How to Renew Car Registration in Dubai (Vehicle Licence / Mulkiya)
You must renew your vehicle registration (the Mulkiya) every year. It is valid for a maximum of 12 months. You can renew up to 150 days before it expires. There is also a grace period of 30 days after the expiry date. A new car bought from an authorised UAE dealer does not need a technical inspection for the first 3 years. Your insurance must be valid, and you must pay all fines, before the RTA accepts your payment.
At a glance
- Cost:
- AED 370 (private light vehicle, Category A) incl. Knowledge & Innovation fees
- Total time:
- Instant once insurance + inspection are in the system
- Steps:
- 7 steps
- Where to apply:
- rta.ae
Last reviewed October 2026 against official sources. Re-checked annually · next review due October 2027.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official UAE sources(October 2026).
0 of 7 steps
- Before You Go Same day
Arrange valid insurance
The RTA checks your insurance before it accepts your payment. If your policy has expired, the system blocks the renewal. Buy a policy, or renew your policy, first.
Click to mark as done
- Go Same day Varies by test type
Pass the technical inspection if due
Your car needs an inspection if it is older than 3 years. A new car from an authorised UAE dealer does not need one for the first 3 years. The inspection certificate is valid for 30 days. The inspection fee depends on the type of test. You can see it when you book on rta.ae.
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- Before You Go Same day
Clear outstanding fines
Unpaid traffic fines and Salik violations block the renewal. Pay them before you apply.
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- Submit & Pay Minutes
Apply on rta.ae, the RTA Dubai app, or DubaiNow
Log in with UAE Pass. Choose your vehicle. The system checks your insurance and your inspection on its own. There is nothing to upload.
Click to mark as done
- Submit & Pay At application AED 370 (Category A)
Pay the renewal fee
For a private light vehicle with a Category A plate, the fee is AED 350 plus AED 10 Knowledge plus AED 10 Innovation. That is AED 370 in total. Other plate categories cost more. Check the current fee for your plate category on rta.ae.
Click to mark as done
- Receive Instant (digital)
Receive your Mulkiya
Your digital registration certificate comes by SMS and email right after you pay. It is legally valid at once. The physical card then comes by courier. Or you can print it at a self-service machine. Or you can add it to Apple Wallet through the RTA Dubai app.
Click to mark as done
- Follow Up Varies From AED 420 + late fines
If the registration expired more than one year ago
You must re-register the car. The base fee is AED 400, plus AED 20 in Knowledge and Innovation fees. There is also a late fine of AED 500 for each year the registration has expired. Your traffic file may be blocked if you do not renew for 2 months.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a grace period after expiry?
Yes. You have 30 days after the expiry date. Do not drive with an expired registration. Fines apply.
How early can I renew?
Up to 150 days before the expiry date.
Does my car need an inspection every year?
No. A new car from an authorised UAE dealer does not need an inspection for the first 3 years. An older car needs a technical inspection before renewal.
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