Dubai number plate transfer service at RTA centre

How to Transfer a Number Plate in Dubai: Step‑by‑Step Guide

If you’re buying or selling a car in Dubai, there’s a good chance a number plate transfer will be part of the deal. Whether you want to keep your favourite plate, sell a special plate separately, or move a plate to a new car, the process is straightforward if you know the rules. This guide from Auto Trader UAE explains how to transfer a number plate in Dubai, the documents you need, approximate costs, and common mistakes to avoid.

1. Key things to know before you start

Before you initiate any plate transfer with the RTA (Roads and Transport Authority), keep these points in mind:

Plates are registered to a person and a vehicle – you can transfer the plate to another car, or to another person, but it must be updated in the RTA system.
The vehicle must be free of fines and bank mortgages – outstanding fines or an active loan (mortgage) can block a transfer.
Valid residency and Emirates ID are required – for both buyer and seller if you’re transferring ownership.
Transfers must be done through RTA – via RTA customer happiness centres, RTA website, Dubai Drive app, or authorised service centres.
Premium / special number plates follow the same basic rules, but may have higher values and should be treated like assets in the sale.

2. Types of number plate transfers in Dubai

There are three main scenarios for number plate transfers:

2.1 Transfer plate to another vehicle (same owner)

You keep the same plate but move it from your old car to a new one registered under your name. Typical situations:

Upgrading or downsizing to another car.
Selling the old car without the plate.
Moving a special plate from a daily driver to a collectible car.

2.2 Transfer plate to another person (with the vehicle)

You sell your car with the plate included, and both ownership of the vehicle and plate move to the buyer.

2.3 Transfer plate to another person (without the vehicle)

You sell or gift the plate itself to someone else (for example, a special number plate), and they register it on their own vehicle. Note: RTA requirements and fees can change, so always double‑check details on official RTA channels before visiting a centre.

3. Documents required to transfer a number plate in Dubai

You will typically need:

3.1 For individuals

Original Emirates ID (buyer and seller).
Vehicle registration card (Mulkiya) for the car currently holding the plate.
Valid insurance policy for the vehicle that will receive the plate.
Clearance of all traffic fines for the vehicle and plate.
Bank clearance / mortgage release if the car is financed.
Power of attorney if someone is acting on behalf of the owner.

3.2 For companies

Trade licence copy.
Letter of authorisation on company letterhead.
Emirates ID of the authorised signatory or PRO.

Always carry originals and copies. Having both reduces delays at RTA counters or service centres.

4. How to transfer a number plate between your own vehicles

If you’re keeping your plate and moving it from Car A to Car B (both under your name), follow these steps.

Step 1 – Prepare both vehicles

Clear all outstanding fines on both cars and the plate.
Ensure Car B (the new car) has valid insurance.
Make sure there is no active mortgage that blocks plate transfer (ask your bank if in doubt).

Step 2 – Visit RTA or authorised service centre

You can usually do this via:

RTA Customer Happiness Centres in Dubai.
Authorised service providers (e.g. some testing centres).

At the counter, request:

Plate transfer between vehicles for the same owner.

Step 3 – Complete the transfer

The RTA system will:

Deactivate the plate from Car A.
Assign the plate to Car B.
Issue a new registration card (Mulkiya) for both vehicles (Car A gets a new plate number if it remains registered).

Step 4 – Install the new plates

You’ll receive a plate for the car that needs a new number. Fit the plates securely according to RTA standards.

5. How to transfer a number plate when selling a car in Dubai

You have two main choices when selling a car on Auto Trader UAE or any other platform:

Option A – Sell the car with the number plate

This is the simplest route and can even add value if the plate is attractive. Process:

Agree with the buyer that the plate is included in the sale price.
Clear all fines and settle any outstanding loan or get a bank mortgage release.
Meet the buyer at an RTA service centre or testing centre.
Request vehicle ownership transfer – the plate will move to the new owner with the car.
Buyer arranges insurance in their name and pays transfer fees.

Option B – Keep the plate, sell the car with a different plate

If you own a special or sentimental plate, you may want to keep it for your next car. Process:

Before selling, visit RTA to reserve or move your plate to another vehicle or RTA file.
RTA will assign a new plate number to the car you’re selling.
Once the car has its new plate and Mulkiya, list it for sale on Auto Trader UAE without the special plate.
Later, you can apply to attach your plate to your next car.

This approach is common for unique or low‑digit plates that hold long‑term value.

6. How to transfer a special number plate to another person

If you’re selling only the plate (no car included):

Step 1 – Agree the sale

Agree on the plate price and who pays RTA transfer fees.
Put the terms in writing (a simple sale agreement is advisable).

Step 2 – Check eligibility

The buyer must have an RTA traffic file and valid Emirates ID.
The receiving vehicle must be insurable and eligible for registration (or the buyer may reserve the plate for future use).

Step 3 – Visit RTA centre together

Both parties should attend with IDs and relevant documents.
Request plate ownership transfer to the buyer’s RTA file or specific vehicle.

Step 4 – Complete payment and confirmation

Pay the plate transfer fee and any applicable admin charges.
The plate appears under the buyer’s name in the RTA system.
If attaching to a vehicle, new plates and Mulkiya will be issued.

7. Fees and costs involved

Exact fees can change, and some depend on plate type and vehicle type. Always confirm on the RTA website or app, but expect potential costs such as:

Plate transfer fee – to move the plate between vehicles or owners.
Ownership transfer fee – when selling a car and plate together.
Plate reservation fee – if you’re reserving a plate without attaching it to a car.
New plate manufacturing fee – for any newly issued plate numbers.
Knowledge / innovation fees – small government charges added to most RTA services.

Also factor in:

Clearing fines before transfer.
Possible early settlement fees from the bank if closing a loan.
Insurance costs if a new policy is needed after transfer.

8. Can you transfer a Dubai plate to another Emirate?

Generally, plates are linked to the Emirate where the vehicle is registered. Transferring a plate directly from Dubai (RTA) to another Emirate (e.g. Abu Dhabi, Sharjah) is subject to each Emirate’s rules and may not always be possible. Common approach if you’re moving Emirate:

Sell or keep your Dubai plate under RTA.
Re‑register the car in the new Emirate with a new plate from that authority.

Because regulations change, always confirm with RTA and the destination Emirate’s traffic authority before planning a cross‑Emirate plate transfer.

9. Common mistakes to avoid

Not clearing fines in advance – unpaid fines can stop the whole process on the day.
Ignoring loan / mortgage status – you usually need the bank’s electronic release before transfer.
Assuming the plate automatically stays with you – if you don’t request to keep or transfer the plate, it may go with the car at sale.
Arriving without insurance – the receiving vehicle must have valid insurance to complete registration.
Last‑minute negotiations – agree clearly with the buyer whether the plate is included in the price or not.

10. Practical tips for buyers and sellers in Dubai

For buyers

If you really want a specific plate, mention it clearly in the offer and in any written agreement.
Check the plate number in RTA’s system when transferring ownership to ensure it matches the car and documents.
Use the plate’s uniqueness (short number, repeated digits) as a factor when assessing overall price, not as the only reason to buy.

For sellers

Decide early if the plate is part of the sale and price the car accordingly on Auto Trader UAE.
If you’re keeping a special plate, transfer it off the car before listing to avoid confusion with buyers.
Highlight a desirable plate in your listing title or description to attract more attention if it’s included.

11. How Auto Trader UAE can help

When you’re ready to buy or sell in Dubai, Auto Trader UAE makes the process easier:

Find your next car – browse thousands of used cars for sale in the UAE, filter by price, brand, year, mileage and more.
Sell your current car – create a detailed listing with clear photos, mention whether your number plate is included, and reach serious buyers nationwide.
Research before you decide – explore our car buying guides, selling tips, and specific make and model pages to compare options.

If you’re planning a plate transfer as part of your next car deal, organise your documents, confirm fees with RTA, and then use Auto Trader UAE to connect with the right buyer or seller at the right price.

12. Summary: How to transfer a number plate in Dubai

Decide whether the plate stays with you, moves to a new car, or goes to the buyer.
Clear fines, loans, and arrange insurance before visiting RTA.
Use an RTA customer happiness centre or authorised service centre to process the transfer.
Confirm all details in the RTA system and on your new Mulkiya before leaving.
Use Auto Trader UAE to buy or sell your car once your plate plans are clear.

With a bit of preparation, transferring a number plate in Dubai is quick, legal, and can even help you protect the value of a special plate you want to keep for years to come.

If you are exploring used cars in Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE, Auto Trader UAE makes it easier to compare listings, prices, trims, mileage, and seller details in one place.

Buyer Takeaway

When buying a used car in the UAE, focus on vehicle condition, service history, inspection quality, paperwork, and total running costs rather than price alone. Compare options carefully and choose the option that best matches your budget and real needs.

Seller Takeaway

If you are selling a used car in the UAE, present the service history clearly, price the vehicle realistically, and highlight condition, specification, and ownership strengths honestly. A well-prepared listing with accurate details usually attracts more serious buyers.

Conclusion

A careful used car purchase in the UAE starts with research, proper inspection, and clear paperwork before making the final decision.

How to Transfer a Number Plate in Dubai: Step‑by‑Step Guide (2024)