Vehicle Registration in Saudi Arabia: Requirements, Fees, and Process
If you’re planning to buy a car or already own one in Saudi Arabia, you’re probably thinking about the vehicle registration process, transfer of ownership, or perhaps the renewal of your car’s registration. Whether you’re a new buyer or simply need to update your registration, understanding the requirements, fees, and process is essential to staying compliant with Saudi regulations and avoiding penalties. In this article, we’ll guide you through the key details of vehicle registration in Saudi Arabia. And if you’re purchasing a car through Syarah platform, there’s no need to worry our team will handle all the paperwork, including registration and ownership transfer, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Requirements for Vehicle Registration
To register a vehicle in Saudi Arabia, both Saudis and non-Saudis must meet specific requirements:
- Complete the specified vehicle registration form
- Provide the Customs card
- Submit the paid fees receipt
- Submit a copy of the Civil Affairs ID (for Saudis)
- Submit a copy of the Resident Permit (for non-Saudis)
- Provide an identification letter sanctioned by the sponsor and the Chamber of Commerce (for non-Saudis)
- Submit an official letter from the vehicle owner (for companies and establishments)
- Provide a copy of the Commercial Record (for companies and establishments)
- Submit all documents in an organized file
Vehicle Registration Process
The vehicle owner can issue a car registration license in Saudi Arabia by following these steps:
- Create an account on the “Tamm” platform for traffic services.
- Select the option for issuing a permanent vehicle registration.
- Choose the ownership type and enter the customs card number.
- Select the license plate number, registration type, and vehicle type.
- Provide the vehicle details along with the registration information.
- Pay the required fees through the “SADAD” payment system.
- Once the payment is completed, the vehicle registration will be issued electronically, and you can request a printed copy to be delivered via Saudi Post.
Fees and Costs
In Saudi Arabia, vehicle registration fees differ depending on the vehicle type. For private cars and motorcycles, the annual fee is 100 SAR, while for public vehicles and buses, it is 400 SAR. Additional fees apply for ownership transfer, replacement, or lost registration, with charges ranging from 30 SAR to 300 SAR depending on the vehicle.
| No. | Vehicle Type | Annual Fee | Renewal Fee | Lost or Replacement Fee | Ownership Transfer Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Private Car Registration | 100 SAR | 100 SAR | 100 SAR | 150 SAR |
| 2 | Private Truck Registration | 200 SAR | 200 SAR | 100 SAR | 150 SAR |
| 3 | Minibus Registration | 200 SAR | 200 SAR | 100 SAR | 150 SAR |
| 4 | Taxi Registration | 200 SAR | 200 SAR | 100 SAR | 300 SAR |
| 5 | Public Vehicle Registration | 400 SAR | 400 SAR | 100 SAR | 300 SAR |
| 6 | Public Bus Registration | 400 SAR | 400 SAR | 100 SAR | 300 SAR |
| 7 | Motorcycle Registration | 100 SAR | 100 SAR | 100 SAR | 150 SAR |
| 8 | Public Work Vehicle Registration | 300 SAR | 300 SAR | 100 SAR | 30 SAR |
Validity and Renewal of the Vehicle Registration
To renew and maintain the validity of a Vehicle Registration License, Saudis and non-Saudis must fulfill certain requirements:
- Complete the required form.
- Provide a valid Technical Inspection Certificate.
- Pay the required fees.
- For Saudis: submit a copy of Civil Affairs ID.
- For Non-Saudis: submit a copy of Resident Permit and a letter from the sponsor.
- Companies and establishments: provide a copy of the Commercial Record.
- Non-Saudis: submit a copy of the Driving License.
- For damaged registration licenses: submit the damaged license.
- For stolen registration licenses: submit a police report.
- For lost registration licenses: publish a notice in a local newspaper.
- Organize all documents in a file for submission.
Transfer of Ownership
To transfer vehicle ownership in Saudi Arabia, a few essential requirements must be met to ensure a smooth process:
- The vehicle must be available for inspection.
- Complete the specified transfer form.
- The vehicle owner or their legal representative must be present.
- Submit the original Registration Card.
- Provide a copy of the National ID (for Saudi citizens).
If you’re selling your car or buying one from Syarah, they will handle all of these requirements for you. This includes ensuring the vehicle is available for inspection, completing the necessary paperwork, and managing the submission of the original Registration Card and ID documents, making the process seamless and hassle-free.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failing to comply with vehicle registration regulations in Saudi Arabia can result in significant penalties. For instance, if the transfer of vehicle ownership is not completed as required, a first-time offender will face a fine of 1,500 SAR. Repeated violations carry steeper consequences, with fines doubling to 3,000 SAR for a second offense and reaching 8,000 SAR for a third violation. Additionally, driving with an expired or invalid registration can incur fines ranging from 150 to 500 SAR, or even result in imprisonment for 10 to 15 days, or both. Adhering to these regulations is essential to avoid these penalties and ensure legal compliance.
