Car plates: types, transferring them, and keeping yours when you sell
Plates in Saudi Arabia follow the vehicle's classification: private plates for private cars, and other series for transport and special categories, with services managed electronically through Absher. The key rule when selling: the plate belongs to the owner, not the car.
When you sell, you have two options: let the plate move with the vehicle to the buyer as part of the sale, or keep it and move it to another vehicle you own for a SAR 400 fee. Distinctive plates are sold through Absher's electronic auction. New-plate issuance fees are not officially published as a standalone item, so we quote no figure — check the amount inside the service itself before paying.
Steps
- Identify your plate type from the istimara: the vehicle's classification (private, transport, etc.) sets the plate category.
- Before selling the car, decide: does the plate move with the vehicle to the buyer, or do you keep it?
- To keep the plate: request in Absher to move it to another vehicle you own (SAR 400 transfer fee).
- Complete the sale through Absher according to your choice — the plate's fate is set within the procedure.
- If you want a distinctive plate: follow Absher's electronic plate auction and place your bid.
- For any other plate fees (issuance, damaged/lost replacement): check the amount shown inside the service — they are not officially published as standalone items.
Fees & costs
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Moving your plate to another vehicle you own | SAR 400 | |
| New-plate issuance fees | Not officially published | Check the amount inside the service before paying |
Common questions
Does the plate go with the car when I sell it?
The plate belongs to the owner, not the car — you can let it move with the vehicle in the sale, or keep it and move it to another vehicle you own for a SAR 400 fee.
How much does a new plate cost?
New-plate issuance fees are not officially published as a standalone item, so we quote no figure — the only verified figure is SAR 400 for moving your plate to another vehicle you own. Check the amount inside the service before paying.
How do I get a distinctive plate?
Distinctive plates are sold through Absher's electronic auction — follow the open auctions and bid from your account.
Guidance only — the official authority is the final reference.