Renewing your car registration (istimara): steps and fees
The istimara (rukhsat sayr / vehicle registration) is your car's legal license, and renewing it is fully electronic through Absher or the Tamm platform — no traffic-office visit. The renewal fee for private cars is SAR 100 per year, and you can renew up to 3 years in one go.
Three things must be in order first: a valid periodic inspection (for cars older than three years), valid insurance, and no unpaid traffic fines. Don't let it lapse — driving on an expired istimara exposes you to a fine, and an expired registration blocks selling the car until it is fixed.
Steps
- Make sure the car has a valid periodic inspection (new cars are exempt for the first 3 years).
- Make sure the car has a valid insurance policy (third-party cover is the mandatory minimum).
- Pay any outstanding traffic fines on you or on the vehicle.
- In Absher go to: My Services > Vehicles > Renew Vehicle Registration, and pick how many years to renew (up to 3).
- Pay the renewal fee through SADAD (SAR 100 per year for private cars).
- Complete the request and receive the new istimara electronically, or have it delivered by Saudi Post.
Fees & costs
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Istimara renewal fee (private car) | SAR 100/year | Renewable up to 3 years at once |
| Periodic inspection (if expired) | SAR 115 | Prerequisite for cars older than 3 years |
Common questions
How much does renewing a private car istimara cost?
The renewal fee for private cars is SAR 100 per year, renewable up to 3 years at once (i.e. SAR 300 for three years), paid through SADAD.
What are the requirements to renew the istimara on Absher?
Three requirements: a valid periodic inspection (for cars older than three years — new cars are exempt for the first 3), valid insurance, and all traffic fines paid.
Can I sell a car with an expired istimara?
No — an expired registration blocks the ownership transfer until it is renewed, and driving on an expired istimara exposes you to a fine.
Guidance only — the official authority is the final reference.