How to renew your car registration in Dubai

It's that time of the year when you have to renew your vehicle registration in Dubai. This article will explain how it's done in the simplest way possible. In fact, I renewed mine yesterday, and I was very impressed with the convenient renewal process.

First, you'll need the following documents ready:

- Your vehicle may be required to be tested in an RTA-certified testing center, such as Enoc's Tasjeel. To view a list of certified centers, click here.

- Residence visa for expats

- Car insurance

- Fine clearance on your traffic file (if any)

Vehicle Testing

The renewal process begins with vehicle testing at a certified center like Tasjeel. You'll need to get a "Pass" to ensure your car is safe and road-worthy. The inspection typically takes up to 15 minutes to test a light vehicle, although you might get yours done in about 6 to 7 minutes (if the testing center is not crowded). The average time ranges from 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the volume of customers when you hand over your car until the inspection is complete and you receive your vehicle. The test certificate issued by RTA is valid for 30 days from the issue date, so you'll need to complete your renewal process within that period. 

According to RTA, "The vehicle testing promotes vehicle safety as unsafe vehicles will not be able to pass the test and therefore must rectify the defects before being able to be driven on the roads of Dubai." 

Before testing your vehicle, we recommend the following:

- Make sure your car and number plate are clean.

- Make sure the emergency warning triangle kit, spare wheel, and fire extinguisher (as applicable to your vehicle category) are in a visible/accessible location in your car. Also, make sure your headlights, rear lights, and indicator lights are working properly.

- Bonus Tip: You can go for a free vehicle inspection for this purpose before the test at any of Enoc's Autopro centers. They'll let you know if you have any problems to be rectified before the test. 

Before the test, you'll need to present your vehicle registration card (with or without your Emirates ID). If you're a corporate, a commercial license copy may be required. 

For detailed information on vehicle testing, download this RTA guide here.

Car Insurance

The next step is to get your car insurance renewed. Your car insurance is directly connected to RTA's system, so it'll be updated automatically on their system once you renew it with the insurance company. Always have a digital copy of your Motor Renewal Policy Schedule and read the Policy Handbook to understand your insurance policy and its coverage. 

Remember this: 

Don't skimp on car insurance. Cheaper doesn't necessarily mean better. 

Many drivers may not realize this: If you don't have proper car insurance, you may suffer in the long run. So whether you're going for comprehensive insurance or third-party car insurance, don't let cheaper insurance rates fool you. Instead, get your car insurance from a reputable insurance company to avoid problems in the future, or at least from a company with good benefits. 

For instance, reputable insurance companies can provide you with 24/7 roadside assistance and recovery services as well as car loss or damage compensation to your vehicle, including personal belongings. Additional benefits may include the option to repair your vehicle at the agency/ dealership or with reputable garages affiliated with the insurance company's network. Some policies also provide replacement cars if your car is being repaired and free pick-up and drop-off when your vehicle is in service. Overall, the systems, processes, and customer service associated with reputable insurance companies will give you peace of mind and convenience whenever you need it. 

Renewal Process Continuation 

Keep in mind that you can't proceed until you pay all your traffic fines from both Dubai Police and RTA. To pay your fines, you can click here. 

Once you have received your vehicle testing certificate and insurance, you can proceed with this step. You have several options here, and you can know more about them here on RTA's website: 

- Online channels: 3 working days

- Smart Self Service Kiosks: 5 minutes

- Vehicle Registration and Inspection Centers: 5 minutes

We'd recommend the self-service machines since they're conveniently located at Tasjeel centers, and the process is pretty straightforward. Once you enter your vehicle details, pay any fines, and pay for the renewal fee, the device will also print your vehicle registration card, commonly referred to as "Mulkiya." 

You can also use RTA's website by clicking on "Renew Vehicle Registration" and applying for the service. You'll have to choose the most convenient way to get the permanent card delivered to you, so that would take more time than the smart kiosk. You will also need to pay any fines along with the renewal fee and then you'll receive your temporary registration card. 

Renewal Fees

Depending on the type of vehicle you own, the registration fees are as follows. However, for private, light vehicles, the renewal fee is (150 Dhs for the inspection + 20 Dhs Knowledge fee and 350 Dhs renewal fee + Knowledge fee. The total is 540 Dhs.  

Here is the complete list of service fees from RTA's website: 

Complete List of Renewal fees

• 350 AED Light vehicle private/public
• 400 AED private vehicle between 3 and 12 tonnes
• 650 AED public vehicle between 3 and 12 tonnes
• 800 AED vehicle exceeding 12 tonnes
• 1,000 AED public vehicle exceeding 12 tonnes
• 500 AED private light mechanical equipment
• 800 AED public light mechanical equipment
• 800 AED private heavy mechanical equipment
• 1,000 AED public heavy mechanical equipment
• 120 AED trailer and semi-trailer
• 300 AED bus with a number of passengers between 14 and 26
• 600 AED bus with a number of passengers exceeding 26
• 200 AED motorcycle

All +20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees.

Inspection fees

• 150 AED inspection of a light vehicle
• 200 AED inspection of a heavy vehicle
• 150 AED inspection of a motorcycle
• 100 AED inspection of a quad bike
• 150 AED inspection of a light mechanical equipment
• 200 AED inspection of a heavy mechanical equipment
• 50 AED re-inspection of a light vehicle
• 75 AED re-inspection of heavy vehicle
• 150 AED trailer and semi-trailer
• 100 AED export technical inspection
• 420 AED technical inspection of classical vehicle

All +20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees.

We hope you have a pleasant experience renewing your car registration as I did. RTA made the process seamless and smooth, and we at Yalla Deals thank them for that. With various options and automated processes such as self-service machines, renewing your vehicle registration is hassle-free and convenient. 

Tasjeel Image Source: Tasjeel 

Smart Teller Image Source: RTA