Dubai Number Plate Auction October 2026: Dubai residents looking to buy a distinctive vehicle number plate have a new opportunity this week. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will hold its 121st Open Auction on 24 October 2026, offering 60 special number plates with two-, three-, four- and five-digit combinations.

But before bidding for a memorable number, buyers need to understand the registration requirements, refundable deposit, additional fees and payment deadline. Missing a payment deadline could cost a successful bidder AED 25,000.

Dubai RTA Number Plate Auction Date and Venue

The auction will take place on Saturday, 24 October 2026, at Al Joud Hall, Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City. The event starts at 4:30 pm, while participants can arrive from 2 pm.

The RTA is offering 60 distinctive plates under the codes AA, BB, CC, H, U, V, W, X, Y and Z. Highlighted two-digit combinations include BB 80, BB 18 and CC 44.

Registration opened on 19 October through the RTA website and designated Customer Happiness Centres. As seating is limited, prospective bidders are advised to register in advance.

How to Register for the Dubai Number Plate Auction

To participate, applicants must have a valid traffic file in Dubai. New users must meet this requirement before registering.

Registration is available through the official RTA 121st Auction page or at the Customer Happiness Centres in Umm Ramool, Deira and Al Barsha.

The basic process is straightforward:

  1. Sign in to your RTA account and open the auction registration page.

  2. Review the available plates and participation conditions.

  3. Complete registration and arrange the required deposit and participation fee.

  4. Keep your payment receipt and registration confirmation.

  5. Attend the auction with the required confirmation and follow the RTA's instructions.

The RTA's general service guide also explains online registration and payment procedures. Check the specific requirements for this hall auction before submitting your payment.

AED 25,000 Deposit: Is It Refundable?

The AED 25,000 security deposit is one of the most important requirements for prospective bidders. According to the RTA, the deposit is refundable if a participant does not win a number. However, the separate AED 120 participation fee is non-refundable.

Auction requirement Amount
Security deposit AED 25,000
Participation fee AED 120
VAT on the winning plate 5%
Winning bid payment deadline Within 10 working days

The deposit should not be treated as the purchase price of a plate. Successful bidders must pay the winning amount separately, along with applicable VAT.

How do you get the deposit back? The RTA's general auction service guide says participants who submitted a cheque must retrieve it from the Customer Happiness Centre where it was deposited. Those who paid the insurance deposit by credit card can receive a refund to the card within 40 calendar days under the general service procedure. Confirm the applicable process for the 121st auction directly with the RTA.

Dubai Number Plate Auction October 2026: How Much Does a Dubai Number Plate Cost?

The final price depends on the winning bid. The RTA's announcement does not establish one fixed selling price for all 60 plates.

A winning bidder must account for the bid amount and 5% VAT. For example, if a plate sells for AED 50,000, the VAT would be AED 2,500.

Cost component Example
Winning bid AED 50,000
VAT at 5% AED 2,500
Total before any other applicable charges AED 52,500

This is an illustration, not a prediction of the auction price. Distinctive number combinations can attract different levels of interest, so bidders should decide their maximum budget before bidding.

What Happens If You Win but Do Not Pay?

Winning a plate comes with a strict payment obligation. The RTA requires successful bidders to pay within 10 working days of the auction date.

If the winning amount is not paid within the prescribed period, the security deposit can be confiscated and the bidder may be placed on the non-compliant bidders list.

The RTA's general service guidance also describes restrictions for customers classified as non-compliant, including a one-year ban from participating in auctions. Bidders should therefore read the applicable terms carefully rather than assuming that the AED 25,000 deposit is their only possible loss.

Can You Buy More Than One Number Plate?

Yes. The RTA states that individuals may acquire multiple distinctive number plates, subject to the approved terms and conditions.

However, each winning purchase can create a separate financial commitment. Buyers interested in several plates should calculate the combined bid amounts and applicable VAT before participating.

The RTA's general auction service page also lists eligibility categories and conditions for opening a Dubai traffic file. Applicants who do not already have one should check those requirements directly before attempting to register.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Dubai number plate auction?

The RTA's 121st Open Auction is scheduled for 24 October 2026 at Al Joud Hall, Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City. The auction starts at 4:30 pm, with participant arrival from 2 pm.

What is the deposit for the Dubai RTA auction?

The required security deposit is AED 25,000. It is refundable if the participant does not win a plate, subject to the RTA's procedures and terms.

Is the AED 120 registration fee refundable?

No. The RTA describes the AED 120 participation fee as non-refundable.

How long do winners have to pay?

Successful bidders must pay within 10 working days of the auction date to avoid forfeiture of the deposit and other consequences under the applicable rules.

Where can I register?

You can register through the official RTA auction website or at the designated Customer Happiness Centres in Umm Ramool, Deira and Al Barsha.

Can foreign nationals participate?

The auction announcement specifies the requirement for a valid Dubai traffic file. Eligibility should be confirmed against the RTA's current rules and the applicant's circumstances rather than assuming that every visitor or overseas applicant qualifies.

Final Checklist Before You Bid

Before joining the auction, confirm your Dubai traffic-file eligibility, complete registration, understand the deposit-return procedure and budget for the winning bid plus VAT. Most importantly, be prepared to settle a successful bid within the RTA's 10-working-day deadline.

The official RTA auction page remains the primary source for registration and auction conditions. Checking the latest instructions before attending can help bidders avoid unnecessary costs and payment-related problems.