Navigating Abu Dhabi car registration and renewal doesn’t have to be stressful. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything from vehicle registration renewal Abu Dhabi fees to required documents, online processes, and expert tips. Whether you’re registering a new car or renewing an existing one, learn how to avoid fines and streamline your experience.
Abu Dhabi Car Registration 2025 Step-by-Step Guide
As we mentioned above, whether you are buying a brand-new car or a used one, you will need Vehicle Registration in Abu Dhabi under your name to receive a license plate and registration certificate. For car registration, Abu Dhabi residents must follow the same steps regardless of whether their car is new or second-hand. However, there are slight differences when it comes to the required documents, which we will shortly get into.
Vehicle Inspection and Testing
Cars in the UAE can be driven for 3 years after production without needing an inspection. However, suppose you buy a vehicle older than this. In that case, you will need the UAE car registration service, and to have your vehicle inspected at a Tasjeel center or a similar location and present the certificate along with other documents during Abu Dhabi car registration.
َAbu Dhabi Car Registration Fee (2025 Update)
Now that you know how to renew car registration in Abu Dhabi, let’s take a look at the fees car registration Abu Dhabi for each vehicle type:
Standard Abu Dhabi Car Registration
- AED 350-450
Vehicle Registration in Abu Dhabi Fee Breakdown
Here is a detailed breakdown of the car registration Abu Dhabi fees:
- Registration: AED 200
- Traffic fees: AED 50
- Insurance verification: AED 100-200
- Additional fees for late renewals and penalties
Here is a complete list of Abu Dhabi Car Registration fees for 2025:
| Vehicle Type | Fee |
| Registration fees for motorcycles | AED 200 |
| Registration fees for private buses with fewer than 27 Passengers | AED 300 |
| Registration fees for private buses with more than 27 Passengers | AED 600 |
| Registration fees for private freight over 12 tons | AED 800 |
| Registration fees for private freight over 3 tons | AED 400 |
| Registration fees for private freight under 12 tons | AED 400 |
| Registration fees for private heavy mechanical equipment | AED 800 |
| Registration fees for private light mechanical devices | AED 500 |
| Fees for private Light Vehicle Registration Abu Dhabi | AED 350 |
| Registration fees for public buses with fewer than 27 Passengers | AED 400 |
| Registration fees for public freight over 12 tons | AED 1000 |
| Registration fees for public freight over 3 tons | AED 650 |
| Registration fees for public freight under 12 tons | AED 1000 |
| Registration fees for public heavy mechanical equipment | AED 1000 |
| Registration fees for public light mechanical devices | AED 700 |
| Registration fees for public Light Vehicle Registration Abu Dhabi | AED 350 |
What is the New Car Registration Fees in Abu Dhabi?
When initiating new car registration in Abu Dhabi, expect a base fee of AED 400 for light vehicle registration Abu Dhabi. Additional costs include AED 20 (Knowledge/Innovation fees), AED 35 for new license plates, and AED 170 for mandatory inspections on vehicles >3 years old. Electric vehicles (EVs) receive a 15% discount on standard fees under Abu Dhabi’s 2025 sustainability initiative. These updates ensure transparent car registration in Abu Dhabi budgeting.
Required Documents for Abu Dhabi Car Registration
Here are the documents required for Abu Dhabi car registration that residents must provide:
- Emirate ID
- Proof of Ownership
- Certificate of Car Insurance Abu Dhabi or other Emirates
- Inspection Certificate for vehicles older than 3 years
What is the Car Registration Validity Period in Abu Dhabi?
Standard vehicle registration renewal Abu Dhabi validity or Light Vehicle Registration Abu Dhabi is 12 months, while commercial vehicles require renewal every 6 months. A 2025 update extends electric vehicle (EV) registrations to 3 years. Note that new car registration in Abu Dhabi for recently manufactured vehicles (<3 years) skips initial inspections. Timely renewal via UAE car registration service platforms avoids penalties.
How to Renew Car Registration in Abu Dhabi
Vehicle registration renewal Abu Dhabi must be done regularly so that the reliability of all cars on the road is ascertained. In the following section you can find all you need to know about this process:
Documentation Required for Abu Dhabi Car Registration Renewal
For vehicle registration renewal Abu Dhabi residents must present the same document that is required for registering for the first time, which we will reiterate below.
Vehicle Inspection and Testing
Just like vehicle registration in Abu Dhabi, inspection must also be done annually at specific certified centers for a small fee, unless, of course, your car is less than 3 years old.
Key Factors To Consider Before Starting the Registration Process
Before initiating new car registration Abu Dhabi, verify your vehicle’s age: light vehicle registration Abu Dhabi requires mandatory testing for cars >3 years old. Clear all traffic fines linked to the vehicle, as unpaid fines block registration. Ensure your insurance covers at least 13 months for car registration Abu Dhabi or the renewal period. For used vehicles, complete ownership transfer via UAE car registration service platforms beforehand to avoid delays.
Documents Required for Car Registration Renewal Abu Dhabi
For car registration renewal Abu Dhabi, prepare these documents:
- Original Emirates ID (and copy if applying online)
- Current vehicle registration card (Mulkiya)
- Valid insurance certificate covering renewal period
- Passing inspection report (if vehicle >3 years old)
Digital copies are accepted for online UAE car registration service renewals.
Abu Dhabi Car Registration and Renewal Options
When it comes to vehicle registration renewal Abu Dhabi offers some different options which you should be familiar with
How to Register or Renew Car Registration Online
Abu Dhabi vehicle registration online method is one of the most convenient ways for registering new cars or renewing old registrations.
You must remember, however, that inspections cannot be done online. If you need a new inspection certificate as well, you will need to obtain it before attempting renewal of car registration in Abu Dhabi.
How to Submit an Application for Car Registration Renewal in Abu Dhabi?
If you have all the required documents ready, car registration Abu Dhabi can be done online in just a few minutes. You can use any of the apps or websites below, log in or create an account using your UAE PASS, upload your documents, and pay the designated fee. After that, you will receive the proper confirmation, which can alone act as proof of registration.
As we mentioned earlier, the vehicle registration renewal Abu Dhabi fees for private light vehicles are AED 350. Here are the online platforms you can use for registration or renewals:
- TAMM Website
- Abu Dhabi Police App or Website
- Abu Dhabi Drive App
- MOI App or Website
- Log in to TAMM.ae or Abu Dhabi Police app
- Select “car registration renewal Abu Dhabi” service
- Upload required documents
- Pay AED 350 (light vehicles)
- Receive digital registration instantly
Visiting Abu Dhabi Police Service Centers
For in-person car registration Abu Dhabi residents who prefer not to do things online can visit any police service center in the emirate and apply for the process there. Visit any Tasjeel center with documents. Staff will process your vehicle registration in Abu Dhabi renewal and issue physical registration within 20 minutes.
Here is a table containing the locations of some of these centers:
| Name | Address |
| Dalma Police Station | Dalma Farms, Dalma Island |
| Khalidiya Police Station | Sir Bu N’eer street, Al Khalidiyah |
| Al Madina Police Station | Harbour, Zayed Port, Al Mina |
| Hili Police Station | Al Graifah, Hili, Al Ain |
| Sir Bani Yas Police Station | Sir Bani Yas, Sir Bani Yas Island |
| Al Marfaa Police Station | Al Khor Street, Al Marfa, Al Dhafra Municipality |
| Al Mazyad Police Station | Zayed Bin Sultan street, Mazyad 2, Mazyad, Al Ain |
| Madinat Zayed Police Station | Al Riyoum Street, Zayed City, Madinat Zayed, Al Dhafra Municipality |
| Ghayathi Police Station | Arzam street, Ghiyathi, Al Dhafra Municipality |
| Al Dhannah Police Station | Al Dhannah City, Al Ruwais, Al Dhafra Municipality |
| Zakhir Police Station | Al Grayyeh, Zakhir, Al Ain |
| Al Maqam Police Station | Al Dirasah street, Bida Bin Ammar, Asharij, Al Ain |
| Yas Police Station | Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Highway street, Yas Island |
| Khalifa PStreetStation | Al Mireef street, Khalifa City |
| MussafahStreete Station | Ar Rawdah road, Mussafah |
| Al Shabiya Police Station | Shakhbout Bin Sultan street, Al Nahyan |
| Al Hayer Police Station | Shabiat Al Hayer, Al Hayer, Al Ain |
| Al Saad Police Station | Wadi Kirayb Street, Ramlat Al Saad, Al Sad, Al Ain |
| Al Sweihan Police Station | Ghaffat Rakadh, Sweihan, Al Ain Municipality |
| Al Maqam Police Station | Al Dirasah street, Bida Bin Ammar, Asharij, Al Ain |
| Falaj Hazza Police Station | Zayed The First Street, Al Jazzah Street, Magr Al Dhabi, Falaj Hazza, Al Ain |
| Al Muraba’a Police station | Othman Bin Affan street, Hai Al Murabbaa, Central District, Al Muraba’a, Al Ain |
What is the Penalty for Driving a Car with an Expired Registration?
Driving with an expired Abu Dhabi car registration incurs:
- AED 500/month for first 3 months
- AED 700/month thereafter (max AED 3,000)
- 7-day vehicle impoundment
- Insurance invalidation for accidents
Timely car registration renewal Abu Dhabi via UAE car registration service avoids these penalties.
Tips for a Smooth Car Registration and Renewal in Abu Dhabi
In order to have a smooth experience when it comes to car registration Abu Dhabi drivers must pay attention to a few details that can help them avoid unexpected complications.
Scheduling Vehicle Inspection Ahead of Time
An Inspection certificate is one of the documents required for car registration in Abu Dhabi. Since the process can be time-consuming, it is advisable to book an appointment before visiting inspection centers to avoid waiting in long lines.
Make Sure Your Vehicle Passes Inspection
The worst thing that can happen is showing up at a Muroor car registration center in Abu Dhabi, paying the fee, and waiting in line only to fail the inspection. Of course, you can retake the test again, but that means more time spent and more money out of your pocket. So you’d better make sure that your car is up to standards.
Some drivers say it’s better to show your car to a mechanic before the inspection and ask them to just inspect it to see if it can pass. It also wouldn’t hurt to clean the engine bay a little as appearance is also essential.
Utilizing Online Services for Convenience
For car registration or Mulkiya renewal Abu Dhabi also offers online methods such as TAMM or Abu Dhabi Police application. This method is especially convenient for owners of vehicles that are less than 3 years old. Since these vehicles don’t need inspection, the whole process can be done online from the comfort of your home, including the payment of vehicle registration Renewal abu Dhabi fees,
Make Sure You Have Insurance
Insurance is another mandatory document for a car to be deemed road-legal, so make sure your policy isn’t expired when you want to renew your registration. Even if it is, there is no need to worry, as most Car Insurance Companies in Abu Dhabi offer instant policy renewals online.
Simplify Your Abu Dhabi Car Registration Today
Stay compliant and avoid penalties by mastering Abu Dhabi car registration and renewal. From understanding vehicle registration renewal Abu Dhabi fees to leveraging online tools, this guide ensures a hassle-free process. Bookmark this resource for annual renewals and share it with fellow drivers!
Informative Blogs:
Frequently Answered Questions
1. How to cancel car registration in Abu Dhabi?
For canceling car registration Abu Dhabi citizens can visit the TAMM website, log in using their UAE pass, upload their Emirate ID, and cancel their registration after paying a fee of AED 200. You might also be required to pay any outstanding traffic tickets, so it’s better to run a Traffic Fines Check before cancellation.
2. How to renew car registration online in Abu Dhabi?
To renew car registration online in Abu Dhabi, visit either the TAMM website, the Abu Dhabi Police website, or the application, log in using your UAE PASS, upload the required documents listed above, pay the fees, and complete the process.
3. How much is car registration renewal Abu Dhabi?
The vehicle registration renewal Abu Dhabi fees are AED 350 for light vehicles and AED 400 for heavy vehicles.
4. How much does it cost to register a car in Abu Dhabi?
Vehicle registration in Abu Dhabi fees vary by vehicle type and Abu Dhabi Car Registration type:
New Registration
Light vehicles: AED 400
Motorcycles: AED 200
Buses (>27 passengers): AED 1,200
*+ AED 170 inspection (if vehicle >3 years old)*
Renewal
Light vehicles: AED 350
Motorcycles: AED 200–250
*+ AED 20 (Knowledge fee)*
EV Discount
15% off standard fees (2025 incentive)
5. What happens if I don’t register or renew my Abu Dhabi car registration on time?
Failure to renew on time triggers immediate penalties and cumulative risks:
Grace Period & Initial Penalties
30-day grace period after expiry: No fines if renewed, but driving is prohibited.
After grace period:
Late renewal fee: AED 25/day (max AED 1,000).
Driving with expired registration: AED 500 fine + 4 black points + 7-day vehicle impoundment.
Additional Consequences
Toll gate violations (Darb system):
1st pass: AED 100
2nd pass: AED 200
3rd+ passes: AED 400 per pass.
Insurance invalidation: Accidents during expiry void coverage; repair/medical costs paid out-of-pocket.
Service blocks: Cannot renew until fines are cleared; repeated offenses may trigger license suspension.
an awesome guide! thank you! it feels good to read such straight-to-the-point articles!
Glad you enjoyed Hassan. Feel free to check our other content, you’ll find them equally straightforward I bet!
god I needed this! nothing’s scarier for an expat than having to deal with local bureaucracy!
We know how you feel Carole! If you need further guidance for car registration in Abu Dhabi, feel free to hit us up.
sorry i have a question: my vehicle is registered in Abu Dhabi but I live in Duabi now and the renewal is coming up in few weeks. do we have any centers to get the vehicle inspected in Dubai or I need to travel to Abu Dhabi itself?
Hey there. To renew vehicle registration in Abu Dhabi you must visit ADNOC testing centers, as they are linked with Abu Dhabi traffic department. But the good news is that you don’t have to drive all the way to Abu Dhabi. There are actually a few available centers in Sharjah, where you can do the inspection and the rest can be done online. Just google “Adnoc vehicle inspection Al Mirqab 771” and you’ll find it.
its really hard for some of us to do these things in a foreign country. thank god for blogs like this!
That’s our main concern here at Lookinsure Kim, helping out people like yourself. We’re super glad you found it helpful!
Thanks for this useful article.
We’re glad the article was helpful. If you have any other questions about car registration in Abu Dhabi, write in the comments and we’ll get to it.
Thank you for this useful update
You’re welcome Vicki
If you have any question about car registration in Abu Dhabi, write in the comment section and we’ll get right to it
Thanks for this guide on Abu Dhabi car registration
You’re welcome Roland
very useful information. Thank you Lookinsure
You’re welcome Maura
Valuable info. Lucky I discovered your website unintentionally!
We’re glad this article about Abu Dhabi car registration could help you out. If you have any questions, let us know and we’ll answer it asap.
Such clever coverage! Keep up the superb works guys
We’re so glad you found our article useful Niklas.
Amazing! Its really remarkable article, I have got much clear idea about from this piece of writing.
You’re welcome dear Chantal
I’ve recently moved from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. Do I need to register my car again?
Hello Kathy
As far as we know, you do not need a new registration if your car is already registered. But to be sure, please contact your insurer to stay safe and peaceful.
This post is priceless. Where can I find out more?
Hello Jenna
Head to our blog’s homepage and you’ll see other valuable resources on insurance topics:
https://lookinsure.com/blog/
I absolutely enjoyed this article and learned from it. Thanks
Hello Charolette!
Glad it could help you. If you have any other questions about Abu Dhabi car registration, write it in the comments and we’ll get to it.