RTA Car Registration Renewal in Dubai

Every vehicle owner in Dubai must renew their RTA car registration every year through the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Skipping the renewal or letting it expire puts you at risk of fines and legal trouble on the road.

RTA Car Registration Renewal

RTA Car Registration

Car registration in Dubai is your official permit to drive your vehicle on public roads. The RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) issues a document called a Mulkiya, which is your vehicle registration card. It shows your name, vehicle details, and the expiry date of your registration. You must carry your Mulkiya every time you drive.

Your registration expires every 12 months. You need to renew it before the expiry date to stay legal on Dubai roads.

What Is a Mulkiya?

The Mulkiya is the official name for your vehicle registration certificate in the UAE. It contains:

Your name and Emirates ID number
Vehicle details such as make, model, colour, and chassis number
Plate number and registration expiry date
Insurance details

If you lose your Mulkiya, you can request a replacement through the RTA website or app.

Renew Car Registration

You need to renew if:

You own a private car, motorcycle, or commercial vehicle registered in Dubai
Your current Mulkiya is about to expire or has already expired
You have recently bought a second-hand car and the registration is due for renewal
Note: If you bought a used car in Dubai, check the Mulkiya expiry date immediately. You are responsible for renewal from the date of ownership transfer.

Documents Required for Renewal

Before starting, collect these documents:

Valid Emirates ID
Valid UAE driving licence
Existing Mulkiya (current registration card)
Active car insurance certificate (must be valid for at least a few months)
Vehicle inspection certificate (required for cars 3 years old or more)
Proof that all traffic fines and Salik toll charges are cleared

Important: The RTA will not process your renewal if you have unpaid traffic fines. Clear all fines first through the Dubai Police app or RTA website before applying.

Does Your Car Need an Inspection?

Not every car needs a technical test before renewal. The rule is simple:

Car Age	Inspection Needed?
Less than 3 years old	No
3 years or older	Yes
Failed a previous test	Re-inspection required

The inspection checks your brakes, tyres, lights, engine, and exhaust emissions. You can get your car inspected at any of these authorised centres:

Tasjeel service centres
Shamil vehicle inspection centres
Other RTA-approved test centres across Dubai

The inspection fee is around AED 170 for a light vehicle. The process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. If your car fails, you fix the issue and bring it back for a re-test.

How to Renew RTA Car Registration

There are three ways to renew your license registration in Dubai.

Online via RTA Website

This is the fastest and most convenient way to renew.

Go to rta.ae and log in using your UAE Pass

Car Registration by RTA Website

Click “Driving” from the top menu, then select “My Vehicle”
Choose your vehicle from the list
Click “Renew Vehicle Registration”
Upload your insurance certificate and inspection certificate if required
Review the fees and confirm your payment
Choose how you want your new Mulkiya delivered (email, courier, or same-day)

Your new registration card is issued instantly after payment.

Dubai Drive App

Download the Dubai Drive app on your Android or iPhone.

Google PlayApp Store

The steps are the same as the website, but everything fits in your phone screen. Your Mulkiya is sent by email after payment.

Visit a Service Centre

You can walk into any of these locations:

RTA Customer Happiness Centres
Tasjeel branches
Authorised vehicle registration service points across Dubai

This option is best if your car needs an inspection or if you prefer speaking to someone in person.

RTA Car Registration Renewal Fees

Here is a clear breakdown of what you will pay:

Fee Type	Amount (AED)
Light vehicle (private car) renewal	380
Motorcycle renewal	200
Heavy vehicle (above 12 tons)	800
Vehicle technical inspection	170
Knowledge fee	10
Innovation fee	10
Courier delivery (standard)	20 to 25
Same-day delivery	35
2-hour express delivery	50
Late renewal penalty	25 per month

The total cost for a standard private car renewal (without inspection) is approximately AED 420, including knowledge and innovation fees.

Penalties for Late Renewal

If you miss your renewal deadline, the RTA charges AED 25 for every month the registration stays expired. If the registration has been expired for more than one year, you pay a re-registration fee of AED 400 on top of all other renewal charges.

Driving with an expired Mulkiya can also result in a traffic fine from Dubai Police.

Tip: Set a reminder on your phone one month before your Mulkiya expires. This gives you enough time to get your car inspected, sort your insurance, and complete the renewal.

How You Receive Your New Mulkiya

After renewal and payment, choose your preferred delivery method:

Email (free): Digital Mulkiya sent to your registered email address
Standard courier (AED 20 to 25): Delivered to your address within a few days
Same-day delivery (AED 35): Arrives the same day
2-hour express (AED 50): Fastest physical delivery option in Dubai

A digital copy is legally accepted in Dubai. You do not need to wait for the physical card to drive your car.

FAQs

The renewal fee for a private car is AED 380, plus AED 20 for knowledge and innovation fees, bringing the total to AED 400. If your car needs a technical inspection, add AED 170 to that amount.

You need a valid Emirates ID, a valid UAE driving licence, your current Mulkiya, and an active car insurance certificate. If your car is 3 years or older, you also need a valid vehicle inspection certificate.

The RTA charges a late renewal penalty of AED 25 for every month the registration stays expired. If the registration is expired for more than one year, you will pay an additional re-registration fee of AED 400.

Your car needs a technical inspection only if it is 3 years old or older. Cars less than 3 years old are exempt. The inspection is done at any RTA-approved centre such as Tasjeel or Shamil and costs around AED 170.

No, the RTA will not allow you to renew your registration until all traffic fines, Salik toll charges, and parking violations are fully paid. Clear all fines through the Dubai Police app or RTA website before applying.

You must first complete the ownership transfer at the RTA before you can renew the registration. Once the transfer is done, you become the registered owner and can renew the Mulkiya through the RTA website, app, or any service centre.

Final Thoughts

Renewing your car registration in Dubai is a straightforward process when you know the steps. The RTA gives you three easy ways to do it: online, through the Dubai Drive app, or in person at a service centre.

The key is to stay prepared. Keep your Emirates ID, driving licence, and car insurance valid at all times. If your car is 3 years or older, book your technical inspection at a Tasjeel or Shamil centre before the Mulkiya expires.