Car Istimara in Saudi Arabia: Renew & Transfer Guide

Your vehicle registration — known locally as the istimara — is the document that proves your car is legally registered and roadworthy in Saudi Arabia. Whether you are renewing an expiring registration or transferring ownership after buying or selling a car, most of the process is now handled digitally through Absher, with Muroor (Traffic Department) offices available for cases that need in-person service. This guide from سعودي ليفنج walks you through the fees, requirements, and steps so you can complete everything smoothly.

How long is an istimara valid?

A newly registered private car receives an istimara valid for 3 years. After that, it becomes renewable — and in 2026 you can choose to renew for 1, 2, or 3 years at a time. The base government fee for a private car is 100 SAR per year, so a three-year renewal locks in that rate across the full period.

Renewal fees by vehicle type

The base annual government fee depends on how your vehicle is classified:

• Private car / motorcycle: 100 SAR per year
• Private truck, minibus, taxi, private bus, or private transport vehicle: 200 SAR per year
• Public work vehicle / heavy machinery: 300 SAR per year
• Public vehicle, public bus, or public transport vehicle: 400 SAR per year

For example, a private car renewed for one year costs 100 SAR in government fees, while a three-year renewal is 300 SAR. Keep in mind:

• Since 2025, Absher-type transactions generally carry a fixed processing/service fee per transaction added on top of the government fee.
• The government may apply additional fuel-efficiency tier fees (banded) on top of the base fee, especially for multi-year renewals.

Because these add-ons can change, always confirm the final total shown in the Absher payment screen before you pay.

What you need before renewing

Renewal will only go through if your vehicle meets all of these conditions:

• A valid periodic technical inspection certificate (Fahes / MVPI). The typical inspection fee is around 115 SAR and is separate from the istimara fee.
• Valid vehicle insurance recorded in the traffic system.
• All traffic fines on the vehicle and owner cleared.
• A registration status with no active restrictions (for example, not reported stolen).

Steps to renew istimara via Absher

For individuals using Absher, the process is straightforward:

• Log in to your Absher (Individual) account.
• Go to the vehicle services section and select your car.
• Make sure your inspection and insurance are valid and any fines are cleared.
• Choose the renewal period (1, 2, or 3 years).
• Review the government fee plus any processing and tier fees.
• Pay via SADAD through your bank or a payment app within the Absher flow.

Once payment is confirmed, the renewal is reflected in the traffic system, and you can keep a digital copy of your istimara accessible through your account.

Transferring vehicle ownership

When you buy or sell a car, ownership must be transferred through Absher or at a Muroor office. Key points:

• Absher charges a 230 SAR electronic service fee (including VAT) for the transfer, paid by the buyer.
• The vehicle should have a valid inspection and insurance, and all fines must be cleared before transfer.
• Both parties complete their side of the transaction digitally, and the new owner arranges updated insurance in their name.

After a successful transfer, the buyer becomes the registered owner and can renew the istimara under their own account going forward.

Replacements and other fees

• Lost or damaged istimara replacement: usually 100 SAR.
• Plate replacement: usually 100 SAR.

For any figure not shown here, or if fees have been updated, confirm the exact amount on the official Absher platform before completing your transaction. Staying on top of your inspection, insurance, and fines is the simplest way to avoid delays when renewal time comes around.

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