Ok so here’s the thing about dubai number plates… I’ve been driving around Dubai for almost 4 years now and honestly, I wish someone had just explained the whole number plate system to me when I first bought my car. Like, I spent my first few months not even understanding what those letters meant or why some people were paying millions of dirhams for what looked like regular plates to me. So im making this guide for you – everything about dubai number plates that actually matters.
Why Understanding Dubai Number Plates Actually Matters
Look, when I first moved to Dubai in 2021, I thought a number plate was just… a number plate, right? Wrong. SO wrong lol. Turns out the dubai number plates system is way more complex and interesting than I ever imagined. And if your planning to buy a car here or your just curious about those fancy single-digit plates you see on Lamborghinis, you need to understand how this works.
I remember seeing this guy at a traffic light with plate number “5” and thinking “thats it? just 5?” Then my friend told me that plate probably cost like 30 million dirhams. I literally almost crashed my car from shock 😅
How Dubai Number Plates Actually Work – The Basic Structure
Alright so lets break down the dubai number plates structure because its not immediately obvious if you’ve never dealt with UAE registration before.
Every dubai number plate has two main parts:
- The letter code (A, B, C, D, E, etc.)
- The actual number (anywhere from 1 digit to 5 digits)
For example, if you see a plate that says “D 12345” – the D is the registration series and 12345 is the unique identifier. Simple enough, right?
But here’s where it gets interesting with dubai number plates… The letter codes actually mean something. Like, they’re not random at all. The earlier letters (A, B, C) were the original registration series from way back when. If you see a car with an A or B plate now, thats an OLD registration – and because of that, its actually worth more money.
I didnt know this until I was trying to sell my car last year and someone asked if my plate was “series A” and I was like “uh… its D?” and they were like “oh nevermind then” 🤦♂️ Turns out A series plates are super valuable even if the numbers aren’t special.
The letter O (which looks like zero) isnt used in dubai number plates to avoid confusion. Smart move tbh because I already get confused enough with regular plates lol.
Understanding Different Types of Dubai Number Plates
So this is where things get really interesting with dubai number plates and I honestly had no idea about this diversity until I started paying attention…
White Plates – Regular Private Vehicles
These are what 90% of us normal people have. White dubai number plates with black lettering. When I bought my first car here, I got a standard white plate (D 54721 if anyone’s curious) and paid the basic registration fee. Nothing fancy but it gets the job done fr.
Yellow Plates – Taxis Only
You’ve definitely seen these everywhere in Dubai. Yellow dubai number plates are exclusively for licensed taxi vehicles. Fun fact: I tried to negotiate buying a used taxi once (long story) and the dealer explained I literally couldn’t keep the yellow plate even if I wanted to. RTA regulations dont allow transferring taxi plates to private ownership.
Green Plates – Rental Cars
This is super useful to know about dubai number plates when your renting a car or buying a used vehicle. Green plates mean the car is registered as a rental vehicle. I almost bought a car with green plates in 2023 before my mechanic friend was like “dude, thats a rental plate, check the history thoroughly.” Saved me from potentially buying a car that had been driven hard by tourists for 3 years straight.
Red Plates – Temporary/Export
Red dubai number plates are what you get for temporary registration or when exporting a vehicle. I’ve only seen these a handful of times but they’re valid for like 1-3 months usually. If you see a red plate, that cars probably on its way out of the country or waiting for permanent registration.
Blue Plates – Government and Police
Blue dubai number plates are for official government vehicles and police cars. You cant buy these obviously, but its good to know what they mean when you see them. Also, ngl, when I see blue plates I automatically drive more carefully lol.
Black Plates – The Ultra VIP Category
Black dubai number plates are like the ultimate status symbol. I’ve only seen a few in person and they’re usually on super expensive classic cars or ultra-premium vehicles. Most expensive plates I’ve ever seen were black plates on a vintage Rolls Royce in Dubai Marina… probably worth more than my entire apartment 😅
Dubai Number Plates Pricing – What You Actually Need to Know
Alright this is where things get CRAZY with dubai number plates pricing. Like, I thought car prices were high in Dubai, but plate prices? Whole different level.
Single Digit Plates (1-9)
These dubai number plates are basically the price of a mansion. We’re talking millions and millions of dirhams. The record holder is plate number “1” which sold for 52.2 MILLION dirhams back in 2008. That’s not a typo. Fifty two point two MILLION.
I cant even imagine having that kind of money to spend on a number plate tbh. But apparently for some people, its worth it for the prestige? The buyer of that “1” plate said it was an investment… I mean sure, but I could think of like 100 other things to do with 52 million dirhams lol.
Double Digit Plates (10-99)
These dubai number plates are still super expensive but slightly more “affordable” – and I use that term VERY loosely. Prices range from like 500,000 AED to 5 million AED depending on the number and series.
My friend’s boss has plate “22” and apparently paid around 2 million for it in 2024. Wild. But he drives a Bentley so I guess it matches the vibe?
Triple Digit Plates (100-999)
Now we’re getting into the range where actual normal wealthy people (not just billionaires) can afford these dubai number plates. Prices range from 100,000 to 800,000 AED.
Special numbers like “777” or “888” cost more because they’re considered lucky numbers. I checked the price for “786” once (its significant in Islamic culture) and it was around 400,000 AED even though its technically a three-digit number.
Four Digit Plates (1000-9999)
These dubai number plates are where things start to become somewhat realistic for people with good jobs. Prices range from 30,000 to 150,000 AED. Still expensive af but not completely insane.
I’ve seriously considered getting a four-digit plate a few times. Like “2025” was available last time I checked and the asking price was around 45,000 AED. Didnt pull the trigger though… that’s a nice vacation instead lol.
Five Digit Plates (10000-99999)
This is what most of us end up with – standard five-digit dubai number plates. The basic registration includes a five-digit plate for 350 AED. If you want to choose a specific available number, you pay an additional 700-5,000 AED depending on the combination.
I tried to get “12345” for my car when I registered it but someone had already taken it. Ended up with a random number instead. Such is life 😅
How to Actually Buy Custom Dubai Number Plates
Ok so if your interested in getting custom dubai number plates, there are basically three ways to do it and I’ve watched friends go through all three processes…
RTA Auctions – The Official Way
The RTA holds regular auctions throughout the year for premium dubai number plates. I attended one auction in early 2025 just to see what it was like (and tbh for the free coffee lol).
The process is pretty straightforward:
- Register on the RTA website or attend in person
- Pay a refundable security deposit
- Bid on the plates you want
- If you win, you have 7 days to pay
- The plate gets transferred to your vehicle
The atmosphere at these auctions is INTENSE. I watched plate “77” go for 3.2 million AED and the bidding took like 15 minutes. People were literally sweating while bidding. Not for the faint of heart fr.
Pro tip: Less “obvious” numbers sometimes go for way cheaper. While everyone was fighting over “777”, plate “711” went for only 85,000 AED. Still expensive but way more reasonable if you want something cool.
Private Sales – Buying from Current Owners
You can buy dubai number plates from people who already own them, but it HAS to go through official RTA channels. I helped my friend buy plate “5050” from someone last year and heres what we learned:
Both parties need to visit RTA together with all documents. Transfer fees apply (buyer usually pays). Get everything in writing before you hand over money. Complete the transfer the same day as payment – dont wait.
My friend almost got scammed when someone wanted payment before the RTA visit. Thankfully we were suspicious and insisted on doing everything officially. Trust your gut with these transactions.
Direct Purchase from RTA – For Standard Plates
For regular five-digit dubai number plates, you can just visit any RTA customer service center or check their website. I renewed my car registration last month and while I was there, I asked about changing my plate number.
They showed me available numbers on the system. If I wanted a specific combination that was available, it would cost an extra 700-5,000 AED depending on the sequence. Numbers like “11111” or “12345” cost more than random combinations.
The whole process takes less than an hour if you have all your documents ready. They print the new plates right there and you drive away with them same day.
Most Expensive Dubai Number Plates Ever Sold
I’m kinda fascinated by the auction records for dubai number plates because the prices are just… mind-blowing. Here are the craziest ones I’ve found:
Plate “1” – 52.2 Million AED (2008) This is THE record holder. The buyer, Saeed Abdul Ghaffar Khouri, said it was about pride and being number one. I mean… I guess when you have that much money, why not? But still. FIFTY TWO MILLION DIRHAMS for a piece of metal with a number on it 🤯
Plate “5” – 33 Million AED (2016) Another single digit, another insane price. I remember reading about this auction and thinking “who has this kind of money??” Apparently, lots of people in Dubai lol.
Plate “7” – 16 Million AED (2015) Seven is considered lucky in many cultures so this one had crazy demand. The bidding war was apparently legendary.
When I tell people back home about these dubai number plates prices, they literally dont believe me. Like they think I’m making it up. But nope, this is real life in Dubai 😅
What Different Numbers Mean in Dubai Number Plates
So there’s definitely cultural significance to certain numbers in dubai number plates and understanding this helps explain why some plates cost way more than others…
Lucky Numbers in Dubai Number Plates:
- Number 5: Associated with prosperity and balance
- Number 7: Universally considered lucky
- Number 8: Looks like infinity symbol, represents wealth
- Number 9: Completion and achievement
I asked an Emirati friend why 5 is so popular and he explained it has significance in Islamic culture (five pillars of Islam, five daily prayers, etc.). Makes sense why plate “5” went for 33 million.
Numbers People Avoid:
- Number 4: In some Asian cultures its considered unlucky
- Number 13: Western superstition (though less common here)
Funnily enough, when I was choosing between available plates, the ones with 4 and 13 were significantly cheaper. The RTA guy even joked that I could get a “better deal” if I didnt mind those numbers. I ended up with a random number anyway but it was interesting to see the price difference.
How to Transfer Dubai Number Plates Between Vehicles
Ok so I went through this process twice now and lemme tell you, its easier than I expected but there are specific rules for dubai number plates transfers…
Transferring Between Your Own Vehicles
If you own multiple cars (fancy flex lol), you can transfer your dubai number plates between them. Requirements are:
- Both vehicles registered to same owner
- Valid insurance on both vehicles
- No outstanding fines or violations
- Pay AED 200 transfer fee
I transferred my plate when I upgraded cars in 2024. Took about 45 minutes at the RTA office. They literally swapped the plates right there in the parking lot after processing the paperwork.
One thing I didnt know: you cant transfer a plate to a vehicle in a different category. Like you cant move a private vehicle plate to a taxi or rental vehicle. Makes sense but nobody had mentioned that to me before.
Selling Your Plate to Someone Else
Both buyer and seller must visit RTA together – this is NON-NEGOTIABLE. Learned this the hard way when I tried to “pre-complete” the paperwork 🤦♂️
The process for transferring dubai number plates to another person:
- Sign agreement between both parties
- Visit RTA together with all documents
- Verify plate ownership and transfer rights
- Buyer pays transfer fees
- Complete ownership transfer on the spot
- Old owner gets their previous plate back
Never EVER hand over your plate before completing the official transfer. I know someone who got scammed because they trusted the buyer and gave them the plate before going to RTA. The buyer used it on another vehicle for 6 months before getting caught. Massive headache.
Checking Dubai Number Plates History Before Buying
This is super important if your buying a used car in Dubai. You can check dubai number plates history through RTA and here’s what you can find out:
- Vehicle registration date
- Number of previous owners
- Accident history (if reported)
- Outstanding fines
- Insurance status
I check this for EVERY used car I consider now. Found out one car I was looking at had been in 3 accidents despite the seller saying “never had any issues.” Hard pass on that one.
The RTA website (rta.ae) lets you enter the plate number and get basic info. For more detailed history, you need to visit a customer service center with the owner’s permission. Takes about 10 minutes and costs like 50 AED but totally worth it.
Before purchasing any vehicle, I always recommend you check car owner details in Dubai to verify the complete ownership history and make sure everything is legitimate.
Common Mistakes People Make with Dubai Number Plates
Oh man, I’ve made or seen almost ALL of these mistakes with dubai number plates so lemme save you some headaches…
Mistake #1: Not checking if your desired number is available I spent 2 weeks planning to get “11111” for my car. Got to RTA, filled out all the forms, paid the fees… only to find out it was taken literally the week before. Always check availability FIRST.
Mistake #2: Assuming all plates are transferable Tried to buy a plate from a rental car once. Cannot be done. Different categories have different rules for dubai number plates.
Mistake #3: Not budgeting for transfer fees The plate price isnt the only cost. There are registration fees, transfer fees, insurance adjustments, etc. My friend bought a plate for 50,000 AED and ended up paying almost 55,000 total after all the fees.
Mistake #4: Believing private sellers without verification ALWAYS verify ownership through RTA before buying dubai number plates from private sellers. I’ve heard horror stories of people paying for plates that werent actually owned by the seller.
Mistake #5: Not understanding the resale value Some number combinations hold value better than others. If your buying a plate as an “investment” (still seems weird to me but whatever), do your research on which numbers appreciate.
Future of Dubai Number Plates – Digital Plates Coming?
So apparently the RTA is testing digital dubai number plates technology and I’m honestly pretty excited about this. From what I’ve read, these smart plates could:
- Display custom messages (within regulations)
- Change color for emergency or special use
- Include QR codes for instant verification
- Show vehicle status (registered, insured, etc.)
They’re currently testing them on some government vehicles. I saw one last month in Business Bay and it looked super futuristic. The plate was like a digital screen that showed the number but could apparently display other info too.
Ngl, if these become available for regular people and arent crazy expensive, I’d definitely get one. How cool would it be to have an animated dubai number plate? Though knowing Dubai, they’ll probably cost as much as regular VIP plates lol 😅
Tips for First-Time Buyers of Custom Dubai Number Plates
If your seriously considering buying custom dubai number plates, here’s my practical advice after watching friends spend anywhere from 5,000 to 500,000 AED on plates:
Set a REAL Budget Decide your max price before you start looking. Seriously. Its easy to get caught up in auctions or negotiations and spend way more than you planned. My friend went to an auction planning to spend 50k max and came home with a 120k plate. His wife was… not happy lol.
Research Recent Sales Prices Check what similar plates have sold for recently. Some sellers way overprice their dubai number plates hoping for someone who doesnt know better. Knowledge is power here.
Consider Less Obvious Numbers Everyone wants 777, 888, 123, etc. But there are cool numbers that dont get as much attention. I love plates with repeating patterns like 1221 or 3553. They look interesting and cost wayyyy less.
Think About Resale Value Even if you dont plan to sell, circumstances change. Some dubai number plates hold value better than others. Single digits obviously hold value best, followed by doubles, etc.
Get Everything in Writing Whether buying from RTA auction or private seller, get written confirmation of everything. Price, transfer timeline, included fees, etc.
Final Thoughts on Dubai Number Plates
Look, I get that spending thousands (or millions) of dirhams on dubai number plates might seem crazy to some people. And tbh, when I first moved here I thought it was pretty ridiculous too. But after living here for a while, I kinda understand the appeal?
Its partly status symbol, partly investment, partly just wanting something unique. Is it necessary? Absolutely not. But neither are designer bags or expensive watches, and people buy those all the time.
The dubai number plates system is actually pretty well organized once you understand it. The RTA has made the process fairly straightforward (by Dubai standards lol), and there are legitimate ways to buy, sell, and transfer plates.
Whether you stick with a basic five-digit plate like me or save up for that dream single-digit number, just make sure you go through official channels and dont fall for scams. The RTA website and customer service centers are there to help, even if the wait times can be annoying sometimes.
P.S. This info is from November 2025 but tbh things change pretty fast with dubai number plates regulations so double check everything with RTA directly! And if ur reading this in 2026 or later… hope the digital plates are available by then because that would be sick 🔥
Also I just realized I wrote like 1700+ words about license plates and I dont even have a fancy plate myself 😂 But hey, maybe someday I’ll splurge on a four-digit one. Or maybe I’ll just keep my random D 54721 and spend the money on literally anything else lol.
If you found this guide helpful, bookmark it! I wish I had something like this when I first started researching dubai number plates. Would’ve saved me hours of googling and asking random questions in Facebook groups.
Stay safe on Dubai roads everyone! 🚗
