Registering a Vehicle in Dubai: How It Works

How to register your vehicle

1. 1

   Check that you can legally drive it

   It is not allowed to drive any vehicle on roads unless it is registered according to the traffic laws, its executive regulations and decisions. Nobody is allowed to drive a vehicle on the road without having a driving licence from the competent traffic authority in the related emirate. Sort the licence out first — the registration does not substitute for it.

   Documents:Driving licence from the emirate's traffic authorityProof of vehicle ownership
2. 2

   If the car is new from a dealer, let the agency do it

   For new vehicles bought from car agencies approved in the UAE, the agency carries out the vehicle registration process. You do not need to queue anywhere yourself in that case — confirm with the dealer what they need from you.

   Documents:Purchase documents from the approved agency
3. 3

   Get the vehicle inspected

   To register a vehicle, get your vehicle inspected at one of the authorised testing centres. Vehicles produced in the last three years before registration are exempt from this inspection step.

   Documents:Inspection report from an authorised testing centre
4. 4

   Pick your channel and register

   A vehicle can be registered with the traffic authority in each emirate of the UAE. Registration services are provided through service centres, websites or applications of the traffic departments of the emirates and the Ministry of Interior. Service channels include the MOI application on Google Play or Apple Store, the MOI website, Emirates Vehicle Gate, the RTA application on Google Play or Apple Store, the RTA website, and Abu Dhabi Police.

   Documents:Emirates IDVehicle ownership documents
5. 5

   Check the current fees and processing times yourself

   Registration fees and how long the process takes are not something we will guess at. The current amounts and timelines must be checked on the authority's website (rta.ae) or in the RTA and MOI apps before you go, since they change.

Fees and timelines may change — verify with the official source.

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