UAE Car Registration Renewal Guide (Mulkiya) 2025
Renewing your car registration, known as the Mulkiya, is a mandatory annual requirement for all vehicle owners in the UAE. The process involves a vehicle roadworthiness inspection, confirmation of valid UAE car insurance, and payment of the renewal fee. This guide explains the complete process, costs, and timelines for car registration renewal in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and all other UAE emirates in 2025.
When Is Mulkiya Renewal Required?
Car registration in the UAE expires annually. The expiry date is printed on the Mulkiya card and on the registration sticker on the windscreen. Renewal must be completed before the expiry date. Driving with an expired Mulkiya is a traffic violation that carries a fine of AED 500 in most emirates. RTA Dubai sends SMS reminders 30 days, 14 days, and 7 days before expiry to the mobile number linked to the vehicle registration.
Step 1: Vehicle Inspection
All vehicles in the UAE must pass an annual roadworthiness inspection before the Mulkiya can be renewed. In Dubai, inspections are conducted at Tasjeel centers operated by Eppco and other authorised centers. In Abu Dhabi, inspections are at Tamam inspection stations. Inspection costs are AED 120 to AED 170 in Dubai and AED 100 to AED 150 in other emirates. The inspection checks brakes, lights, tyres, suspension, steering, wipers, seat belts, horn, windscreen, and vehicle identification number (VIN) compliance. Vehicles older than 15 years undergo a more thorough inspection.
Step 2: Confirm Valid Insurance
UAE law requires all registered vehicles to have valid third-party liability insurance at a minimum. Insurance must be purchased from a UAE-licensed insurer before Mulkiya renewal. The RTA and emirate registration systems link directly to the UAE Insurance Authority database to verify current coverage. Drivers can choose from third-party-only or comprehensive insurance. Comprehensive insurance is strongly recommended for vehicles less than 5 years old given UAE traffic conditions and repair costs.
Step 3: Clear Outstanding Traffic Fines
All outstanding traffic fines registered against the vehicle or the owner must be cleared before registration renewal. Traffic fines can be checked and paid online via the RTA Dubai app, the Abu Dhabi Police digital platform, or the Ministry of Interior MOI UAE app. Some emirates accept partial settlement for very large accumulated fines, but standard renewal requires full clearance.
Step 4: Complete the Renewal
Once inspection is passed and insurance and fines are confirmed, renewal can be completed online via the RTA app (Dubai), the TAMM platform (Abu Dhabi), the Sharjah e-Government portal, or in-person at any Tasjeel, ADNOC service station (Abu Dhabi), or emirate transport authority service center. A new Mulkiya card and windscreen sticker are issued. In Dubai, the Mulkiya card is mailed to the registered address within 3 to 5 working days, with the digital copy available immediately in the RTA app.
Mulkiya Renewal Fees by Emirate
Registration renewal fees vary by emirate and vehicle type. Dubai fees range from AED 290 for small vehicles to AED 400 for SUVs and pick-up trucks. Abu Dhabi fees range from AED 250 to AED 380. Sharjah charges AED 170 to AED 280. Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain fees are generally AED 150 to AED 300. A late renewal penalty of AED 10 per month applies after expiry in most emirates.
Keep Your Car Ready for Inspection
Ensuring your vehicle passes the first inspection attempt avoids re-inspection fees and delays. Before attending an inspection center, check that all tyres are properly inflated and have sufficient tread depth, all exterior lights and indicators are working, the windscreen has no major cracks in the driver sightline, the horn functions, and all seat belts are undamaged. Garage Buddy can connect you with pre-inspection service workshops across all UAE emirates to get your vehicle ready.