Losing your car plate in Dubai can be a stressful experience, but the process to replace it is straightforward and regulated. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to replace a lost car plate in Dubai, the costs involved, and tips to ensure the procedure is smooth. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, this guide will provide all the information you need.
Steps At Glance To Replace Car Number Plate
Step 1: Report the Loss to Dubai Police
The first step to replacing a lost car plate is reporting it to Dubai Police. Filing a police report is mandatory and serves as an official acknowledgement of the loss.
How to file a police report for a lost car number plate in Dubai?
- Use the Dubai Police app or visit their official website.
- Navigate to the “Lost Item Certificate” section.
- Provide necessary details such as Emirates ID, Vehicle registration information and, Circumstances of the loss
- The Lost Item Certificate issued by Dubai Police costs AED 70
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Before proceeding to apply for a replacement, ensure you have the following documents ready:
- Original Emirates ID
- Police report confirming the loss of the number plate
- Vehicle registration card (Mulkiya)
- If the vehicle is company-owned, an official letter from the company authorizing the replacement
Step 3: Replacement Number Plate Application
You can apply for a replacement number plate through the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai. The application can be done online or in person.
Option A: Online Application
- Visit the RTA website or use their mobile app.
- Go to the ‘Vehicle Licensing Services’ section and select ‘Replace a Lost or Damaged Plate.’
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload the required documents.
- Pay the applicable fees online.
- Once processed, you will be notified to collect the new number plate from a designated RTA centre.
Option B: In-Person Application
- Visit an RTA Customer Happiness Centre or a Vehicle Registration and Inspection Centre.
- Submit the required documents in person.
- Pay the fees and complete the application process with RTA staff.
- The replacement number plate is typically issued within 10 minutes.
Step 4: Replacement Number Plate Costs
Replacing a lost number plate involves the following costs:
- Short Plate: AED 35
- Long Plate: AED 50
- Luxury Plate: AED 500
- Expo Plate: AED 100
- Sticker for Rear Plate (if only the rear is lost): AED 10
- Knowledge and Innovation Fee: AED 20 (if the total service fee exceeds AED 50)
Step 5: Installing Replacement Number Plate
Once you have the new number plate, ensure it is installed promptly. Driving without a number plate is illegal in Dubai and can result in heavy penalties. You can have the plate installed at an authorized service centre or a trusted garage.
Penalties & Other Details
Penalties for Driving Without a Number Plate
Driving without a valid number plate in Dubai is a serious offence. Penalties include:
- Fine: Up to AED 3,000
- Black Points: 24 points
- Vehicle Impoundment: Up to 90 days
Here is a detailed guide on how to pay traffic fines in Dubai.
Replacing Plates Lost Outside Dubai
If your car plate was lost outside Dubai, you might need to file a police report in the jurisdiction where the loss occurred before applying for a replacement in Dubai.
Matching Plates
Ensure both the front and rear number plates match in design, size, and format as per RTA guidelines.
Why is Reporting and Replacing Important?
Losing a car plate can pose security concerns, as the missing plate could be misused for illegal activities. Reporting the loss immediately protects you from potential liabilities and ensures compliance with Dubai’s traffic laws.
Replacing a lost car plate in Dubai is a well-structured process, ensuring your vehicle remains compliant with local regulations. By following the steps outlined above, you can efficiently replace your lost number plate. Remember to act promptly to avoid legal complications and additional penalties.
FAQs
To report a lost car plate, file a Lost Item Certificate through the Dubai Police app or website. Provide your Emirates ID, vehicle details, and the circumstances of the loss. The fee is AED 70.
You’ll need your Emirates ID, the police report, the vehicle registration card (Mulkiya), and a company authorization letter (if applicable) to apply for a replacement.
Fees vary by type: Short Plate: AED 35, Long Plate: AED 50, Luxury Plate: AED 500, Expo Plate: AED 100. Additional fees include AED 10 for stickers and AED 20 for service.
Replacement number plates are typically issued within 10 minutes when applying in person at an RTA Customer Happiness Centre or Vehicle Registration and Inspection Centre.
No, driving without a number plate is illegal and can result in fines of up to AED 3,000, 24 black points, and vehicle impoundment for up to 90 days.
File a police report in the jurisdiction where the loss occurred before applying for a replacement in Dubai. This ensures compliance with legal requirements.
Yes, if the service fee exceeds AED 50, an additional Knowledge and Innovation fee of AED 20 applies. Rear plate stickers cost AED 10 if applicable.
Apply online via the RTA website or in person at RTA Customer Happiness Centres or Vehicle Registration and Inspection Centres across Dubai.
Yes, both the front and rear plates must match in design, size, and format, ensuring compliance with RTA standards.
Delays can lead to fines, black points, and vehicle impoundment. Missing plates may also be misused, posing security risks. Prompt replacement protects you from liabilities.
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Nasia Rahiman
September 28, 2020 at 3:24 pmhi
I lost my front side numberplate
and applied through the website but after 4 days it came as rejected what may be the reason can anyone…
Christopher Milbourne
October 4, 2020 at 10:13 amHi Nasia, did you submit a police report?
Umesh
May 29, 2020 at 6:29 pmI lost my friend car how is checking in RTA
Christopher Milbourne
May 30, 2020 at 8:54 pmHi Umesh, did you lose the number plate or the vehicle itself.
Salim
May 17, 2020 at 8:13 pmHi
I lost my rear number plate, should I have to online register or I can go with same car in quasis n register my complaint
Christopher Milbourne
May 18, 2020 at 8:40 amIt’s best to apply online and only visit the licensing department when the police report has been obtained.
Rumi Bhada
July 6, 2020 at 6:33 pmwhat is the site to apply online
Christopher Milbourne
July 7, 2020 at 3:01 pmYou can check here or call 800 90 90.
ann
April 16, 2020 at 6:34 pmHi I received the police report from al quasis station, shall I go online to RTA to apply for the car plate replacement ?
Can I Still drive without my rear plate number ? RTA is close since there’s restrictions to drive ( 24hrs sterilization) cant kindly advice . thanks
ann gonzales
April 13, 2020 at 9:25 amhi, I lost the rear plate number,since there’s a restrictions to drive in dubai (24hrs sterilization) as im living in sharja. pls let me know to apply by online and get the plate to replace.
Christopher Milbourne
April 13, 2020 at 10:22 amHi Ann, you can reach out to the RTA on 800 90 90, you’ll also need a police report.
ann gonzales
April 13, 2020 at 9:24 amI lost the rear plate number,since there’s a restrictions to drive in dubai (24hrs sterilization) as im living in sharja. pls let me know to apply by online and get the plate to replace.
Fazil
March 22, 2020 at 9:38 pmMissing my pickup number plate please help
Shaikh Mohammed
March 13, 2020 at 2:38 pmI have lost my mulukyaa
Card
Armin
January 14, 2020 at 12:53 pmfound it, its under documents!
Armin
January 14, 2020 at 12:51 pmanyone know where in website is for car plate number?
I went to lost Items and in list I cant find anything about plate number!
i see only documents passport jewelry mobile material money!
AKK
January 12, 2020 at 3:12 pmI lost my front number plate, still waiting for my lost item certificate which applied through Dubai Police App.
Can i still drive?
Christopher Milbourne
January 13, 2020 at 11:00 amIt’s not advisable to drive around without a license plate in the UAE. Have you applied to get a new one?
Perumal
November 22, 2019 at 4:36 pmLost my car number plate front only
Christopher Milbourne
November 24, 2019 at 9:36 amYou’ll need to get a police report and take that report to the RTA.
SHIBIN
May 25, 2019 at 9:28 pmI LOST VEHICLE MULKIYA CARD.. CAN ANYONE TELL ME THE POSSIBILITIES TO GET NEW REGISTRATION CARD..
Khurram Sultan
April 13, 2019 at 1:00 pmI applied online and paid for lost number plate, I didn’t recieve any Intimation of next steps! Now what ?
mohammad Zia
November 14, 2018 at 10:44 amdears the process is all online and Dubai Police is extremely fast!
Reshma Roy
November 6, 2018 at 4:52 pmHi,
Can I know what the procedure would be if I lost the rear plate of an Abudhabi registered car in Dubai?
Will I still need a police report from Dubai considering it was lost while in Dubai?
Salam Waddah
December 5, 2018 at 9:33 amReshma, I’m not quite sure in this case, just so you don’t pay any costs without being sure, please call Dubai Police and ask about this matter. Hope you get a replacement soon and let us know the results.
Aiza
December 18, 2017 at 3:45 pmAs of today, December 18th 2017, you have to apply via Dubai Police APP (NOTE APP, not never online or website). This is from experience.
Salam Waddah
January 6, 2018 at 10:48 amLooks like I was the last to be using the old method because I did my number plates replacement lost item certificate from Dubai Police branch.
Reshma Roy
November 6, 2018 at 4:52 pmHi,
Can I know what the procedure would be if I lost the rear plate of an Abudhabi registered car in Dubai?
Will I still need a police report from Dubai considering it was lost while in Dubai?
Salam Waddah
December 5, 2018 at 9:37 amHi Reshma, I am unsure of your case, please do call Dubai Police and let us know the results for us to update the post with more information.
Karl M
November 19, 2017 at 10:17 amThe process has changed as of 1st of November 2017.
You now need to complete the Police section online via Dubai Police website, under lost items, for 70aed.
The rest of the process hasn’t changed.
Salam Waddah
November 20, 2017 at 2:59 pmDo you mean applying a lost item certificate using Dubai police website? Yes, it’s possible using this link
avinash
June 14, 2018 at 12:20 pmwch one i need to select