Ok so here’s the thing about wanting to change color of car in dubai… Let me share what I wish someone had told me when I first started this journey back in 2024. I was so tired of my boring silver Camry and wanted something more exciting – maybe a nice matte black or even a bright blue. But honestly? I had NO idea what I was getting myself into.
I remember sitting in my car one day, looking at all these amazingly customized rides around Dubai and thinking “why can’t I just drive to a paint shop and get this done?” Well, turns out thats not how things work here. The process to change color of car in dubai is way more complex than I thought, and I made pretty much every mistake possible along the way.
So if ur thinking about changing your car’s color in Dubai, buckle up because this is gonna be a long ride. But trust me, by the end of this you’ll know exactly what you need to do (and what NOT to do).
Why I Decided to Change Color of Car in Dubai
Before we dive into the how-to stuff, let me tell you why I even wanted to change color of car in dubai in the first place. My 2019 Camry was perfectly fine mechanically, but that standard silver color just felt so… boring. Everyone in Dubai has a silver car, right? I wanted something that would stand out but still look professional for work.
Plus, I’d been seeing all these incredible car wraps and paint jobs around the city. From matte finishes to color-changing paints, Dubai’s car scene is honestly insane. The quality of work here is world-class, and I figured if I was gonna change color of car in dubai, this was the perfect place to do it.
But here’s where I messed up initially – I thought I could just walk into any garage and get it done. Wrong. SO wrong.
The Reality Check: Legal Requirements to Change Color of Car in Dubai
This is where things get real. You can’t just decide to change color of car in dubai without going through the proper legal channels. I learned this the hard way when I showed up at a garage in Al Quoz and they basically laughed at me.
In Dubai, you need to obtain a “No-Objection Letter” from the authorities before you can change the color of your vehicle. This isn’t optional – its mandatory. And the process involves dealing with the Dubai Police CID (Criminal Investigation Department).
I know, I know – it sounds intimidating. But its not as scary as it sounds. The Dubai Police have actually made the process pretty straightforward, especially with their app.
My Step-by-Step Experience to Change Color of Car in Dubai
Step 1: Getting the NOC (No-Objection Certificate)
To obtain a NOC from the CID of Dubai Police, you need to use the Dubai Police app and search for Vehicle Inspection Request. You cannot use the Dubai Police Website to initiate a request.
I downloaded the Dubai Police app and honestly, it was pretty user-friendly. The online process takes only 5 minutes to initiate the request, which is way faster than I expected.
Here’s what I needed for the NOC application:
- Emirates ID
- Vehicle registration card (Mulkiya)
- Valid driving license
- Current photos of the vehicle from all angles
- Live photos and a video of your vehicle showing its current condition (including front, back, sides)
The photos part was actually more important than I thought. They need to see the current condition of your car clearly, so make sure you take good quality pictures in proper lighting.
Step 2: Paying the Fees
The total cost of a car colour change request in Dubai is AED 120. This includes a fee of AED 100 for service and AED 10 knowledge and AED 10 innovation fee.
Honestly, 120 dirhams isn’t bad at all for an official government service. I was expecting it to be much more expensive.
Step 3: Waiting for Approval
After submitting everything through the Dubai Police app, I had to wait for approval. This took about 3-4 working days in my case, though I’ve heard it can sometimes be faster or slower depending on their workload.
When I got the NOC, I felt like I’d won the lottery lol. Finally, I could move forward with actually changing the color!
The Actual Process: Different Ways to Change Color of Car in Dubai
Once I had my NOC, I had to decide HOW I wanted to change color of car in dubai. There are basically three main options:
Option 1: Traditional Paint Job
This is the classic approach – stripping the old paint and applying new paint. Its permanent and gives you a factory-like finish. But its also the most expensive and time-consuming option.
Option 2: Vinyl Wrapping
Dubai offers vinyl wrapping as an exciting option for changing your car’s color. This method involves applying a self-adhesive vinyl film to the car’s exterior, creating a seamless new look without permanently altering the original paint.
I actually went with this option because:
- Its less expensive than a full paint job
- Its reversible (you can remove it later)
- The quality in Dubai is incredible
- Faster turnaround time
Option 3: Hybrid Approach
Some people do a combination – maybe paint the main body but wrap certain parts. This gives you more customization options but can be more complex.
Cost Breakdown: How Much Does it Really Cost to Change Color of Car in Dubai?
This is probably what you really want to know, right? Let me break down the real costs I experienced:
Government Fees:
- NOC application: AED 120
Actual Color Change Costs: The cost of changing the colour of a car from a reliable service provider varies based on different factors such as car model, number of colours and the procedure. The starting price for the service is AED 1500.
For my Camry, here’s what I paid:
- High-quality vinyl wrap (matte black): AED 2,800
- Preparation work: AED 500
- Additional detailing: AED 300
- Total: AED 3,600
But this can vary ALOT depending on:
- Your car size and model
- Type of color/finish you want
- Quality of materials
- Reputation of the garage
I’ve seen quotes ranging from AED 1,500 for basic wraps to over AED 15,000 for premium paint jobs with special effects.
Choosing the Right Garage to Change Color of Car in Dubai
This is crucial, and I almost messed this up too. Not all garages in Dubai are created equal when it comes to color changes. Here’s what I learned:
Red Flags to Avoid:
- Garages that don’t ask for your NOC
- Prices that seem too good to be true
- No portfolio of previous work
- Unclear warranty terms
What to Look For:
- Proper licensing and insurance
- Portfolio of previous color change work
- Clear warranty terms
- Professional facilities
- Good reviews from other customers
I ended up going with a garage in Al Quoz that specializes in vehicle wrapping. They had an amazing portfolio and the owner actually walked me through the entire process before starting.
Common Mistakes When Trying to Change Color of Car in Dubai
Based on my experience and talking to other people who’ve done this, here are the biggest mistakes to avoid:
Mistake #1: Not getting the NOC first Some people try to change color of car in dubai without proper documentation. This can lead to fines and legal issues. Don’t risk it.
Mistake #2: Choosing the cheapest option I was tempted to go with the lowest quote, but I’m so glad I didn’t. Quality matters ALOT when you’re changing your car’s color.
Mistake #3: Not considering resale value Some color changes can affect your car’s resale value. Bright pink might look cool now, but it could limit your buyers later.
Mistake #4: Ignoring warranty terms Make sure you understand what’s covered and for how long. A good wrap should last 3-5 years with proper care.
Mistake #5: Not updating vehicle registration After you change color of car in dubai, you need to update your vehicle registration to reflect the new color. I almost forgot this step!
The Inspection Process After You Change Color of Car in Dubai
Once the color change was complete, I had to go through an inspection process. This is to verify that the work was done properly and matches what was approved in the NOC.
The inspection covers:
- Verification that the new color matches the approved application
- Checking that no structural changes were made
- Ensuring all lights and safety features still work properly
- Confirming the vehicle identification number is still visible
This part was actually pretty quick – took about 30 minutes at the inspection center.
Updating Your Vehicle Registration After You Change Color of Car in Dubai
This is the final step that many people forget about. After you successfully change color of car in dubai, you need to update your vehicle registration (Mulkiya) to reflect the new color.
You’ll need:
- Your NOC
- Inspection certificate
- Current vehicle registration
- Emirates ID
- Small fee (I think it was around AED 50)
This can be done at any RTA center or online through their website. I did it online and it was pretty straightforward.
Different Color Options and Trends to Change Color of Car in Dubai
Dubai’s car scene is incredibly diverse, and I’ve seen some amazing color choices. Here are some popular trends I’ve noticed:
Matte Finishes
Super popular right now. Matte black, matte grey, matte blue – these look incredibly sophisticated and modern.
Metallic Colors
Classic but timeless. Metallic silver, gold, or bronze can make any car look premium.
Color-Changing Paints
These are expensive but absolutely stunning. The color shifts depending on the angle and lighting.
Bright Colors
Some people go bold with bright yellows, reds, or blues. These definitely make a statement!
Chrome and Mirror Finishes
You see these on supercars around Dubai. They’re eye-catching but not for everyone.
Maintenance After You Change Color of Car in Dubai
One thing I wish I’d known earlier is that maintaining your new color requires some extra care, especially in Dubai’s harsh climate.
For vinyl wraps:
- Regular washing with pH-neutral soap
- Avoiding high-pressure washers on edges
- Parking in shade when possible
- Regular inspection for lifting or damage
For paint jobs:
- Regular waxing to protect the finish
- Immediate removal of bird droppings or tree sap
- Professional detailing every few months
- Touch-ups for any chips or scratches
Insurance Considerations When You Change Color of Car in Dubai
This is something I almost overlooked completely. When you change color of car in dubai, you should inform your insurance company. Most companies don’t charge extra for color changes, but they need to update their records.
I called my insurance company after the color change was complete, and they just updated my policy documents. No additional premium, but it’s important for claims purposes.
Seasonal Considerations for Color Changes in Dubai
Dubai’s climate is… intense. And some colors handle the heat better than others. Here’s what I learned:
Colors that work well in Dubai heat:
- White (reflects heat)
- Light metallics
- Matte finishes (less heat absorption)
Colors that can be challenging:
- Dark colors (absorb more heat)
- Glossy black (shows dust easily)
- Very bright colors (can fade faster)
I went with matte black, and while it looks amazing, it does get hot in the summer. But the aesthetic is worth it for me.
The Timeline: How Long Does it Take to Change Color of Car in Dubai?
Here’s a realistic timeline based on my experience:
NOC Application: 3-4 working days Finding the right garage: 1-2 weeks (if you’re picky like me) Actual color change work: 3-5 days (depending on the method) Inspection and registration update: 1 day
Total time: About 2-3 weeks from start to finish
This can vary depending on the garage’s workload and how quickly you make decisions.
Alternative Options: Temporary vs Permanent Color Changes
One thing I discovered is that you have options when you change color of car in dubai:
Permanent Changes
- Full paint job
- High-quality vinyl wrap (3-5 years)
Temporary Changes
- Removable vinyl wrap
- Plasti Dip coating
- Temporary decals
This is especially the case if you change the car color by wrapping, respraying and foiling, and you need proper permission for all of these.
My Final Results and Honest Review
After all the paperwork, waiting, and costs, I finally had my matte black Camry. And honestly? It was totally worth it. The transformation was incredible – it looked like a completely different car.
The process to change color of car in dubai is definitely more complex than in some other places, but the quality of work available here is world-class. The legal requirements might seem annoying, but they’re actually there to protect both you and other road users.
Tips for Success When You Change Color of Car in Dubai
Based on my experience, here are my top tips:
- Plan ahead – The process takes time, so don’t rush
- Research garages thoroughly – Quality varies significantly
- Get multiple quotes – Prices can vary by thousands of dirhams
- Consider your lifestyle – Some colors require more maintenance
- Think about resale – How will this affect your car’s value?
- Document everything – Keep all paperwork and photos
- Be patient – Good work takes time
Common Questions About How to Change Color of Car in Dubai
Can I change just part of my car’s color? Yes, but you still need NOC approval and it needs to be clearly specified in your application.
What if I want to change the color back later? You’ll need to go through the same process again, including getting a new NOC.
Can I change to any color I want? Most colors are acceptable, but some might be restricted (like emergency service colors).
Do I need to inform my bank if I have a car loan? Yes, its good practice to inform them, though most banks don’t have issues with color changes.
The Future of Car Color Changes in Dubai
Dubai is always evolving, and I’ve heard rumors about new technologies and streamlined processes coming soon. The city is very progressive when it comes to automotive customization, so I expect the process to become even more efficient in the future.
There’s also growing interest in eco-friendly options like water-based paints and recyclable wrap materials, which aligns with Dubai’s sustainability goals.
My Final Thoughts on How to Change Color of Car in Dubai
Looking back, the decision to change color of car in dubai was one of the best automotive decisions I’ve made. Yes, it was more complex than I initially thought, and yes, it cost more than I originally budgeted. But the result was exactly what I wanted.
The key is doing your research, following the proper procedures, and choosing quality service providers. Dubai has some of the best automotive customization services in the world, so if you’re thinking about changing your car’s color, this is definitely the place to do it.
The legal requirements might seem like a hassle, but they’re actually pretty reasonable once you understand the process. And the Dubai Police app makes the NOC application much easier than it used to be.
Just remember – patience is key. Don’t rush the process, and don’t cut corners on quality. Your car’s new color is something you’ll be looking at every day, so make sure you’re happy with both the color choice and the quality of work.
Whether you go with a subtle change or something dramatic, the ability to change color of car in dubai gives you amazing opportunities to personalize your vehicle. Just make sure you do it right!
P.S. This info is from June 2025 but tbh things change fast in Dubai’s automotive scene so double check everything with the latest sources! And if ur reading this later… hope the process has gotten even easier lol. Also, don’t forget to take before and after photos – you’ll want to show them off 😎
