All about Car Licence Plate in Dubai

A car number plate is a mandatory identity factor of a vehicle in the UAE. It is also well-known that driving a vehicle without a number plate is a serious offence and the vehicle can be confiscated by the authorities. Every car is given a number plate with a different identification number of their choice. Vehicle registration in Dubai followed by number plate fix is a process of completing a car purchase. Even the number plate on a vehicle is considered a status symbol in the UAE and luxurious car owners tend to get fancy numbers for their cars. 

Types of Car Number Plates in Dubai

Getting a number plate for your car in Dubai is a simple process but you must understand the types of number plates available. In UAE, the RTA number plate rules and designs are different in different emirates. The vehicle number plate design will be according to the particular rules of the city you are getting your vehicle registered at. If you got your car registered in Dubai, then the number plate will be according to the RTA Dubai number plate official design. 

The different RTA number plates in Dubai are, 

• Short Plate
• Long Plate
• Coloured Dubai Logo
• Luxurious Plate 

The car number plate in Dubai has one or two letters A or AA which is called Plate Code followed by the Plate number that is a maximum of 5 digits. The lesser the digits on the number plate, the higher the price for the number plate. 

The fees for number plate are as follows, 

• Short Plate - AED 35
• Long Plate - AED 50
• Luxury Plate - AED 500
• Dubai Branded Plates - AED 500
• Expo branded plates  AED 500
• New ownership certificate - AED 50
• Expiry sticker - AED 10 

Knowledge and Innovation fees of AED 20 are charged in addition to the number plate fee. 

New Car Number Plate in Dubai - Registration

New cars which are out of the showroom should be registered with the RTA and the car dealers usually help in the registration process along with the number plate registration. The car owner should make sure that the registration process is done right and the number plate is according to the RTA rules and regulations. 

Used Car Number Plate Registration in Dubai

In the UAE, the market for used cars is high. It is important to note that the used cars should undergo the RTA registration process similar to the new cars. When you buy a used car in Dubai, get the car inspection done and go ahead with the vehicle registration process. The vehicle re-registration process is usually transferring the car ownership from one person to another and with the registration, the new car owner also should register the car number. 

The used car owner can change the plate number as per their interest. As no car dealers are involved in the case of used cars, the car owner should get the registration and number plate changed by themselves. 

Steps for RTA number plate registration for Used Cars in Dubai are, 

• Once the vehicle inspection and ownership transfer are done visit the RTA website or the office and apply for an RTA number plate change 
• Submit the required documents 
• Pay the required fees 
• It is also required to submit the old number plate 
• Get the new number plate registered and fixed 

Number Plate Auctions in Dubai

Having a fancy number plate is considered a status symbol by car owners in the UAE. This craze for the fancy or fewer digits on car number plates has started a trend of car number plate auctions. Where the fancy number plates are put up for auction and the highest bidder can own the number. 

The car number plate auction in Dubai is conducted by RTA online on their website or offline as well. For both online and physical auctions, the security deposit of AED 5000 is charged along with the registration fee of AED 120. In the case of the online auction, the buyer should have an account on the RTA website. The buyer should clear the payment amount in 10 days through cash or credit card. 

Steps to Register for Car Number Plate Auction in Dubai

• Visit the RTA Dubai website
• Login to your account 
• Go to Auction & Enter your Details 
• Go to Licencing Section 
• Click on “Request for New Plate” 
• Click on “Electronic Auction” 
• The number plates are listed. Select the number you want to bid on   

Apart from the Electronic Auction on the RTA website, there are several RTA approved number plate dealers in Dubai from whom you can purchase a fancy number plate of your choice and get it registered on your name as per the RTA traffic rules. 

Check RTA Special Number Plate Details in Dubai

You can also check the RTA number plate details online by visiting the RTA website. This will give status on the number plate you want to buy. If the number plate is not owned by anyone you can purchase it. 

• Search for “Enquire about Special Plate Numbers” 
• Click on Apply Now 
• Enter the number you want to get and click on Search