Vehicle Registration Renewal in The UAE: Fees, Grace Period and Process

Vehicle registration renewal in the UAE is mandatory every year, but the authority you deal with depends on where your vehicle is registered. Dubai vehicles renew through RTA. Abu Dhabi primarily uses TAMM and Abu Dhabi Police, while the remaining emirates renew through EVG. One detail many guides overlook is the UAE’s 30 day grace period after expiry, knowing this can save you from an unnecessary penalty.

This guide covers vehicle registration renewal online in Dubai and beyond, mulkiya renewal, exact fees by vehicle type, the real grace period, and what actually happens if you’re late.

When Do You Need to Renew Vehicle Registration in the UAE?

Registration, known as the Mulkiya, is valid for 12 months and must be renewed annually. You can start renewal up to 150 days before expiry, and there’s no downside to renewing early. The new validity period runs from your original expiry date, not the renewal date.

Can You Renew Before It Expires?

Yes, and there’s no reason to wait until the last moment. Starting early gives you more buffer if inspection or insurance linking takes longer than expected.

Which Authority Handles Your Renewal?

• Dubai: RTA, the Roads and Transport Authority
• Abu Dhabi: TAMM, Abu Dhabi’s government services platform, or Abu Dhabi Police
• Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain: EVG, the Emirates Vehicle Gate

EVG also lists Abu Dhabi services and can route you to the right channel, but TAMM is Abu Dhabi’s primary dedicated portal, similar to how RTA works for Dubai.

Emirate	Renewal Authority
Dubai	RTA
Abu Dhabi	TAMM or Abu Dhabi Police
Sharjah	EVG
Ajman	EVG
Ras Al Khaimah	EVG
Fujairah	EVG
Umm Al Quwain	EVG

If you’re renewing vehicle registration online in Dubai specifically, RTA is your only channel. Vehicles registered anywhere else in the UAE go through TAMM or EVG instead, depending on the emirate.

Can You Renew Vehicle Registration From Another Emirate?

Not directly. Your vehicle must be renewed through the authority it’s registered under, RTA for Dubai, TAMM for Abu Dhabi, or EVG for the rest, regardless of which emirate you happen to be living or driving in at the time.

Can Someone Else Renew Your Vehicle Registration?

Yes. A family member, a company PRO, or an authorised representative can complete the renewal on your behalf. Depending on the renewal channel and emirate, they may need your Emirates ID details or a valid authorization to act for you.

Is the Process Different for Company Vehicles?

Yes, in one key way. Company vehicles follow the same general renewal process, but the application must be completed by the company’s authorised representative, using the business account, with the relevant trade licence on file.

Documents Required for Vehicle Registration Renewal in the UAE

• Valid Emirates ID
• Valid UAE driving licence
• Current vehicle registration card (Mulkiya)
• Renewed, active car insurance policy linked to the system
• Passed technical inspection certificate, for vehicles over 3 years old
• All outstanding traffic fines and Salik balance cleared
• Trade licence, for company registered vehicles

Can You Renew With an Expired Driving Licence?

No. The system checks your driving licence status in real time against the relevant licensing database, and an expired licence halts the renewal at that checkpoint. Renew your driving licence first, then proceed with the vehicle registration renewal.

Can You Renew Vehicle Registration If You’re Outside the UAE?

Generally no. Inspection, where required, insurance verification, and identity checks usually need someone present in the UAE to complete in person or coordinate in real time. However, another authorised person, a family member, company PRO, or representative, can complete the renewal on your behalf while you’re away, as covered above.

Do You Need Car Insurance Before Renewal?

Yes. A valid motor insurance policy is required before your renewal application can be completed. Once your insurer updates the policy in the UAE system, it’s normally linked automatically during the renewal process, so it’s worth confirming this update has gone through a day or two before you start.

Can You Renew If Your Insurance Has Expired?

No. Your insurance must be active before the renewal transaction will process. If your insurance and registration are expiring around the same time, renew or extend the insurance first, then start the registration renewal once it’s confirmed active in the system.

Do You Have to Pay Traffic Fines Before Renewal?

Yes. Outstanding traffic fines usually need to be cleared before your registration can be renewed. In Dubai, unpaid Salik toll charges can also block renewal until they’re settled. Check both before you start, since a rejected application at the payment stage costs you time, not just money.

Vehicle Registration Renewal Fees in the UAE

Vehicle Type	Renewal Fee (AED)
Light vehicle (private/public)	350
Motorcycle	200
Private vehicle, 3 to 12 tonnes	400
Public vehicle, 3 to 12 tonnes	650
Private vehicle, over 12 tonnes	800
Public vehicle, over 12 tonnes	1,000

Add a fixed AED 20 Knowledge and Innovation fee to every transaction. Technical inspection, where required, typically costs an additional AED 150 to 170.

Delivery Fees If You Want the Card Couriered

• Standard delivery: AED 20
• Same day delivery: AED 35
• Delivery within 2 hours: AED 50
• International delivery: AED 50

How Long Does Vehicle Registration Renewal Take?

For online renewals where no inspection is required, approval is usually immediate once payment is processed. If inspection is required, renewal can normally be completed the same day, once your vehicle passes.

What If You’ve Lost Your Mulkiya?

You don’t need the original registration card to renew online. Once the renewal is completed, a new digital registration card becomes available immediately, and the physical card can be delivered by courier if you select that option.

Do You Receive a Digital Mulkiya?

Yes. After a successful renewal, a digital registration card becomes available through the RTA Dubai app or the relevant authority’s platform. For Dubai specifically, this is accepted the same as the physical card during police checks. 

If you’d still like the physical card, it’s couriered separately using the delivery options above. Confirm the digital card’s acceptance if your vehicle is registered outside Dubai, since this can vary by authority.

The Vehicle Inspection: What It Checks and When It’s Required

A technical inspection is mandatory for any vehicle older than 3 years, valid for 30 days from issue. It checks brakes, tyres, lights, steering, exhaust emissions, and mandatory safety accessories like the spare wheel and fire extinguisher.

Vehicle Age	Inspection Required?
Under 3 years	No
Over 3 years	Yes

Is There an Exception for New Vehicles?

Yes, with one important condition:

• Vehicles bought new from an authorised dealer are exempt from inspection for the first 3 years
• Renewal must happen before each annual expiry to keep this exemption
• This exemption resets if ownership changes hands, even within those 3 years, a change of ownership always triggers a fresh inspection requirement

Do You Need an Appointment for Vehicle Inspection?

Yes, and this is a real, recent change. Since 2 June 2025, RTA has made online booking mandatory for vehicle inspection at Dubai testing centres, for registration, renewal, and export with plate inspections. The details are more specific than a simple yes or no:

• At most centres (19 of Dubai’s 27), a walk-in option still exists for those without a booking, but it carries an additional AED 100 fee
• At 8 specific centres, walk-ins aren’t accepted at all, a booked appointment is the only way in
• People of Determination, senior Emiratis and residents, and the Tasjeel Hatta centre are fully exempt from the booking requirement

What If My Vehicle Fails the Inspection?

You receive a report listing the issues. You have 30 days to fix them and retest. A failed retest for a light vehicle costs AED 50.

How to Renew Vehicle Registration Online

Vehicle registration renewal online works the same general way across channels:

1. Log in via UAE Pass on the RTA website, Dubai Drive app, or EVG portal depending on your emirate
2. Select the vehicle and confirm details
3. Clear any outstanding fines or Salik balance
4. Confirm insurance is linked and active
5. Pay the renewal fee
6. Choose delivery method or collect at a service centre

Most vehicles under 3 years old skip the inspection step entirely and can complete renew vehicle registration Dubai steps online in minutes.

Do You Need to Visit RTA in Person?

Only if your vehicle needs inspection, or if you prefer in-person support. Otherwise, the entire renewal can be completed through the website or app.

Where to Renew Vehicle Registration in Person

• RTA Service Centres and authorised testing centres (Tasjeel, Shamil, Wasel, Mumayaz, and others) for Dubai
• TAMM or Abu Dhabi Police service centres for Abu Dhabi
• EVG affiliated centres for the Northern Emirates
• Self-service smart kiosks, for vehicles that don’t require inspection or have already passed one

What Happens If You Don’t Renew on Time?

Is There a Grace Period for Expired Vehicle Registration?

Yes. RTA confirms a 30 day grace period after expiry, during which no late fee applies. This is the detail most competitor content misses entirely.

Can You Drive With Expired Car Registration in the UAE?

Not safely, and not without real risk beyond the grace period:

• If caught driving on an expired registration past the grace period, the penalty is an AED 500 fine, 4 black points, and potential 7 day vehicle impoundment
• Your motor insurance may also decline any claim while registration is expired, leaving you personally liable for damages
• Outstanding traffic fines can also block your renewal, so it’s worth checking your Dubai RTA fines before you start

If you’re also dealing with accumulated points, our guide on how to remove black points from a licence in the UAE covers the removal options available.

What Happens After 2 Months of Non-Renewal?

Your Traffic File gets blocked, and you’ll be notified by SMS. Resolving this requires completing the renewal process, including any inspection and outstanding fines, before the block is lifted. 

You can check your registration status and any blocks through the RTA website, the RTA Dubai app, or the Ministry of Interior’s portal, since some checks and cross emirate records are handled at the federal level alongside RTA or EVG. For a full breakdown of related vehicle penalties, see our Abu Dhabi traffic fines guide.

Updates Section

Last verified: July 2026. Reflects RTA’s current published fee schedule, the 30 day grace period, the mandatory inspection appointment rule effective 2025, and EVG’s coverage of Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates.

Conclusion

Before renewing, remember two things. First, the authority depends on where your vehicle is registered: RTA for Dubai, TAMM or Abu Dhabi Police for Abu Dhabi, and EVG for the remaining emirates. Second, while a 30 day grace period gives you some flexibility after expiry, driving beyond that window can lead to fines, black points, and even vehicle impoundment.

Confirm your exact fee and any current promotional rates directly with RTA, TAMM, or EVG before renewing, since fee schedules and grace period details are subject to change.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do you have to renew car registration in the UAE? 

Every 12 months from your last renewal date. You can renew up to 150 days early, and early renewal doesn’t shorten your coverage, it starts from your original expiry date.

How much is vehicle registration renewal in Dubai? 

AED 350 for a light private or public vehicle, rising to AED 1,000 for heavy public vehicles over 12 tonnes. Add AED 20 in fixed fees, plus AED 150 to 170 for inspection if your vehicle is over 3 years old.

Is there a grace period for expired vehicle registration in Dubai? 

Yes, 30 days from the expiry date, during which no late fee applies.

Can you drive with expired car registration in the UAE? 

Not safely. Beyond the 30 day grace period, if caught, you face an AED 500 fine, 4 black points, and possible 7 day vehicle impoundment.

Does Abu Dhabi use the same renewal system as Dubai? 

No. Dubai vehicles renew through RTA. Abu Dhabi vehicles renew primarily through TAMM or Abu Dhabi Police. Ajman, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain vehicles renew through EVG, the Emirates Vehicle Gate.

Does a new car need a technical inspection? 

No, vehicles bought new from an authorised dealer are exempt for the first 3 years, provided ownership doesn’t change hands during that period.

What happens if I don’t renew my registration within 2 months of expiry? 

Your Traffic File gets blocked, and you’re notified by SMS. You’ll need to complete the full renewal, including any inspection and fines, to lift the block.

Do I need to book an appointment for RTA vehicle inspection? 

Yes, since 2 June 2025 this is mandatory at Dubai testing centres. Walk-ins are still possible at most centres for an extra AED 100, though 8 specific centres accept booked appointments only. People of Determination, senior Emiratis and residents, and the Tasjeel Hatta centre are fully exempt.

Can I check my vehicle registration status through MOI? 

Yes, alongside the RTA or EVG portal, the Ministry of Interior’s portal can also show registration status and blocks, since some records are checked at the federal level.

Can someone else renew my vehicle registration? 

Yes. A family member, a company PRO, or an authorised representative can complete the renewal for you, though they may need your Emirates ID details or a valid authorisation depending on the channel and emirate.

Do you have to pay traffic fines before renewal? 

Yes. Outstanding traffic fines usually need to be cleared before your registration can be renewed, and in Dubai, unpaid Salik charges can block it too.

Do you need car insurance before renewal? 

Yes, a valid motor insurance policy is required before the renewal application can be completed, and it’s normally linked automatically once your insurer updates it in the system.

Can you renew if your insurance has expired? 

No. Your insurance must be active before renewal can proceed, so renew or extend it first if both are expiring around the same time.

Can you renew with an expired driving licence? 

No. The system checks your licence status in real time, and an expired licence stops the renewal until it’s renewed first.

Can you renew vehicle registration if you’re outside the UAE? 

Generally no, since inspection and identity verification usually require someone present in the UAE. An authorised representative can complete the renewal on your behalf instead.

How long does vehicle registration renewal take? 

For online renewals with no inspection required, approval is usually immediate after payment. If inspection is required, renewal can normally be completed the same day once the vehicle passes.

What if you’ve lost your Mulkiya? 

You don’t need the original card to renew online. A new digital registration card becomes available immediately after renewal, and the physical card can be couriered if requested.

Do you receive a digital Mulkiya after renewal? 

Yes, through the RTA Dubai app or the relevant authority’s platform. For Dubai specifically, it’s accepted the same as the physical card during police checks, confirming acceptance for other emirates since this can vary by authority.

Is the process different for company vehicles? 

Yes. Company vehicles follow the same general process, but the application must be completed by the company’s authorised representative using the business account, with the trade licence on file.

References

1. RTA, Renew and Amend Vehicle Data Ownership
2. UAE Government Portal, Registering Vehicles
3. Emirates Vehicle Gate (EVG)