Dubai Car Number Plate

Dubai car number plates are more than just vehicle identification—they reflect the city’s commitment to organisation, security, and even status. Every vehicle in Dubai must have a registered number plate issued by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to ensure compliance with traffic regulations. These plates help authorities track vehicles, enforce road safety laws, and prevent fraud.

In Dubai, you can find a variety of number plate types, including standard, commercial, and exclusive plates, catering to different needs and preferences. With advanced technology, you can easily register, renew, and even personalise your plates online. Whether for practical use or as a status symbol, Dubai’s number plate system plays a vital role in the city’s dynamic transport network.

But First… UAE Number Plates Explained!

The UAE number plate system, albeit a bit complex, reflects the country’s dedication to road safety and efficiency. Every number plate provides information like the purpose of the vehicle, registration details, and ownership type. This makes it easy to identify the vehicle and efficiently manage the transportation across the seven emirates.

UAE number plates are unique identifiers assigned to every vehicle. The number plate format differs based on the Emirate you live in and the vehicle category — providing comprehensive information about the car and supporting traffic management and law enforcement.

What is Number Plate Categories in Dubai, UAE?

The following are the two main categories of number plates in the UAE —

Standard Number Plates - These number plates are a blend of alphanumeric characters that represent the emirates in which the cars are registered. It consists of a 3-letter code which symbolises the emirate of registration followed by a 4-digit number.
Special Number Plates - There are several categories of special number plates in the UAE. VIP number plates are reserved for high-ranking officials whereas diplomatic plates are issued only to the diplomats and embassy staff.

In fact, you can even find heritage number plates — representing historical and cultural significance — that are suitable for collection purposes.

How to Get a Number Plate for Your Car in Dubai?

Registration for New Car Number Plate in Dubai

You can easily get a standard number plate in Dubai for your new car. Just note that the car must be registered with the RTA — dealers help in registering the number plate in Dubai.

Make sure that the registration process is done the right way and that the number plate you choose is as per RTA rules.

Registration for Used Car Number Plate in Dubai

In the UAE, the used car market is thriving. For used cars, the RTA registration process is the same as that for new cars. When you buy a used car in Dubai, get it inspected to proceed with the registration process. This involves transferring ownership and registering the car number under the new owner.

If desired, the new owner can change the number plate. Without dealer involvement, the car owner must handle the registration and number plate change themselves.

Steps for RTA Number Plate Registration for Used Cars in Dubai

Step1-Complete the vehicle inspection and ownership transfer.
Step2-Visit the RTA website or office to apply for a number plate change.
Step3-Submit the required documents and pay the fees.
Step4-Submit the old number plate.
Step5-Get the new number plate registered and fixed.

Types of Number Plates in Dubai

Let’s take a look at the types of number plates in Dubai —

Private Plates - The most common type of car number plate in Dubai, featuring standard letter and number combinations
Commercial Plates - These types of number plates are issued for business vehicles, taxis, and public transport
Special Number Plates - They feature shorter numbers or unique combinations, often sold at high-end auctions
Government & Diplomatic Plates - They have distinct colour schemes and designs for easy identification

Dubai Number Plates Explained -

If you plan to change your plate across any Dubai number plate categories, you should first know whether you are eligible for it and have the required documents. As per the Road Transport Authority (RTA), both individuals and organisations can apply for changing number plates in Dubai. Here is a list of the documents to apply for a Dubai licence plate —

Vehicle ownership certificate
Valid Emirates ID or residence visa
Original vehicle number plate
Police report if you have lost the original plate

How to Reserve Dubai Number Plate?

You can reserve your Dubai number plate via the Ministry of Interior’s official website or mobile application. Follow the steps mentioned below to reserve the Dubai number plate -

Step1-Once logged in, go to the 'e-services' list and click 'Traffic & Licensing.'
Step2-Then, select 'Reserve Vehicle Plate Number' and click 'Start Service.' Here, users are categorised as Individuals or Company Representatives. If you're a company representative, select your company from the drop-down list first.
Step3-Choose a plate number and select a reservation period (3, 6, or 12 months).
Step4-Click 'Next' to see the service fees, then proceed to the payment gateway.
Step5-Pay the fees, and you'll receive an electronic reservation confirmation, including a reservation certificate for vehicle registration.

The service has fees based on how long you want to reserve the plate number:

Three months: AED 500
Six months: AED 1,000
One year: AED 2,000

How to Do Replace A Lost/Damaged Number Plate in Dubai ?

You can replace your lost or damaged Dubai number plate using the following steps -

Apply Online for Replacing Number Plate in Dubai

Step1-Log in to the RTA’s official website.
Step2-Enter ‘Number Plate’ and ‘Code’.
Step3-Select ‘Replacing Lost or Damaged Plates’.
Step4-Provide the necessary information and pay the required fee.
Step5-Receive the number plate from the nearest centre.

Apply Offline for Replacing Car Number Plate in Dubai

Step1-Visit the nearest Customer Happiness Centre and approach the front desk.
Step2-The front desk employee will send you a link.
Step3-Upload the required documents through the link and receive a transaction code.
Step4-Give the transaction code to the front desk employee and sign the application electronically.
Step5-Pay the required fee and receive the number plate within 10 minutes.

The fees to reissue lost, stolen, or damaged Dubai number plates are -

AED 35 - short plate
AED 50 - long plate
AED 500 - luxury plate
AED 25 - short motorcycle plate
AED 50 - vehicle registration card
AED 100 - special Expo plate
AED 20 - additional knowledge fee (if the service charges exceed AED 50

How to Buy a Special Car Number Plate in Dubai?

To get a special number plate in Dubai, follow the steps below —

Step1-Visit the RTA Dubai official website and select the ‘Inquire about the distinguished plate numbers’ tab.
Step2-You can log in using your UAE Pass or RTA account credentials.
Step3-Scroll down a bit and hit the ‘Apply Now’ button.
Step4-Enter the desired numbers for your vehicle plate.
Step5-Choose the plate category (e.g., ‘private’ for privately owned cars).
Step5-Enter the plate code.
Step6-Select the number of digits (1 to 5 digits). Note that single-digit plates are highly valued and expensive.
Step7-Enter the exact serial or number combination you want.
Step8-Optionally, enter the amount you are willing to pay for the plate.
Step9-Click on ‘Start Search.’

You will see the available options based on your details, including whether the specific number is already in use.

Fees Associated with Dubai Car Number Plate

Check out the fees for car number plates in Dubai —

Short Plate — AED 35
Luxury Plate — AED 500
Expo-branded Plates — AED 200
Expiry Sticker — AED 10
Long Plates — AED 50
Dubai-branded Plates — AED 200
New Ownership Certificate — AED 50

Note: Knowledge and Innovation fees of AED 20 are charged along with the Dubai number plate fee.Consider what you want your plate to say about you and your budget. Whether you choose a simple short plate or a luxury one, make sure it reflects your style.

How to Bid on Car Number Plate in Dubai?

Having a fancy number plate is seen as a status symbol by car owners in the UAE. This passion for unique or fewer-digit number plates has led to the trend of car number plate auctions.

These auctions, conducted by the RTA, allow the highest bidder to own the fancy number.

Car Number Plate Auction in Dubai -

Conducted by RTA, both online and offline.

Security deposit: AED 5,000
Registration fee: AED 120

For online auctions, you need an RTA account.

Payment must be cleared within 10 days via cash or credit card.Steps to Register for Car Number Plate Auction in Dubai

Step1-Visit the RTA Dubai website.
Step2-Log in to your account.
Step3-Go to the ‘Auction’ section and enter your details.
Step4-Navigate to the Licensing section.
Step5-Click on ‘Request for New Plate’.
Step6-Hit the ‘Electronic Auction’ button.
Step7-Select the number you want to bid on from the listed plates.

Important: Besides the RTA website, you can purchase fancy number plates from RTA-approved dealers in Dubai.

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

How to Transfer Dubai Car Number Plate Ownership?

You can transfer your Dubai car number plate ownership along with car ownership at the centres authorised by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority.

The list includes —

Al Qusais Registration
Warsan Registration
Hatta Registration
Al-Awir Registration
Shamil Al-Aded Shamil Muhaisnah
Shamil Al Qusais
Elias Centre
Al Barsha Registration
Jebel Ali Registration
Discovery Gardens Registration
Arab City Registration
Shamil Nad Al Hammar, and more

You can also transfer the ownership online using your UAE Pass. This facility helps in transferring Dubai car number plate ownership.

How to Transfer Car Ownership in Dubai - Online & Offline

To transfer Dubai car number plate online, you need to fulfil the following conditions —

The seller and buyer must agree on the sale price and payment method in advance.
The seller needs to get the buyer's details (UAE Pass, mobile number, or traffic file).
The transaction will be registered using the verified UAE Pass.
The service fee must be paid.

Sharjah Car Number Plate - Types, Reserve & Replace, Charges