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Home/ RTA Services / Service Details
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Apply for Registering a New Vehicle

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

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Eligibility
Individuals, citizens and residents, and companies are eligible to apply for this service.
Required documents

For citizens

  1. Customs certificate or electronic customs certificate
  2. Original Emirates ID to update the information
  3. Electronic vehicle pass certificate if the vehicle was transferred outside Dubai, used, or imported from a source other than the local dealer
  4. Gulf specification conformity form (Certificate of Conformity to Gulf Specifications) if the vehicle was not compliant with GCC specifications
  5. Electronic insurance from the vehicle’s insurer, valid for more than 6 months.
  6. For used vehicles: Transfer Certificate within the UAE, or electronic Possession Certificate from Dubai and the vehicle insurance with the electronic test.

For residents

  1. Emirates ID
  2. Customs certificate or electronic customs certificate
  3. To Whom it May Concern letter from the university for students of Dubai universities
  4. Letter from the employer for residents working in governmental and semi-governmental entities in Dubai
  5. For used vehicles: Transfer Certificate within the UAE, or electronic Possession Certificate from Dubai and the vehicle insurance with the electronic test.

For members of diplomatic bodies

  1. Customs certificate or electronic customs certificate
  2. Emirates ID
  3. Letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  4. Copy of the vehicle owner's diplomatic card
  5. Reference number of the electronic Transfer Certificate or electronic Possession Certificate or electronic Change of Possession Certificate or Export Certificate, if the vehicle was imported from a party other than the authorised dealer:
    • If the vehicle was imported in the name of a person, it can be registered with the customs card issued from any UAE emirate
  6. Gulf specification conformity form (Certificate of Conformity to Gulf Specifications) if the vehicle was not compliant with GCC specifications.
  7. For used vehicles: Transfer Certificate within the UAE, or electronic Possession Certificate from Dubai and the vehicle insurance with the electronic test.

For customers under 18 years old and have a judicial decision to register a vehicle under their names

  1. Customer’s traffic file
  2. Original Emirates ID
  3. Customs certificate or electronic customs certificate
  4. Reference number of the electronic Transfer Certificate or electronic Possession Certificate or electronic Change of Possession Certificate or Export Certificate, if the vehicle was imported from a party other than the authorised dealer.
  5. If the Customs card is in the name of an establishment in another emirate, the vehicle must be transferred to Dubai
  6. Gulf specification conformity form (Certificate of Conformity to Gulf Specifications) if the vehicle was not compliant with GCC specifications
  7. Electronic insurance certificate from the vehicle’s insurer, valid for more than 6 months.

For local and federal governmental and semi-governmental bodies

  1. Official letter from the governmental authority
  2. Customs certificate or electronic customs certificate
  3. Electronic vehicle pass certificate if the vehicle was inspected outside Dubai, used, or imported from a source other than the local dealer
  4. Gulf specification conformity form (Certificate of Conformity to Gulf Specifications) if the vehicle was not compliant with GCC specifications
  5. Electronic insurance from the vehicle’s insurer, valid for more than 6 months.

For parties related to Dubai government that hold no Establishment Decree

  1. Reference number of the electronic Transfer Certificate or electronic Possession Certificate or electronic Change of Possession Certificate or Export Certificate, if the vehicle was imported from a party other than the authorised dealer:
    • If the Customs card is in the name of an establishment in another emirate, the vehicle must be transferred to Dubai
  2. Electronic vehicle pass certificate if the vehicle was transferred outside Dubai, used, or imported from a source other than the local dealer
  3. Gulf specification conformity form (Certificate of Conformity to Gulf Specifications) if the vehicle was not compliant with GCC specifications
  4. A letter from the governmental body addressed to the Vehicle Licensing Department, signed by the authorised signatory and stamped by the governmental body
  5. Electronic insurance from the vehicle’s insurer, valid for more than 6 months.

For commercial companies

  1. Copy of the trade licence
  2. Customs certificate or electronic customs certificate
  3. Letter from the company signed by the authorised person
  4. Memorandum of Association translated into Arabic (featuring the competences of the signatory)
  5. Reference number of the electronic Transfer Certificate or electronic Possession Certificate or electronic Change of Possession Certificate or Export Certificate, if the vehicle was imported from a party other than the authorised dealer:
    • If the Customs card is in the name of an establishment in another emirate, the vehicle must be transferred to Dubai
    • If the vehicle was imported by an establishment, it must be transferred to Dubai from the emirate where the establishment is located
  6. Gulf specification conformity form (Certificate of Conformity to Gulf Specifications) if the vehicle was not compliant with GCC specifications
  7. Electronic insurance certificate from the vehicle’s insurer, valid for more than 6 months
  8. For used vehicles: Transfer Certificate within the UAE, or electronic Possession Certificate from Dubai and the vehicle insurance with the electronic test.

For commercial companies (Free zone)

  1. Copy of the trade licence
  2. Signed letter from the company
  3. For used vehicles: Transfer Certificate within the UAE, or electronic Possession Certificate from Dubai and the vehicle insurance with the electronic test.

For political and diplomatic bodies

  1. Traffic file in the name of the diplomatic or political body
  2. Reference number of the electronic Transfer Certificate or electronic Possession Certificate or electronic Change of Possession Certificate or Export Certificate, if the vehicle was imported from a party other than the authorised dealer:
    • If the vehicle was imported by an establishment, it must be transferred to Dubai from the emirate where the establishment is located
  3. Vehicle test certificate if the vehicle was inspected outside Dubai, used, or imported from a source other than the local dealer
  4. Gulf specification conformity form (Certificate of Conformity to Gulf Specifications) if the vehicle was not compliant with GCC specifications
  5. Electronic insurance from the vehicle’s insurer, valid for more than 6 months.

For international organizations operating inside the UAE

  1. Reference number of the electronic Transfer Certificate or electronic Possession Certificate or electronic Change of Possession Certificate or Export Certificate, if the vehicle was imported from a party other than the authorised dealer:
    • If the vehicle was imported by an establishment, it must be transferred to Dubai from the emirate where the establishment is located
  2. Electronic or physical selling agreement between the seller and buyer approved by the system
  3. Vehicle test certificate if the vehicle was inspected outside Dubai, used, or imported from a source other than the local dealer
  4. Gulf specification conformity form (Certificate of Conformity to Gulf Specifications) if the vehicle was not compliant with GCC specifications
  5. Electronic insurance from the vehicle’s insurer, valid for more than 6 months.
Service fees
  • 400 AED light vehicle private/public
  • 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
  • 200 AED Dubai branded plate fee
  • 100 AED Expo branded plate fee
  • 25 AED motorcycle plate fee
  • +20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fee.

Inspection fees

  • 150 AED light vehicle
  • 200 AED heavy vehicle
  • 120 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.
  • The vehicle must pass the traffic safety test.
  • The customer is required to settle all the traffic fines before receiving this service.
  • People of Determination and their first-degree relatives are exempted from the registration fees of maximum 1 vehicle after presenting a community development card or a Sanad card.
  • 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.
  • Customers who have a residence visa from another emirate must meet one of the following conditions:
    • He's an investor in Dubai
    • He’s a landlord
    • He’s a partner or manager or establishment owner
    • He holds a notarised tenancy agreement
    • He works in a company that has a branch in Dubai
    • He owns a special number purchased from a public auction or before 27/1/2007
  • 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.
  • To register electric vehicles, the customer must present a conformity certificate issued by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. There is no need for an authorised agent in the country.
  • If the establishment or the company is operating in the sector of vehicle rental, public transport and luxury vehicles, the traffic file is opened by the Department of Commercial Transport Activities.
  • 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 feature 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.
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