Apply for Registering a New Vehicle
Get an Ownership Certificate for the registered vehicle to be able to drive it on the roads and be compliant with the provisions of the traffic law, or get a Possession Certificate for the non-registered vehicle.
Select the type of certificate
Output
Vehicle Ownership Certificate and vehicle plates, valid for 1 year
Ways to Apply
Website
- Website
- RTA Smart Apps
- RTA Partner Apps
- Customer Happiness Centres
- Vehicle Registration and Inspection Centres
- RTA Authorised Showrooms
Channels
Steps
- Log in using your username and password, or UAE Pass.
- Select Register New Vehicle from Vehicle Licensing Services.
- Upload the documents.
- Your ID is confirmed through the UAE Pass.
- Select the Vehicle Inspection Centre and book an appointment or go directly to the Inspection Centre to carry out the technical inspection (if your vehicle isn't inspected).
- Select the option of receiving the plates and the Ownership Certificate from the centres or through the courier service (if your vehicle is inspected).
- Pay the fees.
- Receive your payment receipt including the name of the centre where you must obtain your vehicle plates.
- Receive the Ownership Certificate and plate numbers from the service centre or through the courier service.
- Go to My Docs section on RTA Dubai App to check your licence, and add it to your Apple Wallet, if any.
Service Time
Instantly
Channels
Steps
- Log in using your username and password, or UAE Pass.
- Select Vehicle Registration from the Vehicle Licensing Services list.
- Verify your account, if needed.
- Select the ownership source.
- Select the vehicle and upload the documents (if the account isn't verified).
- Book an appointment for inspection.
- After inspection, select the vehicle plates and delivery method (service centres or courier service).
- Review the details and proceed using your UAE Pass.
- Pay the fees.
- Receive the certificate through the selected courier method.
Service Time
Instantly
Channels
- Dubai Now ( Google play - App store )
Steps
- Log in.
- Click Driving then Register a Vehicle .
- Select Vehicle Registration .
- Select the ownership source.
- Select the vehicle and upload the documents, if any.
- The submitted documents are reviewed within 1 working day.
- Receive a notification to proceed.
- Book an appointment for inspection.
- After the inspection, receive a notification to choose the vehicle plates and the delivery method (service centres or courier service).
- Pay the fees.
- Receive the certificate online and the plates through the selected courier method.
Service Time
Instantly
Channels
Steps
- Receive a link from the front desk employee.
- Upload the documents through the link.
- Receive the transaction code and share it with the employee.
- Check and electronically sign the application.
- Pay the fees.
- Receive your payment receipt with the list of the centres where you can obtain your vehicle plates.
- Receive the Ownership Certificate and plate numbers.
- Go to My Docs section on RTA Dubai App to check your certificate, and add it to your Apple Wallet, if any.
Service Time
Instantly
Channels
Steps
- Receive a link from the front desk employee.
- Upload the documents through the link.
- Receive the transaction code and share it with the employee.
- Check and electronically sign the application.
- Pay the fees.
- Receive your payment receipt with the list of the centres where you can obtain your vehicle plates.
- Receive the Ownership Certificate and plate numbers.
- Go to My Docs section on RTA Dubai App to check your certificate, and add it to your Apple Wallet, if any.
Service Time
Instantly
Important to Know
You Should Have
- If you want to register a vehicle with consulate plates, you must provide an NOC from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and contact the Customer Happiness Centre - Deira.
You Should Know
- You or your legal representative must be present in person when applying at Customer Happiness or Inspection Centres.
- The vehicle must pass the traffic safety test.
- If the vehicle is registered in the name of the POD customer, it's exempted from registration fees. If the vehicle isn't 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.
- Volkswagen electric vehicles manufactured in the People’s Republic of China are registered in accordance with the circular issued:
- Suspension of vehicle registration with a Customs Certificate from the date of implementation of the decision issued on 06/03/2023.
- All services remain available for vehicles that were registered and imported before the implementation date of the decision issued on 06/03/2023.
- Registration of other electric vehicles doesn't 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.
- In case of a used vehicle, you must provide a Transfer Certificate within the UAE or a Possession Certificate from Dubai, as well as an insurance and an electronic inspection.
- A Possession Certificate issued in another emirate can't 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.
- If you're a resident outside Dubai, you 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 you're a GCC national, and you can't provide an Emirates ID, you must provide a document proving one of the following:
- You're working in a governmental or semi-governmental entity in Dubai.
- You're an owner, investor, or student in Dubai.
- You can register new imported vehicles through an authorised dealer for 1, 2, or 3 years if you insure the vehicle over the required period.
- There's no age limit to register a vehicle in Dubai. However, if you're below 18, you must be accompanied by your guardian with your Emirates IDs and original passports. If you're above 18, you can do the transaction on your own.
- If you're the first owner of the vehicle and it's new, has no mileage, and is from an authorised dealer in the country, it's exempted from the technical inspection for a period of 3 years from the year of manufacture or the year of registration (whichever comes first).
- If the vehicle is imported in the name of a person, it can be registered with the Customs Card issued from any UAE emirate.
- If the vehicle is imported by an establishment, it must be transferred to Dubai from the emirate where the establishment is located.
- Centres that have plates factories are the following:
- Al Mumayaz Vehicle Testing - Aswaaq Mizher
- Al Mumayaz Vehicle Testing - Al Barsha Mall
- Al Mutakamela Center - Al Aweer
- Al Mutakamela Center - Al Quoz
- Wasel Vehicle Testing - Al Jaddaf
- Tajdeed Vehicle Testing
- Aber Registration Vehicle Testing Centre - Seih Shuaib
- AG Cars Vehicle Testing - Al Mamzar
- Shamil Al Qusais
- Al Qusais Tasjeel
- Barsha Tasjeel
- On Sundays, Al Yalayis Vehicle Testing and Muhaisna Shamil centres only provide inspection services.
You Should Do
- Pay all traffic fines.
Eligible Categories
Citizens, residents, GCC nationals, and diplomats
Service Requirements
I Am
Fees
| Knowledge and Innovation | 20 AED |
Total fees: --
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Credit card
- Apple Pay
Terms and Conditions
None
FAQs
- Q : What are the conditions to register a heavy vehicle that exceeds 3 tonnes?
- A : The vehicle height must be 4.2m, its width 2.6m, and its length depends on the vehicle type.
- Q : Can I register a vehicle in Dubai if I'm enrolled in the army?
- A : Yes.
- Q : What types of vehicles are citizens and residents allowed to register?
- A :
- Citizens: Light vehicles, motorcycles, and light buses, if the family is comprised of at least 10 members.
- Residents: Light vehicles and motorcycles only.
- A :
- Q : Can I register a vehicle in Dubai if my visa is issued in another emirate, while one of my parents (mother/father) is an investor with a tenancy contract/owned property in Dubai?
- A : No, the son or daughter can't register a vehicle in Dubai.
- Q : Can I register a vehicle in Dubai if I have a visa from another emirate and have purchased a plate number at a hall auction?
- A : Yes, you can. However, if you transfer 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 (you) who purchased the plate at a hall auction.
- Q : If I have a visa issued by another emirate, but I own a special number purchased before 2007 and I have already registered a vehicle with the same number, will I be able to register another vehicle?
- A : No, you're only entitled to register one vehicle with the special number. You won’t be able to register another vehicle, even if you replace the vehicle special plate with a random plate, so that you can add it to another vehicle.
- Q : What are the requirements for registering a vehicle in my name in Dubai if I have a Golden Visa from another emirate and work in Dubai?
- A : You 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 you work for that branch
- Copy of the Golden Visa
- A : You must submit all the requirements below:
- Q : What are the eligibility criteria for registering a vehicle in my name in Dubai if I have a Golden Visa from another emirate but don’t work in Dubai?
- A : There are no exemptions for Golden Visa holders. You must comply with the standard vehicle registration requirements applicable to all individuals.
- Q : How many vehicles am I allowed to register?
- A : You can register an unlimited number of vehicles.
- Q : Does the vehicle insurance validity affect the validity of the vehicle registration?
- A : Yes, if the vehicle is new. Your vehicle registration can be valid for up to 3 years based on the validity of its insurance.
- Q : I'm on an investment visa, can I register a vehicle?
- A : Yes, if the visa is valid for 6 months.
- Q : Can I register light pick-ups?
- A :
- Citizens: You can register double cab light transport vehicles (4 doors) and single cab vehicles (2 doors), and receive private plates for them.
- Residents in Dubai and other emirates: You can register light luxury double cab vehicles (4 doors), if the vehicles meet the registration conditions.
- A :
- Q : Which vehicles need technical inspection?
- A : If the vehicle is purchased from a private company other than the authorised dealers, and if the vehicle is imported or previously owned.
- Q : In which cases is the technical test done in other emirates accepted?
- A : It's accepted when registering or renewing vehicles.
- Q : Can I upload the results of the technical test online?
- A : RTA electronically enters the results of the test and you can't upload it online.
- Q : Can I register a vehicle if I don't have a Driving Licence?
- A : Yes.
- Q : Can I register a vehicle if I provide the estate property documents?
- A: Yes, if you own the property, and you must submit your Emirates ID and original Passport.
- Q : Can I register vehicles if I have 2 Traffic Files?
- A : Yes you can, but you must first ask RTA to merge the 2 Traffic Files into 1.
- Q : How can I print the Ownership e-Card or any other document in case I didn’t receive an email or if I want to verify the vehicle details, renewal date, and insurance details?
- A : The vehicle ownership can be printed through the smart service machines (kiosk). You can enquire about the ownership data through the website or smart application.
- Q : What details are featured on the Vehicle Licence?
- A : The Vehicle Licence features all the details related to the vehicle including the expiry date, the mortgage, and the insurance details. It's sent via email 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.
- Q : How can I show the Ownership e-Card to the police patrols or officers, or the Licensing Department?
- A : You can show the Ownership e-Card featured in RTA smart applications and saved on your phone, or the printed copy of the e-card.
- Q : Can I register a vehicle in Dubai if I'm not an Emirati citizen and my residence visa is from another emirate under the sponsorship of one of my Emirati citizen daughters or sons?
- A : Yes, the vehicle can be registered after presenting a copy of the Emirates ID.
- Q : If I registered my phone in a wrong way, how can I request a new link?
- A : You can check your personal details through RTA Call Centre on 800 90 90 or by visiting the service centre. You can also access your personal file through the website using your UAE Pass.
- Q : How can I check the expiry date of my Vehicle Licence?
- A : You can find the vehicle expiry date on the Vehicle Licence or in the SMS sent to your registered phone number.
- Q : Can I register a right-hand drive vehicle in Dubai?
- A : No, you can't, unless it has a classical plate.
- Q: What's the process if I have a Possession Certificate and want to register the vehicle under someone else's name?
- A: You can register the vehicle directly under the buyer's name. You aren't required to transfer the possession to the buyer before registration. You must pay the selling fees (AED 50) and the buyer must pay the registration fees.
- Q: What's the procedure to obtain a third plate for the bicycle rack when registering the vehicle?
- A: During the vehicle registration, when obtaining the plates, you can choose to add a third plate, according to the procedure approved in the Manage Vehicle Plates service, either via the website or the service centres.
Updated on: 02-February-2026