Mulkiya (Arabic: ملكية, literally "ownership") is the UAE's vehicle registration card — proof that a car is registered, insured and roadworthy. Registration is valid for 12 months, followed by a 30-day grace period to renew; beyond that, late fees accrue and driving the vehicle risks fines and impoundment.
Each emirate issues its own Mulkiya:
- Dubai — the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), via the RTA app, rta.ae or vehicle testing centres;
- Abu Dhabi — Abu Dhabi Police, with services delivered through the TAMM platform;
- Sharjah and the other emirates — Ministry of Interior traffic departments, via the MOI UAE app.
Renewal has three moving parts: valid insurance (insurers typically issue 13-month policies so cover spans the grace period), clearance of all traffic fines, and — for vehicles older than three years — a passed technical inspection at a centre such as Tasjeel, Shamil or Wasel. New vehicles are exempt from testing for their first three years.
The card itself is now digital-first. Dubai issues an e-Mulkiya with a QR code in the RTA and Dubai Drive apps, and other emirates display it in the MOI UAE app; a physical card is optional but worth carrying for GCC border crossings, where officers may not scan UAE digital documents.
