How to renew your car registration in the UAE
When it comes to your car, one thing you have to do every year is renew your registration. Fortunately, the authorities in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have made the process relatively seamless.
A 30-day grace period gives drivers time. This allows owners to drive their car to the garage for repairs, which is also why insurance policies are 13 months long.
In the past drivers that did not renew their car’s registration after the 30-day grace period were charged a Dh10 fee per month. But since April 15, people caught driving a car with an expired registration have been given a Dh500 fine and four black points at new toll gates in Abu Dhabi. Cars can be also impounded for seven days and some drivers have lost their licences.
To help you prevent this scenario, here is a quick guide for your next renewal:
Documents to prepare
First, you need to ensure there are no outstanding fines on the car. Pay traffic fines through the Dubai or Abu Dhabi police websites, or pay them at the time of registration. However, if there are any pending black points on your car then you might have to visit the police to resolve this.
To renew your registration, you need your Emirates ID and driving licence along with; the renewed motor vehicle insurance, the old registration card and a car test certificate stating the car has passed the examination.
Getting the car tested
New cars are exempt from testing for the first two years, after which you will need to visit one of the Adnoc or RTA vehicle testing centres to have your vehicle assessed and earn the “passed” certificate. This is to ensure the car is roadworthy, ensuring your tyres, braking, steering and suspension systems, chassis and attachments are up to par.
Depending on your vehicle category, you may also need to display your safety triangle, spare wheel and fire extinguisher. The test costs approximately Dh170, takes 20 to 40 minutes and is valid for 30 days. If the validity lapses, or the car fails and needs to be retested, the fees will need to paid again. If you buy a new car in the UAE through a dealer, they will often take care of the registration for the first year. From the second year onwards though, you will need to renew the registration yourself. The UAE authorities have plenty of conveniently located centres where you can renew your car’s registration.
How to renew
Now that you have all the documents in place, you have two options:
In-person: Wait in line at the registration centre, pay the renewal fees (Dh350 in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai) and pick up the renewed registration card. You will also be handed a registration sticker with a new expiry date. Place that on the rear number plate over the old one, and voila, you are done
Online: Or you could try the online route by heading over to the RTA website or Abu Dhabi Police e-services portal. There you simply select your vehicle, submit the relevant documents online and confirm a delivery method (either courier or collecting the registration at any authorised offices). After you have paid the fees, your application will be processed within five working days.
Get someone to take care of it
If you don’t have the time for all this, you could try the RTA’s “Personal Appearance Service”. For this, visit the RTA’s customer service centre once and you will then receive a PIN on your mobile after registering your details. Anyone using the PIN can do the licensing work at the RTA on your behalf, whether it’s for one car or multiple cars in your name. Other transactions like exporting, transferring or selling the number plate can also be carried out using the PIN. Note, however, that the PIN expires after your representative’s visit. For further visits, you will need to get a new PIN.