Car License Plate in Dubai: Everything You Need to Know in 2025
If you’re planning to drive in the Dubai, understanding how to get a car license plate in Dubai is essential. Whether you’re a resident buying a new car, an expat renting a vehicle, or a business owner registering a fleet, every car on Dubai’s roads must be registered and legally plated. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) manages the vehicle registration and license plate system, ensuring that all vehicles comply with safety and legal standards.
This guide covers all you need to know about car license plates in Dubai, including how to register, what documents you’ll need, plate categories, personalized plates, and regulations for rental cars. If you’re also considering driving luxury vehicles like Rolls-Royce or renting a car with a driver, this guide gives you a complete picture of the legal side of being on the road in Dubai.
How to Register a Car and Get a License Plate in Dubai
To register a vehicle and obtain a car license plate in Dubai, you’ll need to go through the RTA. Here are the basic steps:
Get your Emirates ID and residence visa
Obtain car insurance valid for at least 12 months
Undergo a vehicle inspection (for used cars or renewal)
Pay registration fees (approximately AED 400)
Receive your license plate, registration card, and expiry sticker
If you’re renting a vehicle from services like Auto Rent a Car Dubai or Dollar Rent a Car Dubai, the registration is already handled by the company — but you’re still responsible for traffic fines linked to the plate number.
Types of Car License Plates in Dubai
Dubai offers various types of plates, each with its own category and pricing:
Standard plates: White background with black numbers
Luxury or VIP plates: Available through auctions, such as single-digit or custom-number plates
Short plates: A sleek design option for luxury cars like Rolls-Royce
Commercial plates: For company or fleet vehicles
Specialty plate numbers are often auctioned and can cost anywhere from AED 5,000 to over AED 35 million. It’s common for luxury vehicle owners — such as those who rent a Rolls-Royce in Dubai — to request short or premium plates to match their elite vehicle style.
License Plates and Rental Cars in Dubai
When using rental services like VIP Rent a Car Dubai or Rent a Car in Dubai with Driver, vehicles will already have valid registration and plates. However, it’s important to:
Double-check the validity of registration and insurance
Ensure the plate matches the contract vehicle
Report any plate damage to the rental agency immediately
Whether you rent a car with driver Dubai or go for a self-drive package, you’re legally responsible for the vehicle while it’s in your possession — including its plate number.
What If You Drive Without a Valid Plate?
Driving in Dubai without a valid license plate is a serious offense. Penalties include:
AED 3,000 fine
Vehicle impoundment for up to 90 days
Black points on your driver’s license
Possible deportation for repeated violations
That’s why even when using monthly rent a car Dubai packages or short-term rentals, checking the validity of the plate and documentation is crucial.
Custom and VIP Plates: A Status Symbol in Dubai
Owning or renting high-end cars is a trend in Dubai, and personalized license plates are part of that luxury lifestyle. From single-digit numbers to special letters, these plates are seen as status symbols — especially when mounted on vehicles like a Rolls-Royce Phantom.
If you’re working with agencies like Dollar Rent a Car Dubai or Auto Rent a Car Dubai, ask if custom plate rentals are available. Some VIP rental packages even include a vehicle with an exclusive plate already installed.
Can Tourists Get a License Plate in Dubai?
Tourists and short-term visitors can’t register a car directly under their name. However, you can still enjoy a luxury driving experience by:
Booking through a rental service that handles registration
Choosing chauffeur-driven services like Rent a Car with Driver Dubai
Using long-term packages such as Monthly Rent a Car Dubai
This allows you to experience Dubai roads legally and comfortably without needing to deal with RTA paperwork.
Plate Up and Hit the Road
Understanding the process behind getting a car license plate in Dubai is essential whether you’re living in the UAE, doing business, or simply exploring. A properly registered vehicle ensures that you comply with the law, avoid fines, and enjoy peace of mind on every journey. With Dubai’s thriving rental scene and VIP options like rent a Rolls-Royce in Dubai, the license plate is more than a legal requirement — it’s a mark of identity and class.
Ready to hit the roads of Dubai? Make sure your ride is registered, plated, and insured.