You are not allowed to drive your car in Dubai without a valid UAE registration. You can usually get your car registered at a Road and Transportation Authority (RTA) center in a single visit, or in some cases online. But the process can become unnecessarily long and you might have to visit the RTA multiple times if you don’t understand the process or go unprepared. To make it quick and easy for you to register your car at the RTA, the experts at ServiceMarket have put together this handy guide.
Your first registration and renewal:
The RTA allows you to register your car for one year at a time (with a one month grace period), which means that you have to renew your registration annually. If you have just bought a new car, then the dealership will usually take care of your car’s initial registration and you will only have to renew the registration after its validity expires. To register your car in Dubai you must have a valid Dubai visa or a Dubai rent contract in your name, or be able to prove that you work in the city.
Submit the required documents:
The following documents need to be submitted along with a completed application form:
- Car insurance certificate (valid for a minimum of 12 months)
- Previous registration card (if applicable)
- Passport or Emirates ID
- Letter from the bank if your car is financed
- Driving license
- Car test certificate (not required for car’s less than three years old)
Registering your car for the first time (new car or change in ownership):
- Submit the abovementioned documents along with the certificate of ownership at an RTA center. If it is a new car then you also need to provide the authorization from the showroom – but in most cases the showroom would take care of the first year registration for you.
- Wait for the process to complete and collect the registration card, license plates and stickers from the designated counter. As long as you have all the required documents, this process shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes.
Cost of first registration: AED 430
Renewing your registration:
- Clear any outstanding fines before your renew your car registration. You can easily check and pay fines using the Dubai police website.
- Get your car inspection done at a designated department or agency if it is more than three years old.
- Submit all necessary documents and forms. You can do this online or at any RTA center.
- Pay the fees.
- Wait for the process to complete and collect your new annual registration card and a sticker with the expiry date. Place the sticker over the old one on your rear number plate. If you re-register the car online you can choose to collect the card and sticker in person, or can get them delivered to you for an additional fee.
Registration fee: AED 340
Car registration centers and methods:
In addition to RTA’s customer service centers, you can use the following centers and methods to get your car registered:
- Approved agents including Tasjeel and Tamam
- The RTA has also developed a registration website, smart application, and kiosks to make the process quicker and easier
