How to Replace Car Number Plate in Saudi Arabia (2025 Guide)

Considering how to replace car number plate in Saudi Arabia? This quick guide is designed especially for local vehicle owners seeking a hassle-free update to their registration details. Read on to explore clear steps, key documents, and useful tips tailored for 2025 procedures.

Step-by-Step Replacement Process

3 Methods to Replace License Plates

When you need to update your plate, you have several options at your disposal:

• Online via Absher portal: The official Absher platform lets you complete your application comfortably from home. By uploading your documents and following the on-screen instructions, you can avoid long lines and adhere to updated 2025 standards for vehicle registration.

• Mobile app renewal: Use your phone for a quick application process that mirrors the convenience of the Absher website. This method is optimized for smart devices and grants you fast access to tracking your application status.

• In-person at traffic police offices: For those who prefer direct assistance, visiting a local traffic police office in cities like Riyadh or Jeddah remains a reliable option. Interactions in person allow you to ask immediate questions about replacement fees and any legal requirements.

Required Documents

Before starting the replacement process, assemble the necessary paperwork:

1. Original vehicle registration (Istimara): This document confirms your vehicle’s identity and must be up-to-date.

2. Valid Saudi ID/Iqama: Ensures that the application is processed under your correct personal identification.

3. Insurance certificate copy: Essential to validate that your vehicle is covered during and after the replacement.

4. Plate damage report (if applicable): This is required if the reason for replacement is physical damage or loss, helping the authorities understand your situation better.

Common Replacement Scenarios

When to Replace Number Plates

You might consider a replacement if:

• Your plate has physical damage or faded characters that affect readability, making it difficult for the traffic police to identify your vehicle.

• The number plate is lost or stolen; in this case, report the incident promptly to avoid misuse and legal complications.

• Your vehicle ownership has changed, requiring an update of details on your current registration.

• Minor issues such as worn-off details necessitate a change to meet the new GCC certification standards.

2025 Fee Structure

Below is a textual table summarizing current costs and processing times (in SAR/AED):

Legal Requirements

Updated Traffic Regulations

In 2025, regulations mandate that you replace your number plate within 10 days of noticing any significant damage or expiration. Failure to comply may result in fines—up to 500 SAR/AED for expired plates and possibly higher penalties for unregistered plates. Always check the latest guidelines on vehicle registration to avoid unnecessary legal complications.

Insurance Considerations

Once your number plate is replaced, don’t forget to update your insurance records:

• Notify your insurer within 48 hours of the change.

• Ensure your policy documents reflect the new plate details to maintain continuous coverage.

• This step helps avoid any future discrepancies during vehicle inspections or accidents.

Service Tips

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Double-check your plate’s dimensions (typically around 45cm x 12.5cm) to ensure compliance with Saudi standards.

2. Verify that characters in both Arabic and English are aligned correctly to ensure clarity for vehicle registration.

3. Confirm the presence of hologram security features to prevent counterfeit issues.

4. Always match the plate numbering sequence with your original documents to avoid verification errors.

Tracking Your Application

Stay informed about your application’s progress using these methods:

• Absher Request Number Lookup: Use your assigned request number on the Absher portal for real-time updates.

• MOI SMS Service: Simply send a message to the designated number (e.g., 888) to receive alerts about your application.

• Traffic Police Hotline: In urgent cases, calling 911 can provide immediate assistance and additional guidance.

FAQ

Q1:How do I use the Absher platform to replace my car number plate in Saudi Arabia?

Using the Absher platform is a straightforward way to manage your plate replacement. Begin by logging into your account and selecting the vehicle registration service. You'll need to upload the required documents such as your Istimara and valid ID. The system then guides you through the process, ensuring your replacement fees are processed correctly. If any step is unclear, local traffic police offices are ready to help. This article is for reference only, please follow the latest local laws and regulations.

Q2:What are the typical replacement fees and processing times in 2025?

In 2025, a standard replacement typically costs around 150 SAR/AED, while emergency situations may require up to 300 SAR/AED. Processing times can vary depending on the method chosen; online requests via Absher generally take 3-5 work days, and emergency services are processed within 24 hours. It’s wise to consult the latest fee structure at an official traffic police office. This ensures you are prepared both financially and time-wise for the replacement process. This article is for reference only, please follow the latest local laws and regulations.

Q3:Can I replace my number plate if my vehicle registration is not current?

It is essential that your vehicle registration (Istimara) is valid before you initiate the replacement process. Authorities require this document as proof of ownership and to prevent discrepancies in vehicle records. Without current registration, your application might be rejected, leading to further delays and potential penalties. Therefore, make sure to renew any expired registrations before applying for a new number plate. This article is for reference only, please follow the latest local laws and regulations.

Q4:Are there specific considerations for electric vehicles regarding number plate replacement?

Electric vehicles now have distinct green-rimmed plates in Saudi Arabia, introduced in June 2025. The replacement process is similar to that for traditional vehicles but may involve additional steps to verify compliance with new environmental standards. Owners must update both their vehicle registration and insurance details to match the new plate design. Always double-check with official sources for any modifications in processing times or fees specific to electric vehicles. This article is for reference only, please follow the latest local laws and regulations.

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