Craving a Customized Crown Jewel Your Guide to Bidding for Dream License Plates in Dubai
Reg Plates ArticleCraving a Customized Crown Jewel Your Guide to Bidding for Dream License Plates in Dubai

Forget diamonds and designer bags, in Dubai, a truly dazzling accessory hangs on your car's rear end: a personalized license plate. These coveted alphanumeric combos go beyond mere identification, transforming into statements of personality, wealth, or even luck. But how do you snag the one that sets your heart racing? This guide unveils the secrets to claiming your dream plate in the shimmering streets of Dubai.
The Grand Arena: The RTA Plate Auction
Twice a year, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) hosts a grand spectacle – the license plate auction. This is your golden ticket to acquiring coveted combinations. Imagine "1 DUBAI" gracing your Rolls-Royce or a cheeky "BOSS" adorning your sleek sports car. But be warned, these treasures come at a price.
Preparation is Key: Gearing Up for the Bidding War
Before the gavel slams down, ensure you're battle-ready. First, register online, via the Dubai Drive app, or at an RTA customer happiness centre. Next, prepare a refundable registration fee (AED 120) and a hefty security deposit (AED 25,000). Remember, only those with a registered traffic file in Dubai can join the fray.
Decoding the Numbers Game: What Makes a Plate Prized?
Numbers tell a story in Dubai. Single digits, especially the coveted "1," are like gold dust. Low numbers and consecutive sequences hold value, while special dates or personal initials add a sentimental touch. The rarer the combination, the fiercer the bidding.
Strategize Like a Sheikh: Winning Tactics for the Auction Floor
The auction is a thrilling tango. Set a budget and stick to it – remember, these plates can easily reach six-figure sums. Bid confidently, but know when to fold. Watch your competition and read the room – sometimes, silence can be your strongest weapon. Don't let emotions cloud your judgment; a cool head wins the trophy.
Beyond the Auction: Alternative Avenues to Plate Perfection
If the auction heat feels too intense, fret not. You can still acquire a personalized plate through private sales. Platforms like Dubizzle or social media groups offer opportunities to negotiate with existing owners. Just ensure all legal documentation is in order before making a deal.
Owning the Road: Responsibilities of a Dream Plate Holder
With great power comes great responsibility. Owning a coveted plate comes with certain expectations. Drive safely and responsibly, be a courteous road user, and remember, your flashy digits are a reflection of you.
So, there you have it, your roadmap to acquiring the license plate that makes your Dubai dreams a reality. Just remember, it's a journey, not a sprint. Be patient, strategic, and prepared to open your wallet. When you finally see that dream combination adorning your car, the thrill of the road will be unlike any other.
How close a series of letters or numbers are to a real name of word: if the match quality is high (and the numbers and letters are very convincing in making a popular word), the value of the registration plate will be higher. This means that a match like 5IMON, for the name Simon, will be worth a lot more than a more obscure set of letters and numbers that are not as convincing a match, such as S17 MMM for the name Sam.
The style of the plate: this means establishing if it is a new-style plate, an older-style format or if it is dateless or Irish, for instance. Other options are that it is a prefix-style plate or a suffix-style plate. New-style number plates, which have been produced since 2001, tend to be the least valuable because they are a bit less appealing to some collectors, plus the rule about not having plates that are newer than your car can also come into play, putting people off from buying a newer-style plate for their older car. Prefix-style number plates, which were in production between 1983 and 2001 can be more popular as more vehicles are entitled to have those licence numbers, and they may have fewer characters in total. Suffix-style plates, issued from 1963 to 1983 are relatively rare, which means they can attract higher prices than prefix-style plates and newer designs. Dateless number plates, also known as cherished number plates, were produced between 1903 and 1963 and are nearly always the most valuable number plate configurations; they have fewer digits and their dateless nature means that people can hide the age of their car. Irish number plates are similar to dateless number plates, especially because they don’t have a year identifier. They also tend to be cheaper than other types of vehicle registration plates.
- FREE TRANSFER SERVICE - your paperwork is handled by our trained team
- OVER 30 YEARS EXPERTISE - long established and trusted company
- DVLA RECOGNISED RESELLER - linked directly from the DVLA website
- TRADE ASSOCIATION MEMBERS - MIRAD and CN Guild members

