UAE Number Plates Explained: How To Get A Dubai Number Plate

Vehicle number plates in the UAE are more than just a way to identify cars. They show the type of vehicle, who owns it, and sometimes even the wealth and status of the driver. Each of the seven emirates has its own number plate style and code system, but many rules and types are the same across the country.

Types of UAE Number Plates (By Colour and Purpose)

UAE number plates use different colours to show the type and use of the vehicle. Here’s what each colour means:

1. White Plates

Used for private vehicles. This is the most common type seen on the road.

2. Black Plates

Issued to commercial vehicles, such as delivery trucks, taxis, and company-owned vans.

3. Yellow Plates

Used for rental cars. Car rental companies own these and lease them to drivers for short or long periods.

4. Red Plates

Given to vehicles with temporary registration. This includes brand-new cars or vehicles being transferred between owners.

5. Blue Plates

Assigned to government vehicles or cars owned by diplomatic missions. These have special permissions and may include embassy codes.

6. Golden Plates

Rare and reserved for royalty or VIPs. These plates are usually custom-made and reflect status or heritage.

7. Special Number Plates

These are unique plates that usually have fewer digits (like 1, 10, or 999). These are often bought by collectors or wealthy individuals and are seen as a symbol of luxury.

Costs Of Getting A Number Plate In The UAE

The price of a number plate depends on its type, design, and the number combination. Here’s a breakdown:

Standard Plates

• Usually costs between AED 400 and AED 1,200.
• Includes basic number and letter combinations.

Special Plates

• Start from AED 2,000.
• The price increases for rarer combinations like repeating digits (e.g., 1111) or fewer digits.

VIP or Prestige Plates

• These are often sold at government auctions.
• Prices can go beyond AED 1 million for a single-digit plate. See how number plate auctions work, including record sales.

Registration Fees

• Additional fees apply during registration, usually between AED 300 and AED 600.
• This includes plate printing, admin charges, and paperwork.

Step-By-Step: How To Register A Vehicle And Get A Number Plate (Dubai Example)

Whether you’re buying a new car or bringing a used one to Dubai, here’s how to get it registered:

Step 1: Buy Your Vehicle

• From a dealership or private seller.
• Get the purchase invoice and check the vehicle history (if used).

Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents

• Emirates ID (original and copy).
• Residency visa (if not on Emirates ID).
• Vehicle purchase invoice.
• Insurance certificate (valid for one year).
• Old registration card (for used cars).
• Vehicle technical inspection certificate (for used cars only).

Step 3: Visit an RTA Centre or Service Provider

• Go to a Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) office or an approved vehicle registration centre.

Step 4: Choose a Number Plate

• Pick a standard plate or apply for a special one.
• You can browse available plates on a screen or ask the staff for help.

Step 5: Pay the Fees

• Pay for registration, inspection (if needed), and the plate itself.
• Get your receipt and documents stamped.

Step 6: Collect Your Plate and Documents

• You will get:
  • Your new number plate(s)
  • Registration card (Mulkiya)
  • Stickers for the windscreen or plate

Follow this full car registration guide for Dubai.
Registering a classic car? Here’s how to do it in the UAE.
Need to renew your registration? Here’s a full guide.

Number Plate Formats By Emirate

Each emirate has a unique plate format. These formats usually include letters, numbers, or both.

Dubai

• Uses a single letter (A to Z) followed by up to 5 numbers.
• Plates can be plain or include the Dubai logo and the year.
• “Dubai Expo” plates are also available.

Abu Dhabi

• Number plates often show a number between 1 and 50 to indicate the vehicle’s category.
• Some plates show the UAE flag and the Abu Dhabi name in both Arabic and English.

Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah

• Each has its own combination of letters and numbers.
• Plates usually include the emirate’s name and emblem.

What Makes A Number Plate “Special” Or Valuable?

Special number plates in the UAE are known for their simplicity, style, and status. The fewer the digits, the more valuable the plate.

• Single-digit plates are the most exclusive.
• Repeating numbers (like 111, 7777) or patterns (like 1234) are also highly prized.
• Some plates are bought as investments. Their value can increase over time.

Example:

• Plate number “1” once sold for AED 52.2 million in Abu Dhabi.
• Check out one of the most expensive plates ever sold in Dubai.

Where To Buy Or Sell Number Plates

You can buy and sell number plates through:

• RTA auctions – Held regularly for special plates.
• Online marketplaces – Websites dedicated to plate trading.
• Vehicle registration centres – For standard plates.

When selling, you must transfer the plate ownership through the RTA or local transport authority. Lost your plate? Follow this guide to get a replacement.

Plate Design & Logos

Most plates include:

• The emirate’s name (in English and Arabic).
• A logo or flag.
• A mix of letters and numbers.
• Sometimes the year of issue or plate type.

Some custom plates also allow for coloured backgrounds, font changes, or symbols.

UAE number plates are more than just vehicle tags. They tell a story about the car, the driver, and sometimes even about wealth or rank. Whether you’re getting a simple plate for a family car or bidding on a plate worth millions, it helps to understand how the system works. Want a plate that stands out? Or just need help with registration? Now you know exactly what to do.

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Also Read:

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