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RTA Vehicle Advertising Permit & Branding Approval in Dubai
For the procedure to go off without a hitch and save time and money, you must be familiar with the documents. The qualified members of Printzone Advertising LLC’s staff individually assist in requesting and obtaining the required Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) permits for vehicle branding, graphics, and advertising. To save time and hassle, Printzone, a trusted vehicle branding company in Dubai, provides services for getting and using necessary vehicle branding and advertising licenses. From preparing artwork that follows the RTA vehicle branding guidelines to submitting your application and handling renewals, we manage your RTA approval for vehicle branding from start to finish.
We handle your RTA permit.
What Is an RTA Vehicle Advertising Permit?
An RTA advertising permit is official authorization from Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority that allows a business to display logos, text, or graphics on a registered vehicle. Commercial vehicle advertising in Dubai is subject to RTA approval and applicable regulations. The permit is issued per vehicle, against a specific approved design, and standard permits are valid for one year. Operating a branded vehicle without the required approval can result in fines, penalties, or other enforcement action.
Who Needs RTA Approval for Vehicle Branding?
When requesting a vehicle advertising license, there are a few factors to consider. When making such arrangements, it’s very important to remember that you need an RTA permit to advertise your company vehicles in Dubai. An RTA officer must assess the design to ensure it complies with all laws and rules established by the Dubai government before it can be utilized for car graphics approval. RTA will issue a permit for each car for a year following approval.
You need RTA approval for vehicle branding if:
- Your company vehicle displays a logo, trade name, phone number, or website, however small.
- You plan a partial wrap or full wrap that promotes your business.
- You are branding leased or rented vehicles (an NOC from the leasing company is required).
- You are adding advertising for a third-party brand (the brand owner’s NOC and trademark registration are required).
Many people ask which car sticker is allowed in the UAE without a permit. In Dubai, any sticker that advertises a business needs RTA permission for car sticker use before it goes on the vehicle, while stickers that are offensive, obscure visibility, or cover windscreens are not permitted at all.
RTA Vehicle Branding Guidelines & Regulations
The RTA vehicle branding guidelines cover three areas: the type of branding, the terms your business must meet, and the rules for the artwork itself. Your design must meet all three to be approved.
Vehicle Branding Categories for Permit
Basic Logo Branding
You can have the company logo, brand, or trademark placed on your car for a nominal yearly fee. In line with your trade license, you may also include contact information, such as a P.O. Box number.
Partial Wrap Branding
Car graphics can cover particular portions of your vehicle, including the sides and rear bumper, where the trade name and other written information must be displayed in both English and Arabic.
Full Wrap Branding
Vehicle graphics can cover the entire car, except for the side and rear windows and the roof. Trade names and text must be in English & Arabic. This method offers more coverage than the other two vehicle wrapping options.
Terms and Conditions for RTA
- Only the activities specified in the trade license may be advertised.
- All vehicle modifications require the approval and testing of emissions.
- The Dubai Police needs to be contacted for additional design approval if the vehicle graphics use more than 30% color.
- Rental car advertisements are permitted as long as the RTA is consulted and contract documentation from the rental company is provided.
- To display advertisements for third parties on a vehicle, an application for a contract or a registered trademark from the Ministry of Economy must be submitted.
- The applicant must present a No Objection Certificate from the Dubai car leasing company if they are using a rental car to place the advertisement.
- If the advertisement is to be displayed on trailers, semi-trailers, or mobile advertising vehicles, permission from the Vehicle Licencing Department is needed.
- If the ad is to be placed by an advertising agency outside Dubai, then the ad design and mock-up must carry the stamp of the country’s consulate or embassy.
- Make sure there is no difference in the company’s trade name in Arabic as mentioned on the trade license.
- If the advertising agency is registered with Dubai SME, then they can avail of a 50% discount. But for this discount, an official letter is required with the application.
- Approval of Dubai Police (CID) is required to change the vehicle’s color for an ad.
- If the ad is about real estate, the ad agency should provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
- The Department of Land and Property must issue you with a design approval certificate if you are marketing materials on real estate.
- If the advertising agency is pasting the ad for a brand, then the brand’s owner's NOC and trademark ownership registered with the Ministry of Economy should be provided.
Graphics Requirement for RTA
- Car advertising in Dubai is allowed only if the ad agency has an RTA permit for it.
- At least 50% of the graphics on the vehicles must be in Arabic.
- Heavy graphics or text must not be included on any side of the vehicle's pictures.
- Any type of religious symbol or slogan should not be in the ad content. The lone exception may be an organization that is both nonprofit and religious.
- Pictures in the ad violating public morality are not allowed.
- Only Arabic and English should be used for the ad content.
- Use of 3D images in ads for vehicles is not allowed.
- No symbol that promotes smoking can appear in advertising materials.
- No flags of any country are to be displayed in the ad.
- Real people's photos are not allowed in the advertisement.
- The text and images in the advertisement should be evenly distributed, not all on one side.
- Pictures should not be placed on the top part of the vehicle.
- Vehicle windshields should not have any ads displayed.
- Front, side, and back windows must not be covered with the design.
- You can only add a maximum of 5 images to an ad on each side of the vehicle.
- The company can only mention the activities mentioned in the trade license; mentioning any other activity in the ad is not allowed.
- QR codes are not allowed in vehicle branding designs.
Different businesses have different designs and preferences. In Dubai, some companies prefer using a static logo on the vehicle, while others prefer graphics that require special paint. Getting permission can be boring and complicated, but Printzone can make this process easier.
For the latest updates and more detailed information, please visit the official RTA Vehicle Branding Guidelines..
Documents Required for an RTA Permit for Car Branding
For Business Vehicles
- Ad design of the vehicle’s four sides + mock-up
- Letter of request addressed to the Roads and Transport Authority to add an advertising sticker, explaining the nature of the activity
- Copy of the trade licenses issued in Dubai
For commercial vehicles and motorcycles
- Ad design of the vehicle/motorcycle’s four sides + mock-up
- Copy of the trade licenses issued in Dubai
For Trailer and semi-trailer/mobile advertising vehicles
- Ad design of the vehicle’s four sides + mock-up
- Copy of the trade license (advertising activity), issued in Dubai
In every case, the vehicle registration card (Mulkiya) must be registered under the same company name shown on the trade license.
Step-by-Step Guide to Vehicle Branding in Dubai
To have your commercial car approved for vehicle graphics in Dubai, it’s necessary to meet the requirements set by the RTA. The journey from application to approval is made easy by our streamlined process:
Step 1: Design to RTA Guidelines
Our team prepares four-side mockups with bilingual text that follow the RTA vehicle branding guidelines.
Step 2: Gather Documents
We will help you gather all of the necessary documentation.
Step 3: Submit the Application
Your proposal’s design and photos need to be submitted to request permission to advertise. Our team submits your application promptly and accurately.
Step 4: RTA Review
The RTA will go through a verification process, where the first step will be to check if all of the fonts are readable and follow the design specifications. An inspector will receive the application and thoroughly review it before deciding whether to approve or reject it.
Step 5: Pay the Permit Fee
After clearing, you must complete an application and pay a fee that varies based on the dimensions of the image or logo, whether it is flat or three-dimensional, and other factors.
Step 6: Receive Approval
We maintain communication with RTA officials to ensure timely processing. Upon approval, we’ll provide you with the official RTA approval letter.
Step 7: Install the Branding
Only after approval do we print and install the graphics on your vehicle.
Throughout this process, we’re committed to keeping you informed and addressing any concerns you may have.
RTA Advertising Permit Fees & Renewal
RTA advertising permit fees depend on the vehicle category and how much of the vehicle is branded:
| Vehicle Type | Logo & Trade Name | Partial Wrap | Full Wrap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Vehicle / Bus (up to 16 passengers) | AED 250 / Annually | AED 500 / Annually | AED 1,000 / Annually |
| Pickup / Cooler Truck / Light Commercial | AED 250 / Annually | AED 1,000 / Annually | AED 1,500 / Annually |
| Bus (Standard – as per RTA category) | AED 250 / Annually | AED 1,000 / Annually | AED 1,500 / Annually |
| Heavy Bus (as per RTA classification) | AED 250 / Annually | AED 1,500 / Annually | AED 2,500 / Annually |
| Light Equipment | AED 250 / Annually | AED 1,000 / Annually | AED 1,500 / Annually |
| Heavy Equipment | AED 250 / Annually | AED 1,500 / Annually | AED 2,500 / Annually |
| Motorcycles | Any wrap – AED 250 / Annually | ||
| Special Status Vehicles | Any wrap – AED 2,500 / Weekly | ||
| Event-Based Advertisement (Light Vehicles) | Any wrap – AED 2,500 / Weekly |
Additional charges: AED 10 Knowledge Fee and AED 10 Innovation Fee per permit.
- The company must pay AED 100 to obtain a new RTA vehicle advertisement permit if the original one is lost or damaged.
- AED 100 is applicable for any changes in the permit.
Note: Final permit fees may vary depending on the vehicle category as defined by RTA. The official classification in the vehicle registration (Mulkiya) will determine the applicable charges.
Validity & Vehicle Advertising Permit Renewal
Standard permits are valid for one year from the date of issue, while event-based and special status permits are issued weekly. If your company needs to advertise on vehicles for a long period, then you will need to apply for vehicle advertising permit renewal before the permit expires.
RTA advertising permit renewal online is available through RTA’s digital services, so there is no need to visit a service centre in most cases. The RTA charges for renewal generally follow the annual fee for your vehicle category and branding type shown above, plus the Knowledge and Innovation fees. Printzone tracks your expiry dates and can submit renewals for your whole fleet.
Adding New Vehicles to Your Fleet? We Handle the RTA Approvals
RTA advertising permits are issued per vehicle, so every new vehicle you want to brand needs its own approval, even if it carries the same design as the rest of your fleet.
Before a vehicle can be added:
- It must be registered under your company name on the Mulkiya, matching your Dubai trade license.
- Leased vehicles need an NOC from the leasing company.
- The design must be adapted to the new vehicle’s dimensions if it is a different model or category.
When you add vans, pickups, or cars to your fleet, Printzone reuses your approved artwork wherever possible, prepares the updated mockups, and submits the new vehicles so your fleet branding stays consistent across the company list.
Common Reasons for Rejection
Most rejections come from small details that can be avoided at the design stage:
- Arabic text makes up less than 50% of the content, or the Arabic trade name does not match the trade license exactly.
- The design advertises an activity that is not listed on the trade license.
- QR codes, national flags, religious symbols, or photos of real people are included.
- Graphics cover the windscreen or the front side windows.
- Fonts are too small or hard to read.
- The vehicle is not registered under the company name, or a required NOC is missing.
- The four-side mockup is incomplete or not to scale.
If a design is rejected, Printzone revises the artwork based on RTA’s feedback and resubmits it, so you don’t have to start over.
Why Choose Printzone for RTA Permits
At Printzone, we understand the complexities of RTA approval processes. Our team is dedicated to making your experience as smooth as possible. Here’s how we can assist you:
- We handle all paperwork, saving you time and effort.
- Our expertise ensures all requirements are met.
- We keep you updated on your application’s progress.
- Our staff provides expert advice throughout.
- We aim to maximize productivity at minimal cost.
Because we design, apply, print, and install under one roof, your RTA approval for vehicle branding and the branding itself are handled by the same team. Explore our complete vehicle branding in Dubai.
We handle your RTA permit.
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Turn Your Vehicle into a Mobile Ad!
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Frequently Asked Questions
An RTA vehicle branding permit is official authorization from Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority allowing a commercial entity to display logos, text, or graphics on registered vehicles. Commercial vehicle advertising in Dubai is subject to RTA approval and applicable regulations. Operating a branded vehicle without the required approval can result in fines, penalties, or other enforcement action.
Yes, if the sticker promotes a business. Any commercial sticker, including a small door logo or phone number, needs RTA permission for car sticker use before installation. One permit covers all approved stickers on a single vehicle, as the permit is issued for the vehicle and its specific design rather than per sticker.
Yes. Commercial branding on vehicles in Dubai is subject to RTA advertising requirements regardless of the size of the branding. A small door logo, contact details, or a full vehicle wrap promoting a business may require a valid RTA advertising permit. Logo-only branding falls under the lowest fee category.
Personal and leased vehicles may be subject to different requirements for commercial branding.
• Personal Vehicles: Personal vehicles generally require the appropriate authorization before displaying commercial advertising.
• Leased Vehicles: Leased company vehicles can be branded when the required documentation is provided, including a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the leasing company where applicable, along with your company’s Dubai trade license.
RTA vehicle advertising guidelines require Arabic to make up at least 50% of the advertising content. Your official trade name should also be displayed in Arabic and English in accordance with your trade license and applicable RTA requirements.
To ensure road safety and cultural compliance, the RTA strictly prohibits:
• QR codes and barcodes (to prevent driver distraction)
• Reflective, high-chrome, or mirror-like vinyl materials
• Real photographs of individuals or sensitive social content
• Religious symbols, political messages, or national flags
• Graphics covering windshields, driver side windows, or passenger side windows
Vehicle advertising is restricted on windscreens and on the front side windows on the driver’s and passenger’s sides. Branding on rear windows may be permitted for specific vehicle categories, such as delivery vans and panel vans, subject to applicable RTA regulations and approval.
To process your application smoothly, Printzone submits the following documents on your behalf:
• Copy of a valid Dubai issued Trade License matching the vehicle ownership
• Vehicle Registration Card (Mulkiya) registered under the company name
• RTA compliant design mockups showing all four sides of the vehicle (accurate scaling, clear bilingual text)
Additional documents may be required depending on the vehicle type or branding circumstances, for example, an NOC for leased vehicles.
When the application contains complete and compliant artwork and documentation, RTA vehicle advertising approvals can take from a few business days to a few weeks. Processing times can vary depending on the vehicle category, application details, and whether amendments or additional approvals are required. Printzone pre-checks design mockups before submission to help reduce avoidable delays.
If an RTA application is rejected, the authority may identify the element that does not meet its requirements (such as font size or missing Arabic text). Printzone can revise the vehicle branding artwork based on the feedback, update the mockup, and resubmit the application through the appropriate process.
Any changes you make to the approved design after receiving RTA approval, such as new text, graphics, contact details, or layout, may require you to reapply for approval before the updated branding goes on the vehicle. Contact Printzone before making changes and we will check whether a new submission is needed.
There are three main permit types: a logo and trade name permit (company name and contact details), a partial wrap permit for branding that covers part of the vehicle, and a full wrap permit for graphics covering the whole vehicle. Official fees depend on the vehicle category and permit type.
An RTA vehicle advertising permit is generally valid for one year from the date of issue. Businesses should monitor the permit expiry date and begin the renewal process in advance to avoid interruptions to their vehicle registration or advertising authorization.
Yes. RTA advertising permit renewal online is available through RTA’s digital services, provided the approved design has not changed. If you have updated the branding, a new application may be needed instead of a renewal. Printzone can handle the renewal for you and remind you before each permit expires.
A Dubai RTA vehicle branding permit applies to the Dubai-registered vehicle for which the permit was issued. When travelling between Emirates, additional local requirements may apply depending on how and where the branded vehicle is used, particularly if it is used as a fixed advertising display. Businesses should confirm requirements with the relevant authority when operating outside Dubai.
Additional approval from the Dubai Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) may be required when vehicle advertising involves changing the vehicle’s original color from the color recorded on the Mulkiya. Certain specialized commercial vehicles, such as mobile advertising trucks and trailers may also require additional approvals depending on their use and vehicle category. Learn more about our CID approval service.
When a branded vehicle is sold, transferred, or removed from a fleet, the RTA vehicle advertising permit may need to be formally canceled through the relevant RTA process. Any applicable cancellation requirements or fees should be confirmed with RTA. Existing vehicle branding may also need to be removed before ownership transfer or decommissioning.
Operating a vehicle with unauthorized commercial branding in Dubai can result in fines, penalties, or other enforcement action, including possible vehicle impoundment depending on the circumstances. Obtaining the required RTA approval before installing commercial branding helps businesses comply with applicable vehicle advertising requirements.
Printzone provides an end-to-end vehicle branding service that can include RTA-ready design mockups, Arabic and English content preparation, document coordination, authority fee processing, permit application support, and physical vehicle wrapping after approval. This allows you to manage your branding and permit requirements through one service provider.
Our graphic design team creates high-resolution vehicle branding mockups showing the relevant sides of the vehicle, prepared with applicable RTA advertising requirements in mind while keeping your company’s branding, messaging, and visual identity.
Final approval is issued by RTA and depends on the vehicle, the advertisement content, the submitted artwork, and current regulations.
Yes. Printzone assists with commercial fleet branding and can coordinate RTA approval applications for multiple vehicles. Whether you operate a small delivery fleet or more than 100 vehicles, we coordinate design consistency, documentation, applications, and installation planning to help minimize operational downtime. See our fleet branding services.
No. Commercial vehicle advertising approval should be obtained before installing the branding on the vehicle. Installing graphics before the required approval may expose the vehicle owner to fines or other enforcement action and could require changes or removal if the design is not approved.
Call or WhatsApp us at +971 50 877 3876, email your company trade license and vehicle details to info@printzonedubai.com, or visit our facility in Al Quoz Industrial Area, Dubai. Our team can assist with design, documentation, permit processing, and vehicle branding.
You can also request a quote through our quotation and contact page .
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- info@printzonedubai.com
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