What Is Mulkiya in the UAE: A Complete Guide

 

If you’ve ever owned a car in Dubai or anywhere in the Emirates, you’ve heard of the Mulkiya. But what is Mulkiya, exactly? In the UAE, Mulkiya refers to the vehicle registration card, the essential vehicle registration document that proves a car’s legal status on the road. This guide by BYD UAE explains its role, how to obtain a valid Mulkiya, the necessary documents, and the full Mulkiya renewal process. Whether you’re a first-time car owner or need to renew your Mulkiya, this article covers the required fees, documents, and tips for a smooth, straightforward process.

 

Understanding the Mulkiya Card 

 

A Mulkiya card functions as proof of valid registration in the UAE. Issued by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) or other emirate transport bodies, it contains vehicle details, from vehicle type (private car, light vehicle, or commercial truck) to chassis and engine numbers. The card shows the expiry date and confirms your car is legally registered. 

On the Mulkiya, you’ll see: 

- Owner’s name and Emirates ID number 

- Vehicle registration number and plate details 

- Vehicle registration renewal expiry date 

- Status of a valid insurance policy and car insurance coverage 

Without a valid Mulkiya, you cannot legally drive. Traffic police routinely request this vehicle registration card during roadside checks or at checkpoints like the Emirates Vehicle Gate. 

 

Why Mulkiya Matters for Car Owners 

 

For car owners, Mulkiya goes beyond a card in your glovebox. It ties into: 

- Road safety: An expired Mulkiya may indicate an untested or uninsured vehicle. 

- Legal compliance: Driving with an expired registration risks fines or vehicle impoundment. 

- Insurance claims: Insurers require a valid Mulkiya to process any vehicle insurance or insurance claims. 

- Resale or transfer: When you sell your car, the buyer must see a valid Mulkiya. 

Keeping your Mulkiya up to date protects you from legal issues and ensures you remain fully covered, whether you drive daily or only on weekends. 

 

How to Obtain Your First Mulkiya 

 

Required Documents and Steps 

 

To secure your initial Mulkiya in Dubai (or any other emirate), visit an RTA service center or the RTA website via your RTA account. You must present: 

1.Original Emirates ID and passport copy 

2.Trade license for company-owned vehicles 

3.Valid vehicle insurance policy under your name 

4. Completed vehicle testing center certificate (technical inspection) 

5. Vehicle registration form signed by the dealer or seller 

6. Receipt of payment for service fees and renewal fees applicable 

At that point, RTA issues the vehicle registration card, and your registration process is complete. 

 

Mulkiya Renewal Process 

 

Timing and Grace Period 

 

Your Mulkiya typically lasts one year. You can start the Mulkiya renewal process up to 30 days before expiry. A grace period of 30 days follows expiration, but you should pay the renewal fees promptly to avoid unpaid fines and complications. 

 

Documents and Fees 

 

For Mulkiya renewal in Dubai, gather: 

- Current Mulkiya card (expired or about to expire) 

- Valid vehicle insurance policy 

- Vehicle inspection certificate from an approved vehicle testing center 

- Emirates ID 

- Clearance of any outstanding traffic fines 

- Credit or debit card, or cash for Mulkiya renewal fees 

 

Fees vary depending on vehicle type: 

 

- AED 350 base renewal fee for private cars 

- AED 20 knowledge fee and innovation levy 

- AED 400 for new number plates (optional) 

- Additional service fees for online vs. in-person renewal 

 

Online vs. In-Person Renewal 

 

- Renew Mulkiya online via the RTA website or Dubai Police app: upload digital copies of required documents, pay the renewal fee, and print your renewal proof. 

- RTA service centers: visit in person with originals for immediate issuance of the renewed Mulkiya card. 

Whether you renew online or offline, both methods follow a straightforward process, but online renewal offers convenience for vehicles with no expired registration or unresolved issues. 

 

Vehicle Inspection and Testing 

 

Before vehicle registration renewal, your car must undergo an inspection: 

- Taken at an authorised vehicle testing center, such as Dubai Technology or Oilfields Supply Centre 

- Technicians verify brakes, lights, suspension, and tyre condition 

- If your vehicle passes inspection, you receive a vehicle inspection certificate, valid for renewal 

Failing inspection means repairs, retesting, and additional inspection fees. Ensuring your vehicle is well-maintained avoids delays in your Mulkiya renewal timeline. 

 

Handling Outstanding Fines and Legal Holds 

 

Unpaid traffic or parking fines must be settled before RTA processes your vehicle registration renewal. Use your RTA account or Emirates Vehicle Gate to check for: 

- Outstanding traffic fines or black points 

- Unpaid fines at petrol stations or online 

- Any legal holds, such as vehicle impoundment, that may block renewal 

Clear these issues first; otherwise, the RTA system won’t allow you to complete the transfer registration or renew your Mulkiya. 

 

Mulkiya Expiry and Renewal Reminders 

 

A few weeks before your Mulkiya expires, you’ll receive an SMS or email reminder via your Emirates ID and RTA account. You can also check Mulkiya's status on the RTA website anytime by entering your plate number or ID. 

Renew early within the 30-day window to benefit from the full year of coverage and avoid steep penalties. 

 

Special Cases and Variations 

 

- Media Free Zone vehicles may require additional approvals. 

- Company vehicles demand a trade license and an authorized signatory letter. 

- Diplomatic cars require a valid diplomatic card and ministry clearance. 

- Other emirates (Abu Dhabi, Sharjah) require renewal there before re-registering in Dubai; rules vary depending on the local transport authority. 

 

Tips for a Smooth Renewal Process 

 

1. Check the expiry date early via the RTA app. 

2. Book your vehicle inspection in advance to secure timely slots. 

3. Keep digital copies of all the required documents on your phone. 

4. Use credit or debit card payments to avoid cash handling. 

5. Clear any outstanding fines well before renewal. 

6. Create an RTA account to track your renewal steps and receipts. 

 

Final Thoughts 

 

Understanding what Mulkiya is and mastering the renewal process keeps your vehicle legally on the road and ensures road safety. Whether obtaining your first Mulkiya for your new BYD car, handling an expired Mulkiya, or performing Mulkiya renewal in Dubai, following this guide guarantees a smooth renewal process. Keep your vehicle registration card current, maintain valid insurance, and pass your vehicle inspection to drive worry-free across the Emirates.