- Number plate code explained
- Number plate reservation
- Damaged plate replacement
- Number plates for used cars
- Number plate auction
Before you take your new car out for a drive in the capital city of the UAE or in any other emirate, it is mandatory to have an authentic number plate. In case you don’t, be ready to pay hefty fines and bear serious penalties.
If you have bought a car in the capital city, read on to know about Abu Dhabi number plate, its registration and fee, plate codes, how and where to get them from and other important details.
How to Register a Car for the First Time in Abu Dhabi
When you buy a car in Abu Dhabi, you first have to register it. The agency or dealer from which you have bought the car is responsible for its registration. Besides, cars can be registered through various channels in the capital city for the first time. Here are the options where registration is processed:
- MOI (Ministry of Interior) app (iOS | Android)
- MOI official website
- Emirates Vehicle Gate (EVG), an e-service for motorists in the UAE
You can also register a used car in Abu Dhabi via the listed mediums.
Abu Dhabi Used Car Registration Process
If you need to get a used car registered in your name in the capital city, here is what you need to do:
First, take your vehicle to an authorised testing centre for inspection like the ADNOC Vehicle Inspections & Tests in Abu Dhabi. You can skip this step if your car was manufactured three years prior to the present registration date. If the inspection outcome is positive, then only car registration will be processed in Abu Dhabi. A few more steps involved are:
- Insure your car from an authorised vehicle insurer in the city
- All pending fines must be paid
- Apply for registration in the capital city via the channels listed above
- Pay all registration fees
After paying the registration fees, you can pick Mulkiya (vehicle ownership card), expiry date sticker and Abu Dhabi new number plate from the date provided by the authority.
All About Abu Dhabi Number Plates
In the Emirates, every vehicle holds its own registered number plate design. Abu Dhabi number plates are readable electronically. These plates have highly advanced holograms integrated so that no one can tamper with them or create a duplicate number plate.
A German company manufactures the Abu Dhabi new number plates and they have their service outlets functional at the Vehicle Registration Department. Users can contact them in case of any inconvenience regarding their vehicle’s number plates. Abu Dhabi number plate details are coded and stored in a database of the registration department. This database is connected with the new plate number plates’ manufacturer.
It is worthwhile to know that the plates must have numbers ranging from one to seventeen, except numbers 2 and 3. Besides, the Abu Dhabi number plate code should not be more than five digits.
Category 11 of number plates were introduced in 2011 by Abu Dhabi Police. Moreover, the red and blue number plates were replaced with category 4 and 7, respectively. The grey and green were replaced by category 8 and 9, respectively. Category 11 was launched because back than the existing plate categories 5, 6 and 10 were short of numbers.
Furthermore, Abu Dhabi Police launched another registration plate number for light vehicles in 2018. The Abu Dhabi new number plate came up with separate front and rear bumper designs. Abu Dhabi logo is placed on the front one, while a red ribbon shape is on the rear bumper plate. However, the replacement of the existing plate is optional. This new registration plate is available for new light vehicles and when re-registering your existing car.
Abu Dhabi Number Plate Explained
The code on Abu Dhabi number plate is explained here:
The Abu Dhabi number plate has numbers ranging between 1, 4, 5,6, 7 to 17 or 50 that represent the year in red bands. The red bands on the plate are either on the left or top. A typical number plate has not more than five digits.
How to Reserve Abu Dhabi Number Plate
Abu Dhabi number plates can be reserved for unregistered cars from six to twelve months on the owner’s request. A number plate can be reserved with the traffic department in four simple steps in the capital city. Here is how to apply for the Abu Dhabi number plate reservation:
- Visit Traffic department centre or the Abu Dhabi Police services centres
- Log on to the Ministry of Interior (MOI) website
- Install the MOI app and apply through it
Documents Required
Only a valid Emirates ID is required
If you choose an online medium, MOI app or website to reserve a number plate, here is how you can apply:
- Register online
- Choose the service “Reserve vehicle plate number”
- Upload your original Emirates ID
- Pay the associated fees
How Much Does it Cost to Reserve Abu Dhabi Number Plate
The cost to reserve Abu Dhabi number plates varies, as it is dependent on the reservation period. Here is the breakdown:
- For twelve months: 2000 AED
- For three months: 500 AED
- For six months: 1000 AED
How to Request for Replacement of Damaged Abu Dhabi Number Plate
Companies and individual car owners can request a replacement of damaged number plates. There are a few conditions to apply for a replacement, listed below:
- Provide a valid vehicle license
- Pay all the restriction charges/fines
- Provide damaged vehicle plate
Required Documents for Replacement of Damaged Abu Dhabi Number Plate
Only two documents are required to process the request for replacement of damaged number plate:
- Valid Emirates ID
- Valid Car registration
The Process for Replacement Request
The process to file a replacement request is seamless, detailed as under:
- Submit an application to request for the replacement, along with required documents at the service counter
- Pay the associated fees
- Collect the new number plate
Fees for Replacing a Damaged Abu Dhabi Number Plate
Here is a breakdown of the applicable fees:
- AED 200 for an identity plate
- AED 45 for only one long plate
- For small plates: AED 35
- For two long plates: AED 70
- For two small plates: AED 60
- For sport car plates: AED 500
How to Get Abu Dhabi Number Plates for Used Cars
The process of getting Abu Dhabi number plates for used cars as well as registration is quite similar to the new vehicles. The buyer manages the entire registration process himself instead of relying on the seller or dealer. Used car buyers also need to get their vehicles inspected from authorised testing centres prior to registration. This step should not be skipped, especially, if the vehicle is in use for three-plus years.
In case your vehicle’s previous owner had a VIP number plate on it, the registration centre will issue you another plate. This is because VIP plates cost a fortune and belong to the purchaser only.
Car Number Plates – Symbol of Style
Since many car plate fanatics spend huge amounts on buying customised number plates, the car number plates in the UAE are considered a symbol of style and status. Plates with fewer digits add to the overall value of your car. This is not mandatory, as we have read above that you can have a number plate with five digits.
Many car enthusiasts buy one, two or three-digit number plates, just to make their car stand out from the rest. For this, they don’t hesitate to spend millions. The Abu Dhabi number plates with repetitive digits are preferred by enthusiasts, for example, 44,99 11 and etc. Price of number plates in Abu Dhabi having repetitive digits is usually in five or six figures. Many exotic car owners tend to buy number plates that represent the model of their car. You can also customise your vehicle’s number plate as per any important date, like your birthday or the date you graduated from college/university.
A special number plate for your vehicle can be registered at the Vehicle Licensing Department in any of the Emirate.
Where to Buy Fancy Abu Dhabi Number Plate
Abu Dhabi Number Plate Auction
Many car owners who want to have unique number plates on their car participate in car number plate auctions. These auctions are organized by Emirates Auction and Roads and Transport Authority Dubai (RTA).
Emirates Auction also conducts an online auction of Abu Dhabi number plates on their official website. On the website, you can request a number plate by bidding on the price you think you can pay. In order to participate in the bid and buy a special number plate, you must have a valid Emirates ID and traffic file number. It is worthwhile to know that only the highest bidder wins the special number plate.
Buy Abu Dhabi Number Plate Online
You can buy Abu Dhabi number plate online from dubizzle — a well-known online classified portal from where you can buy used number plates for your vehicle. Moreover, you can also sell the same on dubizzle. You can also browse through the private car number plate category on the website. Besides, dubizzle also offers a wide variety of used cars for sale in Abu Dhabi. In case you are looking for an affordable car, you may check out the options available on the website.
The Business of Number Plates in the UAE
Many people pay a hefty amount for unique number plates in the auction just to sell them further at a higher rate. Given the fact that the value of fancy and unique number plates increases over the passage of time. Hence, the number plate business is a reliable investment practice in the UAE.
Now you know everything about the number plates in Abu Dhabi from where and how to get them to the registration process to reservation and more. Either you go for a normal or a fancy number plate, make sure your car holds a valid and registered number plate, to avoid serious penalties.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top blog for more details about number plates in the UAE and other traffic and driving rules.
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