Abu Dhabi Car Number Plate

The details of each plate are coded and stored in a database linked to the manufacturer.Keep on reading to find out more about Abu Dhabi vehicle number plates!

Abu Dhabi number plates feature numbers ranging from 1, 4, 5, 6, 7 to 17, or 50, representing the year in red bands. These red bands are placed either on the left or top of the plate. Each plate has no more than 5 digits. Category 11 plates were introduced in 2011 to address shortages in previous categories. Additionally, new designs for light vehicles were launched in 2018, featuring different front and rear designs. Note that replacing old plates is optional.

How to Get a Car Number Plate in Abu Dhabi?

Here’s how to get an Abu Dhabi car number plate —

Number Plate in Abu Dhabi for New Car

Abu Dhabi Police encourages vehicle owners to use its convenient service for receiving and installing number plates for heavy and light vehicles as well as bicycles across the UAE. As this service is handled by a specialised delivery company, there is no need for multiple visits to customer service centres.

Here’s how residents can request delivery of Abu Dhabi vehicle plates online —

Submit a service request via Abu Dhabi Police’s electronic service channels or the ‘TAMM’ digital channels.
Choose the desired service and complete the payment.
After payment, you will be contacted to coordinate the delivery time and location.
Your information regarding Abu Dhabi number plates and more will be updated on the traffic system.

This service aims to enhance customer happiness and well-being as part of Abu Dhabi Police’s strategy to provide innovative and proactive services, improving overall quality of life. The Drivers and Vehicles Licensing Directorate meets customer needs by developing smart services, staying up-to-date with technological advancements, and narrowing down procedures.

Number Plate in Abu Dhabi for Used Car

The process of getting Abu Dhabi number plates and registering used cars is similar to new vehicles. You, as a buyer, need to handle the registration instead of the seller or dealer. Used car buyers must have their vehicles inspected at authorised testing centres before registration, especially if the car is over 3 years old.

If the previous owner had a VIP number plate, the registration centre will issue a new plate. This is because VIP plates are expensive and remain with the original purchaser.

Abu Dhabi Number Plates — How to Reserve and Replace Number Plates?

Here is how to reserve and replace lost or damaged number plates in Abu Dhabi —

How to Reserve a Car Number Plate in Abu Dhabi?

At the owner's request, Abu Dhabi number plates can be reserved for unregistered cars for 6 to 12 months.

For offline application, you can visit the Traffic Department Centre or nearby Abu Dhabi Police Service Centres.

For online reservations, follow these steps —

Step1- Log into the Ministry of Interior (MOI) official website
Step2- Install and apply through the MOI app
Step3- Register online on the app or the website.
Step4- Choose the service ‘Reserve vehicle plate number’
Step5- Upload your original Emirates ID
Step6- Pay the specified fees

Emirates ID is the document required for reserving the number plate in Abu Dhabi.

How to Replace Lost or Damaged Abu Dhabi Number Plates?

Businesses and individual car owners can request to replace lost or damaged Abu Dhabi number plates. Here are the requirements —

Provide a valid vehicle licence
Pay any outstanding fines
Return the damaged number plate

Required Documents

Valid Emirates ID
Valid car registration

Replacement Process

Apply with the required documents at the service counter
Pay the necessary fees
Collect the new number plate

Abu Dhabi Number Plate Charges

Check out the costs associated with reserving Abu Dhabi car number plates —

For 3 months — AED 500
For 6 months — AED 1,000
For 1 year — AED 2,000

Listed below are the charges for replacing lost or damaged Abu Dhabi car number plates —

For Identity Plate — AED 200
For Small Car Number Plate — AED 35
For 2 Small Plates — AED 60
For 1 Long Plate — AED 45
For 2 Long Plates — AED 70
For Sports Car Number Plates — AED 500

How to Buy a Special Number Plate in Abu Dhabi?

Many car owners looking for unique number plates take part in auctions organised by Emirates Auction and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai. In fact, Emirates Auction also offers online bidding for Abu Dhabi number plates on its website.

To participate, you need a valid Emirates ID and a traffic file number. Keep in mind that only the highest bidder wins the special number plate.

RTA/Driving License
RTA - Roads and Transport Authority	Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Dubai
Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Sharjah	Driving License UAE
Transfer Car Registration	Driving License in Dubai

Trivia

Many people spend a lot on unique number plates at auctions to resell them at higher prices later. The value of these fancy plates often increases over time, making the number plate business a reliable investment in the UAE.

How to Transfer Abu Dhabi Car Number Plate Ownership?

You can transfer your Abu Dhabi number plate ownership by transferring the vehicle ownership altogether.

Transferring vehicle ownership in Abu Dhabi is a simple process. Whether you're buying or selling, here are the steps to follow —

Step 1: Gather the Required Documents — Make sure you have these documents ready:
- Vehicle Registration Card (Mulkiya): The seller must have this document
- Emirates ID: Both the seller and buyer need to present their IDs
- Passports and Visas: Copies for both parties
- Insurance Certificate: Valid insurance for the vehicle
- Sale Agreement: A signed and notarised agreement
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): If the vehicle is financed, get an NOC from the bank
Step 2: Vehicle Inspection — Take the vehicle to an approved inspection centre to ensure it meets safety standards. The inspection certificate is needed for the transfer.
Step 3: Pay Outstanding Fines — Check for any fines on the vehicle and clear them before proceeding. You can pay for these online through the Abu Dhabi Police website.
Step 4: Visit the Traffic Department — Visit the Abu Dhabi Traffic Department or an authorised registration centre. Find the nearest one using the TAMM services.
Step 5: Fill in the Transfer Application — Get the vehicle ownership transfer application form at the registration centre, fill it out, and submit it with your documents.
Step 6: Payment — Pay the transfer fee, which depends on the vehicle type and age. Fee details are available on the TAMM website or app.
Step 7: Collect the New Registration Card — Once approved, you’ll get the new vehicle registration certificate (also known as Mulkiya) in the new owner’s name.