Thinking of renewing your car registration? Here is a simple guide to car registration in Dubai.

In Dubai and other cities of the UAE, you are required to register your car every year.

In the case, you have freshly purchased a car; the car dealer will handle the complete Registration process in the first year.

But, from the second year, car owners must complete the procedure themselves.

The car owner in Dubai needs to spend approx. Dh 500 for car testing and renewal of registration.

It can be done by the owner himself through online means or taking the help of any other agency.  

Since April 2018, new toll gates set up on roads across Abu Dhabi have been scanning cars which pass by for checking whether they are registered.

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Thus, annual registration of your car is mandatory by law. The good news is that authorities in the UAE have made the process of renewal simple and seamless.

The car owners are given a 30-day grace period for renewing expired registration. This permits car owners to conduct necessary repairs on their car if it fails the inspection procedure. This is why car insurance policies are 13 months long.

Formerly car owners had to pay Dh 10 for every month that they failed to renew the car registration after the 30-day grace period.

But, since April 2018, the fine has increased to Dh 500 and four black points while they pass via new toll gates in Abu Dhabi. Such cars can be impounded for 7 days, and in some cases, the drivers have lost their licenses.

Car Registration in Dubai Renewal Process

• Documents required:

Firstly, pay up all bills related to the car like unpaid traffic fines.

You must also resolve any black points with the Dubai or Abu Dhabi police.  

For renewing registration, you require your Emirates driving license and Emirates ID as well as 3 important documents: car test certificate (car must pass the exam), old registration card and renewed motor vehicle insurance.

• Getting the car tested

In their first two years, new cars are exempt from testing.

After this, you will need to visit one of the RTA or ADNOC vehicle testing centres to have your car assessed and earn the ‘passed’ certificate.

This is to ensure that the car is roadworthy and its tyres, suspension, steering, braking systems as well as chassis are in good condition.

Based on the vehicle category, you must also display your fire extinguisher, spare wheel, and safety triangle.

The test costs around Dh 170, takes 20 to 40 minutes, based on customer volumes and is valid for 30 days.

In the case, validity lapses or car fails test; it must be subject to a re-test which needs fees to be paid again.

Where To Go?

When you buy a car freshly from a dealer, he will take care of renewing registration in the first year.

But in the second year, you must do the renewal yourself. The UAE authorities have several conveniently located centres to complete renewal.

How to Renew Car Registration in Dubai

You have two options:

• In person

Wait in the registration center; pay the renewal fees and pick-up the renewed registration card.

You will be handed with a new registration sticker with a fresh expiry date. Place the new number plate on the old one.

• Online

Try the online route by heading over to the RTA website or e-service portal of the Abu Dhabi police.

Simply select your vehicle, submit relevant documents and confirm delivery method (pick up or courier). Your application will be processed in 5 days.

• Outside agency

In the case, you don’t have time for the above; you can use “Personal Appearance Service” of the RTA.

A pin will be provided after submitting registration details at the RTA centre. You can then use any other person to do the renewal process on your behalf using this pin.

This pin expires with one visit by your representative and must be renewed for further visits.

This is the process of car registration in Dubai and the rest of the UAE.