How to Renew Car Registration in Dubai

Owning a car in Dubai is a privilege, and with it comes the responsibility of keeping your vehicle’s registration up-to-date. The registration card (often referred to as the “Mulkiya”) is vital for legal compliance, valid insurance, and avoiding fines or vehicle impoundment. This article walks you through everything you need to know about renewing your vehicle registration in Dubai via the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) system! Laws & regulations, process, documents, fees, validity, common pitfalls and tips.

Why Car Registration Renewal in Dubai is Important

Before diving into the steps, it’s helpful to understand why renewal matters:

• Legal requirement: Every vehicle registered in Dubai must have a valid registration card. Driving with expired registration can lead to fines or even impoundment.
• Insurance validity: Most insurers will not cover a vehicle whose registration has expired or is not renewed.
• Road-worthiness and safety: The renewal process includes (for older vehicles) a vehicle inspection to ensure it remains safe to drive.
• Ownership transfer / resale: If you plan to sell the vehicle or transfer ownership, a valid registration is often required. 

Laws & Regulations: What You Must Know

• Validity period: A vehicle registration in Dubai is valid for one year.
• Grace period: After the expiry date you typically have a grace period (commonly 30 days) before more serious penalties apply.
• Inspection requirement: If your vehicle is more than 3 years old (or if specified by RTA), you must pass a technical inspection before renewal.
• Insurance requirement: You must have valid vehicle insurance covering the renewal period (and often at least 6-12 months ahead) in order to renew.
• Outstanding fines / restrictions: All traffic fines or restrictions (Salik tolls, black points, etc) must be cleared before renewal will process.
• Renewal window: RTA allows renewal earlier than expiry! You can often renew up to 150 days before the expiry date.   
• Delay/re-registration fees: If you miss renewal beyond the grace period, extra fees or re-registration may apply.  Before renewing, make sure to check car accident history in the UAE.

Required Documents & Pre-checks

Before you begin the renewal procedure, make sure the following are ready:

Pre-checks

• Confirm your vehicle insurance is active and valid.
• Confirm your vehicle inspection (if needed) has been passed and the certificate is valid.
• Check your traffic file for any unpaid fines or outstanding issues.
• Make sure your vehicle registration (Mulkiya) is available (physical or digital) and your Emirates ID is valid. ou may also need to check car fines in the UAE before renewal.

Documents

Here are the typical documents required for registration renewal in Dubai:

• Emirates ID (for identity verification)

• Driving licence (if relevant)

• Valid vehicle insurance policy (covering the renewal period)

• Current registration card (Mulkiya) ! Physical or digital copy

• Passed vehicle inspection certificate if the vehicle is beyond the age threshold or required to be inspected.

Note: If the vehicle has been modified significantly (e.g., plate change, colour change, etc) additional steps may apply (inspection, amendments).

Step-by-Step Process to Renew Car Registration in Dubai

The good news is that the process is quite flexible: you have multiple channels (online, app, kiosks, in-person). I’ll outline each:

Option A: Renew via RTA Website

• Log into your account on the RTA website.

• Navigate to Driving → My Vehicle (or equivalent) → select the vehicle you wish to renew.
• Choose the service “Renew and Amend Vehicle Data / Ownership” under Vehicle Licensing Services.
• System verifies that your insurance is valid and the vehicle has a valid technical inspection certificate (if required).
• Select delivery method for your renewed certificate (SMS/email, Self-Service Machine, courier) and pay the renewal fee via credit/debit card.
• Once payment is processed, you receive your updated registration certificate (either instantly digital or physical card via courier). If you don’t own a car yet, here’s how to rent a car in Dubai.

Option B: Renew via Mobile App (RTA App / DubaiNow)

• Open the official RTA mobile app or the DubaiNow app.

• Login and go to Driving → My Vehicle.
• Select the vehicle and tap “Renew Vehicle Registration” or equivalent.
• The app verifies insurance & inspection validity.
• Pay the renewal fees in-app.
• Choose how you want to receive the new registration certificate: via email, SMS, Self-Service machine or courier.
• You might also receive an electronic certificate (for Apple devices via Apple Wallet) if supported.

Option C: Self-Service Machines / Smart Kiosks

1. Visit an RTA self-service machine / smart kiosk.
2. Choose “Vehicle Renewal” / “Online Services” / “My Vehicles”.
3. Enter vehicle details. The system checks insurance & inspection automatically.
4. Pay renewal fees via card.
5. The machine prints your renewed registration certificate instantly.

Option D: Vehicle Registration & Inspection Centres / In-Person

1. Visit a designated RTA Vehicle Registration & Inspection Centre or Customer Happiness Centre.
2. At the front desk, provide your mobile number; you may receive a link or be directed to the inspection yard.
3. If your vehicle needs inspection: it is checked in the yard; once passed, you are notified to proceed.
4. Pay renewal fees via the link or at payment counter.
5. Receive your renewed registration certificate via SMS/email or pick up/print it. Check more driving info in the Automobile category.

Key Points to Remember 

• Ensure insurance is valid
• Ensure inspection certificate (if needed) is valid
• Clear any fines or restrictions
• Select your renewal channel (online/app/kiosk/in-person)
• Submit or pay as required
• Receive renewed registration
• Keep a record and ensure your vehicle remains compliant. or modern car buyers, learn how hybrid cars work.

Fees & Charges

The renewal cost depends on vehicle type, weight and whether you’re actually re-registering (e.g., after expiration). Here are typical fees for light vehicles (private/public) in Dubai:

• Renewal fee for light vehicle private/public: approx AED 350.
• Additional charges may apply: courier/delivery fees for the physical card, or late renewal fees if you delay.
• Inspection fees (for cars that require annual inspection) vary (AED 150–170 approx) depending on vehicle category.
• If your vehicle registration has expired for more than 1 year, a re-registration fee may be applied (which is higher).
• Delivery options: Standard courier (~AED 20), same-day (~AED 35), 2-hour (~AED 50) etc for card delivery. In emergencies, know how to jump-start a car.

Dubai Vehicle Registration Renewal Fees Breakdown

Vehicle Type	Renewal Fee (AED)	Re-registration Fee (AED)	Inspection Fee (AED)
Light Vehicle (Private & Public Transport)	350	400	150
Heavy Vehicle (Private)	400	500	200
Heavy Vehicle (Public Transport)	650	750	200
Mechanical Equipment (Light, Private)	500	600	150
Mechanical Equipment (Light, Public Transport)	800	800	150
Mechanical Equipment (Heavy, Private)	800	1,000	200
Mechanical Equipment (Heavy, Public Transport)	1,000	1,300	200
Trailer and Semi-Trailer	120	120	150
Bus (14–26 Passengers)	300	500	200
Bus (More than 26 Passengers)	600	1,200	200
Motorcycle	200	200	120

It’s always wise to check the most recent fee table on the RTA official site, as fees may be updated.

Validity, Expiry & What Happens If You Delay

• Each registration is valid for one year.
• You can renew before expiry (up to 150 days prior) which helps avoid last-minute rush.
• After expiry, you have the grace period (about 30 days) during which renewal can still occur without major penalty.
• If you delay beyond the grace period:
  • Late renewal fines accumulate.
  • Your traffic file may be blocked.
  • Your vehicle may be impounded if extremely overdue.
• Still, even if expired, you can often renew! But you may incur higher fee (re-registration) and more tedious steps.

Tips for a Smooth Renewal Experience

• Check your insurance early: Many issues at renewal stem from insurance that hasn’t been updated in the RTA system.
• Book inspection ahead of time: Especially if your vehicle is older; avoid being caught out with failed inspection near expiry.
• Clear fines in advance: Unpaid fines block renewal. Check your traffic file proactively.
• Use online/app channels: Much faster, fewer queues.
• Keep your Emirates ID, driving licence and registration card ready: Having all documents handy speeds things.
• Set a reminder: Mark your renewal deadline on your calendar. Even though you may get SMS/RTA alerts, don’t rely solely on them.
• Consider early renewal: To avoid peak times near expiry and to secure your digital certificate ahead.
• Keep a print/digital copy of your renewed registration: If you receive electronic certificate, still keep a backup.

Step-By-Step Walk-through Example

Here’s a full scenario illustrating the process:

1. Two weeks before expiry: You check your vehicle’s registration is due soon in your RTA account.
2. You renew or verify your vehicle insurance, making sure it will remain valid for at least 6-12 months ahead.
3. You go to an authorised testing centre and book a roadworthiness inspection (because your car is over three years old). The car passes.
4. On the RTA website you log in, select “My Vehicle” → “Renew and Amend Vehicle Data / Ownership”. The system automatically checks your insurance and inspection certificate.
5. You pay the renewal fee online (AED ~350 for a light vehicle) plus any small courier fee if you want the card delivered.
6. You choose digital delivery via email/SMS (or courier if you prefer). You receive confirmation and the updated registration certificate.
7. You keep the digital certificate on your phone and ensure that your vehicle’s physical registration card is updated or you wait for the courier delivery.
8. On the due date you drive legally with valid registration and insurance, avoiding last-minute rush or penalty.

What Changes if the Vehicle is Outside the UAE / Commercial / Heavy Vehicles

• If your vehicle is outside the UAE, special steps may apply: obtaining a test certificate from abroad, embassy verification etc.
• For commercial vehicles, heavy vehicles, public transport vehicles or special plate changes, the fees, inspection intervals and requirements may differ. (Heavy vehicles may incur higher fees)
• If you change major ownership data (plate number change, colour change, mortgage etc) you may need an amended registration service rather than just renewal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting until the last minute and then discovering your insurance or inspection is invalid! Causing delays or fines.
• Ignoring outstanding fines which block renewal.
• Assuming a “new” car always skips inspection! Sometimes it’s still required depending on use/age.
• Not keeping proof of renewal (digital or physical) in the car.
• Forgetting to verify the delivery of the renewed registration card (if you opted for courier).
• Driving with expired registration believing “it will be OK” ! Risky, because you may get fines or your insurance invalidated.

What’s New / Digital Advances

• Many renewal tasks can be done fully online via the RTA website or apps! Reducing the need for physical visits.
• Self-service machines (kiosks) allow instant printing of the renewed certificate.
• Delivery options for certificate have expanded: SMS/email, courier, even via Apple Wallet for compatible devices.

FAQs

Can I renew online without visiting a centre?

Yes. If all criteria (inspection, insurance, fines) are clear, you can renew completely online via the RTA website or mobile app.

Do I always need to pass an inspection for renewal?

Not always. New vehicles (certain age) may be exempt for the first few years. But if your vehicle is over 3 years old, inspection is typically required.

What documents do I need?

Emirates ID, driving licence (if applicable), valid insurance policy, current registration card, inspection certificate (if required). (Plus fines cleared)

What happens if I don’t renew on time?

Fines, file blocking, possibly vehicle impoundment. Insurance may become invalid.

When can I renew my registration (how early)?

Up to 150 days before expiry in many cases.

I bought a used car! Does the renewal process differ?

Largely the same in terms of renewal. But if ownership transfer occurred, ensure all transfer formalities were done. Also used cars may need inspection earlier.