How to Register a Company Vehicle for Business Use in the UAE?

Buying a vehicle for your establishment, but are unaware of how to register a company vehicle for business use in the UAE? This comprehensive guide walks you through a step-by-step process for registering a vehicle for your business in the UAE.

Registering a vehicle (digitally) for company use in the UAE is a straightforward process. However, understanding the document requirements, chronological steps, and processing fees is mandatory for a hassle-free experience. Learn to register company vehicles the right way.

Comprehensive Document Checklist

To ensure a smooth registration process, please have all the required documents ready before you begin. Only a complete set of documents means a seamless company vehicle registration in the UAE or anywhere in the world.

Here is the comprehensive document checklist. The checklist is broken down into two main categories for clarity: company-related documents and vehicle-related documents.

For the Company:

• Official Company Letter: An official letter in Arabic, on company letterhead, requesting the vehicle registration. It should include the vehicle details and be signed and stamped by an authorized signatory.

• Valid Trade License: A copy of the company’s current, valid trade license.

• Authorized Signatory's ID: A copy of the Emirates ID of the person authorized to carry out the registration.

• Memorandum of Association (MOA): A notarized copy of the company’s Memorandum of Association, especially for LLCs.

For the Vehicle:

• Proof of Vehicle Ownership:

• Vehicle Clearance Certificate (VCC): For a new vehicle, this is the customs card or certificate provided by the car dealer.

• Export/Transfer Certificate: For a used vehicle, this document proves the vehicle's ownership has been transferred to your company.

• Electronic Vehicle Insurance: An active insurance policy in the company's name. The insurance provider will send an electronic copy directly to the RTA.

• Technical Inspection Certificate: A valid Pass certificate from an RTA-approved testing center (mandatory for all used vehicles). New vehicles (produced within the last three years) are exempt from the technical inspection.

Always make sure you have all these documents gathered before initiating the company vehicle registration process.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Once you have gathered all the necessary documents from the checklist above, you are ready to begin the registration process. Following these chronological steps will ensure a smooth and efficient experience with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

Step 1: Secure Vehicle Insurance

All vehicles must have an active insurance policy to be officially registered in the UAE. Third-Party Liability (TPL) is the minimum requirement for legal compliance, covering damage to other people or property. The insurance must be in the company's name. You can purchase this from any RTA-authorized insurance provider, who will send an electronic copy of the policy directly to the RTA's system.

Step 2: Complete the Technical Inspection (for used vehicles)

If the vehicle is more than three years old, it must undergo a technical inspection at an RTA-approved testing center, such as Tasjeel, Shamil, or Wasel. This ensures the vehicle is roadworthy and safe. You will need to present the vehicle and its documents for this inspection.

Step 3: Pay Any Outstanding Fines

Once the vehicle passes the inspection, you must clear all pending traffic fines linked to the company's traffic file and/or the vehicle. This is a mandatory step before registration can be completed. You can clear these fines through the RTA website, app, or at a service center.

Step 4: Submit the Application and Pay Fees

Once the above steps are completed, you can submit the registration application to the RTA. This can be done conveniently online via the RTA website or app, or in person at an RTA customer service center. An authorized vehicle testing center can also be a good alternative. You will pay the registration fees at this stage.

Step 5: Receive Your Vehicle Registration Card & Plates

After the payment is processed and the application is approved, you will receive the vehicle's ownership card, known as the Mulkiya. This document is now often made available in digital format. If you are registering a new vehicle, you will also receive the new number plates. For companies with existing vehicles, the new vehicle can be registered under a new number, or the company’s existing plate can be transferred from an old vehicle.

Here’s how you can get a number plate in the UAE: Guide to Get UAE Custom License Plate Numbers.

Important Considerations & Special Cases

Having learned about the document requirements & step-by-step process of registering a company vehicle for business use in the UAE, take a look at some special cases and considerations. These will further clarify exceptions, extra requisites, and fee-related aspects of registration.

New vs. Used Vehicles: What's the Difference?

The registration process for new and used vehicles has one major distinction: the technical inspection.

• New Vehicles: Vehicles produced within the last three years don’t need technical inspection. In most cases, the dealership will handle the entire registration process on your company's behalf. It streamlines the entire registration experience.

• Used Vehicles: Any used vehicle must pass a mandatory technical inspection at an RTA-approved testing center to ensure it is roadworthy. This is a prerequisite for registration and is the responsibility of the company or individual.

Common Registration Fees

While fees can vary by vehicle type and service channel, here is a general breakdown of the costs you can expect to pay for a light vehicle:

• Registration Fee: Approximately AED 400. This is the main charge for the service.

• Technical Inspection Fee: An additional fee for used vehicles. Approximately AED 170 for light vehicles (including motorcycles) & AED 200 for heavy vehicles.

• Re-test (if the vehicle fails): Approximately AED 50.

• Number Plate Fee: A fee for new or replacement plates. 

• Long Plates: AED 50

• Short Plates: AED 35

• Dubai-branded Plates: AED 200

• Luxury Plates: AED 500

• Knowledge & Innovation Fees: Generally AED 20. Small government fees are added to all transactions.

Important: Keep in mind that these are the standard periodic inspection fees for registration renewal. Other tests, such as retests after a failed inspection or those required for new vehicle registration, may have slightly different costs. 

Special Cases to Keep in Mind

• Free Zone Companies: If your company is registered in a free zone (such as JAFZA or Dubai Media City), you may need to provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the free zone authority in addition to the standard documents.

• Vehicles with Loans: If the vehicle is financed through a bank, the bank will place a mortgage on the vehicle. The registration process will require the bank to provide an electronic NOC (eNOC) directly to the RTA to proceed.

• Annual Renewal: Remember that vehicle registration is valid for one year, and you must renew it annually. The renewal process is similar to the initial registration. It also requires updated insurance, a technical inspection (for vehicles over three years old), and payment of fees and fines.

Final Thoughts

Registering a company vehicle for business use in the UAE is a complex process with multiple steps and documents. However, it’s ultimately a straightforward and manageable task. By preparing your documents in advance, following the chronological steps, and understanding the specific requirements for your vehicle, you can ensure a smooth and efficient experience. With this guide, you’re equipped with the latest knowledge for a seamless company vehicle registration in the Emirates.