How to Buy a Special Number Plate in Dubai?: RTA Auctions, Custom Plates, Fees and Online Purchase
Want to own a unique car number plate in Dubai? Whether you prefer a memorable number, a special date or a premium two-digit combination, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) offers several ways to purchase a special vehicle number plate.
Motorists can choose their preferred number through the RTA website or mobile app, purchase an available plate at a fixed price, or participate in an RTA auction to compete for exclusive combinations.
The process can be completed online, making it easier for Dubai residents and vehicle owners to check plate availability, compare prices and secure a distinctive registration number.
If you are planning to buy a special number plate in Dubai, here is a complete guide covering the application process, RTA auction registration, direct purchase, fees, payment methods and collection locations.
Special Number Plate in Dubai
A special number plate is a distinctive vehicle registration number that motorists can purchase separately from standard vehicle registration.
These plates may feature:
- Two-digit numbers.
- Three-digit numbers.
- Four-digit numbers.
- Five-digit numbers.
- Memorable number combinations.
- Personal or meaningful number sequences.
- Premium registration codes.
Some buyers choose special plates because they are easy to remember, while others purchase them for personal collections, exclusivity or investment interest.
Dubai RTA provides different purchasing options, including customised number selection, fixed-price purchases and competitive auctions.
How to Buy a Special Number Plate in Dubai?
There are two main ways to purchase a special number plate in Dubai:
1. Custom number purchase: Search for your preferred number and buy it if it is available.
2. RTA auction or direct purchase: Select a number from the available auction catalogue, either at a fixed price or through competitive bidding.
You can access these services through the RTA website, RTA Dubai app and, for certain direct purchases, the DubaiNow app
1. How to Create and Buy Your Own Special Number Plate?
If you already have a particular number in mind, you can check its availability through the RTA website or app.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official Dubai RTA website or open the RTA Dubai app.
- Go to Services and select Vehicles.
- Open Vehicle Licence Plates.
- Select Apply for “Purchasing a Special Plate Number”.
- Tap Start Now and log in using UAE PASS.
- Select the plate category, such as private.
- Enter your preferred plate code and number.
- Choose the number of digits, from one to five.
- Submit your request to check availability.
- If the number is available, review the displayed price.
- Complete the payment.
- After successful payment, you will receive the plate ownership certificate and payment receipt through SMS and email.
Download RTA Dubai app
2. RTA Auctions: How to Buy a Special Number Plate?
If you want to purchase a special number plate in Dubai, you can apply through the RTA website, RTA Dubai app or DubaiNow app. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) offers two main options: buying an available number directly at a fixed price or participating in an open auction to compete with other bidders.
Here is a step-by-step guide to both options.
1. Apply Through the RTA Website or RTA Dubai App
You can browse available special number plates and submit your application online through the RTA website or mobile app.
- Visit the official RTA website or download the RTA Dubai app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Go to Services and select Vehicles.
- Choose Vehicle Licence Plates.
- Select Apply for Purchasing a Special Plate Number.
- Choose one of the available purchasing options:
– Direct Purchase: Buy an available special number plate immediately at its listed price without participating in competitive bidding.
– Participate in an Open Auction: Register and place bids on your preferred number plates alongside other participants.
2. Direct Purchase: Steps to Buy a Special Number Plate
If you prefer to purchase a number plate at a fixed price, follow these steps:
- Select Direct Purchase of Auction Special Plate Number.
- Tap Start Now and log in using your UAE PASS.
- Choose Buy New Plate.
- Browse the available number plates and select your preferred option.
- Review the applicable charges and complete the payment.
- Submit your application.
Once the transaction is completed, you will receive the plate ownership certificate and payment receipt through SMS and email.
Direct Purchase Fees:
| Fee description | Amount |
| Plate ownership certificate | AED 100 |
| Special plate number price | Depends on selection |
| Knowledge and innovation fee | AED 20 |
| VAT | 5% |
The final amount depends on the selected plate price and applicable VAT.
Electronic Auction Fees
| Fee description | Amount |
| Participation fee | AED 100 |
| Security deposit | AED 5,000 |
| Knowledge and innovation fee | AED 20 |
| VAT | Applicable as per service |
Note: The AED 5,000 security deposit is refundable subject to RTA auction terms and conditions. RTA states that credit-card deposits are refunded within 40 calendar days in the applicable circumstances.
Hall Auction Fees
For physical auctions, the security deposit can be AED 25,000, depending on the auction type.
RTA’s service information lists different deposit requirements for electronic and hall auctions. Always check the specific auction announcement before paying.
Where to Collect Your Special Number Plate in Dubai?
After completing the purchase, you can collect your new special number plate from an RTA Customer Happiness Centre or an authorised vehicle registration and inspection centre with plate manufacturing facilities.
| Area | Collection centre |
| Deira | RTA Customer Happiness Centre |
| Al Qusais | Tasjeel |
| Al Qusais | Shamil |
| Al Barsha | Tasjeel |
| Al Barsha Mall | Al Mumayaz Vehicle Testing |
| Al Jaddaf | Wasel Vehicle Testing |
| Al Quoz | Al Mutakamela Centre |
| Al Aweer | Al Mutakamela Centre |
| Al Mizher | Al Mumayaz Vehicle Testing |
| Al Mamzar | AG Cars Vehicle Testing |
| Al Ruwayyah 3 | Tajdeed Vehicle Testing |
| Seih Shuaib | Aber Registration Vehicle Testing Centre |
Latest Dubai RTA Special Number Plate Auction News 2026
Dubai RTA continues to organise special number plate auctions for motorists, collectors and people interested in premium registration numbers.
In its latest major auction announcement, RTA confirmed that its 121st Open Auction would feature 60 distinctive vehicle number plates.
The auction was scheduled for 24 October 2026 at Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City.
Some of the highlighted combinations included:
– BB 80
– BB 18
– CC 44
The auction featured two-, three-, four- and five-digit numbers across several codes, including AA, BB, CC, H, U, V, W, X, Y and Z.
Registration opened on 19 October through the RTA website and selected Customer Happiness Centres. The announcement specified a AED 25,000 security deposit and a non-refundable AED 120 participation fee, with successful bidders required to settle their winning bids within 10 working days.
This auction has already taken place, but it demonstrates the type of premium combinations RTA offers. Check the official RTA announcements for the next auction date and available numbers.
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Important Things to Know Before Buying a Special Number Plate
Before purchasing a distinctive Dubai registration number, keep these points in mind:
– You must have a valid Dubai traffic file to apply for the service.
– Your preferred number must be available in the RTA system.
– Auction participation fees are non-refundable.
– Security deposits are subject to auction rules.
– Winning bidders must complete payment within the specified deadline.
– Outstanding RTA fines or payments may need to be cleared.
– Check the eligibility requirements if your residence visa was issued in another emirate.
– A purchased plate number must be used in accordance with RTA registration rules.
– Always use official RTA channels to avoid fraudulent sellers and payment requests.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I buy a special number plate in Dubai?
You can buy a special number plate through the RTA website, RTA Dubai app or eligible DubaiNow services. Choose a custom number purchase, direct purchase or auction option.
2. Can I choose my own car number in Dubai?
Yes. You can enter your preferred plate code and number through RTA’s special plate purchasing service. The system will check whether the combination is available.
3. How much does a special number plate cost in Dubai?
The price depends on the selected number. Direct purchase also involves a AED 100 ownership certificate fee, AED 20 knowledge and innovation fee and applicable VAT.
4. Can I buy a special number plate without participating in an auction?
Yes. RTA offers direct purchase for selected numbers at fixed prices, subject to availability.
5. What is the security deposit for a Dubai number plate auction?
The published RTA service details list AED 5,000 for electronic auctions and AED 25,000 for certain hall auctions. Check the specific auction conditions.
6. Is the RTA auction security deposit refundable?
The deposit is refundable under the applicable RTA terms if you do not secure a number. Credit-card deposits are generally refunded within 40 calendar days in the circumstances specified by RTA.
7. Can I purchase a special number plate through the DubaiNow app?
Yes. Eligible direct purchases can be made through DubaiNow by selecting Services, Transport & Travel and Purchase Special Plate Number.
8. Where can I collect my new Dubai number plate?
You can collect it from the RTA Customer Happiness Centre in Deira or an authorised vehicle registration and inspection centre with plate manufacturing facilities, as specified by RTA.
9. Can I participate in Dubai RTA number plate auctions online?
Yes. RTA provides electronic auction registration and bidding through its official website and smart services.
10. How do I check upcoming Dubai special number plate auctions?
Visit the official Dubai RTA website and check its news and announcements section for upcoming auction dates, registration details and available plate numbers.