Post by : Raman

The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) in Abu Dhabi has made an important new rule about vehicle plate numbers. This new decision explains how special, also called “distinguished,” plate numbers can be owned, sold, and transferred.

The change is meant to make the process simple, fair, and transparent for both citizens and residents of the UAE. The Integrated Transport Centre, also known as Abu Dhabi Mobility, will take care of applying these new rules. It will also work with other government offices to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Two Types of Vehicle Numbers

The new system divides vehicle plate numbers into two groups:

1. Distinguished Numbers

• These are special numbers that look unique.

• They include one-digit, two-digit, three-digit, and four-digit plates.

• Some five-digit plates are also called distinguished if they meet certain rules.

• These numbers are seen as valuable, easy to remember, and often linked with status.

2. Non-Distinguished Numbers

• These are the regular plate numbers.

• They are issued like normal registration plates without special distinction.

This clear classification helps people know what kind of number they are buying and how much value it may carry.

Who Can Own Distinguished Numbers?

The new decision says both UAE citizens and residents can own one or more distinguished plates. Once they own a plate, they will get an official certificate of ownership.

This certificate is very important because it:

• Proves the person legally owns the plate.

• Lets the owner sell or transfer the plate to anyone at any time.

• Allows the owner to keep the plate on record even without linking it to a car.

The cost of the plate depends on how unique the number is. The more rare the number, the higher the price.

Rules for Old Plates

There are also clear rules for plates that were already issued in the past:

• If a plate was issued but not officially owned, it cannot be sold or transferred until the ownership is properly recorded.

• There is one exception: plates can be transferred to close family members, like parents, children, siblings, or spouses. But this must follow official procedures with Abu Dhabi Mobility.

This ensures all records are correct and avoids any legal confusion in the future.

How to Get Your Plate

At first, citizens and residents will need to go to Abu Dhabi Mobility customer service centers in person. The staff will help them complete the ownership process.

For people already using plates without ownership, a text message will be sent with details about the plate, its value, and how to register it.

Later, the process will also be available online through the TAMM platform. At that time, people can apply, pay, and track their plate ownership digitally without visiting a center.

Benefits of the New System

This new decision brings many benefits:

• Transparency: The process is now open and clear.

• Flexibility: Owners can buy many plates and transfer them anytime.

• Fairness: Prices are set by how special the plate is.

• Family-friendly: Plates can be passed to close relatives.

• Digital Access: Soon the whole process will be online, making it fast and easy.

Role of Abu Dhabi Mobility

Abu Dhabi Mobility will:

• Oversee how the new rules are applied.

• Make sure all sales and transfers follow the law.

• Verify ownership certificates.

• Guide citizens and residents through the process.

This helps make the system safe, organized, and reliable for everyone.

Looking Ahead

In the future, once TAMM is fully ready, residents will be able to:

• Apply for ownership online.

• See how much their plates are worth.

• Pay fees digitally.

• Track the progress of their application.

This step matches Abu Dhabi’s larger goal of modern and smart governance, where government services are quick, easy, and digital.

The new rules for distinguished vehicle plate numbers in Abu Dhabi are an important step toward fairness and transparency. The decision makes it simple for people to know what kind of number they own, how to buy or sell it, and how to transfer it to others.

With digital services coming soon, owning or transferring a special plate will be easier than ever. The move reflects Abu Dhabi’s vision of modern, clear, and citizen-friendly administration.

This change will help both citizens and residents feel confident that their vehicle plates are legally recognized and fully protected under the law.

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