vehicle insurance from an authorised insurer.
3. Pay all traffic fines (these can be paid with the service fees).
4. Apply through an approved channel — TAMM, the MOI app or website, Emirates Vehicle Gate, or Abu Dhabi Police.
5. Pay the registration fees (AED 400 for a light vehicle).
6. Collect the vehicle ownership card (Mulkiya) and the plate numbers.

How to Register a Car in Abu Dhabi Online?

You can register a car in Abu Dhabi online through TAMM (tamm.abudhabi), the MOI website or MOI UAE app, Emirates Vehicle Gate (evg.ae) or Abu Dhabi Police smart services. Log in with UAE Pass, fill in the application, pay electronically, and receive your documents digitally or by delivery.

Steps on the Official Smart Channels (MOI)

1. Log in to the MOI website or app (or TAMM with UAE Pass)
2. Choose the vehicle registration service from the services list
3. Fill in the application data and upload the required documents
4. Pay the fees electronically
5. Receive the outputs — the registration card is issued electronically or sent through delivery companies (AED 15)

MOI lists the estimated delivery time for issuing a vehicle registration as 4 minutes. On TAMM, the service appears under Drive and Transport as 'Issue Vehicle Ownership', provided by Abu Dhabi Police.

Click Here to Car Registration Renewal in Abu Dhabi

How Much Does Car Registration Cost in Abu Dhabi?

New car registration in Abu Dhabi costs AED 400 for a private light vehicle and AED 200 for a motorcycle, under the federal fee schedule published by the Ministry of Interior. A used car ownership transfer costs AED 300 for a light vehicle, while annual renewal costs AED 350. The delivery of documents costs AED 15.

Official Vehicle Registration Fees in Abu Dhabi (2026)

Fee Item (Federal MOI Fees)	Amount (AED)
New registration – private light vehicle	400
New registration – public light vehicle	400
New registration – motorcycle	200
New registration – private vehicle, 3 to 12 tonnes	500
New registration – private vehicle, over 12 tonnes	900
Ownership transfer (used car) – light vehicle	300
Registration renewal – private light vehicle	350
Document delivery fee	15

Used Car Registration Process in Abu Dhabi : Step-by-Step Process

To register a used car in Abu Dhabi, you complete a Vehicle Ownership Transfer through TAMM, the MOI app or website, or an Abu Dhabi Police service centre. The transfer moves the registration to the new owner and costs AED 300 for a light vehicle. MOI lists the processing time as 5 minutes.

Step-by-step used car transfer

1. Check the car and clear all traffic fines linked to the vehicle — dues must be paid by both parties
2. The buyer arranges electronic vehicle insurance in their own name
3. Complete the electronic vehicle inspection (required for the transfer, unless the vehicle is exempt as new)
4. If the car was financed, obtain the electronic mortgage release from the bank
5. Submit and fill the application on TAMM or the MOI app/website or attend a service centre in person (or send a legal representative)
6. Review the fees, enter the delivery details, and pay AED 300 (light vehicle)
7. Receive the new registration card (Mulkiya) and plate numbers

What Does a Used Car Transfer Cost in Abu Dhabi?

Fee Item	Amount (AED)
Ownership transfer – light vehicle (private or public)	300
Ownership transfer – private vehicle, 3 to 12 tonnes	400
Ownership transfer – private vehicle, over 12 tonnes	800
Ownership transfer – private bus (under 27 passengers)	300
Vehicle inspection (if required)	As per test type – confirm at the centre or on TAMM

MOI requires four things for the transfer: the identity card, an electronic insurance certificate, an electronic vehicle inspection, and an electronic mortgage or release of mortgage. The MOI transfer service has handled over 3.5 million transactions, which shows how standardised the process is.

Do You Need a Vehicle Inspection to Register a Car in Abu Dhabi?

Yes, unless the vehicle was produced in the last 3 years. The UAE Government states that vehicles must pass an inspection at an authorised testing centre before registration and the result must be positive. Used cars need an electronic inspection before ownership transfer.

In Abu Dhabi, inspections are done at ADNOC Vehicle Inspection Centres (VIC). ADNOC Distribution operates over 30 inspection centres across the UAE, including some that run 24 hours. All the centres are authorised by the relevant authorities.

The test itself takes about 10 minutes. You drive through the test lane. If the vehicle passes, you receive the test certificate. If it fails, you must repair the faults and return for another test.

How Long is Car Registration Valid in Abu Dhabi?

Vehicle registration in Abu Dhabi is valid for a maximum of 12 months under the Federal Traffic Law, followed by a 30-day grace period to renew. Renewal costs AED 350 for a private light vehicle. Note that vehicles older than 3 years must pass the annual inspection before renewal.

You can renew through the same official channels — TAMM ('Renew Vehicle Registration Card'), the MOI website or app or Emirates Vehicle Gate. Keep your Abu Dhabi car insurance valid: an active policy is necessary for both registration and renewal.

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

What Happens if You Drive an Unregistered Car in Abu Dhabi?

Driving an unregistered vehicle, or one with expired registration, carries a fine of AED 500 and 4 black points in Abu Dhabi. These penalties are under Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 on Traffic Regulation, in force since 29 March 2025. If the registration has expired for more than 3 months, authorities can impound your vehicle for 7 days.

All fines must be cleared before Abu Dhabi Police processes a registration, transfer, or renewal. One helpful local rule: under Abu Dhabi Police's early payment scheme, traffic fines may get a 35% discount if paid within 60 days of the violation or 25% if paid later but within one year (serious offences are excluded). You can check and pay fines on TAMM, the Abu Dhabi Police app, or the MOI app.

Related Links
Car Registration in Dubai
Car Registration in Sharjah
Car Registration in Ajman
Car Registration in Fujairah

FAQs About Car Registration in Abu Dhabi