Renewal of Car Registration in Saudi Arabia, or simply put, Istimara, is one crucial procedure while ensuring that the vehicle will continue to be legally eligible for driving in Saudi Arabia. Renewal is easy, and you can do it online on Absher portal. To make this process much easier, here’s a simple step-by-step guide on the renewal of your car registration in Saudi Arabia.
Prerequisites for Car Registration Renewal
Before you begin the renewal process for your Istimara, make sure you meet the following requirements:
- Valid Vehicle Insurance
Your vehicle must be insured, and the insurance details will be automatically updated in the traffic department’s system. Without valid insurance, you will not be able to renew your registration. - Vehicle Inspection (Fahas)
All vehicles in Saudi Arabia must pass a mandatory periodic inspection, known as Fahas (Motor Vehicle Periodic Inspection or MVPI), to ensure the vehicle is roadworthy and meets safety standards. The Fahas certificate is required for the renewal process. - Payment of Fees and Fines
Ensure that you’ve paid any outstanding traffic fines, as these will prevent the renewal process from proceeding. You will also need to pay the vehicle renewal fee.
Step-by-Step Guide to Renewing Your Car Registration (Istimara)
1. Log In to Absher
The renewal process for your Istimara is conducted through the Absher portal, which is the government’s official online platform. To get started, visit the Absher website and log in to your account. If you don’t already have an Absher account, you will need to create one by providing your personal information and setting up security details.
2. Navigate to Vehicle Services
Once logged in, go to the ‘Vehicles’ section and select ‘Vehicle Management’ from the menu. This will allow you to manage and renew the registration for your vehicle(s).
3. Select Your Vehicle
In the Vehicle Management section, you’ll see a list of vehicles registered under your name. Select the vehicle for which you want to renew the registration.
4. Renew Vehicle Registration
After selecting your vehicle, click on ‘Renew Vehicle Registration’. The system will display your vehicle’s details and ensure all the prerequisites, such as valid insurance and inspection (Fahas), are met. If everything is in order, confirm the details and proceed to the next step.
5. Payment of Fees
You will then be asked to pay the renewal fee through the SADAD payment system. The standard renewal fee for private vehicles is 100 SAR per year. If you have any outstanding fines, they must be settled at this stage, or the renewal will not be processed. If there are any late renewal fees or additional charges, these will also be included in the payment process.
6. Receive Your Istimara
Once payment is successfully processed, you can choose how you want to receive your new Istimara card:
- Delivery via Saudi Post: You can have your new registration card mailed to you for a fee of 17.25 SAR.
- Collect in Person: Alternatively, you can collect your Istimara from the traffic police office (Muroor) by booking an appointment through Absher.
Important Points to Remember
- Inspection Validity: Ensure that your Fahas certificate is valid and up to date. It’s advisable to get your vehicle serviced before the inspection to ensure it meets the necessary standards and increase the chances of passing.
- Insurance: Your vehicle’s insurance must be valid for the full renewal period. If your insurance is expiring soon, renew it before starting the registration renewal process.
- Fees: The standard renewal fee is 100 SAR per year for private vehicles. Additional fees may apply for late renewals or specific services such as delivery by mail.
By following these few easy steps you would be able to renew your car registration in Saudi Arabia with the least amount of hassle and get back to driving. Very handy, especially using the Absher portal which lets you do everything from the comfort of your own home. If you encounter any issues, you can contact the authorities through the Absher portal. Else you may call up Muroor for further help.
