Car Registration in Dubai (2026) - A Comprehensive Guide

Every car on Dubai roads must be registered with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The RTA issues the Vehicle Ownership Certificate, known as the Mulkiya, along with your number plates. To register a car in Dubai, apply through the RTA website, the RTA Dubai app, or an RTA service centre with your Emirates ID, car insurance, and vehicle documents. A new light vehicle costs AED 455 to register (AED 400 registration + AED 35 plates + AED 20 Knowledge and Innovation fee). Online applications are processed instantly.read more

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Written ByNupur JainSenior Content Writer (Expertise - Motor Insurance)

Reviewed ByToshita Chauhan BalochiChief Business Officer – General Insurance @ Policybazaar.ae

Last updated on 31 July 2026Editorial Standards

What is Car Registration in Dubai, and Why is it Mandatory?

Car registration in Dubai is the legal process of recording a vehicle with the RTA and receiving a Vehicle Ownership Certificate (Mulkiya) and number plates. The certificate is valid for one year. Without it, you cannot legally drive the vehicle on UAE roads under the Federal Traffic Law.

The Mulkiya lists the vehicle details, expiry date, car insurance details, and any loans. RTA sends it by email in a printable format; you can also store the e-card in the RTA Dubai app or Apple Wallet. Police accept the digital version during checks.

Table of Content

What is Car Registration in Dubai, and Why is it Mandatory?
Who Can Register a Car in Dubai?
Car Registration in Dubai for New Cars
Car Registration Online in Dubai: Step-by-Step Process
Which Documents Do You Need for Car Registration in Dubai?
How Much Does Car Registration Cost in Dubai?
Used Car Registration Process in Dubai: Step-by-Step Process
What Does a Used Car Transfer Cost?
Do You Need a Vehicle Inspection to Register a Car in Dubai?
How Long is the Car Registration Valid in Dubai?
What Happens if You Drive an Unregistered Car in Dubai?
FAQs About Car Registration in Dubai

Who Can Register a Car in Dubai?

UAE citizens, Dubai residents, GCC nationals, and diplomats can register a car in Dubai. Emiratis can register an unlimited number of vehicles, while residents can register a maximum of 3 vehicles. You do not need a driving licence to register a vehicle.

If your residence visa is from another emirate, you can still register a car in Dubai only if you meet one of these RTA conditions:

You are an investor, partner, manager, or owner of a facility in Dubai (trade licence)
You own property or hold a tenancy contract endorsed by the Land Department (Ejari)
You work for a company that has a branch in Dubai (with a certified company letter in Arabic)
You own a special plate number bought before 27 January 2007 or purchased at an RTA auction

There is no age limit. However, if you are below 18, your guardian must accompany you with both Emirates IDs and original passports. Golden Visa holders from other emirates get no special exemption unless they work in Dubai and submit the company documents above.

Car Registration in Dubai for New Cars

If you buy a new car from an authorised dealer in the UAE, the showroom usually completes the registration for you at the point of sale. You present your Emirates ID, buy the vehicle, arrange car insurance, pay the registration fees, and receive the plates and registration card by email and SMS.

Steps at an RTA-authorised Showroom

Step1- Visit the showroom in person (or send an authorised person with a power of attorney)
Step2- Present your original Emirates ID
Step3- Submit the required documents and buy the vehicle
Step4- Apply for an insurance policy for the vehicle
Step5- Pay the vehicle registration fees
Step6- Get the plates, registration card, and receipts through email and SMS

Good to Know: The 3-year Inspection Exemption!

If you are the first owner of a new, zero-mileage vehicle from an authorised UAE dealer, the car is exempt from technical inspection for 3 years from the year of manufacture or first registration, whichever comes first. You can also register a new imported vehicle for 1, 2, or 3 years if your insurance covers the full period.

Car Registration Online in Dubai: Step-by-Step Process

You can register a car online through the RTA website (rta.ae), the RTA Dubai app, or the Dubai Now app using your UAE Pass. The online service is processed instantly. Your plates and Ownership Certificate can be delivered by courier.

Steps on the RTA Website

Step1- Log in to rta.ae with your username and password, UAE Pass, or Emirates ID details
Step2- Select 'Register New Vehicle' from Vehicle Licensing Services
Step3- Upload the documents. Your identity is confirmed through UAE Pass
Step4- Book a technical inspection appointment if your vehicle needs one
Step5- Choose how to receive your plates and Ownership Certificate — service centre pickup or courier
Step6- Pay the fees online
Step7- Receive your payment receipt, plates and Ownership Certificate
Step8- Check your licence in the 'My Docs' section of the RTA Dubai app and add it to Apple Wallet, if you wish

On the Dubai Now app, uploaded documents are reviewed within 1 working day before you proceed to inspection booking and payment. You can also apply in person at RTA Customer Happiness Centres (Umm Ramool operates around the clock; Al Barsha, Deira, and Al Manarah have daytime hours) and at vehicle registration and inspection centres such as Tasjeel, Shamil, Wasel and Al Mumayaz.

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

Which Documents Do You Need for Car Registration in Dubai?

A Dubai resident needs an Emirates ID, an Electronic Customs Certificate (for imported or new vehicles), and a Sale and Purchase Agreement to register a new car. For used cars, you need a Transfer Certificate or Dubai Possession Certificate, electronic insurance, and an electronic technical inspection.

Applicant/Case	Documents Required (RTA)
Citizen or GCC national	Emirates ID Electronic Customs Certificate Sale and Purchase Agreement GCC-compliance document from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (if compliance is not shown on the Customs Card)
Resident in Dubai	Emirates ID Electronic Customs Certificate Sale and Purchase Agreement
Resident outside Dubai	Emirates ID Certified official letter from the Dubai branch of your company Electronic Customs Certificate; Sale and Purchase Agreement
Diplomat	Emirates ID or diplomatic card NOC from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (for consulate plates)
Used vehicle (any buyer)	Transfer Certificate (within UAE) or Possession Certificate from Dubai Electronic insurance Electronic technical inspection
Electric vehicle	Certificate of Conformity from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (no authorised agent needed in the country)

Note: A Possession Certificate issued in another emirate cannot be used to register a vehicle in Dubai. If the Customs Certificate is already in your name, the Sale and Purchase Agreement is not required. Vehicle insurance is mandatory before registration.

How Much Does Car Registration Cost in Dubai?

New car registration in Dubai costs AED 400 for a light vehicle, plus AED 35–50 for standard plates and an AED 20 Knowledge and Innovation fee. That brings the approximate total to AED 455–470. Used car buyers also pay ownership transfer charges, while first-time owners pay AED 200 to open a traffic file.

RTA Vehicle Registration Fees in Dubai (2026)

Fee Item	Amount (AED)
Light vehicle registration (private/public)	400
Motorcycle registration	200
Private vehicle (3 to 12 tonnes)	500
Private vehicle (over 12 tonnes)	900
Short plate	35
Long plate	50
Dubai branded plate	200
Luxury plate	500
Knowledge and Innovation fee	20
New traffic file (first-time owners only)	200

You can pay by cash, credit card, or Apple Pay at RTA channels. People of Determination are exempt from registration fees for one vehicle registered in their name (or a first-degree relative's name, with a valid Sanad or People of Determination card).

Used Car Registration Process in Dubai: Step-by-Step Process

To register a used car in Dubai, the seller starts an ownership transfer on the RTA website, RTA Dubai app, or Dubai Now. Both parties sign an electronic Sale and Purchase Agreement. The buyer pays the fees and then completes registration at a service centre. All licensing steps must be finished within 14 days.

Step-by-step Used Car Transfer in Dubai

Step1- The seller logs in with UAE Pass and selects 'Change Vehicle Ownership' from Vehicle Licensing Services
Step2- The seller selects the vehicle and pays any outstanding fines
Step3- The seller enters the buyer's Emirates ID number and phone number
Step4- The buyer receives a link by SMS and email and signs the Sale and Purchase Agreement
Step5- The seller countersigns the agreement and chooses how to hand over or keep the plates
Step6- The buyer pays the fees
Step7- The buyer visits a listed service centre to complete the vehicle registration and receive the new Mulkiya

What Does a Used Car Transfer Cost?

Fee Item	Amount (AED)
Ownership Transfer – Light Vehicle	350
Sale and Purchase Agreement	50
Knowledge and Innovation Fee	20
New Traffic File (if the buyer has none)	200
Technical Inspection (if the car is over 3 years old)	As per test type – shown at booking on rta.ae

The buyer must hold valid electronic car insurance in Dubai. Moreover, the car needs an electronic technical inspection before transfer. If the vehicle is financed, an electronic mortgage release from the bank is required. Both buyer and seller (or their legal representatives) must be present in person for transactions at Customer Happiness or Inspection Centres.

The 14-day Rule - RTA terms state you must complete all licensing transactions within 14 days of the transfer to prevent penalties and fines. Until the new Mulkiya is issued, fines and Salik charges stay linked to the seller's traffic file.

Know More About Car Registration Renewal in Dubai

Do You Need a Vehicle Inspection to Register a Car in Dubai?

Yes, unless the car is new. Vehicles bought from private sellers, imported vehicles, and previously-owned ones must pass a technical inspection at an RTA-approved centre before registration. New, zero-mileage cars from authorised dealers are exempt for 3 years. The inspection certificate is valid for 30 days.

Since 2 June 2025, booking an appointment on the RTA Dubai app or rta.ae is mandatory for all vehicle inspections at Dubai's technical testing centres. An optional walk-in service is available at 19 centres for an extra AED 100 fee. Tasjeel Hatta is exempt from the booking rule, while People of Determination and senior citizens or residents are exempt if their vehicles are registered in Dubai.

How Long is the Car Registration Valid in Dubai?

Vehicle registration in Dubai is valid for a maximum of 12 months under the Federal Traffic Law, followed by a 30-day grace period for renewal. Your insurance must remain valid for at least 6 months, including this grace period. You can renew your vehicle ownership up to 150 days before it expires.

What Happens if You Drive an Unregistered Car in Dubai?

Driving an unregistered vehicle or one with expired registration carries a fine of AED 500 and 4 black points under Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 on Traffic Regulation, which took effect on 29 March 2025. If the registration has expired for more than 3 months, the vehicle is also impounded for 7 days.

You must also clear all traffic fines before the RTA will process any registration, renewal or transfer. You can check and pay fines on the RTA website, the RTA Dubai app, or the Dubai Police app.

Related Links
Car Registration in Abu Dhabi
Car Registration in Ajman
Car Registration in Sharjah
Car Registration in Fujairah

FAQs About Car Registration in Dubai

Yes. RTA confirms you can register a vehicle in Dubai even if you do not hold a driving licence. You still need a valid Emirates ID, vehicle insurance, and the standard vehicle documents. Someone with a valid licence must drive the car.

UAE citizens can register an unlimited number of vehicles. Residents can register a maximum of 3 vehicles in their name, according to RTA. People of Determination get a registration fee exemption for one vehicle.

Online registration through the RTA website or RTA Dubai app is processed instantly once your documents, insurance, and inspection (if required) are in place. In-person registration at Customer Happiness Centres and testing centres is also completed on the spot, in a single visit.

No. RTA does not allow the registration of right-hand drive vehicles in Dubai unless the vehicle qualifies for a classical (vintage) plate. Standard imports must be left-hand drive and comply with GCC specifications to be registered.

No. A new, zero-mileage vehicle bought from an authorised UAE dealer is exempt from technical inspection for 3 years from the year of manufacture or the year of first registration, whichever comes first. Used and imported vehicles must pass inspection before registration.

You get a 30-day grace period after your 12-month registration expires, as per the Federal Traffic Law. Your car insurance must stay valid for at least 6 months including this grace period. After the grace period, fines apply, and the vehicle can be impounded.

Only in specific cases. You must be an investor, partner, manager or facility owner in Dubai; own property or hold an Ejari-endorsed tenancy contract; work for a company with a Dubai branch; or own an eligible special plate number. Otherwise, register in your visa emirate.