Renew car registration (mulkiya) in Dubai: fees, inspection and insurance

A vehicle registered in Dubai (the ownership card, or mulkiya) is renewed every year through the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Before you pay, the RTA checks two things: that the car has valid insurance and, if it needs one, a passed technical inspection. The renewed registration is issued instantly and is valid for one year.

The fees for a car

Example: a private car that needs inspection costs AED 350 + 20 + 170 = AED 540 to renew; one that does not need inspection costs AED 370.

Other vehicles: motorcycle AED 200; private vehicle of 3 to 12 tonnes AED 400; classical car AED 350 (inspection AED 420); each plus AED 20.

Does my car need the inspection?

• A new private car bought from a local authorised dealer, with no mileage and you as its first owner, can be renewed for 3 years without inspection.
• Any change of owner needs an inspection, even within those 3 years.
• Cars that need no inspection can be renewed online only; others are renewed after the inspection.
• The inspection is booked by appointment on the RTA website or app. A light vehicle takes about 32 minutes, and you should arrive within 15 minutes of your slot. The certificate is valid for 30 days.
• Tyres older than 5 years from their manufacture date, or damaged, will fail the inspection.

Insurance

The insurance must be valid on the day you renew; a policy that starts a week later is not accepted. The RTA notes that under the Federal Traffic Law registration is valid for up to 12 months with a 30-day grace period after it, and that the insurance should be valid for at least 6 months including that grace period. Your insurer updates the details in the traffic system.

Timing and late renewal

• You can renew up to 150 days before expiry; the new year then counts from the date you apply.
• Late renewal adds a fee that depends on the vehicle category and how late you are. The RTA does not publish the amounts on this page.
• If you do not renew within 2 months of expiry, your traffic file is blocked and you are notified by SMS.
• You must pay that vehicle’s fines first. If you own several vehicles, start with the one that expires first.

The steps

1. Book and pass the technical inspection, if your car needs one.
2. Log in on the RTA website or app (UAE Pass, or your Emirates ID, licence or plate details).
3. Choose the vehicle and renewal; the RTA checks the insurance and inspection.
4. Pay the fees.
5. Receive the registration by SMS or email, in Apple Wallet through the RTA Dubai app, from a self-service machine, or by delivery.

Good to know

• If both the car and your residence visa are from another emirate, renew with that emirate’s licensing authority.
• If the car is abroad, an inspection certificate ratified by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE embassy must be presented within a month; GCC nationals are exempt from the ratification.
• The RTA call centre is 800 90 90.

Also for drivers: renewing your driving licence, and the Salik calculator.

Checked against the RTA service pages (updated 27 August and 31 July 2026) on 5 October 2026. Fees can change; the RTA shows the amount due when you apply. General information. See our editorial policy.