How to Check Vehicle Details by Plate Number in the UAE?
To check vehicle details in the UAE, use the MOI app, the RTA Dubai portal, or the Emirates Vehicle Gate. Enter the plate or chassis number to see the registration status and vehicle type for free. For a full history with past owners, accidents, and mileage, request an RTA Vehicle Status Certificate for a small fee. Owner personal details are protected by UAE data law.
- Open the MOI app, RTA portal, or Emirates Vehicle Gate.
- Enter the plate or chassis number for the basic details.
- For a used car, request a full vehicle history report.
Where to check vehicle details?
Several official channels let you look up a vehicle. The basic checks are free, while a full history report carries a small fee. Always use the official portals below, because UAE data-protection law limits what anyone else can share.
| Channel | What it shows |
|---|---|
| MOI app or website | Registration status and basic details, all emirates |
| RTA Dubai (Vehicle Inquiry) | Registration status, plus a Vehicle Status Certificate for full history |
| Emirates Vehicle Gate (EVG) | Vehicle information including history |
| Abu Dhabi Police e-services | Accident records |
| SMS to 4488 | Text CAR then the plate number for basic details |
For a quick check with no app, the SMS option is handy: send CAR followed by the plate number to 4488 and you get the basics back by text. For anything detailed, the RTA and EVG portals are the place to go.
How to check a vehicle by plate or chassis number?
The process is the same across the portals. You need either the plate number or the chassis, also called the VIN.
- Open one of the official portals above.
- Enter the plate number with the correct emirate code, or the chassis or VIN number.
- Basic details such as registration status and vehicle type show for free. A full history report is a paid certificate.
The free result is enough to confirm a car is currently registered. If you want the deeper record, you request the paid certificate, which we cover next. The wider set of driver tasks is in our UAE traffic, vehicle and fines guide.
Checking history before buying a used car
Before buying a used car, the single most useful document is the RTA Vehicle Status Certificate. For a fee of roughly AED 30 to 50, it sets out past owners, accident records, mileage, and service history, so you can spot a car that has been in a major crash or clocked.
Also run a fine check on the plate, because unpaid fines stay with the vehicle and can block the transfer. Our RTA fine check guide shows how, and you should confirm the insurance status too. Since owner personal details are private, ask the seller to pull and share the certificate with you directly.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check vehicle details by plate number in the UAE?
Use the MOI app, the RTA Dubai portal, or the Emirates Vehicle Gate, and enter the plate number with its emirate code or the chassis number. Basic details like registration status and vehicle type show for free. You can also text CAR and the plate number to 4488 for a quick reply.
Can I find the owner of a car by plate number?
No. Owner personal details are protected by UAE data-protection law, so the public portals do not reveal who owns a car. You can see registration status and vehicle history, but not private owner information. For a used-car sale, ask the seller to share the official vehicle certificate themselves.
How do I check a car’s accident history before buying?
Request an RTA Vehicle Status Certificate, which lists past owners, accident records, mileage, and service history for a fee of about AED 30 to 50. Accident records are also available through the EVG, MOI, RTA, and Abu Dhabi Police portals using the chassis or VIN number.
Is checking vehicle details free?
Basic checks are free through the MOI and RTA portals, showing registration status and vehicle type. A full history report, such as the RTA Vehicle Status Certificate with ownership and accident records, is a paid service costing roughly AED 30 to 50. Only use official portals, not third-party sites.
Last verified: August 2026
Written by Roman Shah ยท Reviewed by the UAEexplained editorial team
Source: Ministry of Interior (MOI); Roads and Transport Authority (RTA); Emirates Vehicle Gate
