Press Enter to jump to main content

Apply for Registering a New Vehicle

This service enables you to register a new vehicle and issue an ownership certificate for the registered one.

Apply Now
Apply Now
Eligibility
Citizens, GCC nationals, and residents, and companies, governmental and diplomatic entities are eligible to apply for this service.
Required documents

Citizens and GCC nationals

  1. Original Emirates ID
  2. Electronic customs certificate
  3. Selling agreement
  4. Document proving that the vehicle is compliant with the Gulf Specifications (Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology - Conformity Sector), if the vehicle is not compliant on the custom card.

Residents

In the emirate of Dubai:

  1. Original Emirates ID
  2. Electronic customs certificate
  3. Selling agreement

Outside the emirate of Dubai:

  1. Original Emirates ID
  2. Official letter from the company where the customer works, certified and signed by the Dubai branch
  3. Electronic customs certificate
  4. Selling agreement

Commercial companies

  1. Letter from the company signed by the authorised person
  2. Original Emirates ID of the authorised person
  3. Copy of the trade licence
  4. Memorandum of Association translated into Arabic (legalised translation)
  5. Electronic customs certificate
  6. Selling agreement

Commercial companies (Free zone)

  1. Original Emirates ID of the authorised person
  2. Signed letter from the company
  3. Copy of the trade licence
  4. Electronic customs certificate
  5. Memorandum of Association translated into Arabic (legalised translation)
  6. Selling agreement
  7. A letter from the free zone authority for the areas Jafza, Dubai Media City and Dubai Airport.

Local and federal governmental and semi-governmental entities

  1. Official letter from the department or governmental entity
  2. Original Emirates ID of the authorised person
  3. Electronic customs certificate

Members of diplomatic bodies

  1. Original Emirates ID
  2. Diplomatic card (if the Emirates ID is not available)
  3. NOC from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (if the plates of the registered vehicle are consulate plates)
Service fees
  • 400 AED light vehicle private/public
  • 400 AED light vehicle classical
  • 500 AED private vehicle between 3 and 12 tonnes
  • 750 AED public vehicle between 3 and 12 tonnes
  • 900 AED private vehicle exceeding 12 tonnes
  • 1,200 AED public vehicle exceeding 12 tonnes
  • 600 AED private light mechanical equipment
  • 800 AED public light mechanical equipment
  • 1,000 AED private heavy mechanical equipment
  • 1,300 AED public heavy mechanical equipment
  • 120 AED trailer and semi-trailer
  • 500 AED bus with a number of passengers between 14 and 26
  • 1,200 AED bus with a number of passengers exceeding 26
  • 200 AED motorcycle
  • 35 AED short plate fee
  • 50 AED long plate fee
  • 150 AED short classical plate fee
  • 150 AED long classical plate fee
  • 200 AED Dubai branded plate fee
  • 100 AED Expo branded plate fee
  • 25 AED motorcycle plate fee
  • 500 AED luxury plate
  • +20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fee.

Inspection fees

  • 150 AED light vehicle
  • 200 AED heavy vehicle
  • 150 AED motorcycle
  • 120 AED quad bike
  • 120 AED light mechanical equipment
  • 150 AED heavy mechanical equipment
  • 150 AED trailer and semi-trailer
  • 420 AED classical vehicle
  • 100 AED export technical inspection
  • +20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fee.
Process time
  • RTA website: Instantly
  • Customer Happiness Centres or Vehicle Registration and Inspection Centres: 3 minutes.
Process

Through RTA website

  1. The customer logs in using UAE Pass or logs in to his account on RTA website.
  2. The customer applies for the service and uploads the required documents.
  3. The customer ID is confirmed through the UAE Pass.
  4. The customer settles the required fees.
  5. The customer receives the payment receipt with the list of centres he can receive the plates from.
  6. The customer receives the vehicle's ownership certificate, the plate numbers from the service centre.
  7. The customer with an Apple device can receive the electronic ownership certificate in Apple Wallet through RTA Dubai App

Through Customer Happiness Centres or Vehicle Registration and Inspection Centres

  1. The customer heads to the front desk employee.
  2. The employee sends a link to the customer.
  3. The customer uploads the required documents through the link.
  4. The customer receives the transaction code.
  5. The customer submits the transaction code to the front desk employee to complete the service process, check and electronically sign the application.
  6. The customer settles the required fees.
  7. The customer receives the payment receipt with the list of centres he can receive the plates from.
  8. The customer receives the vehicle's ownership certificate, the plate numbers.
  9. The customer with an Apple device can receive the electronic ownership certificate in Apple Wallet through RTA Dubai App
Service packages

People of Determination Package

Package Services:

  • Apply for Registering a New Vehicle
  • Apply for a Permanent Parking Permit for People of Determination
  • Purchase a Salik Tag

Package Description:

When registering a new vehicle, the POD customer is offered a free permanent parking permit and a free Salik Tag.

Package Channels:

  • Customer Happiness Centre – Umm Ramool

Electric Vehicles Package

Package Services:

  • Apply for Registering a New Vehicle
  • Purchase a Salik Tag

Package Description:

When registering a new electric vehicle, the customer is offered a free Salik Tag.

Package Channels:

  • Customer Happiness Centre – Umm Ramool
  • Customer Happiness Centre – Deira.
Average waiting time
  • RTA Website: Instantly
  • Customer Happiness Centres or Vehicle Registration and Inspection Centres: 10 minutes.
Validity

1 year
What you will get
  • Vehicle ownership
  • Vehicle plates
Terms and conditions
  • The customer or his legal representative must be present in person.
  • If the vehicle is registered in the name of the POD customer, it is exempted from registration fees. If the vehicle is not in his name, one vehicle registered in the name of one of his first-degree relatives (father - mother - son - daughter - wife) is exempted after presenting a Sanad card issued by the Community Development Authority or a People of Determination card issued by the Ministry of Community Development.
  • Registration of Volkswagen electric vehicles manufactured in the People’s Republic of China in accordance with the circular issued:
    • Individuals:
      • Suspension of vehicle registration with a customs certificate from the date of implementation of the decision issued on 13/3/2023.
      • Allowing all services for registered and imported vehicles after the date of implementation of the decision issued on 13/3/2023.
    • Showrooms:
      • Suspension of services (registration, change of ownership, possession, transfer, change of possession) for all vehicle sources.
  • The registration of other electric vehicles does not require the presence of an authorised agent in the country. Only a certificate of conformity from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology is required.
  • If the customer is a GCC national who wants to register his vehicle and is unable to provide an Emirates ID, he must provide a document proving that he is working in Dubai for a governmental or semi-governmental entity or that he is a property owner, investor, or student in Dubai.
  • If the vehicle papers are from another emirate, the customer must provide a transfer certificate within the UAE from the other emirates to the Emirate of Dubai, as well as an insurance and an electronic inspection.
  • A possession certificate issued in another emirate cannot be used to register a vehicle in Dubai.
  • If the customs certificate is in the name of the same person, the selling agreement is not required.
  • In case of a used vehicle, the customer must provide a transfer certificate within the UAE or a certificate of possession from Dubai, as well as an insurance and an electronic inspection.
  • If the facility or company operates in the rental, public transportation, and luxury vehicles sector, a traffic file is opened for it through the website after submitting the documents required from the Commercial Transport Activities Department.
  • Jebel Ali Free Zone transactions are processed at Jebel Ali centre only.
  • If the company is a sole proprietorship with a single owner, the person concerned or his legal representative must be present.
  • If the plates of the registered vehicle are consulate plates, the customer must provide an NOC from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and contact the Customer Happiness Centre - Deira.
  • The vehicle must pass the traffic safety test.
  • The customer is required to settle all the traffic fines before receiving this service.
  • In case the customer is a resident outside Dubai, he must be:
    • an investor, partner, manager, or owner of a facility in Dubai (Trade Licence),
    • an owner of a final contract or a lease agreement (the contract must be endorsed by the Land Department (Ejari)),
    • working in a company which has a branch in Dubai,
    • an owner of a special plate number before 27/01/2007 or which was bought in an auction (direct purchase).
  • New vehicles bought from a local dealer and pertaining to light vehicle rental companies are exempted from the annual vehicle inspection for 3 years from the day of their registration.
  • GCC citizens are not required to meet the previous conditions if they present the original Emirates ID.
  • Individuals can register new imported vehicles through an agent for 1, 2 or 3 years if they insure the vehicle over the requested period.
  • If the vehicle is brand new, 0 Km, and the buyer is the first owner, the vehicle is exempted from the technical inspection for 3 years starting from the manufacturing year or the registration year (whichever comes first).
  • Companies that transport passengers by rented buses cannot register buses with a capacity of 14 passengers or less.
  • If the customer owns more than one company, a traffic file must be created for each trade licence, as the vehicles cannot be registered by submitting the trade licence only.
  • The letter from the company must state that the customer works for the company's Dubai branch, and that the name on the trade licence of both branches is the same.
  • There is no age limit to register a vehicle in Dubai. However, if the customer is below 18 years old, he must be present with his guardian with their original EIDs and Original Passports. If the customer is above 18, then he can do the transaction on his own
  • If the vehicle was imported in the name of a person, it can be registered with the customs card issued from any UAE emirate.
  • If the vehicle was imported by an establishment, it must be transferred to Dubai from the emirate where the establishment is located.
  • Centres that have plates factories:
FAQs
  • Question 1: Is it possible to register a vehicle if the possession certificate is issued in another emirate?

Answer 1: No, a possession certificate issued in another emirate cannot be used to register the vehicle in Dubai.

  • Question 2: What are the conditions to register a heavy vehicle that exceeds 3 tonnes?
    • Answer 2: The vehicle's height must be 4.2 m, its width: 2.6 m, and its length depends on the vehicle type.
  • Question 3: Can citizens enrolled in the army register a vehicle in Dubai? Are residents allowed to register vehicles?

Answer 3: Citizens are allowed to register vehicles in Dubai even if they are enrolled in the army. Residents are allowed to register the vehicle that meets the Dubai conditions for registering a vehicle.

  • Question 4: What types of vehicles are citizens and residents allowed to register?

Answer 4:

Citizens: Light vehicles and motorcycles. They can also register a light bus if the family was comprised of at least 10 members, after presenting a proof (a family book for special reasons or a birth certificate).

Residents: Only light vehicles and motorcycles.

  • Question 5: How many vehicles is the customer allowed to register?

Answer 5: The customer is allowed to register an unlimited number of vehicles.

  • Question 6: What is the registration validity based on the insurance provided by the customer?

Answer 6: If the insurance was valid for more than 1 year, the registration is valid for more than 1 year, with a maximum validity of 3 years. This is only applicable to new vehicles.

  • Question 7: Is the customer with an investment visa allowed to register a vehicle?

Answer 7: Yes, if the visa is valid for at least 6 months.

  • Question 8: Is the customer allowed to register light pick-ups?

Answer 8:

Citizens: The customer is allowed to register Double Cab light transport vehicles (4 doors) and Single Cab vehicles (2 doors), which will be given private plates.

Dubai and other emirates residents: The customer is allowed to register light luxury Double Cab vehicles (4 doors) if the vehicles meet the registration conditions.

  • Question 9: What are the cases where technical inspection applies?

Answer 9: If the vehicle was purchased from a private enterprise other than the authorised dealers and also if the vehicle is imported or previously owned.

  • Question 10: Is the customer allowed to register a vehicle without holding a driving licence?

Answer 10: Yes, if he has a residence visa from Dubai.

  • Question 11: Can the customer register a vehicle if he provides the estate property documents?

Answer 11: Yes, if the customer owns the property, and presents his Emirates ID and original passport.

  • Question 12: In which cases the technical test undertaken in other emirates is accepted?

Answer 12: It is accepted when registering, renewing or transferring the ownership of light vehicles from Dubai to other emirates.

  • Question 13: Can the customer upload the results of the technical test online?

Answer 13: RTA electronically uploads the result of the test.

  • Question 14: Is the customer allowed to register vehicles if he has 2 traffic files?

Answer 14: Yes, the customer can register the vehicle after requesting from RTA to merge the 2 traffic files into 1.

  • Question 15: What is ownership e-card and what details it includes?

Answer 15: The ownership e-card is an electronic document called Vehicle Licence sent to the customer via email and SMS. It includes all the ownership details including the expiry date, mortgage and insurance. This e-card is issued through the service of Authenticating the Validity of an RTA Document on the RTA website and Dubai Drive application and the customer has to print it or save it on his phone to show it to concerned authorities when needed.

  • Question 16: How can the customer print the ownership e-card or any other document in case he didn’t receive an email or he wanted to verify the vehicle details, renewal date and insurance details?

Answer 16: The ownership e-card may be printed through the Document Validation service, by selecting service type Vehicle Licence then entering the vehicle details to show the print order.

  • Question 17: What details are featured on the vehicle licence?

Answer 17: The vehicle licence features all the details related to the vehicle including the expiry date, the mortgage and the insurance details. It is sent via email to the customer in a printable format.

  • Question 18: How can the customer show the ownership e-card to the police patrols or officers, or the Licensing Department?

Answer 18: The customer shows the ownership e-card featured in RTA applications and saved on his phone, or the printed copy of the e-card.

  • Question 19: How can the customer access the insurance details?

Answer 19: The insurance details are featured on the ownership e-card accessible through RTA smart application, or on the printed copy of the vehicle licence.

  • Question 20: How can the customer access the mortgage details?

Answer 20: Mortgage details are featured on all the documents.

  • Question 21: What happens when the ownership details are amended?

Answer 21: When amending an ownership detail, like changing the plate number or the vehicle colour, details are updated on the ownership e-card and the vehicle’s licence.

  • Question 22: Can the customer register a vehicle in Dubai if he is not an Emirati citizen and his residence visa is from another emirate under the sponsorship of one of his Emirati citizen daughters/sons?

Answer 22: Yes, the vehicle can be registered after presenting a proof (copy of the Emirates ID).

  • Question 23: Is the customer obliged to replace the vehicle licence once the electronic ownership phase implemented?

Answer 23: The ownership certificate is replaced only upon its renewal, or in case of replacement of a lost/damaged licence or change in ownership document such as change of colour or plate number or adding or redeeming a mortgage.

  • Question 24: In case the customer’s phone number was registered wrongly, how can the link be resent to him?

Answer 24: The customer can check his personal details though RTA Call Centre on 8009090, or print the ownership e-card through the Document Validation service, by selecting service type Vehicle Licence then entering the vehicle details to show the print order.

  • Question 25: How can the customer check the expiry date of his vehicle licence?

Answer 25: The vehicle’s expiry date can be checked through the vehicle licence, or the short messages sent to the customer's mobile number.

  • Question 26: Can the customer register a right-hand drive vehicle in Dubai?

Answer 26: No, he cannot unless it has a classical plate.

  • Question 27: What is the procedure to obtain a third plate for the bicycle rack when registering the vehicle?

Answer 27: During vehicle registration, when obtaining the plates, the customer can choose to Add a Third Plate, according to the procedure approved in the third plate request service, either via the website or the service centres.
Apply Now

Engage with Us

We are here for you. Do not hesitate to communicate with us via the following channels:

Chat with Mahboub

Chat and apply for services with Mahboub.

MBR Majlis

Participate in building the future of Dubai.

Feedback & Ideas

Let us know your ideas, complaints or questions.

Email us

Send your questions or ideas by email.
Discover More
About RTA
Public Transport
Drivers & car owners
Business & corporate
The Official Portal of UAE Government Dubai Digital Authority (DDA) | Digital Dubai The Dubai pulse

Copyright © Roads and Transport Authority, all rights reserved.

This site is maintained by the Roads and Transport Authority.

The site is best viewed using Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Safari and Chrome.
Page last modified:

Listening ...

You are being redirected to an external website

Please wait a moment ...

Content loading ...

Please wait for a moment