How RTA Vehicle Certificate Works in the UAE?
Suppose you are planning to buy a used car in Dubai. The seller meets you in Deira and says, “The car already has the RTA passing certificate.” You like the vehicle, yet as a cautious buyer check three essentials before paying the token amount — insurance validity, vehicle expiry date and the real inspection condition. That is when you open the RTA dashboard.
Generally, you will follow these steps —
| Stage | What You Do |
|---|---|
| Identity | VIN sticker match + rta chassis number check |
| Condition | Read the RTA vehicle inspection report/test checklist |
| Validity | Obtain RTA Vehicle Status Certificate |
| Expiry | Run an RTA check vehicle expiry for licence & insurance |
The vehicle inspection report explains how the car was assessed. This certificate does more than say “pass”; it details the condition that stood behind that result and ownership history. This will help you decide whether a fresh inspection or repairs may be needed before renewal.
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Ways to Check and Apply for RTA Certificate Status - 2026
RTA has made vehicle certificates a digital service, so you do not need to visit a physical inspection centre to check validity. You can follow any of these channels depending on where you are more comfortable.
RTA Website
- Step1- Log in to the official portal using username/password or UAE Pass.
- Step2- Open Vehicle Licensing Services from your dashboard.
- Step3- Select the vehicle from the list linked to your traffic file.
- Step4- Pay the fees.
- Step5- Receive the certificate by email or download it from the Certificates section in your dashboard.
- Step6- Service time: one working day.
RTA Smart Apps (RTA Dubai App)
- Step1- Log in to the RTA Smart App.
- Step2- Select the Technical Vehicle Status Report service.
- Step3- Choose the required vehicle — registered or possession.
- Step4- The system displays a summary of the report contents.
- Step5- Select the report language and pay.
- Step6- Receive by email and download from the Certificates tab.
- Step7- Service time: one working day.
Dubai Now Platform
- Step1- Log in using your UAE Pass.
- Step2- Go to Services → Transport → My Vehicles.
- Step3- Select the vehicle.
- Step4- Click Apply for Technical Vehicle Status Report.
- Step5- Choose a language and pay.
- Step6- Receive the certificate within 24 hours and download it online.
- Step7- Timeline: 24 hours.
Important to Know Before Checking RTA Vehicle Status Report
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What Information Does the RTA Technical Vehicle Status Certificate Include?
A Technical Vehicle Status Certificate from RTA is a comprehensive summary of key vehicle data that helps you check a used car’s background before purchase, renewal or transfer. This certificate pulls official details from RTA’s traffic and inspection systems once the vehicle owner agrees to disclose them.
Here’s what the vehicle technical certificate generally includes —
- Vehicle Identity & Registration: Chassis/VIN, make, model, and year — confirms the car in front of you matches official records.
- Ownership History: Previous registered owners and transfer dates help you check if the car has changed hands frequently or has unclear ownership.
- Inspection & Test Summary: Last RTA test date, results (pass/fail), and expiry — shows whether the vehicle is roadworthy and when it needs the next inspection.
- Insurance Validity: Current car insurance status and validity period — essential to confirm the car is legally covered before you drive it away.
- Outstanding Fines/Legal Status: Records of any unpaid fines or licensing issues associated with the vehicle — protects you from unwanted financial liabilities after purchase.
- Mileage & Service History Flags: Odometer readings from past inspections — helps detect possible rollbacks or inconsistencies in service records.
- Accident or Damage Records (if available): Not all vehicles have this in RTA’s certificate, but when recorded, it shows previously reported crashes or structural concerns.
Who Can Apply for an RTA Passing Certificate?
The following categories are eligible for vehicle status and certificate reports in Dubai —
| Category | Requirement |
|---|---|
| UAE Citizens | Active Traffic File in Dubai |
| UAE Residents | Valid Dubai Traffic File linked to the vehicle |
| GCC Nationals | Registered under the Dubai Traffic File |
| Diplomats | Vehicle recorded in the Dubai traffic system |
Cost and Fees for RTA Vehicle Certificate Status
The total cost to obtain the official technical vehicle status certificate or report is AED 120. This fee is fixed across the RTA digital channels and must be paid by credit card after the vehicle owner consents to disclose data.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Status Report | AED 100 |
| Knowledge & Innovation | AED 20 |
| Total | AED 120 |
Terms and Conditions Associated with RTA Technical Vehicle Test Status Certificate
While the status is easy to check, the process also comes with its own considerations. Find below the key terms and conditions related to checking the RTA vehicle certificate status –
- You should agree to disclose all the data
- This report does not offer information about specific vehicle accidents
- If the vehicle is getting inspected for the first time in Dubai, you can ask for detailed inspection information
- If the vehicle is exported and is without number plates, you can only receive data about the chassis number. Tips to check RTA vehicle testing status certificate -
- This RTA-based service is available only in Dubai
- Make sure you have updated your registered number with the RTA
- Hi! Are you now planning to buy the car after checking its vehicle test status report? Congratulations!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check the RTA passing certificate that the seller shared with me?
You can log in to the RTA website or RTA Smart Apps using your UAE Pass and open Vehicle Licensing Services to verify how to check RTA passing certificate status from the dashboard. If the certificate was recently requested, it can also be retrieved from the Certificates tab without filing a new application.
Is it possible to check vehicle licence expiry online with RTA?
Yes, the system allows you to check vehicle expiry details after login. This screen shows when the licence or test is about to expire and whether insurance validity is still active.
How do I get the vehicle inspection report if I lost the email copy?
After you apply through RTA platforms, the RTA vehicle inspection report is saved in your dashboard. You can revisit the portal and complete the RTA passing certificate download process from the Certificates section.
How long does RTA take to issue a Technical Vehicle Status Certificate?
The standard service time is one working day, and on the Dubai Now platform, the certificate is usually received within 24 hours. The output is emailed and also stored online as the RTA technical vehicle status certificate.
Does the technical vehicle status certificate include accident history?
No, the RTA technical framework clarifies that the report focuses on inspection, ownership, expiry and insurance validity. It does not include accident data; however, it still confirms the last RTA test certificate and inspection validity date.
Can several vehicles be checked in the same application?
No, RTA requires a separate request for each vehicle. This rule applies whether you are retrieving a vehicle status report or completing RTA technical vehicle status certificate services.
Where can I apply for a vehicle inspection or status certificate?
You can apply via:
- RTA Website
- RTA Smart Apps
- RTA partner apps
The certificate is delivered via email or can be downloaded online.
What Does the RTA Vehicle Test Status Certificate Reveal?
An RTA technical vehicle test status certificate contains information about —
- Insurance period
- Vehicle type and condition
- Vehicle owner history
- The vehicle’s condition during the yearly inspection process
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