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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, or to obtain a possession certificate of a non-registered vehicle.

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

To Register a Vehicle

Citizens and GCC nationals

  1. Emirates ID
  2. Electronic customs certificate
  3. Sale and Purchase 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 customs card.

Residents

In the emirate of Dubai:

  1. Emirates ID
  2. Electronic customs certificate
  3. Sale and Purchase Agreement

Outside the emirate of Dubai:

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

Commercial companies

  1. Letter in Arabic from the company signed by the authorised person
  2. Emirates ID of the authorised person
  3. Copy of the valid trade licence
  4. Memorandum of Association translated into Arabic (legalised translation)
  5. Electronic customs certificate
  6. Sale and Purchase Agreement

Commercial companies (Free zone)

  1. 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. Sale and Purchase 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. Emirates ID of the authorised person
  3. Electronic customs certificate

Members of diplomatic bodies

  1. 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)

To Receive a Possession Certificate of a Non-Registered Vehicle

Citizens, GCC nationals and Residents

  1. Emirates ID of both parties
  2. Vehicle Clearance Certificate (VCC) or transfer certificate from another emirate or export certificate
  3. Electronic technical inspection

Commercial companies

  1. Emirates ID of the authorised person
  2. Vehicle Clearance Certificate (VCC) or transfer certificate from another emirate or export certificate
  3. Official letter from the company
  4. Valid trade licence
  5. Electronic technical inspection
  6. Memorandum of Association translated into Arabic (legalised translation)
  7. NOC from the Free Zone Authority (for companies located in the Free Zone)

Local and federal governmental and semi-governmental entities

  1. Emirates ID
  2. Vehicle Clearance Certificate (VCC) or transfer certificate from another emirate or export certificate
  3. Letter from the governmental entity stating the authorised person's name
  4. Electronic technical inspection

Diplomatic bodies

  1. Emirates ID of both parties or their legal representative
  2. Vehicle Clearance Certificate (VCC) or transfer certificate from another emirate or export certificate
  3. NOC from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (when registering a vehicle with consulate plates)
  4. Electronic technical inspection
Service fees

To Register a Vehicle

  • 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.

To Receive a Possession Certificate of a Non-Registered Vehicle

  • 100 AED service fees
  • 50 AED Sale and Purchase Agreement fees
  • 200 AED fee for opening a traffic file (if opening a new file)
  • +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 and Smart Apps: Instantly
  • Customer Happiness Centres or Vehicle Registration and Inspection Centres: 3 minutes.
Process

To Register a Vehicle

Through RTA website

  1. The customer logs in to his account on RTA website through the username and password or using UAE Pass.
  2. The customer selects Register New Vehicle from Vehicle Licensing Services.
  3. The customer uploads the required documents.
  4. The customer's ID is confirmed through the UAE Pass.
  5. The customer selects the vehicle inspection centre and books an appointment or goes directly to the inspection centre to carry out the technical inspection (if his vehicle isn't inspected).
  6. The customer selects the option of receiving the plates and the ownership certificate from the centres or through courier service (if his vehicle is inspected).
  7. The customer settles the required fees.
  8. The customer receives the payment receipt including the name of the centre where he must receive the plates.
  9. The customer receives the vehicle's ownership certificate, the plate numbers from the service centre or through courier service.
  10. The customer with an Apple device can receive the electronic ownership certificate in Apple Wallet through RTA Dubai App

To Receive a Possession Certificate of a Non-Registered Vehicle

  1. The customer logs in to his account on RTA website through the username and password or using UAE Pass.
  2. The customer selects Register New Vehicle from Vehicle Licensing Services.
  3. The customer selects Apply for a Possession Certificate of a Non-Registered Vehicle.
  4. The customer enters the vehicle details and uploads the required documents.
  5. The submitted documents are reviewed within 1 working day and the customer receives a notification to proceed.
  6. The customer selects the vehicle inspection centre and books an appointment or goes directly to the inspection centre to carry out the technical inspection.
  7. The customer receives the vehicle inspection certificate and completes the transaction on RTA website.
  8. The customer’s ID is confirmed through the UAE Pass.
  9. The customer settles the required fees.
  10. The customer receives the electronic certificate through SMS and email.

Through RTA Dubai App

Vehicle Registration Certificate

  1. The customer logs in using his username and password, or UAE Pass.
  2. The customer selects Vehicle Registration from the Vehicle Licensing Services list.
  3. The customer verifies his account, if needed.
  4. The customer selects the ownership source.
  5. The customer selects the vehicle and uploads the required documents (if the account is not verified).
  6. The customer books an appointment for inspection.
  7. After inspection, the customer chooses the vehicle plates and the delivery method (service centres or delivery service).
  8. The customer reviews the details and proceeds using his UAE Pass.
  9. The customer settles the required fees by credit card or Apple Pay.
  10. The customer receives the certificate according to the chosen delivery method.

Possession of Non-Registered Vehicle Certificate

  1. The customer logs in using his username and password, or UAE Pass.
  2. The customer selects Vehicle Registration from the Vehicle Licensing Services list, then Possession of Non-Registered Vehicle.
  3. The customer selects the vehicle source.
  4. The customer enters the required details and uploads the required documents.
  5. The submitted documents are reviewed within 1 working day and the customer receives a notification to proceed.
  6. The customer reviews the details and proceeds using his UAE pass.
  7. The customer settles the required fees by credit card or Apple Pay.
  8. The customer receives the certificate electronically.

Through Dubai Now App

Vehicle Registration Certificate

  1. The customer logs in.
  2. The customer clicks on Driving then Register a Vehicle.
  3. The customer selects Vehicle Registration.
  4. The customer selects the ownership source.
  5. The customer selects the vehicle and uploads the required documents, if any.
  6. The submitted documents are reviewed within 1 working day and the customer receives a notification to proceed.
  7. The customer books an appointment for inspection.
  8. After inspection, the customer receives a notification to choose the vehicle plates and the delivery method (service centres or courier service).
  9. The customer settles the required fees.
  10. The customer receives the certificate electronically and the plates according to the chosen delivery method.

Possession of Non-Registered Vehicle Certificate

  1. The customer logs in.
  2. The customer clicks on Driving then Register a Vehicle.
  3. The customer selects Possession Certificate for a Non-Registered Vehicle.
  4. The customer selects the vehicle source.
  5. The customer uploads the required documents.
  6. The submitted documents are reviewed within 1 working day and the customer receives a notification to proceed.
  7. The customer settles the required fees by credit card.
  8. The customer receives the certificate electronically.


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 (in case of registering a vehicle).
  8. The customer receives the vehicle's possession certificate or the ownership certificate and the plate numbers.
  9. The customer with an Apple device can receive the electronic ownership certificate in Apple Wallet through RTA Dubai App.

Through Al Rostmani Showroom (Vehicle Registration for individuals)

  1. The owner or the authorised person visits the showroom in person.
  2. The owner presents his original Emirates ID and the authorised person presents his Emirates ID and power of attorney.
  3. The customer submits the required documents, if any.
  4. The customer buys the vehicle.
  5. The customer applies for an insurance policy for the vehicle.
  6. The customer settles the vehicle registration fees.
  7. The customer receives the vehicle plates (daily exchange plates), registration card, and receipts through email and SMS.
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 and Smart Apps: Instantly
  • Customer Happiness Centres, Vehicle Registration and Inspection Centres, or Showrooms: 10 minutes.
Validity
  • Vehicle Ownership Certificate: 1 year
  • Possession Certificate of a Non-Registered Vehicle: Permanent
What you will get
  • Vehicle ownership
  • Vehicle plates
  • Possession Certificate of a Non-Registered Vehicle
Terms and conditions
  • The customer or his legal representative must be present in person when applying at Customer Happiness or Inspection Centres.
  • The customer must pay all pending traffic fines, if any.
  • Residents are entitled to possess a maximum of 3 vehicles in the traffic file.
  • Required contracts according to the legal type:
    • Sole Proprietorship: no Memorandum of Association required
    • Service agent: no Service Agent Contract required
    • Limited Liability Company: Memorandum of Association
    • Single-Owner L.L.C.: Memorandum of Association
    • Civil Company: Memorandum of Association of civil company
    • General Partnership: Memorandum of Association of a joint venture
    • Public Joint-Stock Company: Memorandum of Association
    • Private Joint-Stock Company: Memorandum of Association.
  • If the company is the Dubai branch of a parent company in another emirate, the customer must provide the Memorandum of Association of the parent company.
  • Transactions for Jebel Ali Free Zones are processed in the Jebel Ali service centre.
  • To register a new vehicle, companies must provide an Electronic Tracking Certificate approved by the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (Secure Path) for vehicles that require a Tracking Certificate.
  • 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 06/3/2023.
      • All services remain available for vehicles that were registered and imported before the implementation date of the decision issued on 06/03/2023.
    • 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 dealer in the country. Only a certificate of conformity from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology is required.
  • 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 Sale and Purchase Agreement isn't 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 tenancy contract (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).
  • If the customer is a GCC national and can't provide his Emirates ID, he must submit a document proving that:
    • he works in a governmental or semi-governmental entity in Dubai
    • he's an owner, investor, or student in Dubai.
  • 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, from an authorised dealer in the country, 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 Emirates IDs 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:
  • On Sundays, Al Yalayis Vehicle Testing and Muhaisna Shamil centres only provide inspection services.
FAQs
  • Question 1: What are the conditions to register a heavy vehicle that exceeds 3 tonnes?

Answer 1: The vehicle's height must be 4.2 m, its width: 2.6 m, and its length depends on the vehicle type.

  • Question 2: Can citizens enrolled in the army register a vehicle in Dubai? Are residents allowed to register vehicles?

Answer 2: 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 3: What types of vehicles are citizens and residents allowed to register?

Answer 3:

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 4: How many vehicles is the customer allowed to register?

Answer 4: The customer is allowed to register an unlimited number of vehicles.

  • Question 5: What is the registration validity based on the insurance provided by the customer?

Answer 5: 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 6: Is the customer with an investment visa allowed to register a vehicle?

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

  • Question 7: Is the customer allowed to register light pick-ups?

Answer 7:

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 8: What are the cases where technical inspection applies?

Answer 8: 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 9: Is the customer allowed to register a vehicle without holding a driving licence?

Answer 9: Yes.

  • Question 10: Can the customer register a vehicle if he provides the estate property documents?

Answer 10: Yes, if the customer owns the property, and presents his Emirates ID and original passport.

  • Question 11: In which cases the technical test undertaken in other emirates is accepted?

Answer 11: It is accepted when registering or renewing vehicles.

  • Question 12: Can the customer upload the results of the technical test online?

Answer 12: RTA electronically uploads the result of the test and the customer can't upload it online.

  • Question 13: Is the customer allowed to register vehicles if he has 2 traffic files?

Answer 13: Yes, the customer can register the vehicle after requesting from RTA to merge the 2 traffic files into 1.

  • Question 14: 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 14: The vehicle ownership can be printed through the smart service machines (kiosk). The customer can enquire about the ownership data through the website or smart application.

  • Question 15: What details are featured on the vehicle licence?

Answer 15: 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. The insurance details are also featured on the vehicle ownership card or the ownership e-card (the exact copy of the vehicle ownership card) accessible through RTA smart application.

  • Question 16: How can the customer show the ownership e-card to the police patrols or officers, or the Licensing Department?

Answer 16: 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 17: 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 17: Yes, the vehicle can be registered after presenting a proof (copy of the Emirates ID).

  • Question 18: In case the customer’s phone number was registered wrongly, how can the link be resent to him?

Answer 18: The customer can check his personal details through RTA Call Centre on 8009090 or by visiting the service centre. He can also access his personal file through the website using his UAE Pass.

  • Question 19: How can the customer check the expiry date of his vehicle licence?

Answer 19: The vehicle’s expiry date can be checked through the vehicle licence, or the short messages sent to the customer's mobile number.

  • Question 20: Can the customer register a right-hand drive vehicle in Dubai?

Answer 20: No, he cannot unless it has a classical plate.

  • Question 21: What is the procedure to obtain a third plate for the bicycle rack when registering the vehicle?

Answer 21: 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.

  • Question 22: Can a customer (son/daughter) register a vehicle in Dubai if his visa is issued by another emirate, while one of his parents (mother/father) is an investor with a tenancy contract/owned property in Dubai?

Answer 22: No, the son/daughter can't register a vehicle in Dubai.

  • Question 23: Can a customer register a vehicle in Dubai if he has a visa from another emirate and has purchased a plate number at a hall auction?

Answer 23: Yes, he can. However, if the customer transfers the plate ownership to another person who also has a residence visa from another emirate, the second owner can’t obtain an exception and register the vehicle in Dubai, as the exception applies to the first owner who purchased the plate at a hall auction.

  • Question 24: If the customer has a visa issued by another emirate, but has a special number purchased before 2007 and has already registered a vehicle with the same number, will he be able to register another vehicle?

Answer 24: No, the customer is only entitled to register one vehicle with the special number. He won’t be able to register another vehicle, even if he replaces the vehicle special plate with a random plate, so that he can add it to another vehicle.

  • Question 25: What are the requirements for registering a vehicle in Dubai under the name of a customer who has a Golden Visa from another emirate and works in Dubai?

Answer 25: The customer must submit all the requirements below:

    • Copy of the Dubai company Trade Licence.
    • Letter in Arabic addressed to RTA from the Dubai company stating that he works for that branch.
    • Copy of the Golden Visa.


  • Question 26: What are the eligibility criteria for registering a vehicle in Dubai for a customer who has a Golden Visa from another emirate but doesn’t work in Dubai?

Answer 26: There are no exemptions for Golden Visa holders. The customer must comply with the standard vehicle registration requirements applicable to all individuals.

  • Question 27: What's the process if the customer has a possession certificate and wants to register the vehicle under someone else's name?

Answer 27: The customer can register the vehicle directly under the buyer's name. The customer isn't required to transfer the possession to the buyer before registration. The seller must pay the Sale and Purchase Agreement fees (50 AED) and the buyer must pay the registration fees.
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