Ever wondered what makes Dubai’s licence plates more than just numbers on a car? Understanding the city’s licence plate system is essential for new residents and car buyers to stay compliant and avoid unnecessary costs. Dubai licence plates come in several categories, each with its own specific requirements and fees that can affect your registration process.
Getting your paperwork right and knowing what to expect can save you both time and money. That’s why we’ve created this guide at Remitly to help you understand everything about Dubai licence plates. We’ll walk you through the categories, required documents, registration steps, and fees so you can get on the road with confidence.
Understanding Dubai licence plate categories
Dubai uses different plates and colours to show a vehicle’s registration type and purpose:
- Standard plates (white): These are the default plates for privately owned vehicles. They’re automatically issued when you register a new personal car.
- Temporary plates (red): Issued for vehicles with short-term registration, including new cars waiting for permanent plates or those being moved between owners.
- Rental plates (yellow): For vehicles managed by car rental companies. These plates distinguish vehicles from regular private cars, making them easy for authorities to identify.
- Commercial plates (black): Assigned to vehicles used for transportation or business purposes, including taxis, delivery trucks, or company fleets. They indicate commercial registration.
- Government plates (blue): For official government vehicles and those used by diplomatic missions. They may feature embassy or consulate codes for identification.
- Golden plates: Reserved for the royal family and high-ranking VIPs. These plates are often custom-designed and symbolise heritage and exclusivity.
- Special or VIP plates: Known as distinguished plates, featuring short or patterned numbers (like 1, 22, or 777). These are considered luxury symbols.
Each emirate has its own plate format. Dubai licence plates use a single letter (A-Z, or double letters such as AA or BB) followed by up to five digits (for example, D 12345 or BB 777). Other emirates use different prefixes, like AD for Abu Dhabi or RAK for Ras Al Khaimah.
Registration and plate fees vary depending on the type of plate and the emirate. If you’re moving your vehicle between the emirates, check with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to confirm the current requirements.
Plate type doesn’t usually affect insurance premiums, which are based on your vehicle, usage, and driving record. However, commercial or taxi plates often come with higher premiums.
Required documents for Dubai licence plates
To register a licence plate in Dubai, you’ll need:
- Emirates ID
- Copy of passport and residence visa
- Sales and purchase agreement or invoice proving vehicle ownership
- Electronic customs certificate (for imported vehicles)
- Technical inspection certificate
- Vehicle insurance from an approved provider (valid for one year)
Choose an insurance policy that fits your needs and provides good coverage. In Dubai, insurance providers must be approved by the government—you can find them here.
UAE nationals or Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens also need these documents. If you’re an expat, you may need to add proof of Dubai residency, such as a tenancy contract or Ejari, or an official company letter from your employer if your visa is from another emirate. The letter should be on company letterhead, written in Arabic, and clearly confirm your employment.
If the vehicle is registered under a company or commercial entity, you’ll need the following additional documents:
- Official letter in Arabic from the company authorising the plate assignment
- Copy of the company’s trade licence
- Memorandum of Association with legalised Arabic translation
- Emirate ID of the authorised person
For free zone companies (such as Dubai Media City or Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA), you’ll need a letter from the relevant authority.
Dubai licence plate registration process
Registering a new car and transferring ownership require different processes. To register a new vehicle, do the following:
1. Open a file and gather documents
Prepare all documents listed above. Then visit the RTA registration centre or use the official website or the Dubai Drive app to open a customer file and begin the application.
2. Complete registration application
Fill in the application form and present or upload all the necessary documents, including your insurance.
3. Choose a number plate
Select a standard plate or apply for a special one. You can view available numbers on screen or ask RTA staff for assistance.
4. Pay the required fees
Pay for registration, inspection, and the plate. Get your receipt stamped as proof of payment.
5. Collect your registration card and plates
Once completed, the RTA will issue you a vehicle registration card (Mulkiya), your number plates, and any required stickers for your windscreen or plate.
Transferring vehicle ownership
To transfer ownership in Dubai, follow these steps:
- Check for fines and insurance: Before starting the transfer, ensure all traffic fines are paid and the vehicle insurance is valid. The transfer cannot go ahead if there are unpaid penalties or expired coverage.
- Gather documents: Both the buyer and seller need their paperwork ready. The buyer should have an Emirates ID and passport or visa copy, while the seller provides the original UAE vehicle registration card, Emirates ID, and sales invoice.
- Visit the RTA: Both parties go to an RTA service centre to complete the transfer. Submit the documents, fill out the transfer form, and pay the required fees.
- Receive the new registration: Once the transfer is processed, the buyer gets a new registration card in their name. New number plates may be issued and both parties get confirmation that the transaction is complete.
Dubai licence plate costs and fees
The current fee structure for standard Dubai RTA licence plates includes:
- Short plate: AED 35 (about 15 AUD*)
- Long plate: AED 50 (21 AUD)
- Short classical plate: AED 150 (62 AUD)
- Long classical plate: AED 150 (62 AUD)
- Dubai-branded plate: AED 200 (83 AUD)
- Expo-branded plate: AED 100 (42 AUD)
- Luxury plate: AED 500 (208 AUD)
- Knowledge and innovation fee: AED 20 (8 AUD)
Special or auctioned plates can cost significantly more than standard plates. The RTA also adds fees for printing, transfers, and retention, as well as for lost or damaged plates and for reserving a number.
Renewal and timeline fees
Renewal fees for standard vehicles often hover around AED 350 (145 AUD), and luxury vehicles may reach AED 400 to AED 800 (166-332 AUD).
For reserved plates, renewal fees include:
- Three-month renewal: AED 20 (8 AUD)
- Six-month renewal: AED 40 (17 AUD)
- One-year renewal: AED 80 (including knowledge and innovation fee) (33 AUD)
Payment methods accepted at RTA and auction centres
For regular plate and registration service, you can pay via cash, credit card, or certified cheques, depending on the amount.
For auction payments beyond AED 50,000 (approx 20,000 AUD), you may use a credit card or certified cheque. For smaller amounts, cash may be accepted.
You can make payments via RTA’s website, Customer Happiness Centres, or through the Dubai Drive app, where applicable.
Special number plates in Dubai
Dubai’s RTA holds auctions for special plates, offering two to five-digit numbers across different letter codes.
To participate, you’ll need to:
- Register a few days early to take part in upcoming auctions
- Bid online or in person
- Bidders need to provide a security cheque (around AED 5,000 or 2,000 AUD) and pay a non-refundable registration fee (about AED 120 or 50 AUD)
- The sale of plate numbers is subject to 5% Value Added Tax (VAT)
- Auction winners need to complete payment within 10 working days
You can register for auctions via the RTA website or through Customer Happiness Centres in locations like Umm Ramool, Al Barsha, or Deira.
Some RTA licence plates are highly sought after in the UAE, especially single digits, repeating numbers, and symmetrical patterns. Plates with lucky numbers or personal meanings, such as birth years, also tend to draw high bids.
For example, a two-digit plate (AA 16) sold for AED 7.32 million (approx 3 million AUD) at a 2024 auction. The following year, 90 plates collectively raised AED 98.8 million (41 million AUD), with several selling at multi-million dirham prices.
Renewing your Dubai licence plate
Vehicle registration in Dubai is typically valid for one year, and you can renew it up to 149 days (around five months) before it expires. After expiry, there’s a 30-day grace period to renew without penalties. Once that period ends, late fees apply, usually AED 25 per month (10 AED).
Driving with an expired registration can lead to an AED 500 fine (208 AUD), four to eight black points, and vehicle impoundment for up to seven days. If your registration has expired for more than one year, you may need to pay re-registration fees instead of the standard renewal cost.
You can renew your vehicle registration via the RTA website or the DubaiNow app. To renew, check:
- Your car has passed inspection at an RTA-approved testing centre
- You’re a UAE or GCC national, or hold a valid UAE residence visa
- Your vehicle has valid insurance
- You have cleared all outstanding traffic fines in Dubai
How to renew your vehicle registration through the RTA website
- Visit the RTA vehicle registration portal and log in to your account
- Select renew vehicle registration
- Choose the vehicle you wish to renew (select individual if renewing a personal car)
- Enter your vehicle and personal details and complete all the steps
- Choose the relevant collection point and date from the drop-down menu, and confirm your contact information
- Complete the online payment process to pay the renewal fees
- After successful payment, you’ll receive an e-receipt and confirmation
Renewal via the DubaiNow app
- Download and open the DubaiNow app
- Go to RTA services, click ‘My vehicles,’ and ‘Renew vehicles’
- Enter your vehicle details and select the delivery method, date, and address
- Pay the fees using your credit or debit card
- You’ll receive your updated registration certificate and expiry sticker via your chosen delivery option
Getting your Dubai licence plates
Dubai car registration is simple once you understand the process. Ensure you’ve gathered all the required documents, have valid insurance, and cleared any fines before visiting an RTA centre or using the DubaiNow app.
Whether you’re registering a new car or are due for a licence plate renewal, staying organised and renewing on time helps you avoid penalties and keep your driving record in good standing.
FAQs
How much do Dubai licence plates cost?
Standard plates cost around AED 35-50 (15-21 AUD), while classical plates are priced between AED 150 and 200 (62-83 AUD). Luxury plates range from AED 200-500 (83-208 AUD) and VIP or auction plates can sell for millions. You may also have to pay printing and administration fees.
What is the Dubai licence plate renewal process?
You need a valid inspection, insurance, and cleared fines. You can renew online via the RTA website or DubaiNow app. Pay the fees and choose delivery or pick-up for your registration and stickers. Renewal lasts one year, with an AED 25 per month (10 AUD) late fee after a 30-day grace period.
Can I renew my registration if it expired more than a year ago?
You may need to re-register if your registration expired over a year ago, which comes with extra fees. Check with the RTA for the exact fees and any additional inspections needed.
How much does renewing a light vehicle cost in Dubai?
The standard renewal fee is AED 350 (145 AUD), including AED 20 (8 AUD) for the knowledge and innovation fee. Additional charges may apply if your vehicle requires a technical inspection.
What delivery options are available for registration documents?
You can choose standard, same-day, or two-hour delivery for your updated registration documents. Be sure to provide accurate contact and address information to avoid delays.
*Exchange rate valid as of October 2025.