Having a car in Dubai can make getting around the city more comfortable and leisurely. But just like anything else, registering a car or renewing a registration in Dubai has its own set of guidelines, and violating them can have dire consequences. It can be challenging at first to understand the various steps and prerequisites for vehicle registration in Dubai. However, the process is largely digitalized, streamlined and very user friendly and the goal of this post is to simplify the vehicle registration process in Dubai.

New Car Registration in Dubai

The dealer usually handles the registration paperwork when buying a new car from the showroom. However, you can also register the car yourself at various RTA service centres or through service providers. To register a car in Dubai, you need one of the following:

• Valid residence visa
• Rental contract in Dubai under your name
• Passport copy

Used Car Registration Process in Dubai

Broad overview of the vehicle registration procedure:

• Obtain Auto Insurance: The car must be insured before you may register it. Make sure to get the best auto insurance for yourself that fits your needs.
• Pass Vehicle Testing: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) must conduct a check on your vehicle. This test verifies that the car satisfies safety regulations and is road-worthy -- For used cars only --
• Visit an RTA Customer Happiness Centre: Following the inspection, you will need to go RTA approved Customer Happiness Centres or Tasjeel, Wasel or Mumayaz Testing Centres. Carry with you all necessary paperwork.
• Required Documents: You'll typically need the following documents:
  • Original passport and Emirates ID
  • Original UAE driving license.
  • Original car registration card (if transferring ownership)
  • Emirates ID copy of the vehicle owner
  • Car insurance documents
  • Vehicle testing certificate.
• Complete Forms: You will be required to complete registration forms at the RTA centre.
  If it's a used car, these documents will ask for details about:
  • You 
  • The car 
  • Any prior owner
• Pay costs: The registration of a car entails paying costs. Make sure you have the money needed to pay for these expenses.
• Obtain Registration Card: Following the completion of the necessary procedures and payment of the associated costs, your car will be issued a vehicle registration card (also called Mulkiya Card). To serve as proof of registration, you should always have this card in your vehicle.

Charges to register your car in Dubai
 

New Car Registration Charges:

• Vehicle Registration Fee - AED 420
• Traffic File Opening Fee - AED 220 (if you do not have a previous file)
   

Used Car Registration Charges:

• Vehicle Registration Fee - AED 450
• Traffic File Opening Fee - AED 220 (if you do not have a previous file)
• Vehicle Technical Inspection Fee - AED 170
• Ownership Transfer Fee - AED 350
   

Other Additional Costs may include:

Dubai car registration fees can also include:

• Fee for light vehicle private/public - AED 350
• Short plate Fee - AED 35
• Selling agreement Fee (Paid by the buyer) - AED 50
• Long plate Fee - AED 50
• Dubai branded plate Fee - AED 200
• Luxury plate fee - AED 500
• Expiry sticker fee - AED 10
• Knowledge and Innovation Fee - AED 20

Driving an unregistered car in the UAE: 

It's illegal to drive an unregistered vehicle on public roads in the country, and you can get a lot of hot water. Even if the police aren't here, cameras and smart boards all over the Emirates can pick up your license plate to check whether you have a valid registration. 

In the first three months, a fine of AED 400 shall be imposed on Dubai residents who do not renew their registration. And then the vehicle's going to be confiscated.

Vehicle registration in Dubai is good for a year. To keep their vehicles legally registered, owners must renew their registration every year. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will oversee the registrations and renewals and make sure that all cars on the road adhere to the relevant safety standards and rules. Dubai residents who own cars should be careful to renew their registration on time to prevent fines or other legal issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Can I register a car in Dubai without a driving licence?
No, a valid driving licence is mandatory.

Is there a grace period for car registration in Dubai?
Yes, vehicle owners have a 30-day grace period after their vehicle's registration expires to renew it. After 30 days, a fine of AED 35 is applied for each month of delay.

How many cars can I register under my name?
There is no limit to the number of cars you can register under your name in Dubai.

How do I transfer the ownership of a car in Dubai?
To transfer car ownership in Dubai, first, have the vehicle tested at Tasjeel or Shamil centres. Then submit the following documents:

• Vehicle insurance
• Technical inspection certificate
• Original Emirates ID for both buyer and seller
• Copy of the buyer's residence visa and passport
• Old vehicle registration card (Mulkiya) from the seller
• Paying the service fee of AED 350 to complete the ownership transfer.

Where can I sell my current car without having to pay for posting an ad?

Visit GetBetterCars website or download GetBetterCars app and post an ad for free without any hidden costs or fees.