Car Plate Fees in Saudi Arabia: A Complete Guide to Costs and Procedures

Car plates are a key legal requirement for operating vehicles in Saudi Arabia. They function both as an official form of identification and as proof of the vehicle’s registration and classification within the national traffic system. With the growing number of new and imported cars on the roads, it's essential for drivers to understand the costs and steps involved in obtaining vehicle plates.

Types of Car Plates and Associated Fees

Saudi Arabia offers several types of car plates to accommodate different vehicle uses, each subject to official fees determined by the Ministry of Transport and Logistics. The fee for issuing a standard plate is 100 SAR across regular categories, including private vehicles, taxis, motorcycles, and buses, whether for private or public transport. This same fee applies to export, diplomatic, consular, and trailer plates.

Temporary plates are the only exception, carrying a higher fee of 300 SAR due to their limited validity period. Meanwhile, distinctive plates featuring unique numbers or letters are available through public auctions, with starting prices from 5,000 SAR. Final costs can significantly increase depending on the desirability of specific number and letter combinations.

Additional Fees and Renewal of Damaged or Lost Plates

A fixed fee of 100 SAR is charged by the General Directorate of Traffic for renewing or reissuing damaged or lost plates. This applies to all types of vehicles, including private cars, commercial transport vehicles, buses, motorcycles, and trailers.

Imported vehicles with customs clearance cards require new plates, for which the fee is also set at 100 SAR. These plates are issued upon submission of the vehicle's identification card, allowing owners to complete all necessary licensing procedures within the kingdom.

The fee for transferring plates between vehicles varies depending on usage type. For private cars, the transfer fee is 400 SAR per vehicle. This increases to 700 SAR for commercial transport vehicles such as taxis and small trucks.

Payment Methods and Official Procedures for Issuing Plates

Paying the required fees is an essential step in issuing new car plates. In Saudi Arabia, authorities offer flexible and secure payment options through electronic banking services. Vehicle owners can log into their bank’s app or website, select the "Government Services" option, followed by "Traffic," then enter their national ID and vehicle sequence number to confirm the amount and complete the payment directly.

The Absher platform serves as a comprehensive solution for managing vehicle related services. Through Absher, users can navigate to "Vehicle Management" and select "Issue New Plate," then follow the on screen instructions to finalize the process electronically.

For those who prefer in person interaction, they can also complete the payment manually with assistance from bank staff by visiting a local branch.

After completing the payment, applicants must prepare the necessary documents: a valid national ID or residency permit, a valid driver's license, the vehicle registration form (ownership deed), a valid insurance certificate, a periodic inspection certificate, and the payment receipt. It is advisable to bring copies of these documents when visiting the traffic branch to submit the application.

At the branch, applicants are required to fill out the official plate issuance form. Once the documents are verified by the General Directorate of Traffic, the new plates will be issued and can either be collected directly from the branch or delivered via available delivery methods.

Penalties for Delays and the Role of "Absher" in Simplifying Procedures

Traffic authorities impose strict penalties for delays in issuing car plates or for related violations. Driving without plates can result in fines of up to 5,000 SAR, while failing to properly affix plates may lead to varying penalties depending on the nature of the violation.

Using fake or unauthorized plates is considered a serious offense, punishable by fines of up to 10,000 SAR and possible vehicle impoundment.

In this context, the Absher platform plays a vital role in simplifying procedures and minimizing the risk of violations. Through its comprehensive digital services, users can easily manage various vehicle-related processes such as plate issuance, registration renewal, and ownership transfers. Absher also allows users to track requests and receive notifications, helping to streamline operations and ensure faster completion of tasks.