Mulkiya renewal is the process of renewing your vehicle registration card in Dubai, required annually for cars older than three years after passing an RTA inspection. The standard renewal fee is AED 350, and you can complete the entire process online in under 10 minutes through the RTA Dubai app or RTA website using UAE Pass.
What does “mulkiya” mean in Dubai?
Mulkiya is the Arabic word for “ownership” and refers to your vehicle registration card, the official document that proves your car is legally registered and roadworthy in Dubai. It displays key details: plate number, chassis number, expiry date, and the registered owner’s name. You must carry a physical or digital copy of your mulkiya whenever you drive, and it’s the first document traffic officers ask to see.
Is car registration renewal and mulkiya the same?
Yes, in Dubai, car registration renewal and mulkiya renewal are exactly the same thing. The process generates a new registration card, often called the mulkiya card, and updates the expiry date in the system.
What are the prerequisites for mulkiya renewal?
Before you can start the renewal, you must clear four things: valid insurance, zero traffic fines, a clean Salik balance, and a passed vehicle inspection if your car is older than three years.
- Valid insurance: your motor insurance policy must be active for at least 13 months from the renewal date.
- Cleared traffic fines: all fines registered on your vehicle or driving licence must be paid in full.
- Settled Salik tolls: any overdue Salik tolls must be cleared.
- Passed vehicle inspection: cars older than three years must pass an RTA technical inspection at an approved centre.
How to renew your mulkiya online: step-by-step guide
Step 1: Check Your Mulkiya Expiry Date
Check the expiry date on your current vehicle registration card or via the RTA Dubai app. You can renew up to 30 days before expiry.
Step 2: Ensure All Fines Are Paid
Check and pay outstanding fines via the RTA Dubai app, website, or kiosks.
Step 3: Get Your Car Tested (RTA Inspection)
If your vehicle is over 3 years old, an RTA vehicle inspection is mandatory before renewal, checking brakes and steering, chassis condition, lights and electronics, and emissions levels.
Step 4: Arrange Insurance
Your car must have valid insurance with a minimum one-year duration, usually submitted directly to RTA electronically by the insurer.
Step 5: Renew Online or In Person
Option A: Online
Visit the RTA Dubai website or app, log in with UAE Pass, upload documents if required, pay the renewal fee, and receive your digital Mulkiya instantly.
Option B: In Person
Visit any RTA customer happiness center, service center, or kiosk. Submit documents, pay fees, and get your Mulkiya printed.
Step 6: Receive Your Mulkiya
Digital: you’ll receive it in the RTA app and via email. Physical card: optional, can be requested for a small fee.
If your car needs an inspection and you’d rather not handle the trip yourself, our RTA vehicle inspection service can take care of it for you.
How much does mulkiya renewal cost in 2026?
| Fee component | Amount (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle registration renewal fee | 350 | Base fee for private light vehicles |
| Knowledge fee | 10 | Applied to all RTA transactions |
| Innovation fee | 10 | Applied to all RTA transactions |
| Vehicle technical inspection | 170-220 | Required for cars older than 3 years |
| Courier delivery (optional) | 20-30 | For physical mulkiya card delivery |
| Late renewal fine (if applicable) | 10 per month | Capped at AED 500 |
Most car owners renewing a vehicle older than three years should budget around AED 550 to AED 600 in total, including inspection and courier.
What happens if your mulkiya expires?
If your mulkiya expires, you have a 30-day grace period to renew without a late fine. After that, the RTA charges AED 10 per month for private vehicles, capped at AED 500. Driving with an expired registration risks a fine, black points, and even vehicle impoundment.
Can you renew mulkiya without Emirates ID?
In practice, you need an active Emirates ID to renew your mulkiya online because UAE Pass is tied to your Emirates ID. For company-owned vehicles, the sponsor or authorised representative can use their own UAE Pass to process the renewal.
How Comfort Drive can handle your mulkiya renewal and RTA inspection
For AED 100 per visit, we send a professional, RTA-approved driver to pick up your car from home or work, take it to the testing centre, handle the inspection process, and return the car to you once it’s done. The AED 100 covers the driver service only; the RTA test fee is paid directly to the government.
Whether you’re abroad, stuck in back-to-back meetings, or simply prefer to skip the RTA queue, we handle RTA vehicle inspection in Dubai and turn a multi-step chore into a one-call solution. You can also combine it with an hourly driver if you need someone to handle additional errands.