Dubai Car Number Plate

The article below will discuss how you can request a Dubai car number plate, the documents required, service fees, how to replace the existing number plate, and other related information.

Dubai Car Number Plate: Overview

• Dubai car number plates contain one or two letters from A to AA and numbers going up to 5 digits
• Each vehicle in Dubai has its own number plate. Dubai car number plates help the authorities obtain crucial information about the vehicle and are composed of three components - the Dubai Brand Logo, the number of the vehicle, and the code.
• Depending on the design, there are 5 types of Dubai car number plates - Short Plate, Long Plate, Expo Branded Plate, Dubai Branded Plate, and Luxury Plate.

The types of Dubai car number plates based on the digits are discussed below - 

• Number Plate 1: It is reserved for the ‘most prestigious’ individuals in UAE and is one of the world's most expensive vehicle number plates. The Vice President and the Prime Minister of the UAE, for instance, have the Number 1 plate.
• Number Plate 2: Number plate 2 is reserved for Emirati business people. These plates are also secured and are available only for distinguished individuals.
• Number Plate 3: These number plates are expensive and typically comprise five or six digits. Number plate 3 is usually owned by rich individuals like the CEO of major companies.
• Number Plate 4:  These number plates are expensive and available for auction in Dubai.
• Number Plate 5: RTA offers five-digit number plates to regular motorists in Dubai. These plates can be customised as well. 

In 2017, the RTA launched a campaign to bring uniformity to the number plate system by phasing out the old Dubai car number plate designs. Furthermore, you can apply for the customised number plate as per your preferences on the RTA website.

The following section will discuss how you can apply for a Dubai number plate, the procedure of upgrading the existing Dubai car number plate, replacing a damaged or lost Dubai car number plate, and the process of applying for the personalised vehicle number plate.

Application Process for Dubai Car Number Plate

How to Get Dubai Car Number Plates for New and Used Cars?

Getting your Dubai car number plate is mandatory to drive legally in Dubai. Your vehicle should be registered with RTA to get a car number plate. The dealer can undertake the registration process for you if you have a new car and possess a valid driving license with mandatory car insurance. 

After being registered with the RTA, you will get a valid Dubai car number plate. Vehicle owners can also apply for the registration themselves via the RTA website, customer happiness centre, or vehicle registration and inspection centres.

In case you want to apply for a Dubai car number plate for a used car, the following documents would be required for the registration - 

• Original Dubai driving licence
• Original and a copy of the applicant’s passport
• Vehicle insurance policy
• Vehicle technical inspection certificate
• If the vehicle is financed, the car financing documents would be required
• Old vehicle registration card
• Original Dubai car number plates

How to Upgrade to the Latest Dubai Car Number Plate Design?

If you already have a Dubai car number plate and want a new one featuring a unique logo, Dubai brand, double lettering, and so on, the following subsection would be useful for you. It is to be noted that anyone residing in Dubai or even based here (companies) can apply for the same. Moreover, you can follow the same procedure if your Dubai vehicle number plate is lost or damaged.

Terms and Conditions for Requesting a Dubai Vehicle Number Plate Change

• The vehicle's owner or legal representative should be present while applying for a Dubai vehicle number plate change
• Before proceeding with the application process, all the traffic fines should be settled

Documents Required for Requesting a Dubai Vehicle Number Plate Change

For Individuals

• Vehicle ownership certificate
• Vehicle plates for delivery
• Letter from the Dubai Police if your vehicle number plate is lost or stolen
• Emirates ID

For Companies

• Vehicle number plates for delivery
• For lost number plates, a letter from Dubai Police stating the same would be required
• A letter from the company's branch operational in Dubai - the letter must be in Arabic language stating the accreditation and approval

Application Process for Dubai Vehicle Number Plate Change

You can submit an application for vehicle number plate change via the RTA website, RTA customer happiness centre, vehicle registration and inspection centres, or the RTA call centre. Let's discuss in detail the step-by-step procedure for each mode - 

Applying via the RTA Official Website

• Log in using your ID and password or via UAE pass
• Tap on the ‘Licensing Service’ from the ‘Menu’
• Click on ‘My Plates’ and fill in the form
• Complete the payment process 
• After completion, the applicant will receive the ownership certificate and receipts electronically. You can collect your new Dubai car number plate from the specified customer happiness centre in Deira or Al Barsha. 

Remember that you are required to hand over the old plates to receive the new ones.

Applying Via RTA Customer Happiness Centre

Applicants can also visit an RTA customer happiness centre and request for Dubai vehicle number plate change in person. The customer happiness centres are located in Al Manara, Umm Ramool, Al Twar, Al Barsha, and Deira.

• Visit the centre and contact the front desk officer
• The officer will provide with a link through which you have to apply for the required documents
• Once uploaded, you will get  a transaction code
• Give the transaction code to the same officer
• The officer will verify the details and sign the transaction electronically
• Once done with the payment, you will get new Dubai car number plates with ownership cards

Applying Via RTA Vehicle Registration and Vehicle Centres

Head to any of the given vehicle registration and inspection centres and follow the same procedure as mentioned in the previous section, i.e., ‘applying via customer happiness centre’.

List of vehicle registration and inspection centres - 

• Elias Centre
• Tamam Vehicle Inspection
• Warsan Registration
• Al Yalayis Vehicle Testing
• Al Barsha registration
• Al Qusais Registration
• Jebel Ali registration
• Wasel Vehicle Testing – Al Jaddaf, Arab Centre, Nad Al Hammar
• Al-Awir registration
• Hatta Registration
• Arab city registration
• AG Cars For Vehicle Inspection – Deira and Mamzar
• Discovery Gardens registration
• Al Mumayaz Vehicle Testing – Al Barsha Mall
• Integrated Centre – Al Awir and Al Quoz
• Shamil in Al-Added, Muhaisnah, Nad Al Hammar, and Al Qusais
• Al Mumayaz Vehicles Inspection – Al Mizhar Markets

Applying Via RTA Call Centre

• Connect with the RTA Dubai call centre by dialling 8009090
• Submit your traffic file number
• Continue with the payment process

Vehicle owners can collect the new Dubai car number plates with ownership cards and expiry date labels from the RTA happiness centres located in Deira and Al Barsha. 

How to Buy a Unique or Customised Dubai Car Number Plate?

You can now easily create a customised vehicle number plate in Dubai via the online service provided by RTA or by visiting customer happiness centres or vehicle and registration centres. Users can search for the available numbers and codes, and select the ones most suited to their preference. This unique number of your vehicle can be based on your birthday, wedding anniversary date, or any other particular date.

Applying Via RTA Official Website or Dubai Drive App

Let’s take a look at how you can apply for the unique Dubai car number plate via RTA official website and application - 

• Visit the official website of RTA.
• Head to the ‘RTA Services’.
• Click on the ‘Enquire About Special Plate Numbers’
• Enter the details of the Dubai car number plate you want to create. 

The following information would be required for the same - 

• Plate category (Motorcycle, Private, Classical, and Entertainment Motorcycles are the categories available)
• Provide the details of the code
• Specify the number of digits as well - this will help you search for Dubai car number plates ranging from a single digit to a five-digit one
• Provide the amount that you are willing to pay for a customised Dubai car number plate. This field is optional.
• Select the 'Start Research’ option
• The RTA database will display all the available options as per the information provided by you. If the number is already in use, it will show the possible alternatives.
• In case the number is available, the 'Available for Buying' message would flash on the screen
• The customer would be required to visit one of the customer's happiness centres or vehicle registration and inspection centre to pay for the customised Dubai vehicle number plate

Applying Via Customer Happiness Centres or Vehicle Registration and Inspection Centres

• Head to the service centre and enquire about the available unique plate numbers
• Select from the list provided to you
• Check the required information and apply for the same

Can I Transfer my Dubai Car Number Plate Ownership?

Yes, it is easy to transfer the ownership of a registered or reserved Dubai car number plate ownership. Citizens, residents, individuals, and companies owning private vehicles can apply for the service.

Follow the given procedure to apply for the transfer of Dubai car number plate ownership - 

Through RTA Website

• Log in using the UAE pass or username and password.
• Select 'Licensing Services’ and tap ' My Plates (more)'
• Enter the required details 
• Pay the fees through a credit card
• You will receive the plate number ownership through e-mail or SMS

Through Customer Happiness Centres or Vehicle Registration and Inspection Centres

• Connect to the front desk employee
• Upload the documents on the link provided by the employee
• You will receive a transaction code - submit the transaction code to the employee after which they will sign the application electronically
• Settle the fees
• You will receive the plate number ownership via e-mail or SMS

How to Bid on your Favourite Dubai Car Number Plate?

RTA conducts auctions of special number plates and sells them. The demand for these unique vehicle number plates jacks up the prices, which results in the auction triggering intense competition among unique and distinguished Dubai car number plates. UAE nationals and residents can apply for this service, provided they have a traffic file in Dubai. 

Required Documents to Apply for RTA Auction Special Dubai Car Plate Number

• Emirates ID
• Traffic file

Application Process for the RTA Auction Special Dubai Car Number Plate Number 

Applicants can apply for the RTA auction to buy a special vehicle number plate. You can apply via the RTA official website, customer happiness centres, or vehicle registration and inspection centres.

Through the RTA Official Website 

• Log in using the credentials
• Enter the vehicle number, code, and the credit card details
• Click on the ‘apply’ button
• RTA will inform you whether the request is approved or rejected via e-mail or SMS
• If the request is accepted, pay the fees via credit card
• You will receive the e-certificate through e-mail

Through Customer Happiness Centres or Vehicle Registration and Inspection Centres

• Present the application at the centre
• The RTA will verify it and inform you whether the request is approved or rejected via e-mail or SMS
• If the request is accepted, pay the fees at the respective centre via credit card
• You will receive the e-certificate through e-mail

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

Fees and Charges Associated with Dubai Car Number Plate

Once completed with the process is done, applicants would be required to pay the service fees as mentioned below - 

For Registration of New Cars to Get Dubai Car Number Plate

Type of Vehicle	Service Fees
Light vehicle	AED 400
Private vehicles (3 to 12 tonnes)	AED 500
Public vehicles between 3 and 12 tonnes	AED 750
Private vehicles exceeding 12 tonnes	AED 900
Public vehicles of more than 12 tonnes	AED 1,200
Private light mechanical equipment	AED 600
Private heavy mechanical equipment	AED 1,000
Motorcycle plate fee	AED 25

For Dubai Vehicle Number Plate Change

Type of Dubai Vehicle Number Plate	Service Fees
Short plate	AED 35
Long Plate	AED 50
Issuing a new ownership certificate	AED 50
Expiry sticker	AED 10
Dubai branded plates	AED 200
Expo branded plates	AED 100
Luxury plates	AED 500
Knowledge and innovation fees	Additional AED 20

For Transferring Dubai Car Number Plate Ownership

You would be required to pay the fees as per the plate number classification mentioned above. Additionally, applicants would be required to pay AED 100 (excluding VAT) for a plate ownership certificate and AED 20 for knowledge and innovation fees.

Have a look at the FAQs below to find a few more details about Dubai car number plates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Do I need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the bank to change the Dubai car number plate if the vehicle is financed?

Ans: No, a NOC won’t be required to change the Dubai car number plate if the vehicle is under mortgage or financing.

Q2. Can I change my Dubai car number plate if my residence visa is issued in another emirate?

Ans: Yes, you can apply for the Dubai car number plate change with your valid residence visa or Emirates ID.

Q3. Do I need to pay extra fees for the Dubai vehicle number plate after registering a new car with RTA?

Ans: No. Once you pay the registration service fees, you will get vehicle ownership, vehicle plates, and an expiry sticker for the same.

Q4. What is the Dubai car number plate?

Ans: The Dubai car number plate comprises three elements – the Dubai logo, the number, and the code. It is mandatory to place the Dubai car number plate at the front and back of the vehicle.

Q5. What happens if I drive without a valid Dubai car number plate?

Ans: Driving without a valid Dubai car number plate attracts 24 black points as well as a fine of AED 1,000.

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