Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is preparing to hold its 121st open auction for distinctive vehicle number plates on October 24, 2026. The auction will offer 60 registration plates featuring two-, three-, four- and five-digit combinations across several plate codes.
The event gives motorists, collectors and automotive enthusiasts an opportunity to bid for distinctive registration numbers, including BB 80, BB 18 and CC 44. Registration opened on October 19, while bidders who have not registered in advance can complete the process at the venue from 2:00 PM on auction day.
For anyone planning to participate, understanding the eligibility requirements, registration process, deposit and payment deadlines is essential before placing a bid.
Dubai RTA number plate auction 2026: Key details
The upcoming auction will take place at Al Joud Hall, Hilton Dubai Hotel, Al Habtoor City. Bidding is scheduled to begin at 4:30 PM on October 24, 2026.
| Detail | Information |
| Auction | RTA 121st open auction |
| Date | October 24,2026 |
| Auction time | 4:30 PM |
| Venue | Al Joud Hall, Hilton Dubai Hotel, Al Habtoor City |
| Number of plates | 60 |
| Registration opened | October 19, 2026 |
| On-site registration | From 2:00 PM on auction day |
| Security deposit | AED 25,000 |
| Participation fee | AED 120, non-refundable |
| VAT | 5% on sold plates |
| Payment deadline | Within 10 working days |
Dubai RTA recommends registering before the event because seating is limited. Interested bidders should also review the applicable auction conditions and prepare the required deposit before attending.
Which number plates are available at the Dubai RTA auction?
The auction will feature 60 distinctive number plates across several registration codes. The available codes include AA, BB, CC, H, U, V, W, X, Y and Z.
Among the highlighted combinations are BB 80, BB 18 and CC 44. These numbers form part of a wider selection of plates with different digit lengths, giving bidders multiple options depending on their preferences and budgets.
Distinctive registration numbers can appeal to motorists who want a personalised identity for their vehicles, as well as collectors interested in memorable number combinations.
However, demand and final prices can vary significantly depending on the number being offered and the level of competition during bidding. Buyers should establish a spending limit before the auction rather than assuming that a particular plate will sell at a predetermined price.
Who can participate in the Dubai RTA number plate auction?
Participants must meet Dubai RTA's eligibility requirements to register for the auction. New users must have a valid traffic file in the Emirate of Dubai.
Before applying, bidders should ensure that their traffic file details are accurate and up to date. This can help avoid delays during registration and verification.
The authority also limits the available seating at the venue, with priority given to bidders. Although registration will be available on auction day, completing the process in advance is advisable for those planning to attend. Participants should familiarise themselves with the auction's terms and payment requirements before committing to a bid.
How to register for the Dubai RTA number plate auction?
Interested participants can register for the Dubai RTA number plate auction through the authority's official website or at designated RTA Customer Happiness Centres.
The registration process can be completed through the following steps:
- Check your eligibility: Ensure you have a valid Dubai traffic file and that your details are up to date.
- Access the RTA auction service: Sign in to your RTA account and follow the instructions on the relevant auction page.
- Visit a Customer Happiness Centre if required: Registration is also available at the Umm Ramool, Deira and Al Barsha centres.
- Arrange the required deposit and fee: Prepare the AED 25,000 security deposit and pay the AED 120 participation fee in accordance with RTA's instructions.
- Confirm your registration: Review the applicable requirements and complete the necessary steps before attending the auction.
Attend the auction: Arrive at the venue in time for the event, which starts at 4:30 PM on October 24.
Registration opened on October 19, 2026. For participants registering in person on auction day, the process begins at 2:00 PM at the venue.
Bidders should check the official RTA auction service for the latest registration instructions and accepted payment arrangements before travelling to the event.
Dubai RTA number plate auction fees and deposit
Anyone planning to bid should understand the financial requirements before registering. The auction involves a refundable security deposit for unsuccessful bidders, a non-refundable participation fee and VAT on plates sold.
| Fee or payment | Amount | Details |
| Security deposit | AED 25,000 | Refunded if the bidder does not win a plate, subject to the application terms |
| Participation fee | AED 120 | Non-refundable |
| VAT | 5% | Applicable to sold number plates |
| Winning bid payment | Depends on the final bid | Must be settled within 10 working days |
The AED 25,000 security deposit is separate from the amount paid for a winning plate. Participants should also remember that the AED 120 participation fee is non-refundable, even if they do not secure a number.
The final cost of a successful bid will include the winning amount and applicable VAT. As a result, bidders should account for the additional tax when deciding how much they are prepared to spend.
How to buy a special number plate in Dubai through the auction?
Buying a distinctive number plate through a Dubai RTA open auction involves registering, meeting the financial requirements and placing bids during the event.
Once registered, participants can compete for the available combinations. The final price depends on the bidding process, so there is no single purchase price for all plates offered at the auction.
Before attending, buyers should shortlist the numbers they are interested in and decide on a maximum bid for each one. Having alternative choices can be useful if competition for a preferred combination pushes its price beyond the intended budget.
It is equally important to understand the payment conditions before bidding. Winning a plate creates a payment obligation, and successful participants must settle the amount due within the stipulated period.
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What happens if you win a number plate?
Successful bidders must pay the winning bid amount within 10 working days of the auction date. Dubai RTA warns that failing to complete payment within this period can result in the security deposit being confiscated. The bidder may also be added to the authority's defaulters list.
This makes financial preparation an important part of the bidding process. Participants should ensure that they can cover the winning amount and applicable VAT before placing a bid.
Unsuccessful bidders can receive their security deposit back, subject to the auction's applicable terms. However, the AED 120 participation fee remains non-refundable.
Can you buy multiple number plates at the auction?
Dubai RTA allows participants to own multiple registration numbers, subject to the applicable auction conditions. There is no general one-plate-per-person restriction specified for the 2026 auction. This means participants can bid on more than one number if they wish to do so.
However, every successful bid carries a separate financial commitment. Anyone competing for multiple plates should calculate the potential combined cost, including VAT, before bidding.
Setting an overall spending limit is particularly important for buyers interested in several distinctive combinations.
Dubai RTA number plate auction 2026: What buyers should know?
The upcoming auction offers Dubai motorists and collectors access to 60 distinctive registration plates, including combinations such as BB 80, BB 18 and CC 44.
With bidding scheduled for October 24 at Hilton Dubai Hotel, Al Habtoor City, prospective participants should complete their registration, prepare the required security deposit and understand the payment rules before attending.
The AED 25,000 security deposit, AED 120 non-refundable participation fee and 5% VAT on sold plates are key costs to consider. Successful bidders must also complete payment within 10 working days to avoid potential penalties.
For motorists interested in distinctive registration numbers, the auction provides an opportunity to compete for memorable combinations. As with any auction, however, careful budgeting and a clear understanding of the conditions are essential.
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FAQs
Q1. When is the Dubai RTA number plate auction 2026?
The 121st Dubai RTA open auction is scheduled for October 24, 2026. Bidding begins at 4:30 PM, while registration at the venue starts at 2:00 PM.
Q2. Where will the Dubai RTA number plate auction take place?
The auction will be held at Al Joud Hall, Hilton Dubai Hotel, Al Habtoor City, Dubai.
Q3. How much is the Dubai RTA number plate auction deposit?
Participants must provide a security deposit of AED 25,000. The deposit is refundable to unsuccessful bidders, subject to the applicable auction terms.
Q4. What is the registration fee for the Dubai RTA auction?
The participation fee is AED 120 and is non-refundable. Successful bids are also subject to 5% VAT.
Q5. How can I register for the Dubai RTA number plate auction?
You can register through the official RTA website or at the Umm Ramool, Deira and Al Barsha Customer Happiness Centres. On-site registration is available from 2:00 PM on auction day.
