Maintaining an active car registration is a legal necessity for vehicle owners in Dubai. This ensures that your car complies with safety and environmental regulations. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) provides multiple convenient options to renew your registration — online, through the Dubai Drive app, or at designated RTA centers.
This detailed guide covers everything you need to know about car registration renewal in Dubai. This includes fees, required documents, the step-by-step process at the aforementioned locations, and more.
Where to Renew Car Registration in Dubai
Car registration renewal in Dubai can be done through several channels, making the process flexible and efficient. The main places where you can renew your car registration include:
- 1. RTA Service Centers: Physical RTA customer happiness centers are spread across Dubai. Some popular ones include Al Manara, Umm Ramool, and Deira.
- 2. Tasjeel Centers: Tasjeel is one of the primary testing centers where you can get your vehicle inspected and renew registration.
- 3. Shamil Centers: Operated by Emarat, Shamil offers both vehicle testing and registration renewal.
- 4. Online via RTA Website: You can renew your car registration online through the RTA’s official website.
- 5. Dubai Drive App: The app offers a seamless experience, enabling you to renew your registration at the convenience of your phone.
Things to Do Before Car Registration Renewal
Before renewing your car registration, several steps ensure the process goes smoothly:
- 1. Clear All Fines: Unpaid traffic fines will block your registration renewal. You can pay fines via the RTA website or Dubai Drive mobile app.
- 2. Get Vehicle Insurance: Your car insurance should be valid for at least 12 months at the time of renewal.
- 3. Vehicle Testing: Vehicles older than three years must undergo a technical inspection to ensure roadworthiness.
Documents Required for Car Registration Renewal in Dubai
To renew your car registration, you’ll need to gather the following documents:
- Emirates ID
- Valid car insurance policy (with at least one year of coverage).
- Old vehicle registration card
- Vehicle inspection certificate (if applicable)
Process of Car Registration Renewal in Dubai — Physical Visit To RTA Centre
If you prefer to renew your car registration in person, here’s how you can do it:
- 1. Visit an RTA Center: Head to an RTA customer happiness center or any affiliated service centers like Tasjeel or Shamil.
- 2. Submit Your Documents: Hand over the required documents, including your Emirates ID, insurance, and previous registration.
- 3. Vehicle Testing: If your vehicle is over three years old, it will undergo a technical inspection. If the car passes, you’ll receive a test certificate.
- 4. Payment: Pay the renewal fee, inspection fee, and any pending fines.
- 5. Receive the New Registration Card: Once the payment is complete, you’ll receive your updated vehicle registration card and a validity sticker for the car’s license plate.
Process of Online Car Registration Renewal in Dubai
Renewing your car registration online is a convenient option. Follow these steps:
- 1. Visit the RTA Website: Go to the official RTA website and log into your account.
- 2. Submit Your Documents: Upload the required documents, including your Emirates ID and insurance.
- 3. Vehicle Testing (if needed): If your car requires a test, book an appointment at an approved RTA testing center. Once completed, upload the certificate.
- 4. Pay the Fees: Settle the renewal fees and any outstanding fines.
- 5. Receive the Registration: After payment, you’ll receive the registration card by courier, and the new license plate sticker can be collected or delivered. Alternatively, you can pick the card from the kiosk at an RTA customer happiness center.
Process of Car Registration Renewal on Dubai Drive App
The Dubai Drive app offers an even simpler process for renewing car registration. Here’s how it works:
- 1. Download and Register on the App: Install the Dubai Drive app, log in, or register using your details. The app also allows users to pay for parking in Dubai and manage salik accounts.
- 2. Vehicle Testing (if applicable): Arrange for a vehicle test via the app if your car is older than three years.
- 3. Submit Documents: Upload the required documents, including your Emirates ID and insurance.
- 4. Pay the Fees: Use the app to pay the renewal fee, fines, and vehicle testing fee.
- 5. Receive Registration: The new registration card and plate sticker can be delivered to your address. Alternatively, you can pick the card from the kiosk at an RTA happiness centre
Cost of Car Registration Renewal in Dubai
Car Inspection Fee & Registration Renewal Fee in Dubai
The cost of renewing your car registration in Dubai can vary depending on several factors, such as vehicle type and inspection results. Here’s a breakdown of the fees:
Vehicle Inspection Fee
- AED 100: Quad Bike
- AED 150: Light Vehicle
- AED 150: Motorcycle
- AED 150: Trailer & Semi-Trailer
- AED 200: Heavy Vehicle
- AED 420: Classic Vehicle
+ AED 20: Knowledge & Innovation Fees
Vehicle Re-Inspection Fee
- AED 50: Light Vehicle
- AED 75: Heavy Vehicle
+ AED 20: Knowledge & Innovation Fees
Renewal Fee
- AED 120: Trailer & Semi-Trailer
- AED 200: Motorcycle
- AED 300: 14-26 Seater Bus
- AED 350: Light Vehicles (Private, Public & Classic)
- AED 400: Private Vehicle Between 3 & 12 Tonnes
- AED 600: 27+ Seater Bus
- AED 650: Public Vehicle Between 3 & 12 Tonnes
- AED 800: Private Vehicle Exceeding 12 Tonnes
- AED 1,000: Public Vehicle Exceeding 12 Tonnes
+ AED 20: Knowledge & Innovation Fees
Other Costs Involved in Renewing Car Registration
Beyond the renewal fee, other potential costs include:
- Traffic Fines: Any outstanding fines must be cleared before renewing.
- Road Tolls (Salik): Any unpaid Salik toll charges will also need to be cleared.
- Insurance Renewal: Ensure that your vehicle insurance is up to date and valid for at least one year.
- Courier Fee: AED 20 – 50 if you opt to have the registration card delivered.
- Late Renewal Penalty: AED 25 per month after the registration expiry date.
When Should A Car’s Registration Be Renewed in Dubai?
The RTA allows vehicle owners to renew their registration up to 149 days (five months) before the expiry date. It’s important to renew on time to avoid late penalties.
If the registration expires, you have a 30-day grace period during which you can still renew without incurring a late penalty. After this grace period, a fine of AED 30 per month is charged for late renewals. Also, the traffic file will be closed after 3 months of non-renewal.
How To Check Vehicle Registration Expiry in Dubai
You can easily check your vehicle registration’s expiry date through several methods:
- 1. RTA Website: Log in to your RTA account and navigate to your vehicle details.
- 2. Dubai Drive App: The app provides a section to check registration expiry.
- 3. SMS Notification: The RTA sends reminders via SMS as the expiry date approaches.
- 4. Vehicle Registration Card: The card lists the expiry date.
FAQs
What is the cost of car registration renewal in Dubai?
The cost of renewing a light vehicle registration in Dubai is AED 350. Additionally, you may need to pay AED 170 for the mandatory vehicle inspection if your car is over three years old.
Is there any grace period for car registration renewal in Dubai?
Yes, the RTA provides a 30-day grace period after the registration expiry date. During this period, you can renew your car registration without incurring late fees. After the grace period, a penalty of AED 30 per month will be applied.
Can I register multiple cars under one name in Dubai?
Yes, you can register multiple vehicles under the same name, provided that you meet the RTA’s requirements for each vehicle. You must ensure that each car is insured and passes the mandatory inspections before renewal.
What are the other costs involved in renewing car registration?
Other costs include traffic fines, road tolls (Salik), vehicle inspection fees, and insurance renewal. Late penalties and delivery fees may also apply.
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