Decoding the Mulkiya: Every Sticker, Stamp, and Date on Your UAE Registration Card Explained

Decoding the Mulkiya: Every Sticker, Stamp, and Date on Your UAE Registration Card Explained

When you buy a car in the UAE—new or used—one document follows you everywhere: the Mulkiya. Officially called the Vehicle Registration Card, it’s your car’s passport, license, and ID all rolled into one. Yet, many drivers glance at it without ever understanding what each detail, code, or stamp really means. Let’s break it down—simply, visually, and practically.

What Is the Mulkiya?

The Mulkiya (????? ???????) is the UAE vehicle registration card issued by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) or respective emirate authorities like Abu Dhabi Police or Sharjah RTA.
It proves that your vehicle is:

• Registered and road-legal
• Insured
• Owned by you (or a bank, if financed)

You must always carry it in your car. If police stop you, or if you’re selling your car, the Mulkiya is the first thing they’ll ask for.

Front Side: What Each Field Means

1. Owner’s Details
   • Name: The registered owner (individual or company).
   • Emirates ID or Passport Number: Linked directly to the traffic file.
   • Address: In some emirates, this is optional.

1. Vehicle Details

1. • Plate Number and Category: Example: “Dubai – Private – A 12345”.
   • Vehicle Type: SUV, sedan, truck, etc.
   • Make and Model: Like Toyota Land Cruiser or Nissan Patrol.
   • Chassis Number (VIN): The car’s unique ID—used for insurance and police checks.
   • Engine Number: Useful when verifying used cars.

1. Registration Dates

1. • Issue Date: When the registration was last renewed.
   • Expiry Date: When you need to renew again (usually one year from issue).
   • First Registration Date: When the car was first registered in the UAE.

Back Side: Stickers, Stamps & Codes

• Insurance Sticker: Confirms that your insurance policy is active and linked to the Mulkiya.
• Technical Inspection Stamp: Appears after your vehicle passes the annual RTA inspection.
• Barcode / QR Code: Used for quick verification by RTA systems or police apps.
• Color Codes or Security Holograms: Anti-counterfeit features, often visible under UV light.

If your Mulkiya has multiple stamps, that usually means:

• Vehicle was re-tested or re-registered multiple times.
• Ownership was transferred from one emirate to another.

Understanding Key Renewal Points

• Private Vehicles: Must renew registration every year.
• Commercial Vehicles: More frequent checks and stricter inspection rules.
• Used Cars: Before purchase, always verify the Mulkiya data on the RTA app or MOI UAE website.

Pro Tip: How to Spot a Tampered Mulkiya

If you’re buying a used car, beware of fakes or altered cards. Red flags include:

• Blurry holograms or off-centered fonts
• Mismatched VIN or engine number
• Expiry date that doesn’t align with the RTA system

You can verify a car’s authenticity using the RTA’s Vehicle Status Check Tool on rta.ae.

Related Services You Should Know

• RTA Smart App: Renew your Mulkiya, insurance, and testing all in one place.
• Tasjeel / Shamil: Vehicle inspection and renewal centers across Dubai and Sharjah.
• Auto Trader UAE Used Car Listings: Find verified used cars with complete registration and inspection details.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Decoding the UAE Mulkiya

Q1: What exactly is a Mulkiya in the UAE?

A: The Mulkiya (????? ???????) is your official UAE vehicle registration card issued by the RTA (Dubai) or traffic authorities in other emirates like Abu Dhabi or Sharjah. It proves that your car is legally registered, insured, and approved for road use. Without it, you can’t drive, sell, or renew your car registration.

Q2: What information is printed on the Mulkiya?

A: The Mulkiya includes:

• Owner details (name, Emirates ID, address)
• Vehicle details (make, model, VIN, engine number)
• Plate number and category
• Registration issue and expiry dates
• Insurance and inspection information

Each field is crucial for ownership verification and legal compliance in the UAE.

Q3: What do the stickers and stamps on the Mulkiya mean?

A: Stickers and stamps indicate:

• Insurance validity: Confirms your car’s insurance is active.
• Technical inspection: Verifies your vehicle has passed the RTA safety and emissions test.
• Renewal stamps: Show the last and current registration dates.
• Security holograms: Protect the document from counterfeiting.

If you see multiple stamps, your car may have been renewed or re-registered several times.

Q4: How can I check if a Mulkiya is genuine or fake?

A: You can verify a car’s registration authenticity using the RTA Vehicle Status Check on rta.ae or through the MOI UAE app. Make sure the VIN, plate number, and expiry date on the Mulkiya match the digital records.

Fake Mulkiyas often have:

• Mismatched fonts or holograms
• Incorrect plate numbers
• Missing QR codes

Q5: What happens if I lose my Mulkiya?

A: If your Mulkiya is lost or damaged, you can easily request a replacement:

1. Log in to your RTA account or visit a Tasjeel center.
2. Report the lost card and verify your Emirates ID.
3. Pay the replacement fee (around AED 70–100).
4. You’ll receive a new card instantly or via courier.

Q6: How long is my Mulkiya valid?

A: For private vehicles, the Mulkiya is valid for one year from the issue date. You must renew it before expiry to avoid fines. RTA offers renewal reminders through SMS and email.

Q7: What’s the difference between Dubai and Abu Dhabi Mulkiya cards?

A: While both serve the same legal purpose, the design and issuing authority differ:

• Dubai: Issued by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
• Abu Dhabi: Issued by Abu Dhabi Police.
• Sharjah and other emirates: Issued by local traffic departments.

All are valid across the UAE and linked to your unified traffic file.

Q8: Can I renew my Mulkiya online without inspection?

A: Yes — if your car is under three years old or recently tested. You can renew your Mulkiya online via:

• RTA Dubai App
• MOI UAE App
• Authorized centers like Tasjeel or Shamil

However, older cars require an annual technical inspection before renewal.

Q9: How do dealers handle Mulkiya transfers for used cars?

A: Reputable used car dealers in Dubai (like those listed on Auto Trader UAE) handle the full process — including insurance updates, testing, and title transfer — directly through RTA-approved systems. Always verify that the dealer’s name appears on the transfer of ownership receipt before handing over payment.

Q10: Why is understanding my Mulkiya important when buying a used car?

A: Knowing how to read the Mulkiya helps you:

• Confirm true ownership and registration status
• Detect tampered or fraudulent documents
• Avoid fines or buying a car with expired registration
• Ensure the car passed all RTA inspections

A genuine, updated Mulkiya is one of the best signs of a legally compliant and well-maintained car

Explore More:

- A Guide to UAE Number Plate Colors and Their Meanings

- What Happens to Unsold Cars in Dubai Showrooms?

Final Words

Your Mulkiya isn’t just another piece of paper—it’s your car’s identity. Understanding it helps you avoid fines, detect fraud, and maintain a clean ownership record.

If you’re looking for used cars for sale in Dubai with valid Mulkiya and inspection reports, visit www.autotraders.ae. Auto Trader UAE makes it easy to find, verify, and buy the right car with full registration transparency.

Final Note

Your Mulkiya is more than a piece of paper — it’s your car’s identity in the UAE. Before buying or selling a used car, always check the Mulkiya details for peace of mind.

For verified used cars with valid Mulkiyas and inspection reports, visit Auto Trader UAE — your trusted source for buying and selling used cars in Dubai.