A missing plate number in Dubai could cost you AED 3,000 and add 24 black points to your license. Your vehicle might even face confiscation for up to 90 days.
Losing your number plate in Dubai can be stressful, but the replacement process is quick and simple. We know how urgent it feels when you find your number plate missing, so we created this complete guide. Dubai Police’s app lets you report your lost plate online for AED 70. You’ll get your police certificate in 12-24 hours. The RTA number plate replacement service is even faster – you can get a new plate in just 10 minutes at a Customer Happiness Center. The costs vary based on your needs. A short plate costs AED 35 while a long plate is AED 50. Luxury plates cost more at AED 500.
This step-by-step guide shows you the quickest way to report and replace your lost number plate in Dubai. We cover everything about handling theft, damage, or misplacement to get you back on the road legally and fast.
Step 1: Report the Lost Number Plate to Dubai Police
You must report your lost plate number to Dubai Police before applying for a replacement. This official record protects you from anyone misusing your missing plates.
How to report lost number plate in Dubai online
Dubai Police provides a simple digital service to report lost items, including vehicle number plates. The process requires your Emirates ID and vehicle registration information. You should also provide specific details about the time and place where you lost the plate.
Using the Dubai Police app or website
The reporting process through Dubai Police digital platforms is simple:
- Download the Dubai Police app or visit their official website
- Look for the “Lost Item Certificate” section
- Fill out the application form with your personal details
- Select “License Plate” as the category of lost item
- Enter the date, time, and location where you lost the plate
- Pay the service fees
- Submit your request
You will receive a transaction number through SMS and email to track your application status.
Cost and processing time for police report
Dubai Police’s lost item certificate fees include:
AED 50 as the simple service fee
AED 20 for the state-of-the-art fee
An extra AED 100 applies if you submit your application at service centers instead of online
The system emails your lost certificate and payment receipt directly. Your certificate stays valid for 30 days after issuance. This gives you enough time to complete the replacement steps. Online applications typically take 24 hours to process, though many get completed faster.
Note that this police report is crucial to get your RTA number plate replaced. Keep the certificate safe until you finish all replacement steps.
Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents
You’ll need your police report and several required documents to make your RTA number plate replacement process smooth. The right documentation will help you avoid delays and will give a hassle-free experience.
Emirates ID and vehicle registration card
Your original Emirates ID must be ready. This document serves as your main identification during the application process.
You also need a valid vehicle registration card (Mulkiya). The RTA’s system needs an active vehicle registration. Your registration renewal must be completed before applying if it has expired.
The vehicle registration should not have any outstanding fines. You must clear all pending traffic violations on your file.
Police report and company letter (if applicable)
The police report you got in Step 1 is a vital part of this stage. Keep this document secure since you’ll need it for your RTA application.
Company-owned vehicles require an official letter from your company that authorizes the plate replacement. This letter needs:
Company letterhead printing
Company stamp and authorized signature
Clear authorization statement for plate replacement Commercial plates need these additional documents:
Valid commercial license copy Commercial plate insurance
Authorized delegation letter
Damaged plate (if replacing due to damage)
The process is different from lost plates when you’re replacing damaged ones. The original damaged plates must go to the service center. RTA staff will verify and collect these plates before giving you new ones.
The service center must receive damaged commercial plates before issuing replacements. This helps RTA properly dispose of old plates and prevent misuse.
Diplomats who need plate replacement have special procedures through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Their cases follow a unique protocol that’s different from regular replacements.
After preparing all documents, you can move forward with your RTA replacement plate application.
Step 3: Apply for RTA Number Plate Replacement
You’ve got your police report and documents ready. Let’s look at the two quickest ways to apply for your replacement plate through RTA.
Online application via RTA portal
The digital application process is simple and saves you time:
- Log in to the RTA’s official website using your username and password or UAE Pass
- Go to Driver and Car Owner section and select “Apply for Replacing a Lost/Damaged Plate Number”
- Enter your personal details and vehicle information (plate code, color, model)
- Upload all required documents including your police report
- Pay the applicable fees
- Receive a transaction number to track your application
The RTA will notify you when it’s time to collect your new plates from a designated service center. The online portal lets you apply anytime since it’s available 24/7.
In-person application at Customer Happiness Center
The face-to-face service option works like this:
- Visit any RTA Customer Happiness Center
- The front desk employee will send you a link to submit documents
- Upload the required documents through the provided link
- Receive a transaction code
- Submit this code to the front desk employee
- Electronically sign the application
- Pay the required fees
- Receive your new vehicle plates
You can get your plates replaced at several service centers: Shamil Al Qusais, AG Cars Al Mamzar, Al Mumayaz Aswaq Mizher, Tajdeed, Tamam center, Al Mutakamela Al Awir, Al Mutakamela Al Quoz, Al Mumayaz Barsha Mall, and Wasel Al Jaddaf.
How long it takes to get the new plate
The process is quick at Customer Happiness Centers. Here’s what to expect: About 10 minutes of waiting time
Just 5 minutes for processing
Your plates should be ready within 10 minutes after completing payment
Online applicants need to visit the designated center to pick up their plates after approval. This service runs faster than most other vehicle-related processes at RTA.
The actual time might vary based on how busy the service centers are, but the process stays consistently quick.
Step 4: Understand the Fees and Penalties
You need to know the costs of replacing your lost plate number in Dubai to budget properly. The penalties make it urgent to complete the replacement process quickly.
Cost of different types of plates
Your replacement plate fees will depend on what you need: Short plate: AED 35
Long plate: AED 50
Luxury plate: AED 500
Short motorcycle plate: AED 25 Dubai branded plate: AED 200 Expo branded plate: AED 100
Long classical plate: AED 150 Short classical plate: AED 150 Expiry sticker: AED 10
Vehicle registration card: AED 50
The costs listed here only cover the physical plate replacement. You’ll need to pay extra fees that include the police report (covered in Step 1) and the knowledge and innovation fee.
Knowledge and innovation fee explained
Dubai’s knowledge and innovation fee adds AED 20 to any service that costs more than AED 50. The Dubai Government created this fee to support education projects and improve the emirate’s innovation environment.
The fee started as a Knowledge Dirham Fee of AED 10. Now it’s AED 20 and goes to Dubai’s Future Foundation to support state-of-the-art initiatives throughout the emirate.
Penalties for driving without a number plate
Driving without plates in Dubai leads to serious penalties: Fine: AED 3,000
Black Points: 23-24 (sources vary slightly) Vehicle Impoundment: Up to 90 days
These penalties apply whatever caused your missing plate—lost, stolen, or damaged. A missing plate on either end of your vehicle or unclear numbers can cost you anywhere from AED 400 to AED 3,000.
Getting your replacement plate quickly is vital to avoid these big penalties. The process usually takes less than 24 hours when you follow all steps correctly.
Conclusion
Losing your plate number in Dubai creates an urgent situation that needs quick action. The replacement process works smoothly if you follow the right steps. You can save time during the application by getting your documents ready after you get your certificate from Dubai Police. The RTA has made the process efficient – you can get new plates in just 10 minutes through their online portal or at a Customer Happiness Center.
Quick action on your lost plates will help you dodge some hefty penalties. Driving without proper plates can cost you an AED 3,000 fine, 23-24 black points, and your vehicle could be impounded for 90 days. These consequences make the replacement fees look tiny.
This piece covers all steps to direct you through the replacement process. Dubai’s dedication to efficient government services means you can get your new plates in less than 24 hours. Your replacement plates need to match your original type – standard, luxury, or specialized designs. The straightforward system will give you a quick path back to legal driving despite the initial stress of losing your plates.
FAQs
Q1. What should I do if I lose my license plate in Dubai?
First, report the lost plate to Dubai Police through their app or website. Then, gather necessary documents like your Emirates ID and vehicle registration. Finally, apply for a replacement through the RTA’s online portal or visit a Customer Happiness Center in person.
Q2. How much does it cost to replace a lost license plate in Dubai?
The cost varies depending on the type of plate. A short plate costs AED 35, a long plate AED 50, and a luxury plate AED 500. Additional fees include a AED 20 knowledge and innovation fee and the initial AED 70 for the police report.
Q3. How long does it take to get a replacement license plate in Dubai?
The process is quite efficient. You can typically receive your new plate within 24 hours. At Customer Happiness Centers, the average waiting time is about 10 minutes, with plate issuance usually completed within 10 minutes of finalizing your application and payment.
Q4. What are the penalties for driving without a license plate in Dubai?
Driving without a license plate in Dubai carries severe penalties. You may face a fine of AED 3,000, receive 23-24 black points on your license, and risk having your vehicle impounded for up to 90 days.
Q5. Can I transfer my license plate to another car in Dubai?
Yes, you can transfer your license plate to another car in Dubai. This can be done through the Dubai Drive app by accessing the ‘Vehicle Licensing’ section, selecting ‘My Plates,’ and choosing the option to ‘Apply for Transferring the Plate Number Ownership.’ You’ll need to provide the necessary details as prompted.
