Car Color Change in Dubai: Complete 2026 Legal Guide

Changing the color of your car in Dubai is more than a cosmetic choice : it’s a legally regulated process requiring multiple official approvals before and after repainting or wrapping your vehicle.
You must follow specific steps involving Dubai Police and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to avoid fines, penalties, and registration issues. (dubizzle.com)

Some owners choose to change their vehicle’s color for very personal reasons. Taste comes first. They find the right model, options, and setup, but the original color doesn’t reflect their style.
Changing it is straightforward when done properly and in full compliance with the law. In other cases, the decision is purely financial. Certain colors sell for less, depending on the model, which lowers the purchase price.

Why Changing Your Car Color Needs Legal Approval

Regulations protect identification and safety

Dubai authorities require legal approval for color changes to ensure vehicles remain clearly identifiable and compliant with safety and registration laws, which helps police and RTA systems remain accurate and enforceable. (dubizzle.com)

Avoid fines and penalties

Changing a car’s paint without permission can result in fines of up to AED 800 or more, as well as possible legal complications if your registration does not match your vehicle’s appearance. (Vehicle Branding Dubai - Printajo)

Color changes affect official records

Your vehicle’s color is part of its official profile on the Mulkiya (vehicle registration card), so updating this detail ensures your documents always reflect your actual car. (dubizzle.com)

Step 1: Apply for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Dubai Police

What the NOC is ?

A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Dubai Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) confirms that your proposed color change is permitted under local traffic and safety laws. (Al-Rabiya)

Which authority issues the permit

You must apply through the Dubai Police Traffic Services, either via the Dubai Police App or the online portal under “Vehicle Color Change Permit”. (Al-Rabiya)

What you need to submit

Applications typically require clear photos of your current vehicle from all sides, your Emirates ID, vehicle plate number, and your desired new color(s) choices before submission. (Al-Rabiya)

How much the NOC costs

The official permit fee is usually AED 120 total (e.g., AED 100 for service plus knowledge/innovation fees). (Smart Auto UAE)

Timeframe for approval

Most applications are approved within minutes to a few hours, though processing can take up to 24 hours in some cases depending on documentation and application traffic. (dubizzle.com)

Step 2: Get Your Vehicle Color Changed

Choosing between wrap and repaint

Once you have your NOC, decide whether you want a full repaint or a vinyl wrap.
Wraps can be cheaper and reversible, while paint jobs offer a permanent finish. (Smart Auto UAE)

Find a professional workshop

Choose a reputable service provider with expertise in color transformations to ensure quality and compliance with your approved color permit.

Time needed for the physical change

Depending on the method and complexity, the actual color change usually takes 1–3 days in professional workshops.

Record your color transformation

After the physical change, keep photos and receipts showing the new color to support the next step with RTA registration.

Step 3: Update Your Vehicle Registration with RTA

Why this update is mandatory

After changing your car’s color externally, you must update the color on your vehicle registration (Mulkiya) with the RTA to keep your documents accurate and legal. (dubizzle.com)

What documents RTA requires

To update registration details after a color change, you’ll need:

• The NOC from Dubai Police confirming the change
• Your original Emirates ID and vehicle ownership certificate
• A vehicle technical inspection certificate showing the car matches its registered state
• Proof of the color change or related documentation (Smart Auto UAE)

Where to update the records

Submit your documents and request at a Customer Happiness Centre or vehicle registration centre (e.g., Tasjeel) or via smart apps if available.

RTA inspection after repaint

Before RTA updates the color, your vehicle may need to pass a technical inspection to verify the change and ensure it complies with specifications. (RTA)

Registration update fees

Updating your registration color detail typically requires a fee around AED 170, including service, knowledge and innovation charges. (RTA)

How Many Colors You Can Choose

Single and dual-tone options

Dubai authorities usually allow one or two colors (e.g., for dual-tone wraps) as part of your approved change permit. (renewmycarregistration.com)

Multiple shades in wraps

If you want three colors or complex design wraps, ensure these are specified in your NOC application so the approval matches the final look. (renewmycarregistration.com)

Choosing compliant colours

Stay away from offensive, discriminatory or police-like colors that could lead to rejection of your permit or registration issues.

Costs You Should Expect

Permit and government charges

The legal permit (NOC) cost from Dubai Police is typically AED 120 (service + knowledge/innovation fees). (Smart Auto UAE)

RTA registration update fee

Updating your vehicle’s color with RTA often costs around AED 170, including required checks and administrative charges. (RTA)

Physical color change costs

Repainting or high-end vinyl wrapping is separate : expect prices from AED 3,000 and above, depending on quality, color type, and finish. (Smart Auto UAE)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the NOC step

If you paint or wrap your car before getting an official NOC from Dubai Police, you risk large fines, legal notices, and a forced reversal of the change. (dubizzle.com)

Delaying registration update

After changing colors, updating your registration must be done promptly.
Waiting too long can cause fines or mismatched documentation issues. (renewmycarregistration.com)

Ignoring technical inspection requirements

RTA may require your car to pass a technical inspection before updating the color : missing this will delay your registration. (RTA)

FAQ : Car Color Change in Dubai

Is it legal to change my car’s color in Dubai?

Yes, but only after you obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Dubai Police before making any physical changes. (dubizzle.com)

How much does the permit cost?

The color change permit typically costs about AED 120, including all processing fees. (Smart Auto UAE)

Can I choose more than one colour?

Yes, you can choose one or two colors on your NOC application : more complex designs must also be specified. (renewmycarregistration.com)

What if I don’t update RTA registration?

Failing to update the color on your registration can lead to fines and legal discrepancies in official records. (renewmycarregistration.com)

Do I need a technical inspection?

Yes : RTA typically requires a post-change inspection to verify your vehicle’s new color matches the approved documentation. (RTA)

How long is a color change permit valid?

Once issued, the permit often remains valid for about 30 days, giving you time to complete the physical change and update registration. (renewmycarregistration.com)

Final Thoughts

Legal compliance ensures peace of mind

Changing your car’s color in Dubai is a great way to personalize your ride, but it must be done legally and systematically, involving the right permits and registration steps.
Following the steps above guarantees compliance with both Dubai Police and RTA rules.

If you need expert help obtaining the NOC, preparing your documentation, or updating your RTA registration after a colour change, Automobili is here to support you every step of the way without stress or delays.
📧 Email: contact@automobilimotors.com
📲 WhatsApp: +971 54 426 6387