Car Registration Renewal in Abu Dhabi: A Step-by-Step Guide

Renewing a car registration in Abu Dhabi works differently from Dubai. Licensing is run by the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), and most transactions go through TAMM, the emirate's unified government services platform. This guide covers the rules, the order of steps and the published fees.

Who handles it

According to Abu Dhabi Mobility, its driver and vehicle licensing services include issuing, renewing, registering and transferring ownership of vehicles. Customers can complete them digitally through TAMM using UAE PASS and an active traffic file in the licensing system.

Before you renew: three conditions

TAMM's Renew Vehicle Registration service lists these as things to complete before applying:

1. Valid insurance.

2. A passed technical inspection, unless your car is exempt (see below).

3. No restrictions on the vehicle record. Clear any blocks or outstanding fines first.

You'll also need your original Emirates ID.

Does my car need an inspection?

TAMM states that new vehicles are exempt from inspection for three years from the date of registration. Outside that period, the car has to pass a technical inspection before renewal.

The federal Ministry of Interior's public FAQ gives a similar rule for renewals handled through its system: a technical inspection is needed if the vehicle is more than three years old.

Where to test

ADNOC Distribution runs the main network of vehicle inspection centres used for Abu Dhabi renewals, with centres in Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain and Al Dhafra. There are also other licensed operators. Check the opening hours of the centre you choose before you go.

The fees

The fees below are the ones published for common cases. TAMM lists the renewal fees and ADNOC Distribution lists the test fees.

• Renewal, private or public light vehicle (TAMM): 350

• Fresh technical test (ADNOC): 150

• Re-test (ADNOC): 50 for the first; the second is free

So a private car that needs a test typically costs AED 500 in published fees, before insurance and any fines. If the registration expired more than a year ago, TAMM says ownership issue fees are added. Fees can change, so confirm the total in TAMM before paying.

Step by step

1. Insure the car, or confirm that your current policy is valid.

2. Check your record in TAMM for fines or restrictions and clear them.

3. Book and pass the technical inspection, if your car needs one.

4. Sign in to TAMM with UAE PASS and open Renew Vehicle Registration.

5. Pay the fees and receive your renewed registration.

TAMM estimates that the renewal itself takes a few minutes once the conditions are met. That doesn't include the time needed for insurance or the test.

Avoid failing the test

The technical inspection checks that the car is safe and roadworthy. These checks before you go can help:

• Tyres. Under Article 82 of the Federal Traffic Law, Abu Dhabi Police enforce a Dh500 fine, four black points and a one-week impoundment for unfit tyres. Ministry of Interior records reported by Khaleej Times show that Abu Dhabi recorded 8,984 unfit-tyre violations in 2023, more than any other emirate. Compare tyre shops in Abu Dhabi.

• Window tint. Abu Dhabi Police set the limit at 50% on side and rear windows, and the fine for exceeding it is Dh1,500, as reported by Gulf News. See window tinting in Abu Dhabi.

• Lights, brakes and warning lights. Book a car service in Abu Dhabi.

• Battery. See car battery replacement in Abu Dhabi.

Find a garage in Abu Dhabi

Browse garages in Abu Dhabi and car inspection services in Abu Dhabi. If you live in Dubai instead, read our Dubai registration renewal guide.

Sources: Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility); TAMM Renew Vehicle Registration service; ADNOC Distribution vehicle inspection fees; Ministry of Interior FAQ; Abu Dhabi Police and Ministry of Interior records as reported by Gulf News and Khaleej Times.