UAE Number Plates Prices and Types – From Premium Selections to Budget Picks

Other than a means of identification, a car’s UAE number plate in the UAE is much more, it defines the status and social class of the car owner. Number plates with single-digit numbers and special meanings are available for a hefty price, and at the same time, there are economical options available. 

This blog will categorize the plates available in the UAE market and their costs. Let’s get started. 

Introduction to UAE Number Plates Culture in the UAE

The trend has escalated over the years due to certain number plates being considered as rare or having single digits being sold in millions of dirhams (Tens of millions of dollars) in public tenders making them a sign of prestige and elegance.

The use of the number plate system has changed with time as well as the system itself. At first, the plates with the letter ‘A’ were issued in Dubai and as the people began to put more demand for these plates, the series came up with ‘B,’ ‘C,’ and so on. 

As of November 2025, the information in this blog reflects the latest prices and options available, as the prices and trends keep changing with time. 

Why Custom UAE Number Plates Are So Popular in the UAE

In the UAE, wealth is so abundant that owning a luxury car is common and accessible to many. Custom number plates have become the ultimate status symbol for those wanting to stand out even further. Spending millions of dirhams, sometimes up to 40 million Dirhams or more on a unique number plate is a way for the wealthy to flaunt their fortune and prestige. 

Beyond just the car, the plate becomes a mark of exclusivity, with each unique sequence acting as a personal brand or status marker on the road.

Types of UAE Number Plates and Their Pricing Structure

The following information will help you learn more about the plates. 

Single-Digit UAE Number Plates

These (“1” or “7”)are sold for millions due to their exclusivity and appeal to high-status individuals. For example, a single-digit plate, ‘1,’ set the world record by selling for 52 million AED ($14 million) in 2008. Similarly, P7 was sold for 55 million dirhams ($15 million) in April 2023.

Double-Digit UAE Number Plates

Two-digit plates hold value for their rarity and tend to appeal to buyers looking for exclusivity. The highest selling price for a two-digit vehicle registration plate in the UAE was Dh 35m for the plate number A88 in 2023. 

The “Most Noble Number” auction was held on March 15, 2025, at the Armani Dubai hotel in Burj Khalifa. This charity auction, organized in collaboration with the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), Etisalat by e&, du, and Emirates Auction, raised 83,677,000 AED for the Fathers’ Endowment campaign under Mohammed bin Rashid Global Initiatives (MBRGI).

In a recent event, the double-digit number plate“DD5” was sold for a huge amount: Dh35 million (about USD 9.5 million) at the “Most Noble Number” auction held in March 2025. The event took place at the Armani Hotel in Dubai and had more than 20 people bidding for the plate. In the end, it was bought by Muhammad Bin Ghatti, the chairman of Binghatti Holding. The auction was part of a charity event, and all the money raised went to support the Fathers’ Endowment campaign.

Individual Plates Sold at the March 2025 Auction

The following table lists specific plates and a mobile number sold at the auction, along with their prices.

Three-Digit UAE Number Plates

Plates with popular three-digit sequences, like “111,” “777,” or “999,” are especially valued as they are easy to remember and carry cultural or symbolic significance. In addition to repeated digits, certain combinations like “123” or “789” also attract attention due to their sequential order, which appeals to collectors and enthusiasts.

Four-Digit UAE Number Plates (Special Sequences)

Certain four-digit combinations, such as sequential or mirrored numbers like “7711” or “1234,” can drive up a plate’s value. While generally more affordable than single- or double-digit plates, special four-digit plates can still reach significant prices due to their perceived uniqueness​.

Five-Digit UAE Number Plates (Unique Sequences)

Although five-digit plates are typically the most affordable, plates with distinctive sequences, such as “F 77111,” can still command premium prices.

Typical Price Ranges for UAE Number Plates

Based on historical and recent data, this table estimates typical price ranges for different plate types.

Influence of Alphabets on UAE Number Plates Value

The letters on the plates affect their cost depending on their rarity and cultural associations. Specific plates like ABC and ABCD are rather costlier as people believe they are unique in the market. These letter sequences may often be available in limited quantities, and from this perspective, they are much in demand by collectors.

Cultural influences are another factor that leads to the demand for specific alphabets to be promoted. Due to tradition and history, “M” is considered valuable as it can refer to “Muhammad” and “D” for “Dubai” – another worldwide recognized city in the United Arab Emirates. 

Moreover, other emirate initials like A for Abu Dhabi plates are also highly prized because people feel that they are connected to important areas within the UAE, where having such a plate may give one the status of a city or region.

How Number Sequences Affect UAE Number Plate Pricing

The price of a Dubai number plate can vary based on the sequence of numbers it holds. Some patterns and combinations are popular among people, and because of that, the price for a particular model can be higher on the auction.

• Repeating Digits: Numbers like ‘111’ or ‘555’ on number plates are especially valuable. These plates are considered to bring luck and prosperity by many cultures all over the world. 
• Consecutive Numbers: More specifically, plates with consecutive digits, such as 1234 or 56789, are always regarded as favorites. 

Factors Determining the Price of a UAE Number Plate

It can be influenced by several key factors:

1. Combination Uniqueness

The uniqueness of the number and letter combinations is a primary driver of price. Plates that feature rare combinations or single-digit numbers are among the most expensive. For example, plates like “1” or “P7” have been sold for Tens of millions due to their singular status. 

The more distinctive and hard-to-find the combination, the higher the demand and price. Custom combinations, such as “ABC” or “777”, also attract premium prices as they’re seen as symbols of distinction and exclusivity​.

2. Length and Simplicity of the UAE Number Plates

Simplicity also plays a significant role in price determination. Shorter plates with fewer digits are more valuable, as they are easier to remember and visually striking. Plates like “1” or “7” often carry a price tag in the Tens of millions due to their simplicity and memorability. 

In contrast, longer plates with multiple digits, while still valuable, are often priced lower than their single-digit counterparts​

3. Market Demand and Popularity of Certain Letters

The market demand for specific letters or numbers can fluctuate based on current trends or events. For instance, during special occasions or auctions, specific plates can become more popular depending on trends or buyer preferences. 

Using Technology to Determine UAE Number Plates Value: BuyAnyCar App

This feature in the app is especially useful for those interested in either buying or selling plates, as it helps gauge how much a particular plate could be worth based on current market trends and demand.

How It Works

The app works by pulling data from a vast range of plate sales and trends in the UAE market. Users simply enter their desired plate combination into the app, and it provides an estimated valuation. 

This process takes into account various factors like the rarity of the number, the sequence, cultural significance, and overall demand for similar plates in the market. With this, the app gives an accurate picture of what one can expect to pay or receive for a specific plate.

Limit on Daily Searches

One unique aspect of the BuyAnyCar app is the limitation on the number of searches users can make each day. This ensures that users stay aware of the most valuable number plates and helps maintain the exclusivity of high-demand plates. Users can get premium access to enhance the number of searches per day. 

As of 2024, it remains a go-to resource for those involved in the lucrative UAE number plates market in the UAE.

Tips for Selecting a Valuable UAE Number Plate on a Budget

Here are some tips for picking a valuable UAE number plate while staying within a more budget-friendly range:

1. Look for Patterns and Sequences

Numbers with specific patterns are easy to remember. Repeated digits such as 222 or symmetrical sequences such as 123 tend to be more desirable, also, they increase in market value over time. 

2. Focus on Personal Significance

Number plates that align with popular initials, names, or personal significance can be valuable. For instance, “A123” may appeal to someone named “Ali” or anyone looking for the letter “A.” Personal connections often drive demand, increasing their value over time.

3. Shorter Plates Have Long-Term Potential

While single-digit plates are the most expensive, two- or three-digit plates like “12” or “345” are also valuable. These shorter combinations are easier to remember and can hold more appeal for future buyers, making them a good investment.

4. Monitor Market Trends

The demand for certain combinations changes over time based on cultural or social trends. By staying updated on popular numbers or letters that are gaining attention in the market, you can invest in plates that may increase in value as trends shift.

How to Register a Vehicle and Get a UAE Number Plate

Registering a vehicle in the UAE is straightforward if you follow these simple steps:

Collect Your Plates and Documents: Once processed, you’ll receive your new number plates, the registration card (Mulkiya), and stickers for your windscreen or plate.

Buy Your Vehicle: Purchase your car from a dealership or a private seller. Ensure you get the purchase invoice. For used cars, check the vehicle’s history.

Prepare Your Documents: You’ll need:

• Emirates ID (original and copy)
• Residency visa (if not on Emirates ID)
• Vehicle purchase invoice
• Insurance certificate (valid for at least one year)
• Old registration card (for used cars)
• Vehicle technical inspection certificate (for used cars only)

Visit the RTA or an Approved Centre: Head to your local Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) office or an approved vehicle registration centre.

Choose Your Number Plate: Pick a standard plate or opt for a special one. Staff will help you browse available options.

Pay the Fees: Registration fees range from AED 300 to AED 600. Standard plates cost AED 400 to AED 1,200, while special plates start from AED 2,000. Get your receipt and have your documents stamped.

How to Buy and Sell Special Plates

Special number plates are highly sought after in the UAE. Here’s how to get one:

• Where to Buy: Purchase special plates through RTA auctions, online marketplaces, or vehicle registration centres.
• Requirements: You need a valid traffic file in Dubai and must pay fees starting from AED 2,000, higher for unique combinations.
• Ownership: You can own a special plate without registering it to a vehicle, with no recurring fees.
• Transferring Ownership: To transfer a plate, visit the RTA with your valid ID, pay the transfer fee, and ensure no outstanding fines.

Legal Requirements for Number Plates

Here are the key legal aspects for UAE number plates:

• Replacing Lost Plates: If a plate is lost, file a Lost Item Certificate with Dubai Police, providing Emirates ID, vehicle details, and loss circumstances. The fee is AED 70.
  
• Transferring Plates Online via RTA Dubai App:
• Log in with username/password or UAE Pass.
• Select “Plates” > “Plate Number Transfer.”
• Enter the buyer’s Emirates ID, mobile number, and Traffic Code.
• Verify the buyer’s ID via UAE Pass or phone.
• Sign the Plate Transfer Agreement digitally.
• Pay transfer fee (AED 100–120, including Knowledge and Innovation fees) via credit card or Apple Pay.
• Receive instant confirmation via email or SMS.
  
• In-Person Option:
• Visit an RTA Customer Happiness Centre or Vehicle Registration and Inspection Centre.
• Bring a valid ID.
• Ensure no fines on the plate.
• Pay transfer fee (AED 100–120).
• The process takes about 10 minutes.
  
• Owning Without a Vehicle: Plates can be owned without a vehicle, registered under your name with no additional fees.

Emirate Number Plate Formats

Each UAE emirate has unique plate formats. Here’s a quick guide:

• Abu Dhabi: Starts with a number (1, 4–21, or 50), followed by up to 5 digits (e.g., 1 12345).
• Dubai: Uses one or two letters (A, AA, BB) and up to 5 digits (e.g., A12345, CC12345).
• Sharjah: Includes a category number (1–4) and up to 5 digits (e.g., 1 12345).
• Ajman: Starts with letters A–E or H, followed by up to 5 digits (e.g., A12345).
• Fujairah: Uses letters A–G, K, M, P, R, S, or T with up to 5 digits (e.g., F12345).
• Ras Al Khaimah: Letters A, C, D, I, K, M, N, S, V, or Y with up to 5 digits (e.g., R12345).
• Umm Al Quwain: Letters A–I or X with up to 5 digits (e.g., U12345).

Check your emirate’s RTA website for exact details.

Understanding UAE Number Plate Color Codes

UAE number plates use colors to show vehicle types. Here’s what they mean:

• White: Private vehicles, like personal cars.
• Yellow: Indicates Taxi Service.
• Blue: Government or diplomatic vehicles, often with embassy codes.

Knowing these helps identify a vehicle’s purpose at a glance.

Buying and Selling Special UAE Number Plates

Want a unique plate? You can buy special plates at RTA auctions, online platforms, or registration centers. Auctions, like Dubai’s “Most Noble Number,” offer premium plates (e.g., DD5 sold for AED 35 million in 2025). To buy, register with the RTA, bid, and pay if you win. To sell or transfer, visit the RTA with your ID and plate details. Pay a transfer fee (around AED 50–200). Apps like BuyAnyCar can help value your plate.

Legal Requirements for UAE Number Plates

Owning a plate comes with rules. You can own a plate without a vehicle, registered under your name, with no yearly fees. If you lose a plate, file a Lost Item Certificate with Dubai Police (AED 70) and apply for a replacement at the RTA. Transferring plates requires RTA approval and a fee. Always ensure your plate matches your vehicle’s registration to avoid fines.

Recent Updates on UAE Number Plates

As of May 2025, UAE number plate information remains current. In 2023, Sharjah Police launched new plates with modern designs and better quality, as reported by Khaleej Times. These plates improve visibility and durability. Dubai also introduced digital plates for testing in 2024, per the RTA. Check your emirate’s RTA website or news like Gulf News for the latest updates, as designs and rules evolve.

Owning Plates Without a Vehicle

Good news for collectors: you can own a UAE number plate without a vehicle. Register it under your name at the RTA with no recurring fees. This is perfect for investing in rare plates, like single-digit ones, which can appreciate over time. Just ensure proper documentation during purchase or transfer.

Conclusion

In the UAE, number plates go beyond simple vehicle identification; they represent status, exclusivity, and personal identity. The cultural significance of certain numbers and letters makes these plates valuable investments, with some combinations appreciating over time. 

Whether driven by prestige or cultural meaning, owning a unique plate symbolizes wealth and social standing. 

The information provided in this blog is accurate as of May 2025, as trends and prices in the UAE’s number plate market are subject to change. Therefore, it’s important to stay updated on evolving trends when selecting a plate as an investment.