How much does car registration cost in UAE?

New car registration fees in UAE range from AED 300–700. Used car transfer fees are AED 300–500. Annual mulkiya renewal costs AED 300–600 depending on vehicle type and emirate.

How do I renew my mulkiya in UAE?

To renew your mulkiya: ensure insurance is valid, clear any traffic fines, pass the annual vehicle inspection (cars over 3 years old), and pay the renewal fee. In Dubai, this can be done through the RTA Dubai app.

What documents do I need to register a car in UAE?

You need: valid UAE driving licence, Emirates ID, residence visa, car insurance certificate, and (for used cars) the seller's registration card and clearance of any existing finance on the vehicle.

What does the UAE vehicle inspection check?

The UAE vehicle inspection checks brakes, tyres, lights, horn, wipers, suspension, windscreen condition, chassis number, and basic emissions. Cars over 3 years old must pass annually before mulkiya renewal.

UAE Car Registration Guide 2026: Mulkiya, Transfer, Renewal & Inspection

Registering a car in the UAE — known as getting your mulkiya (vehicle registration card) — is a straightforward process once you understand the steps. This guide covers new car registration, used car transfer, annual mulkiya renewal, and what to do if your car fails the RTA test.

New Car Registration in UAE

When you buy a new car from an authorised dealer in UAE, the dealer typically handles the initial registration on your behalf as part of the purchase process. You’ll receive:

Mulkiya (vehicle registration card): The official ownership document, valid for 12 months
Number plates: Assigned by the traffic authority of your emirate
Insurance certificate: Must be in place before registration can be completed

Registration fees vary by vehicle type, engine size, and emirate. In Dubai, fees typically range from AED 300–700 for initial registration of a standard passenger car.

Used Car Registration Transfer (Ownership Change)

When buying a used car in UAE, the ownership must be transferred before you can legally drive the vehicle. The process varies slightly by emirate:

In Dubai (RTA)

Both buyer and seller visit an RTA typing centre or customer happiness centre together (or use the RTA app for some transactions)
The car must pass an RTA vehicle inspection (mandatory for transfers) — see below
Car insurance in the buyer’s name must be arranged before transfer
Transfer fee: AED 350–500 approximately
New number plates may be issued, or existing plates can sometimes be retained (additional fee)

In Abu Dhabi (ADTA / DMT)

The Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) handles vehicle registration. The process is similar but the inspection centre (ADNOC vehicle inspection) must confirm the car passes before transfer. Fees: AED 300–450.

In Sharjah and Northern Emirates

Each emirate’s traffic police authority handles registration. The process is broadly the same — inspection, insurance, transfer fee.

Vehicle Inspection for Registration

All used cars must pass a vehicle roadworthiness inspection before ownership transfer. The inspection checks:

Brakes, tyres, and suspension
Lights, horn, and wipers
Chassis number (VIN) verification
Emissions (basic check)
Structural integrity (no significant accident damage affecting safety)

Inspection centres are operated by private companies under government contract (e.g., Dekra, Emirates Vehicle Gate). Cost: AED 150–250. If your car fails, you’ll get a list of items to fix and can return for a re-inspection. Find a car inspection service near you to pre-check your car before the official test.

Annual Mulkiya Renewal

UAE vehicle registrations expire annually and must be renewed. The renewal process requires:

Valid insurance: Your car must have a current insurance policy — arrange this first
Vehicle inspection: Cars over 3 years old (in most emirates) must pass an annual roadworthiness test before renewal
No outstanding fines: Traffic fines must be cleared before renewal is approved
Payment of renewal fee: AED 300–600 depending on vehicle type and emirate

In Dubai, mulkiya renewal can be done entirely through the RTA Dubai app if your car passes inspection, insurance is in order, and fines are cleared. For a detailed checklist, see our mulkiya renewal guide.

What if Your Car Fails the Inspection?

Common failure reasons in UAE vehicle inspections:

Tyre tread below minimum (1.6mm legal minimum)
Faulty brake lights or headlights
Cracked or severely chipped windscreen
Brake imbalance (pulling to one side under braking)
Suspension noise or play

GarageBuddy can help you find a garage to fix inspection failures quickly. Find a brake specialist, tyre shop, or windscreen repair service near you.

Exporting or Deregistering a Car

If you’re leaving UAE or selling a car for export, the vehicle must be deregistered with the traffic authority. You’ll receive a clearance certificate confirming no fines. Number plates must be surrendered. The process takes 1–2 days.

Related: Also useful: our complete car inspection checklist for UAE and UAE car import & export guide.

Related: Also read our Salik toll guide for Dubai and UAE car modification laws.