Car Registration in Dubai – Online Procedure, Documents & Fees

You have to get your car inspected at an authorized inspection center. Then you must submit the following documents: a copy of your passport, visa, traffic file, and car insurance certificate and pay the required fees

Feature Image-Car Registration in Dubai-Car with dubai background and register button at the bottom

When you move to a new city, especially a city like Dubai, there are many things to do and learn. One of the essential tasks is registering your car with the government. You can become puzzled as to how car registration in Dubai works.

It can be confusing and frustrating to figure out all the processes to register a car in Dubai, not to mention all the required documents. The process can be even more complicated if you’re unfamiliar with the UAE’s traffic laws.

Car registration in Dubai is a simple process. You have to get your car inspected at an authorized inspection center. Then you must submit the following documents: a copy of your passport, visa, traffic file, and car insurance certificate. You will also need to pay the required fees.

We’re here to help make this process as easy as possible for you. Our guide will cover everything you need to know about registering a car in Dubai, including what documents are needed and where to go. Plus, we’ve included a list of fees, so you know exactly what you’re getting into.

How to register a car in Dubai?

To register a car in Dubai, you must follow specific protocols to register your car with the government. The process is different for new and used cars, so follow the guide carefully.

Moreover, you will need to provide specific documentation, pay certain service fees and taxes, and have the car inspected by officials before it can be registered.

How to register a new car in Dubai?

InArticle Image-Car Registration in Dubai-New Car Number Plate

To register a new car in Dubai, a few steps must be followed. The traffic authority in each emirate of the UAE can register a vehicle, and registration services are provided through service centers, websites, or smart applications of the traffic departments of the emirates or the Ministry of Interior. [1]UAE Government Portal, “Registering Vehicles, … Continue reading

Similarly, for new vehicles bought from car agencies approved in the UAE, the vehicle registration process will be the responsibility of the car agency.

Step 1. Collect require documents

First of all, you must have some legal documents to register your new car in Dubai. To be a legal customer, you must have one of the following at least with you. [2]Road and Transport, “Vehicle document, … Continue reading

  1. Original Emirates ID
  2. Traffic File
  3. UAE customs card/possession certificate
  4. Electronic or physical sale agreement between buyer and showroom
  5. A copy of the passport
  6. Six months of valid vehicle insurance
  7. Letter from the bank if the car is financed from the bank.

Step 2. Pay the registration fees

As of 2022, you’ll need to pay a registration renewal fee of AED 420 to register your car in Dubai. In addition, you’ll need to open a traffic file for your new car, which will cost an additional AED 220 as the service fee. [3]Road and Transport, “Fees, https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/home/rta-services/service-details?serviceId=3704422#:~:text=than%206%20months.-,Service%20fees,-400%20AED%20light”

However, the process is relatively simple as long as you have all the necessary documentation. Once you’ve paid the fees and submitted the required paperwork, you’ll be able to officially register your car in Dubai and start enjoying everything the city has to offer.

Where to register a new car in Dubai?

There is a particular place in Dubai where you can register your new car. They are service channels where you will be provided service of registration of your car.

  1. RTA Customer Happiness Centres.
  2. Tasjeel, Shamil, Wasel, or Mumayaz Vehicle Testing
  3. RTA Website
  4. RTA Mobile Application
  5. RTA call centers and service centers

The entire process should take no more than 10 to 20 minutes if you complete the registration online. However, if you want to manually renew your driving license by getting it registered in service centers or police stations, it will take 30 to 45 minutes.

How to register a used car in Dubai?

InArticle Image-Car Registration in Dubai-Old Car Number Plate

Registering a used car in Dubai is different from registering a brand-new car. You can register a used car in Dubai in Shameel and Tasjeel centers. They are very reputable car service centers and help you assist in registering used cars. Similarly, you can also transfer property ownership at the Tasjeel or Shamil centers.

Just like new cars, it will only take around 10 minutes to register your used car in Dubai. You can easily register them online. However, if you manually want to register your car from dealers, the police stations, and the help center, it will take around 2 hours.

Step 1. Collecting require documents

When registering a used car in Dubai, you must submit a different set of documents than required for a new car. In addition to the standard UAE car registration documents, you will also need to provide proof of insurance and a certificate of roadworthiness. [4]Roads & Transportation Authority, “Required Documents, … Continue reading

  1. TREC Certificate of Inspection
  2. Traffic file
  3. Card Mulkiya Owner vehicle’s original license
  4. Vehicle insurance
  5. Buyers’ copy of passport
  6. Buyer’s copy of Visa residence card
  7. Buyers’ and sellers’ original Emirates ID card

Once you have gathered all of the necessary documents, you can then proceed to register your used car at the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority.

Step 2. Pay the registration fees

Registering a used car in Dubai can be confusing, but it’s not too expensive. You have to pay specific fees to register your used car in Dubai.

You need to take two steps to transfer a vehicle’s ownership. The first step is to get a Vehicle Technical Inspection, which will cost you AED 170. Next, the cost of the transfer of Ownership costs AED 350. If you don’t already have a Traffic File, you’ll need to pay an additional AED 220.

A few other charges come with transferring ownership of a car. For example, most people charge a selling fee of around 50 AED and a knowledge and innovation fee of 20 AED.

Moreover, it is necessary to know the difference in fees for registering used and new cars. But if you usually buy cars, whether used or new, from a dealership, you might not have to face any problems with registration or other fees.

Validity period

InArticle Image-Car Registration in Dubai-Validity

In Dubai, it is required by law that all vehicles must be registered with the Road and Transport Authority (RTA). The validity period of used car registration in Dubai is also one year. Whether a used or new car in Dubai, the license validity is always one year.

To renew the registration, owners must submit a renewal application and pay the required fees. The RTA will then issue a new registration certificate and license plate.

In Dubai, new car registration is mandatory. You may face fines and penalties if you do not renew your registration.

Related Info


FAQs on car registration in Dubai

How much is vehicle registration in Dubai?

Generally, vehicle or car registration in Dubai costs AED 420, whether a used or a new car. However, inspecting vehicles, renewing vehicles, or transferring ownership will cost you more, so you may have to part ways with approximately AED 600 to AED 800.

When can I renew my car registration in Dubai?

You can renew your car registration in various Tasjeel and Shameel centers in Dubai, which provide many vehicle-related services. However, you can also use the RTA website or app to renew your registration online.

What do you need to register your car in Dubai?

When registering a car in Dubai, you must submit different documents such as a traffic file, Emirates ID card, passport-size photos, original copy of your passport, Vehicle insurance, etc.

How can I register my car online in Dubai?

You can go to the RTA website and click on the vehicle registration button, where you have to submit the required documents for the new or the used vehicles.

Does car insurance need for car registration in Dubai?

Car insurance is mandatory before registering any new or used car in Dubai.

Final thoughts

Car registration in Dubai is a relatively simple process requiring only a few documents and fees. The online procedure is quick and easy to follow, and the entire process can be completed in just a few hours. Overall, registering a car in Dubai is affordable and convenient for residents and visitors.

With the help of a dealer or service center, you can easily register a new car in Dubai or a used car. However, if you are unfamiliar with the process, it is best to seek the help of an expert or follow our guide thoroughly. With the help of this guide, you can ensure that your car is registered correctly and avoid delays or problems.

About the author

Arijit Negi
Arijit Negi
Senior Contributor | + posts

Arijit Negi is a seasoned journalist and senior contributor with expertise in global affairs, politics, and culture. With a decade of experience in storytelling and analysis, his work aims to inform and inspire readers. 

Omar Saeed
Kendrick Turner
Senior Contributor | + posts

Kendric Turner is an experienced journalist and senior contributor with over a decade of expertise in politics, social justice, culture, and global affairs. A Howard University graduate, he is committed to amplifying underrepresented voices and fostering meaningful conversations through his reporting.

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