Mulkiya is the Arabic term for a vehicle’s registration card in the UAE — the document you must carry at all times when driving. Renewing it on time avoids significant fines and keeps your car legally on the road. Here’s exactly how to do it.
When Does My Mulkiya Need Renewing?
Vehicle registration in the UAE is renewed annually. Your Mulkiya shows the expiry date clearly. Driving with an expired Mulkiya carries a fine of AED 400 in Dubai (with vehicle impoundment risk for severe cases) and similar penalties across other emirates. Most authorities send SMS reminders 30 days before expiry.
Steps to Renew Mulkiya in Dubai
The Dubai renewal process has three steps. First, clear any outstanding traffic fines — you cannot renew with unpaid fines. Check via the Dubai Police app, RTA app, or Dubai.gov.ae portal. Second, pass the annual vehicle inspection at an authorised Tasjeel or Shamil centre. Third, once you have a passing inspection certificate, renew online through the RTA app, Dubai Drive app, or drive.dubai.ae, or pay in person at any Tasjeel centre. The renewal fee is AED 290 for cars, plus a knowledge and innovation fee.
Steps to Renew Mulkiya in Abu Dhabi
In Abu Dhabi, clear any Darb (ADNOC) fines and Abu Dhabi Police traffic fines first. Book an annual inspection via the TAMM app or Abu Dhabi Police app at an authorised ADNOC service station or approved testing centre. Once you have a passing certificate, renew via the TAMM app, Abu Dhabi Police app, or at any registration centre. Abu Dhabi also permits 2-year registration renewal, which saves a trip next year.
Mulkiya Renewal in Other Emirates
In Sharjah, renewal goes through the Sharjah Traffic Police (SHAPE app or police centres). In Ras Al Khaimah, it’s through the RAK Traffic and Licensing Department. In Ajman, the Ajman Police app handles the full process. Each emirate requires a valid inspection and clear fine status before renewing. Check the specific authority’s app for the most current fees, which change annually.
Common Reasons for Mulkiya Renewal Failure
Outstanding traffic fines are the most common blocker — even a single AED 400 fine from a red-light camera stops the process. Failed vehicle inspection is the second most common cause: worn tyres, brake issues, emissions failure, or non-working lights. Insurance expiry is another blocker — UAE car insurance must be active and valid for registration. Make sure your policy renews before your Mulkiya expiry.
Can I Renew My Mulkiya Online?
Yes — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah all support full online renewal once the inspection has passed and fines are cleared. In Dubai, the RTA app handles payment and delivers the new Mulkiya sticker by post. Abu Dhabi’s TAMM app does the same. The digital Mulkiya (via the UAE Pass app) is legally accepted at checkpoints instead of the physical card in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Get Your Car Inspection-Ready
The most common inspection failures are worn tyres, brake issues, and non-functional lights — all fixable before your inspection appointment. Find a car inspection specialist in Dubai to check your vehicle before the official test, or browse all GarageBuddy workshops for a pre-inspection service.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your vehicle entirely, check our guide to the best cars for UAE roads in 2026 — covering reliability, heat tolerance, and parts availability across all segments.
New to UAE driving? See our UAE driving licence guide 2026 for the full process, costs, and which countries can convert without a test.