What is the Mulkiya?
The Mulkiya (Arabic for 'ownership') is the official vehicle registration card in the UAE. It records the vehicle's make, model, chassis number, plate number, the registered owner's name, and the registration validity period. The card serves as the legal proof that the vehicle is registered with the relevant emirate's roads authority and that it has met the required roadworthiness standards at the time of registration. It must be kept inside the vehicle at all times and presented to police or inspection officers on request.
How to renew your Mulkiya
- Clear outstanding fines and tolls: Before renewal, all traffic fines and any outstanding Salik toll charges linked to the vehicle must be settled. Unpaid fines will block the renewal process in the system.
- Arrange a vehicle inspection: Most emirates require a periodic roadworthiness test at an approved testing centre before registration renewal is approved. In Dubai this is handled by RTA-approved centres. The inspection verifies lights, brakes, tyres, emissions, and other safety criteria. Confirm whether an inspection is required for your vehicle's age and emirate.
- Confirm valid insurance: A valid UAE comprehensive or third-party liability insurance policy must be in place for the vehicle. Renewal cannot proceed without proof of current insurance.
- Submit the renewal: Renewal can be done online via the relevant roads authority app or portal (for example, the RTA app in Dubai or the Abu Dhabi Police/DMT portal in Abu Dhabi), at approved service centres, or at authorised typing centres. Some petrol stations and service centres in Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer Mulkiya renewal on the spot.
- Receive the updated card: The new Mulkiya is issued at the service point or dispatched by post, depending on the channel used. Confirm the delivery method when applying.
Rules, validity, and cost
Mulkiya renewal is required annually in most UAE emirates, though the exact period can vary by emirate and vehicle category. Driving with an expired Mulkiya is an offence that attracts a fine and can result in vehicle impoundment. When a vehicle is sold, the Mulkiya ownership details must be officially transferred through the roads authority; a buyer cannot legally drive the vehicle until the transfer is complete and a new Mulkiya is issued in their name. Fees for renewal, inspection, and transfer vary by emirate, vehicle type, and the number of years of registration sought. Always confirm the current fee schedule with the relevant authority before attending.
What expats should know
Expatriates who sell a vehicle should complete the ownership transfer promptly, because fines incurred on the vehicle after the sale date but before the transfer is recorded may still appear against the previous owner's record. Keep a copy of the transfer receipt until the system reflects the change. If you leave the UAE permanently and wish to export or dispose of the vehicle, the roads authority has specific deregistration procedures; confirm these steps in advance to avoid ongoing registration costs or fines after departure.