A traffic file in the UAE is an official driving record that is maintained by the authorities for every licensed driver. This file acts as your unique traffic account and includes your Traffic Code Number (TCN), which is used for driver licences, fines, vehicle registration, driving lessons and other services.
When Is a Traffic File Needed
You typically need a traffic file before you can:
- Apply for a driving licence
- Register or transfer vehicle ownership
- Pay traffic fines or check violation status
- Manage licence tests and training
Without a traffic file, these services cannot be completed on the federal or emirate level.
Recently, the UAE Ministry of Interior has introduced a system where a traffic file is automatically opened when you turn 18. This allows young residents to begin licence application processes without manual registration. A notification is sent via SMS when the traffic file is created.
How to Open a Traffic File in the UAE
Traffic files can be opened online or in person, depending on the emirate and platform:
- MOI e-services portal – central for all UAE residents
- Dubai RTA-registered driving schools and the RTA portal
- TAMM portal (Abu Dhabi)
- MOI UAE App and other approved mobile apps
General steps:
- Log in with UAE PASS linked to your Emirates ID
- Select ‘Open a Traffic File’ under driving licence services
- Fill in personal details and upload documents
- Pay the traffic file fee
- Receive your TCN instantly via SMS or email. This number becomes your official traffic profile identifier and will be used for all future driving and vehicle-related services.
Fees for Opening a Traffic File in the UAE
The base fee for opening a traffic file is AED 200. Additional minor charges may apply depending on the emirate or application method.
Emirate-specific charges:
| Emirate | Base Fee | Additional Charges |
| Dubai | AED 200 | Knowledge AED 10 + Innovation AED 10 |
| Abu Dhabi | AED 200 | Online/Service Fee AED 3 (Service charges may vary via TAMM or MOI portal) |
| Sharjah | AED 200 | Minor portal service charges |
| Ras Al Khaimah | AED 200 | Minor portal/service fees |
| Ajman | AED 200 | Minor portal/service fees |
| Fujairah | AED 200 | Minor portal/service fees |
| Umm Al Quwain | AED 200 | Minor portal/service fees |
Notes:
- The base fee of AED 200 is consistent across all emirates.
- Dubai’s additional charges (Knowledge + Innovation) are Federal components added when using linked RTA/MOI traffic services.
- Abu Dhabi’s additional charge is nominal and arises from the online/service charge when paying through the TAMM/MOI portal (approximately AED 3).
- For all other emirates, additional charges are minimal and typically applied as online processing or portal service fees at the time of payment.
How to Open Traffic File in Dubai
In Dubai, traffic files are opened through:
- RTA-approved driving schools
- RTA online portal linked with MOI services
Necessary Requirements:
- Complete an eye test at an approved centre
- Upload Emirates ID and personal details
- Pay the fees as above
Before opening a traffic file, you must complete your eye test at any of the RTA-approved centres. Once that is done, the traffic file number is generated and you can proceed with licence tests and training.
Your Traffic Code Number is required to access fines, licence services and vehicle registration through RTA and MOI platforms. Requirements may vary depending on the type of driving licence and vehicle category you apply for.
How to Open Traffic File in Abu Dhabi
In Abu Dhabi, you can open a traffic file via:
- TAMM government portal
- MOI e-services portal
- MOI UAE App
Requirements:
- UAE PASS login
- Emirates ID
- Personal and licence details
- Payment of applicable fees
After registration, your TCN is issued and linked to your profile, enabling driving licence, vehicle registration and fine management. You also need to clear an eye test in the capital from one of the approved Abu Dhabi eye test centres.
Note: If you already have a traffic file in another emirate, such as Dubai, you may still need to open a new Abu Dhabi file. This is especially necessary if you intend to register a vehicle or apply for local services. This typically requires visiting an Abu Dhabi traffic department or the TAMM support office.
How to Open Traffic File in Other Emirates
For Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain, traffic files can be opened via:
- MOI e-services portal
- Local police portals
- Registered driving schools
Requirements:
- Upload Emirates ID and required documents
- Pay the base fee and any minor service charges
Once processed, a TCN is generated, giving access to all driving-related services in that emirate. Residents may need to open a separate file in their own emirate even if they hold a traffic file elsewhere.
Terms and Conditions
Below are the terms and conditions necessary to open a traffic file in the UAE:
- Traffic files are linked to the Emirates ID; you must have a valid Emirates ID to open one.
- Residents must maintain accurate personal and vehicle information in their traffic file.
- Files are required for licence applications, renewals, fines payment and vehicle registration.
- Separate traffic files may be needed when transferring between emirates.
- All services are subject to federal and local traffic regulations.
Traffic File Registration in the UAE Explained
Traffic file registration in the UAE links your Emirates ID to driving services and records. Once registered, it serves as your central profile for:
- Driving licence applications and renewals.
- Traffic fine checks and payments.
- Vehicle registrations and transfers.
- Access to traffic history, black points and legal records.
It can be accessed through official apps such as MOI UAE or TAMM.
FAQS
How old do you have to be to open a traffic file in the UAE?
You automatically get one when you turn 18, but you can also open it when you are eligible to start driving licence procedures around that age.
How do I open my traffic file online?
You can open it through the MOI e-services portal, RTA for Dubai or TAMM for Abu Dhabi, using your UAE PASS and Emirates ID.
Do I need an Emirates ID to open a traffic file?
Yes. Your Emirates ID is mandatory to link your traffic file to federal systems.
That’s everything you need to know about opening a traffic file in the UAE. Like in any other country, a traffic file is essential for all drivers. If a car isn’t part of your routine yet, you can explore these used cars for sale in the UAE to get started on your personal commute.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s cars blog for more on traffic rules and regulations.
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