Dubai car registration 2026: Complete guide to fees, documents and RTA requirements

Dubai: Congratulations on buying your new car. Now that the hard part – of acquiring an auto loan, and selecting the perfect car – is done, it’s time to move on to the next step: vehicle registration. Here’s everything you need to know about the car registration process in Dubai: Why should I register my car? When you buy a new or used car in Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) requires you to register it under your name. Your car registration card, also known as the Mulkiya, is your car’s official identity document. It links the car to your Emirates ID and provides formal proof of ownership. Moreover, the Mulkiya ensures your vehicle’s legal driving status, secures your auto insurance policy, and helps maintain your vehicle’s resale value through its consistent registration and maintenance history. The validity of your car’s registration lasts for one year, after which, your Mulkiya will need to be renewed. What happens if I don’t register my car? Driving with an expired or unregistered vehicle in Dubai incurs a Dh500 fine, four black points and potential vehicle impoundment of up to seven days by the Dubai Police. How to register a vehicle in Dubai While most components of the registration process can be completed online, there are some variations involved, based on whether the car is new or used. Additionally, a prerequisite of car registration is ensuring you have auto insurance – this is a step that can be managed simultaneously, as you register your car. Registering a new car In general, under UAE law, the legal responsibility to register a vehicle lies with the owner of the car. However, when you purchase a brand-new car from an authorised dealership in the UAE, the dealership will complete the preliminary car registration and auto insurance on your behalf. They dealership acts as the facilitator between the car owner and the competent authority, such as the RTA. Required documents: In order to start the registration process, the following documents are required, according to the RTA: Driver’s licence Emirates ID Passport copy with a valid UAE residence visa Vehicle purchase invoice or sale agreement (already available to the dealership) Once you hand over these documents to the car agency or dealership, they can proceed with applying for your vehicle’s registration and motor insurance. You can speak with the agent about your preferred insurance (comprehensive or third-party), and approve the best option. New cars are exempt from vehicle testing or RTA inspection for the first three years, so at this point, your registration process is complete. The dealership will provide you with your vehicle ownership certificate, vehicle registration card, plate number, and a registration expiry sticker. Fees : Dh400. Registering a used car When buying a used car, the buyer (you) are responsible for the registration process. Follow these steps: Step 1: Check accident history First, when buying a used car, ensure you are aware of its accident history. In order to do so, obtain the vehicle’s chassis number or vehicle identification number (VIN). This is a unique 17-digit number that is present on the back of the Mulkiya or on the dashboard, on the driver’s side of the vehicle. It holds information about the car’s manufacturer, its place of origin, engine details and accident history. Next, visit the UAE Ministry of Interior’s website (moi.gov.ae). Click on ‘Public Services’ and select ‘Accidents Inquiry’. Enter the VIN and click ‘Submit’. The results will then be displayed. If the vehicle has been through any accidents, the system will outline all relevant details, such as the location, date, time and accident report number. Step 2: Check fines Next, check if there are any unpaid fines registered against the car, as you will be responsible for paying for them once the car is transferred to you. Checking before purchasing or registering the car will protect you from any surprise bills. To check traffic fines in Dubai, follow these steps: Visit Dubai Police’s website (dubaipolice.gov.ae) or open the Dubai Police app. Sign in with UAE PASS. Go to the ‘Services’ section and select ‘Fines Inquiry and Payment’. Enter the plate source, plate number and plate code. Then click ‘Check fines’. Step 3: Obtain motor insurance The motor or auto insurance policy is an important document that is needed for vehicle testing, car ownership transfer and registration. In the UAE, a seller cannot legally transfer a used car into your name without an active insurance policy, according to the RTA. Once you have negotiated and are ready to finalise a vehicle of your choice, you can request insurance quotes from any of UAE’s vast network of insurance providers. Most of them provide coverage provisionally, using the vehicle’s chassis number, so that you can begin your coverage on the day of the car transfer. Alternatively, you can check if the seller’s current motor insurance policy can be transferred to you. According to Dubai-b