Car Registration Process in Dubai 2024: A Complete Guide For Used Car & New Car Registration

Key Highlights

• Read all the details about car registration in Dubai
• Know the documents required and the cost involved in the process
• Learn how to renew your car registration in Dubai

When you buy a new car or a used car in the UAE, it is an RTA mandate to register it under your name. Without a proper registration certificate, a car is not eligible for driving on the road as it is bound to get impounded or fined. Adhering to the stringent traffic rules and regulations and traffic fines in Dubai, it is important to learn the process of car registration. It doesn’t matter if you are buying a new or used car, our detailed guide below includes all the important information required for registering a new car in Dubai, a used car in Dubai, and renewing a car registration in Dubai.

Also Read: Top 5 Used Sedan Cars in Dubai Under AED 60,000

Process of Getting a New Car Registered in Dubai

Buying a brand-new car from the showroom is surely an exciting feeling for customers. However, even a brand-new car requires registration, and to complete this process, the dealerships ask for certain documents that prove your authenticity to the UAE’s official departments. While the majority of the dealerships handle the new car registration process themselves, some dealerships might require you to take care of your new car’s registration. To begin with this process, you must have the below-mentioned three documents:

• A valid Dubai-issued residence visa
• A rental contract under the name of the car owner
• Any proof of employment that makes sure you reside & work in Dubai

Once you have these three basic documents, you can proceed with the below process of submitting your documents and application for your new car registration in Dubai.

1. Documents Required for a New Car Registration in Dubai

The first step in registering your new car in Dubai is to collect and complete the required documents listed below. These documents vary on the nature of the applicant; whether you are a citizen or a resident of Dubai.

Documents for Citizens

If you are a citizen, the below documents are required to be submitted by the applicant:

• A customs certificate (hardcopy or an electronic version)
• Original Emirates ID with all the latest information updated
• An electronic insurance copy done by the vehicle’s insurer (validity of minimum 6 months)
• A valid GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) specifications for the vehicle
• A Gulf Specification Conformity Form (for vehicles that are not compliant with the GCC specifications)
• Electronic vehicle pass certificate - for vehicles that are imported, used, or passed outside of Dubai

Documents for Residents

The documents required for the residents of the UAE are different from the documents required for the citizens. Below are the documents that you will need to have present with you as a resident of Dubai:

• An original Emirates ID with updated information
• A customs certificate (hardcopy or electronic format)
• An NOC (no objection certificate) letter from the employer - for residents who work in government institutions or semi-government organizations
• A ‘Whom It May Concern’ letter for the students

2. Applying for New Car Registration in Dubai - Detailed Process

Once you have accumulated the mandatory documents required for your new car registration, the major step of applying for the registration comes in. There are two main methods of applying for your new car registration in Dubai - via the RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) website or the Customer Happiness Centers. Both of these methods include submission of the documents and fees. We have explained the process of application via both of these options below:

Using the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Website

The first and foremost option to register a new vehicle in Dubai is by using the Road and Transport Authority website. Here are a few quick steps that you will need to follow while registering your new car in Dubai:

• Step 1 - Visit the RTA Website
  Go to the RTA website (click here) and sign in with your credentials. In case you do not have login credentials, create an account.
  
• Step 2 - Apply and Upload Documents
  Once you have logged in to your account, it is time to apply and fill in the asked details including your personal information as well as the vehicle information. The website will ask you to upload the necessary documents online.
  
• Step 3 - Confirm with UAE Pass
  After applying with the documents, the confirmation of customer ID will be done using your valid UAE Pass. Post this step, you will need to submit the fees.
  
• Step 4 - Pay the Fees
  The last step includes paying the assigned amount of registration fees. This will depend on the size and body type of the vehicle you have purchased. Generally, vehicles with a smaller size have to pay less fees than vehicles with a bigger size and payload capacity.
  
• Step 5 - Receive the Registration Card (Mulkiya)
  After you have completed the above-mentioned steps, you will receive the vehicle registration card aka Mulkiya via post. If you want an electronic card, you can use the Dubai Police App to download it, so that you can use your vehicle before the documents are issued physically.

Using the Customer Happiness Center

Another option for applying for a new car registration is by visiting your nearest Customer Happiness Center. Each center has a designated employee to help customers with services such as new vehicle registration. Make sure to go through the below steps to ensure a smooth registration process:

• Step 1 - Visit Center
  The first step includes finding a customer happiness center near you. Once done, you need to visit the center during the working hours.
  
• Step 2 - Upload the Documents
  Once you have reached your nearest center, you can easily find a dedicated representative whose job is to help customers with easy vehicle registration and other such services. Here, the representative will provide you with a link to upload the required documents on an online RTA portal.
  
• Step 3 - Process the Transaction Code
  After the successful uploading of the documents, you will receive a transaction code on your registered mobile number. This code then needs to be handed over to the representative for further processing.
  
• Step 4 - Finalize Application and Payment of Fee
  Now, your application will reach its final stage before submission where you will need to check it and finalize your details. Once done, the application will be electronically signed by you followed by the payment of the registration fee.
  
• Step 5 - Receive Registration Card and Documents
  Once you have completed the above process, you will be handed over with the registration card and documents along with the license plate of your newly registered vehicle.

Also Read: How to Check and Renew Mulkiya Online in Dubai?

New Car Registration Fees in Dubai

After you have completed the registration process for your new car in Dubai, the last step is to pay the registration fees. This registration fee will vary depending on the vehicle type and size. However, before you can pay the fee, every vehicle that undergoes the registration process needs to have a traffic file open. The cost of opening a traffic file (click here to open a traffic file) for new car registration in Dubai is AED 220. Apart from that, the below-mentioned fee structure is applicable for different categories of vehicles:

• Light Vehicle (Private or Public) - AED 400
• Private Vehicle (3-12 tonnes) - AED 500
• Public Vehicle (3-12 tonnes) - AED 750
• Short Plate - AED 35
• Long Plate - AED 50
• Dubai Branded Plate - AED 200
• Expo Branded Plate - AED 100
• Expiry Sticker - AED 100
• Vehicle Inspection Fee - AED 150
• Knowledge and Innovation Fee - AED 20 (or more)

Process of Used Car Registration in Dubai

Due to the clean infrastructure and good roads, cars usually last longer in the UAE, as compared to other countries. Hence, there is a huge demand for used cars in Dubai due to their affordability and a plethora of options to choose from. While getting a used car in Dubai is not complex, registering it under your name could be confusing. Below are the complete details on how to get a used car registered in Dubai and what is the amount required.

Documents Required

• Traffic File: A traffic file needs to be opened while registering a used car in Dubai. It can be done online as well as offline. You can click here to open a traffic file in the UAE.
• Technical Inspection Certificate: Another major document required for registering a used car in Dubai is a valid vehicle technical inspection certificate. This certificate declares the health of your vehicle and states that it is fit and fine as per the GCC specifications. If your vehicle fails to pass this test, it will be resent for repairs and then a re-evaluation will take place.
• Emirates IDs: The original Emirates IDs of both, the previous owner, and the new owner will be required for the transfer of ownership application.
• Buyer’s Residence Visa: A copy of the new buyer's residence visa is required.
• Buyer’s Passport: A copy of the new buyer's passport is required.
• Vehicle License Card or Mulkiya: The old vehicle license card or the Mulkiya is required to be submitted with the inspection of the vehicle.

Vehicle Inspection

Once the above documents are ready and the traffic file is made, the vehicle will be inspected by the authorities for its fitness and roadworthiness as per the GCC specifications and norms. All of the used vehicles in Dubai are inspected at the Tasjeel centers or Shamil centers, along with the submission of the above documents. Post-inspection, the vehicle is handed over to the new buyer.

Once the payment of the processing fees is done by the new owner, the new vehicle license card, new registration plates (if the registration number of the vehicle has been changed), and vehicle expiry stickers are handed to the new owner.

Fees Required

The processing fee for registering a used car in Dubai is AED 420. However, there are a few additional fees that the new owners will need to pay before getting the vehicle registered in their name. These different fees are as follows:

• Vehicle Inspection Test - AED 170
• Traffic File - AED 220
• Transfer of Ownership - AED 350
• Knowledge and Innovation Fee - AED 20
• Selling Fee - AED 50

Buying a Used Car in Dubai

With these simple steps, you can easily transfer the ownership of your newly bought used car in Dubai. But, if you intend not to invest so much time and effort in the registration, let the CARS24 team handle that for you. We have a wide range of used cars in UAE that you can choose from. Some of the top-selling used car brands in Dubai are listed below:

1. Toyota Land Cruiser

2. Mitsubishi Pajero

3. Nissan X-Trail

4. Kia Sportage

5. Hyundai Tucson

Also Read: Top SUVs for Sand Dune Driving in Dubai

Process of Car Registration Renewal in Dubai

What if you already have a vehicle but its registration is expiring soon or it has already expired? As per the vehicle norms in the UAE, a vehicle’s registration must be renewed by the end of every year. If an owner fails to renew it on time, a grace period of 1 month is granted. However, beyond the grace period, the owner is required to pay the fine for not renewing the registration on time. So, make sure to follow the below steps to renew your car’s registration in Dubai on time.

Steps Required in Vehicle Registration Renewal Process

• Step 1 - Clear Pending Fines and Black Points
  If your vehicle has any pending traffic fines and black points in Dubai, make sure to clear them before beginning the renewal process. You can clear the pending fines by visiting the Dubai RTA Website or by visiting the EVG Portal. The black points can be cleared easily by either using online portals or visiting the Dubai Police station near you.
  
• Step 2 - Vehicle Inspection
  If your vehicle is older than 3 years, then it will need to pass the vehicle inspection. This inspection is done to ensure that the vehicle is in its fittest form and abides by the GCC specifications and norms. The vehicle inspection can be done at any of the RTA-approved inspection centers in Dubai like Tasjeel, Shamil, and Wasel. If your vehicle is unable to pass the inspection, it will require mandatory repairs and then followed by a re-inspection.
  
• Step 3 - Car Renewal Registration
  Once the vehicle inspection is done, you can now proceed with the renewal registration process of your car. This can be done at various places and by different methods like online and offline. Submit the required documents and complete the payment of fees. After that, your vehicle will be renewed and you will be notified through SMS on your registered mobile number.
  
• Step 4 - Receive New Documents
  After the payment of fees, your vehicle’s new registration license card and new expiry stickers will be handed over to you.

Documents Required

To renew the registration of your vehicle in Dubai, you will require a set of documents to be submitted. These documents are mandatory to be uploaded or checked, to ensure a smooth process flow. Below are the needed documents:

• Driving License: A valid driving license of the owner will be required for the renewal of the registration process.
• Vehicle Insurance: The latest up-to-date vehicle insurance is required.
• Emirates ID: A valid and updated Emirates ID of the owner is required.
• Old License Card or Mulkiya: The older license registration card or Mulkiya that is about to expire or has expired, is also submitted along with the other documents.
• Vehicle Inspection Certificate: As the vehicle that is due for renewal is inspected by authorities, a vehicle technical inspection certificate is handed over to the owner after the successful inspection. This certificate is also needed during the application process for the renewal of registration.

Methods to Renew Registration

To renew the vehicle registration in Dubai, an owner needs to either use online or offline methods as per their convenience. These methods are explained below:

• Visit Vehicle Testing Centers: Vehicle owners can visit the various testing centers that are approved by the Road and Transport Authority of Dubai. These are Tasjeel, Shamil, Mumayaz, and Wasel.
  
• RTA Mobile App: Another easy method of renewing the registration is by using the Road and Transport Authority mobile applications. Available for both Android and iOS users, these applications provide dedicated tabs where users can register, upload documents, and pay the renewal fees.
  
• RTA Website: Vehicle owners can also use the Dubai RTA Website to register themselves and renew the registration of their vehicles. The process is very simple and similar to the mobile applications. Once registered, users need to upload the documents, fill in the information, and pay the registration fees.
  
• RTA Call Centers: Dubai’s RTA has dedicated call centers that can help owners with the renewal process. For further information, you can call Dubai RTA’s toll-free number 800-90-90.
  
• Customer Happiness Centers: In case a user wants to do the renewal process physically, they can visit their nearest Customer Happiness Center in Dubai. A dedicated representative will help the vehicle owners with the further process of vehicle registration renewal. Do not forget to take the above-mentioned documents with you while visiting these centers.
  
• Self-service Kiosks: Vehicle owners can also use the self-service Kiosk machines that are established at various public places throughout Dubai. These machines offer step-wise car registration renewal services to customers. You can also pay the fees by using these machines through your Debit or Credit cards.

Car Registration Renewal Fees

To renew the vehicle registration in Dubai, customers are required to pay a certain amount of fees. The structure of this payment is as follows:

• Vehicle Renewal Fees - AED 380
• Vehicle Technical Inspection (if required) - AED 170
• Courier Charges (for new documents handover) - AED 25
• Late Fine (per month) - AED 25

Checking Vehicle Registration Expiry

While the expiry stickers on the vehicle registration plates help in determining the vehicle registration expiry date, there is also a simpler way to keep an eye on the expiry date. Just follow the below steps to check the expiry date of your vehicle in Dubai:

• Visit the Dubai RTA Website
• Go to the homepage and click on ‘Vehicle Registration Validity’
• Enter the ‘Plate Number’ and ‘Symbol’ of your vehicleClick on ‘Research’ prompt to see the validity and expiry date of your vehicle’s registration

Also Read: How to Fix a Flooded Vehicle in Dubai?

Your Questions, We Answer!

1. How many cars can I register under my name?
   There is no limit as such in the UAE. Therefore, you are free to own numerous vehicles under your name!
   
2. Can I get a grace period while renewing the registration of my old vehicle?
   Yes! Dubai’s RTA allows a grace period of 1 month after the expiry date of the registration. After the grace period has expired, the vehicle owner will need to pay a monthly fine.
   
3. How much do I need to pay to register my new car?
   To register a brand new vehicle in Dubai you will need to pay AED 400.
   
4. How much do I need to pay to register my used car in Dubai?
   You will need to pay a total sum of AED 420 while registering a used car in Dubai under your name.
   
5. Can I register a used car in Dubai under my name without clearing traffic fines or Black points?
   If the second-hand car in Dubai that you have recently brought has any pending traffic fines or black points under its registration plate number, you can not transfer its ownership. The process of ownership transfer can only take place once the pending traffic fines and black points have been cleared out.