Losing your vehicle registration card (known locally as the mulkiya) is inconvenient, but replacing it is a straightforward process. This guide to How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Registration Card in the UAE walks you through exactly what to do in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and the other emirates — including the documents you need, where to apply online or in person, and what the replacement typically costs.
Quick Answer
To replace a lost vehicle registration card in the UAE, you need your Emirates ID, the vehicle’s traffic file details, and (in most emirates) a police report or lost-item declaration for the missing card. You can apply through the transport authority’s online portal or smart app, or visit a service centre in person. Replacement fees vary by emirate, so check the official portal before paying.
How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Registration Card: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Search and secure your details first
Before you do anything else, retrace your steps. Registration cards are often tucked inside wallets, glove compartments, or document folders at home. If the card is genuinely gone, note down your vehicle’s plate number and traffic file number — you’ll need these for the application. It’s also worth knowing whether your vehicle registration is still valid, since a lapsed registration is handled differently from a simple lost card.
Step 2: Report the loss (when required)
In some emirates, you need an official record that the card was lost before the transport authority will issue a replacement. The usual route is a lost-item report filed with the police — this can normally be done through the police’s smart app or website, or at a police station. In Dubai, for example, lost documents are commonly reported through the Dubai Police channels. Keep the report number, as you may be asked for it during the application. Some service centres may accept a simple declaration instead, so confirm the current requirement for your emirate on the official portal before you go.
Step 3: Gather your documents
You’ll typically need:
- Emirates ID of the vehicle owner
- Copy of the lost registration card (if you have one saved on your phone or at home)
- The lost-item/police report number, where required
- Vehicle insurance details (valid insurance is required for most registration services)
Having these ready before you start helps, as missing documents are the most common reason applications get delayed.
Step 4: Apply online or visit a service centre
Most transport authorities now let you request a replacement card online through their portal or smart app. In Dubai, this is handled through the RTA’s channels (rta.ae); in Abu Dhabi, through the TAMM portal. Enter the vehicle and owner details, upload the required documents, and pay the fee. If you’d rather deal with it in person, visit a customer happiness centre (Dubai) or the relevant licensing centre in your emirate, where staff can process the request on the spot.
Step 5: Receive your replacement card
Online requests are usually processed within a few working days, after which the card is delivered or made available for collection. In-person applications are often completed the same day. Remember that in the UAE, the registration card is increasingly available in digital form — a downloaded digital vehicle registration card carries the same validity as the printed one, so keeping a digital copy on your phone is a smart backup.
Replacement Costs by Emirate
Fees for a replacement registration card differ from one emirate to another, and they can change, so treat the figures below as a general guide rather than a quote:
| Emirate | Typical replacement fee range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai (RTA) | Typically AED 75–100 | Check the official RTA services page for the current fee |
| Abu Dhabi | Typically AED 50–100 | Applied via TAMM; may include delivery charges |
| Sharjah, Ajman, others | Typically AED 50–100 | Fee varies by the emirate’s traffic department |
Always confirm the exact amount on the official portal at the time of your application — fees listed on third-party sites can be outdated.
What If You Lose the Card While Abroad or the Car Is Sold?
Two situations come up often. First, if you lose the card while travelling, a family member or authorised representative with a power of attorney can usually apply on your behalf — check the specific emirate’s rules, as requirements vary. Second, if you’ve transferred vehicle registration to a buyer and then lose your copy of the old card, you generally don’t need a replacement at all — the registration now sits with the new owner. If you still need proof of past ownership, the traffic file record serves that purpose.
Tips to Avoid Losing Your Registration Card Again
- Keep a digital copy: Save the digital version of your card on your phone so a lost paper card is never an emergency.
- Store the original at home: You don’t need to carry the physical card on every drive in most cases; a digital copy is widely accepted.
- Use a document folder: Keep the card with your insurance documents in one fixed place in the vehicle.
- Check expiry dates: Losing a card is a good prompt to verify your registration isn’t close to expiring — check whether your vehicle registration has expired before applying.
Where to Apply in Each Emirate
The process is fundamentally the same everywhere, but the channel differs by emirate:
- Dubai: Apply through the RTA’s online services or smart app, or visit a customer happiness centre. The RTA’s lost-item declaration process for documents is well established, and same-day counter service is available at most centres.
- Abu Dhabi: Use the TAMM unified government services portal, or visit a licensing service centre. Abu Dhabi’s vehicle services are consolidated under TAMM, so one account covers registration, licensing, and related requests.
- Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain: Apply through the Ministry of Interior’s federal services (often via the MOI UAE app) or at the emirate’s traffic department service centres. Where federal and emirate systems overlap, staff at the service centre will direct you to the right desk.
If you registered the vehicle in one emirate but now live in another, apply in the emirate of registration. Moving house doesn’t change this — only a formal re-registration moves the vehicle to a different emirate’s system. For general traffic guidance, the UAE’s official portal (u.ae) links to each emirate’s services.
What Happens If You’re Stopped Without the Card?
Police and traffic officers can look up your vehicle’s registration status electronically using the plate number, so a missing card is rarely a disaster on its own. However, you are expected to carry proof of registration, and being unable to produce it can lead to a fine depending on the officer’s assessment. This is exactly why a digital copy matters: it’s accepted in most situations and means a lost card is a minor errand rather than an emergency. Apply for the replacement as soon as you notice the loss — delays only extend the window where you’re caught without proof.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a police report mandatory to replace a lost vehicle registration card?
It depends on the emirate and the service centre. Some require a lost-item police report, while others accept the application with just your ID and vehicle details. Check your emirate’s transport authority portal for the current requirement before visiting.
How long does it take to get a replacement registration card?
Online applications are generally processed within a few working days, and in-person applications are often completed the same day. Delivery time for cards sent by post or courier adds extra days depending on the emirate.
Can I drive while my registration card is lost?
Your registration itself remains valid — only the physical card is missing. Traffic authorities can verify your registration status electronically during checks, but you should apply for a replacement promptly, as you’re required to have proof of registration available.
Is there a difference between replacing a lost card and a damaged one?
Yes. A damaged card is usually surrendered at the service centre and exchanged for a new one, while a lost card may require a police report or lost-item declaration. Read our guide on how to replace a damaged vehicle registration card if the card is torn or unreadable rather than missing.
Does replacing a lost card renew or extend my registration?
No. A replacement card carries the same expiry date as the original. If your registration is close to expiry, you’ll need a separate renewal.
Can I get the replacement card from any emirate?
Generally, you apply in the emirate where the vehicle is registered, through that emirate’s transport authority. Cross-emirate applications are usually not accepted for vehicle licensing services.
The Bottom Line
Replacing a lost vehicle registration card in the UAE is a routine process: report the loss if your emirate requires it, have your Emirates ID and vehicle details ready, and apply online or in person. Fees are modest, processing is quick, and a digital copy kept on your phone means a lost card never becomes a crisis. For wider motoring questions, our UAE vehicle registration renewal guide and UAE traffic fines guide cover the other essentials every driver should know.
Last Updated: 8 October 2026
About the author: Zaviyar Sultan is a UAE-focused writer at Asandada24, covering driving, visas, banking, insurance and everyday UAE life. His guides are researched from official UAE government and regulator sources and updated regularly.
Asandada24 is an independent informational website, not affiliated with the UAE government or any agency mentioned; content is general information only, not legal, immigration or financial advice; verify critical details with official sources before acting.