💡 Quick Answer: How to Get a Custom Number Plate in Dubai
You can get a custom number plate in Dubai through three methods: direct purchase from RTA (AED 1,000-50,000), online auctions via Emirates Auction, or live auctions (ranging from thousands to millions). The process takes 1-3 months and requires Emirates ID, driving license, vehicle registration, and payment. Special plates (2-5 digits) cost AED 1,000-50,000, while VIP plates (1-3 digits) start at AED 10,000 and can reach millions.
⏱️ Read Time: 7 minutes | 💰 Budget: AED 1,000-50,000+ | ⚡ Process: 1-3 months
Ok so here’s the thing about How to Get a Custom Number Plate in Dubai…. Let me share what I wish someone had told me when I first started this journey. Back in January, I decided I wanted to make my new Mercedes stand out in Dubai’s sea of luxury cars. After 3 months, AED 15,000, and wayyy too many visits to the RTA, I finally got my perfect custom number plate in UAE. This guide shares everything I learned the hard way!
Naz
Your Dubai Insider | 4+ Years Living in Dubai
As a proud resident of this bustling city for over 4 years, I’ve devoted my time to exploring Dubai’s vibrant cultural life, different ways of living, and endless possibilities. My experiences enable me to guide you through job searches, housing hunts, commuting, and vehicle purchases in Dubai—including navigating the custom number plate system that I mastered after 3 months of trial and error!
📍 Living in Dubai for 4+ years | 🎯 Helping newcomers navigate Dubai life | 🚗 Custom plate owner since 2025 | 📅 Last Updated: December 2025
Why I Decided to Get a Custom Number Plate in UAE
Living in Dubai since 2023, I’ve seen how custom number plates in Dubai are more than just car accessories—they’re status symbols. Seriously, I’ve watched people at brunches talk about their custom number plates in Dubai MORE than their actual cars! 😂
When I first moved here, I had no idea getting a custom number plate could be so complex. I thought you just walked in, picked a number and paid. NOPE. There’s auctions, categories, specific formats and sooo many rules.
My first attempt was a disaster tbh. I showed up at the RTA office without researching anything about custom number plate in Dubai policies. The line was ridiculous, I didn’t have half the documents I needed, and I completely misunderstood the pricing structure. Not my finest moment!
Understanding the Types of Custom Number Plate
Before you start dreaming about your perfect plate, you need to understand the different types of custom number plate options available. I wish I’d known this from day one!
Regular vs. Special vs. VIP Custom Number Plate in Dubai
Let’s break down what ur options are:
- Regular plates – The standard white plates with black text that every vehicle gets. These arent really “custom” in the way were talking about.
- Special plates – These custom number plate in UAE options have unique numbers with 2-5 digits that might have personal significance. Think birthday, lucky number, etc. I went with one of these because the VIP plates were wayyy outside my budget!
- VIP plates – These are the ultimate status custom number plate that everyone notices. They have 1-3 digits (single digit plates are SUPER expensive) and come in different categories.
When I first researched getting a custom number plate in Dubai, I was shocked at the price ranges. Regular plates cost between AED 200-400, special custom number plates in Dubai from AED 1,000-50,000, and VIP plates can sell for MILLIONS. Yes, for a piece of metal with numbers!
| Plate Type | Number of Digits | Price Range | Status Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Plates | Standard 5-6 digits | AED 200-400 | Standard | Budget-conscious buyers, first-time car owners |
| Special Plates | 2-5 digits | AED 1,000-50,000 | Premium | Personalization seekers, meaningful numbers (birthdays, lucky numbers) |
| VIP Plates (3 digits) | 3 digits | AED 10,000-500,000 | VIP | High status seekers, investment buyers |
| VIP Plates (2 digits) | 2 digits | AED 50,000-1,000,000+ | Ultra VIP | Elite status, serious investors, collectors |
| VIP Plates (1 digit) | Single digit | Millions (Record: AED 52.2M) | Ultra Exclusive | Extremely wealthy collectors, prestigious investment |
📊 Note: Prices vary based on number significance, auction competition, and market demand. The single-digit “1” plate holds the record at AED 52.2 million (2016 auction).
How to Choose Your Custom Number Plate in Dubai
Choosing the perfect custom number plate in Dubai was harder than I expected. There are so many factors to consider and mistakes you can make if ur not careful.
Number Selection for Your Custom Number Plate in UAE
I spent WEEKS deciding on my number. Some considerations that helped me:
- Meaning: Many Dubai residents choose numbers with personal significance for their custom number plate in Dubai. My original plan was to get my birthday (0214), but then I realized a 2-digit plate (14) would look more premium.
- Numerology: Some people believe certain numbers bring luck. In the UAE, numbers like 7, 8, and 9 are considered fortunate for a custom number plate in Dubai.
- Visual appeal: Certain number combinations just look better on a custom number plate in Dubai. Repeating digits (like 88) or ascending sequences (like 123) are popular.
- Budget: This is the big one! I had to be realistic about what I could afford for my custom number plate in Dubai. The lower the digits and the “prettier” the number, the more expensive it gets.
I eventually settled on “14” because it’s my birthday (February 14) AND my lucky number, plus it was actually within my price range for a custom number plate in Dubai.
The Process of Getting a Custom Number Plate in Dubai
Getting your dream custom number plate in Dubai requires patience and attention to detail. Here’s my step-by-step experience:
Researching Available Custom Number Plate in Dubai Options
First, I checked what was available. You can do this through:
- The RTA website (www.rta.ae)
- The RTA app
- Platforms like Emirates Auction
- RTA customer happiness centers
ngl the RTA app was glitchy when I tried it, so I ended up visiting an RTA center in person which was actually faster.
Purchasing Your Custom Number Plate
There are three main ways to get a custom number plate in Dubai:
- Direct purchase – Some numbers are available for immediate purchase from RTA. I tried this route first, but the number I wanted wasnt available.
- Online auctions – Emirates Auction regularly holds online auctions for custom number plate in Dubai. This is where I eventually got mine!
- Physical auctions – The most exciting (and expensive) custom number plate in Dubai are sold at live auctions. I attended one just to watch, and saw a single-digit plate sell for AED 10 million!
My auction experience was INTENSE. I set a budget of AED 15,000 for my custom number plate in Dubai, but almost got carried away in the bidding excitement. The adrenaline is real! I barely won my plate for AED 14,900, which was cutting it really close to my max budget.
Required Documents for Your Custom Number Plate in Dubai
To complete your custom number plate in Dubai purchase, youll need:
- Emirates ID (original and copy)
- Driving license (original and copy)
- Vehicle registration card (if replacing existing plate)
- Auction winning certificate (if purchased via auction)
- Payment method
I forgot my original Emirates ID on my first visit and had to go all the way back home… don’t be like me! 🤦♂️
| Document | Format Required | Status | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates ID | Original + Copy | ✅ Mandatory | MUST be original—copies alone won’t work! |
| Driving License | Original + Copy | ✅ Mandatory | Must be valid UAE license |
| Vehicle Registration Card | Original + Copy | ✅ Mandatory | If replacing existing plate on your car |
| Auction Winning Certificate | Original | ✅ Mandatory | Only if purchased via auction |
| Payment Method | Cash or Card | ✅ Mandatory | For fees (AED 295+ total) |
| Passport Copy | Copy | ⚪ Sometimes | Some centers request it—bring just in case |
⚠️ Pro Tip: Make a folder with ALL these documents before visiting RTA. Author wasted an entire morning on first visit by bringing only photocopies instead of originals—don’t make the same mistake!
Installation of Your Custom Number Plate in Dubai
Once you’ve purchased your custom number plate in Dubai, installation is thankfully straightforward:
- Visit an RTA-approved service center
- Submit your receipt and vehicle registration
- Pay the installation fee (around AED 35)
- Wait while they install your new plate
The whole process took about 30 minutes, and seeing my new custom number plate in Dubai on my car for the first time was SO satisfying!
| Step | Action Required | Estimated Time | Where/How |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Research available numbers | 1-2 weeks | RTA website, RTA app, Emirates Auction |
| 2️⃣ | Set budget & choose number | 3-7 days | Personal decision, market research |
| 3️⃣ | Register for auction (if applicable) | 1 day | Emirates Auction website (AED 120 fee) |
| 4️⃣ | Wait for auction date | 1-12 weeks | Monitor auction schedule regularly |
| 5️⃣ | Participate in auction & win plate | 30-60 minutes | Online or physical auction venue |
| 6️⃣ | Gather required documents | 1-2 days | Collect Emirates ID, license, registration, certificate |
| 7️⃣ | Visit RTA center for processing | 1-2 hours | Any RTA customer happiness center |
| 8️⃣ | Professional installation of plate | 30 minutes | RTA-approved service center |
| ⏱️ TOTAL | Complete Process | 1-3 months | Varies based on auction availability |
⏰ Real Timeline: Author’s experience took exactly 3 months from initial research to final installation. The waiting period for the right auction was the longest part!
Cost Breakdown: Investing in a Custom Number Plate in Dubai
Let me break down the real costs of getting a custom number plate in Dubai, because this was the part that surprised me most:
Purchase Price of Custom Number Plate
- Regular plates: AED 200-400
- Special plates (2-5 digits): AED 1,000-50,000
- VIP plates (1-3 digits): AED 10,000-millions
My 2-digit custom number plate in Dubai (number 14) cost me AED 14,900 at auction.
Additional Fees for Your Custom Number Plate in Dubai
Don’t forget these extra costs:
- Auction registration fee: AED 120
- Knowledge and Innovation fee: AED 20
- Installation fee: AED 35
- Plate fee: AED 120
All in, I spent about AED 15,195 for my custom number plate in Dubai, which was pretty much in line with my budget.
| Cost Item | Amount (AED) | Required/Optional | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plate Purchase Price | 1,000-50,000+ | ✅ Required | Varies by digits & number significance |
| Auction Registration Fee | 120 | ✅ Required (if buying via auction) | One-time fee per auction participation |
| Knowledge and Innovation Fee | 20 | ✅ Required | Standard RTA administrative fee |
| Plate Fee | 120 | ✅ Required | Physical plate manufacturing cost |
| Installation Fee | 35 | ✅ Required | Professional installation at RTA center |
| Transfer Fee (if selling) | 5% of plate value | ⚪ Optional | Only if transferring to another owner |
| Annual Retention Fee | 180/year | ⚪ Optional | To keep plate when selling your car |
| TOTAL (Example: 2-digit plate) | 15,195 | — | Based on AED 14,900 plate purchase |
💰 Real Example: Author’s actual costs for 2-digit “14” plate = AED 14,900 (auction win) + AED 295 (fees) = AED 15,195 total investment. Budget at least 10% extra beyond plate price!
Legal Considerations
There are some important legal aspects to be aware of when getting a custom number plate in Dubai:
- Your custom number plate in Dubai must be registered in your name
- The plate must be properly installed by authorized centers
- Counterfeit plates carry HEAVY penalties
- The plate must remain attached to the registered vehicle
- You need proper documentation if transferring ownership
I learned you can actually be fined up to AED 50,000 for using fake plates! Definitely not worth the risk.
💎 Pro Tips: Mastering Custom Number Plates in Dubai
🎯 Set Your Budget BEFORE the Auction
The auction adrenaline is REAL, and it’s super easy to get carried away. I almost blew my entire budget in the heat of the moment! Set a maximum price and stick to it no matter how tempting it gets.
💡 Real example: I set AED 15,000 max and barely won at AED 14,900—almost exceeded my limit!
💰 Consider Resale Value From Day One
Custom plates can actually appreciate! Numbers with repeating digits (88, 777), ascending sequences (123, 234), or culturally significant numbers tend to hold value better. Think of it as an investment, not just an expense.
💰 Stat: One friend’s 3-digit plate went from AED 45,000 (2020) to AED 65,000 (2025)—that’s 44% return!
📋 Double-Check Your Documents Before Visiting RTA
Trust me on this—I wasted an entire morning because I brought a copy of my Emirates ID instead of the original. Make a checklist: original Emirates ID, original driving license, vehicle registration, auction certificate, and payment method. Check it twice!
⚠️ Time saved: Having all docs ready = 30 minutes vs. multiple trips taking hours!
🚗 Choose Numbers With Personal Meaning
You’ll be looking at this plate every single day, so make it meaningful! Birthdays, anniversaries, lucky numbers—whatever resonates with you. I went with “14” because it’s my birthday (February 14) AND my lucky number. Makes me smile every time I see it tbh.
🎯 Popular choices: Birth dates, lucky numbers (7, 8, 9), or repeating digits
⏰ Be Patient—Good Numbers Are Worth the Wait
Don’t rush into buying the first available number. I waited 3 months for my ideal number to show up in an auction, and it was absolutely worth it. Emirates Auction has new listings regularly, so keep checking!
⏱️ Timeline: Waited 3 months for perfect plate vs. settling immediately—no regrets!
📱 Use RTA Centers Instead of the App
Ngl, the RTA app was super glitchy when I tried it. Going to an RTA customer happiness center in person was actually faster and way less frustrating. Plus, staff can answer questions on the spot if you’re confused about anything.
💡 Pro tip: Visit RTA centers early morning (8-9 AM) to avoid crowds!
⚡ Factor in ALL Costs, Not Just the Plate Price
The auction price isn’t your final cost! Add auction registration (AED 120), knowledge fee (AED 20), installation (AED 35), and plate fee (AED 120). My AED 14,900 plate actually cost AED 15,195 total. Budget accordingly!
💰 Real costs: Plate (AED 14,900) + fees (AED 295) = AED 15,195 total
🔒 Never Buy Counterfeit Plates
Seriously, DON’T even think about it. Fake plates can cost you up to AED 50,000 in fines, plus legal trouble. Only get plates through official RTA channels or authorized auctions. Not worth the risk for any amount of money.
⚠️ Penalty: Up to AED 50,000 fine for counterfeit plates—stick to official channels!
The Investment Value of a Custom Number Plate
One thing I didn’t initially realize is that a custom number plate in Dubai can be a legitimate investment. Some plates have appreciated significantly in value!
My friend bought a 3-digit plate for AED 45,000 in 2020, and was offered AED 65,000 for it just last month. That’s a 44% return in 5 years!
The most expensive custom number plate in Dubai ever sold was the single digit “1” plate, which went for AED 52.2 million in 2016. I can only imagine what it’s worth now!
My Personal Experience: Lessons Learned
Looking back at my journey to get a custom number plate, here are my biggest takeaways:
- Research thoroughly – I wasted time and money because I didn’t understand the custom number plate in Dubai system from the start.
- Set a realistic budget – It’s easy to get carried away at auctions, especially for popular numbers.
- Consider resale value – If you might sell your plate later, think about which numbers hold value best.
- Prepare all documents – Double-check everything before visiting RTA centers.
- Be patient – The perfect custom number plate in Dubai might not be available immediately. I waited 3 months for a number I liked to come up in auction.
The best part? The reactions I get from my custom number plate. It’s definitely turned some heads in parking lots and started conversations. Last week a guy at the mall parking actually asked if I’d sell my plate to him!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Number Plates in Dubai
How to Transfer or Sell Your Custom Number Plate in Dubai
If you ever want to sell your custom number plate, here’s how:
- Visit an RTA center with both buyer and seller present
- Bring all original documentation
- Pay the transfer fee (usually 5% of the plate value)
- Complete the transfer form
You can also keep your custom number plate if you sell your car, by paying a retention fee of AED 180 per year.
🎯 Key Takeaways: Custom Number Plates in Dubai
- Price ranges: Special plates (2-5 digits) cost AED 1,000-50,000; VIP plates (1-3 digits) start at AED 10,000 and can reach millions. Budget extra 10-15% for fees (AED 295+ total).
- Three purchase methods: Direct purchase from RTA (fastest), online auctions via Emirates Auction (most common), or live auctions (most expensive options). Registration fee is AED 120.
- Timeline expectations: Complete process takes 1-3 months from research to installation. Most time is waiting for auctions; actual RTA processing only takes 2-3 hours.
- Required documents: Original Emirates ID, original driving license, vehicle registration, auction certificate (if applicable), and payment method. NEVER bring just copies!
- Investment potential: Desirable plates (repeating digits, sequences, low numbers) can appreciate 40-50% over 5 years. Single and 2-digit plates hold value best.
- Retention option: Keep your plate when selling car for AED 180/year retention fee. Transfer it to your next vehicle whenever ready.
- Avoid counterfeit plates: Penalties up to AED 50,000 plus legal trouble. Only buy through official RTA channels or authorized auctions—no exceptions!
- Pro tip: Visit RTA centers in person early morning (8-9 AM) instead of using the glitchy app. Set a firm budget BEFORE auctions to avoid overspending in the bidding excitement!
💡 Getting a custom number plate is a journey, but seeing that perfect number on your car every day makes it all worth it! Do your research, set your budget, be patient, and you’ll drive away with a plate that makes you smile. 🚗✨
Final Thoughts on Getting a Custom Number Plate
Getting a custom number plate has been one of my favorite car-related experiences here. Yes, it was expensive and sometimes frustrating, but now I have something unique that makes my car stand out.
If you’re considering a custom number plate , I’d definitely recommend it—just be prepared for the process and costs involved. Start by browsing what’s available on the RTA website or Emirates Auction to get a feel for prices and options.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about getting a custom number plate in Dubai. I’m no expert, but I’ve been through the process and learned a LOT along the way!
P.S. This info is from April 2025 but tbh things change fast in How to Get a Custom Number Plate so double check everything! And if ur reading this later… hope things have gotten even better lol
