How to Check Vehicle Details by Number Plate in Dubai in 2026?

You cannot get a vehicle owner’s personal name or contact information from a number plate in Dubai. This data is protected by UAE privacy laws. However, you can perform an RTA plate number search to get a “Technical Vehicle Status Certificate.” This official report details the vehicle’s specs, accident history, and registration status.

Your Next Steps

• Get the Chassis Number (VIN): Ask the seller for the 17-digit Chassis Number (also called a VIN). This is required for most official reports.
• Request the RTA Certificate: Apply for the “Technical Vehicle Status Certificate” on the RTA website.
• Coordinate with the Owner: The current owner must approve your request via an SMS verification code sent to their registered phone number.

The Truth About Checking Vehicle Owner Details in Dubai

Many people search for vehicle owner details by number plate in Dubai expecting to find the owner’s name and phone number. However, this is not possible for a third party.

Why you cannot find an owner’s personal name

The UAE’s Personal Data Protection (PDP) Law strictly protects personal information. An individual’s name, phone number, and address linked to their vehicle are considered private data.

Official bodies like the RTA and Dubai Police will not disclose this information to the public to prevent misuse, stalking, or fraud.

What you can actually find: The vehicle history report

What you can and should check, especially before buying a used car, is the vehicle’s official history. The RTA provides a service called the “Technical Vehicle Status Certificate.”

This paid report is the most reliable way to check vehicle details and includes:

• Vehicle make, model, and specifications.
• Current registration status and validity.
• A history of all owners in the UAE.
• Insurance information and history.
• Any recorded accident history.
• The vehicle’s condition during its last inspection.

Who needs this information?

This certificate is essential for used car buyers. It provides an official, transparent history of the vehicle, protecting you from purchasing a car with a hidden, salvaged, or “total loss” status.

Method 1: Get the RTA Technical Vehicle Status Certificate (Step-by-Step)

This is the primary and most comprehensive method to get a vehicle’s history in Dubai. This process requires the cooperation of the current vehicle owner.

Step 1: Visit the RTA website or app

You can access this service through the official RTA website, the “RTA Dubai” smart app, or the “Dubai Now” app.

Step 2: Locate the certificate service

Navigate to the licensing services and find the service named “Technical Vehicle Status Certificate.”

Step 3: Enter the Chassis Number (VIN)

You will be prompted to enter the vehicle’s 17-digit Chassis Number (VIN). In most cases, the plate number alone is not sufficient for this detailed report.

Step 4: Owner approves the SMS code

This is the most important step. The RTA system will send a one-time password (OTP) or verification code via SMS to the current owner’s phone number (the one registered with the RTA).

You must ask the owner to provide you with this code to proceed. This action serves as their official consent to share the vehicle’s history with you.

Step 5: Pay the fee and receive the report

Once the code is entered, you will be directed to a payment gateway. After paying the service fee, the certificate will be generated and sent to you electronically, usually via email.

RTA Certificate Details: What’s Included & Cost (2026)

Here is a quick overview of the service details. This is the most common way to get vehicle details by number plate in the UAE (specifically Dubai).

Service Attribute	Details
Official Service Name	Technical Vehicle Status Certificate
Provider	Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)
Primary Identifier	Chassis Number (VIN)
Service Cost	AED 100 (Certificate Fee)
Additional Fees	+ AED 20 (Knowledge & Innovation Fees)
Total Cost	AED 120
What It Includes	Vehicle specs, owner history, accident reports, insurance status
How to Apply	RTA Website, RTA Dubai App, Dubai Now App
Processing Time	Instantly or within one working day

Note: Fees are subject to change by the RTA. Always check the official website for the most current pricing.

Method 2: How to Check for Fines (The Dubai Police Method)

If your only goal is to see if a car has outstanding fines, you can use the Dubai Police website. This service is free and does not require the owner’s permission, but it also does not provide any vehicle history.

Step 1: Visit the Dubai Police website or app

Navigate to the “Traffic Services” or “Fines Inquiry” section.

Step 2: Select “Fines Inquiry and Payment”

This service allows you to check for fines using several identifiers.

Step 3: Enter the plate number details

You can search for fines using the plate number, license number, or traffic file number. Select the plate number option.

Step 4: View any outstanding fines

The system will display any outstanding traffic fines associated with that plate number. This is a good way to ensure a seller has cleared all penalties before you buy.

Method 3: Checking Accident History (EVG & MOI)

For a free, quick check on a vehicle’s accident history, you can use federal portals.

Using Emirates Vehicle Gate (EVG)

The Emirates Vehicle Gate (EVG) website has a free “Accident Inquiry” service. You can enter the Chassis Number (VIN) to see a history of reported accidents.

Using the Ministry of Interior (MOI) portal

Similarly, the UAE’s Ministry of Interior (MOI) website offers a free accident history check, also based on the VIN.

A key limitation

These free services are excellent but have one major drawback: they often do not include data for vehicles registered in Dubai. They are most effective for cars from Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and the other emirates. For a Dubai car, the RTA certificate is the most reliable source.

Pro Tip: The VIN is Your Key

Always ask the seller for the Chassis Number (VIN) before anything else. A seller who is hesitant to provide the VIN for a vehicle history check is a major red flag. This simple 17-digit number is your key to unlocking the car’s true history and can save you from purchasing a vehicle with hidden, costly damage.

Final Thoughts

While you cannot legally find a vehicle owner’s details by number plate in Dubai for privacy reasons, you have powerful tools to protect yourself as a buyer.

The most important action is to request the RTA Technical Vehicle Status Certificate. This AED 120 report is the official and most comprehensive history you can get. For a quick, free check on fines, the Dubai Police website is your best tool.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Last updated: October 2026

Reviewed by: RTA Certified Vehicle Inspector