Vehicle Registration in Qatar 2026-Step-by-Step Process

New Vehicle Registration — First-Time Process

If you have just bought a new car from a dealership in Qatar, the dealer typically handles the initial registration on your behalf as part of the purchase. However, understanding what is happening behind the scenes prevents confusion:

• Dealer submits the vehicle data and ownership transfer documents to the traffic department
• Vehicle is inspected at an approved inspection centre or by the traffic department directly (new vehicles from certified dealers are often exempt from full inspection)
• Insurance is confirmed and linked to the vehicle
• Registration plates are issued
• Mulkiya (vehicle registration card) is issued — keep this in the vehicle at all times

Used Vehicle Registration — After Purchase

Buying a used car in Qatar requires completing an ownership transfer before the vehicle is legally yours and the registration is in your name. Here is the process:

• Agree sale with the seller and get the original Mulkiya and seller's QID
• Visit an approved vehicle inspection centre — the car must pass inspection before transfer
• Both buyer and seller visit the traffic department (or use Metrash2 for eligible transfers) to complete the ownership transfer
• Pay the transfer fee and registration fee
• New Mulkiya issued in buyer's name

Important: do not hand over full payment to a seller until the ownership transfer is complete and the Mulkiya is in your name. Verbal agreements and partial payments before transfer create legal risk.