If you just bought a car in Qatar, new or used, you cannot legally drive it a single kilometre without registering it first. The document that proves your vehicle is registered and road-legal in Qatar is called the Istimara, a card that contains your car’s chassis number, engine details, plate number, model, year, colour, and owner information. This guide walks you through how to get it, how to renew it, how to transfer ownership when buying or selling, and what everything costs in 2026.
Whether you are a new expat who just picked up their first Doha car, or a long-term resident dealing with a renewal, you will find what you need here. Also read our Qatar driving license guide if you have not sorted your license yet.
What is Istimara and why do you need it?
Istimara is Qatar’s mandatory vehicle registration card, issued by the Ministry of Interior’s Vehicle Registration Department. Qatar law prohibits any resident from driving an unregistered vehicle on public roads. No exceptions. The card proves your vehicle has passed safety checks and meets all Qatar road requirements.
For used private vehicles, Istimara is valid for one calendar year and must be renewed annually. If you buy a brand-new car, you can opt for a three-year registration before the first renewal kicks in. Miss the renewal by more than 30 days and your registration and number plate can be confiscated.
One important rule most people miss: your car cannot be older than 15 years to be registered in Qatar. If you are importing from abroad, there is an additional restriction of 5 years.
How to register a new car in Qatar
Online via the MOI website
Registering a new car online takes just a few minutes once you have your documents ready.
- Go to the MOI e-services portal and log in.
- Click on Traffic Services, then choose Vehicles.
- Select New Vehicle Registration, fill in your details, and pay the QAR 100 registration fee.
That is it. Your Istimara card will either be collected at a Traffic Department branch or delivered via QPost to your registered address.
In person at a Traffic Department
If you prefer to handle it face-to-face, you can walk into any Traffic Department branch across Qatar. The main office is at Madinat Khalifa. Branches are also at Mesaimeer, Industrial Area, Al Rayan, Al Khor, Al Wakra, Education City, and more.
Bring the following:
| Document | Details |
| Registration form (Arabic) | Printed and filled out |
| Ownership certificate | Translated to Arabic if in another language |
| Qatar ID | Original and copy |
| Driver’s license | Original and copy |
| Registration fee payment receipt | QAR 100 |
| Car insurance | Valid for at least one year |
| Sponsor letter (if applicable) | Signed, in Arabic; company must include establishment ID |
Pay QAR 100 at the counter and your Istimara will be processed on the spot or delivered to you shortly after.
How to register a used car in Qatar (ownership transfer)
Buying or selling a used car involves transferring the Istimara from the old owner to the new one. This is called a vehicle ownership transfer and it can be done online, on the Metrash2 app, or in person.
Via Metrash2 (fastest option)
The seller initiates the transfer, not the buyer.
- Open the Metrash2 app (iOS / Android) and log in.
- Go to Traffic, then Vehicles.
- Find the car in your list of owned vehicles and tap Vehicle Ownership Transfer.
- Enter buyer and seller details and the vehicle value, then submit.
- The buyer receives a notification in their Metrash app to approve the transfer.
- Once approved, the seller pays the transfer fee of QAR 200 through their Metrash app.
- The new Istimara is delivered to the buyer’s registered address via QPost, or can be collected at Madinat Khalifa Traffic Department.
Note: all traffic violations on the vehicle must be cleared before a transfer can go through. Check fines first via the MOI violations portal.
Via MOI website
Navigate to the MOI e-services portal, go to Traffic Services, then Vehicles, then Vehicle Ownership Transfer. The seller submits a scanned copy of the buyer’s ID and proof of sale. The Traffic Department reviews and approves. The buyer receives a notification once their new Istimara is ready for collection or delivery.
In person at the Traffic Department
Both the buyer and seller must attend together. Bring completed ownership transfer forms, both QIDs, and sign the agreement in front of traffic officers. If a company is part of the transaction, an officially stamped company letter is required. The transfer is typically completed within three days.
How to renew Istimara in Qatar
Vehicle registration must be renewed every year for used vehicles. The renewal grace period is 30 days after expiry. After that, both the registration card and number plate can be confiscated.
Requirements before you renew
Before renewing, make sure you have:
- Cleared all outstanding traffic fines
- Passed the Fahes technical inspection (required annually for vehicles older than 3 years)
- Valid car insurance for at least one year
Fahes technical inspection centers are located at Al Mazrouah, Wadi Al Banat, Al Wakra, Al Wukair, Shahaniya, Mesaimeer, and Al Egda. Many insurance companies including QIC have counters directly at Fahes centers so you can sort both in one visit.
Renew online via Metrash2
- Log in to Metrash2 and go to Traffic.
- Tap Vehicle Service, then Renew Vehicle Registration.
- Enter your plate number and select the vehicle type.
- Choose delivery method: QPost (add QAR 20 for delivery) or collect at Traffic Department.
- Pay the renewal fee and save your receipt.
Renew via MOI website
Log in to the MOI e-services portal, go to Traffic Services, then Vehicles License Renewal. Follow the same steps and choose your preferred delivery method.
Renew in person
Visit any Traffic Services branch with your original registration card, Fahes inspection proof, valid insurance documents, and pay the fee at the counter. Your new Istimara is handed over on the same visit.
How to import a car and register it in Qatar
If you are relocating to Qatar and want to bring your own vehicle, you can import it, but only after you have your residence permit. The car cannot be older than 5 years.
The process involves:
- Obtaining an import permit from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- Preparing: bill of lading, certificate of origin, commercial invoice, passport, residency permit, and original vehicle registration.
- Paying customs tax on arrival, which is 5% of the vehicle’s assessed value.
- Sending the car to a Fahes inspection within 14 days of arrival.
- Registering the vehicle at the Traffic Department with a QAR 100 fee, Qatar ID, driver’s license, and proof of insurance.
It is strongly recommended to contact the Customs Department before starting this process as documentation requirements can vary.
Qatar vehicle registration fees 2026
All fees are set by the General Directorate of Traffic and paid at the Traffic Department or via the MOI e-services portal.
| Service | Fee |
| New vehicle registration (Istimara) | QAR 100 |
| Annual renewal | QAR 100 |
| Ownership transfer fee (paid by seller) | QAR 200 |
| QPost delivery fee | QAR 20 |
| Number plate replacement (lost or damaged) | QAR 100 per plate |
| Replacement ownership card (damaged or lost) | Same as issuance |
| Customs tax on imported vehicles | 5% of vehicle value |
How to check vehicle details and Istimara online in Qatar
You can check your vehicle’s registration status, owner details, and outstanding fines through the following official channels:
- MOI vehicle Istimara check: MOI e-services portal
- Traffic violations check: MOI violations portal
- Vehicle owner details by number plate: Via the MOI portal under Traffic Services, then Certificate Inquiry
- Metrash2 app: Log in and go to Traffic, then Vehicles to see all registered vehicle information
If your employer or sponsor needs a clearance certificate or export certificate for a vehicle, these are also handled through the MOI Traffic Services portal.
Key MOI links for vehicle registration in Qatar
| Service | Link |
| Vehicle Registration | MOI Vehicle Registration |
| Vehicle License Renewal | MOI License Renewal |
| Ownership Transfer | MOI Ownership Change |
| Importing Vehicles | MOI Import Requirements |
| E-Services Portal | eservices.moi.gov.qa |
| Traffic Violations | fees2.moi.gov.qa |
FAQ
How much does it cost to register a car in Qatar?
The standard vehicle registration fee (Istimara) is QAR 100 for a new or used private car. Ownership transfer costs an additional QAR 200, paid by the seller. QPost delivery of the Istimara card adds QAR 20. Imported vehicles are also subject to a 5% customs tax on the vehicle’s assessed value.
What is Istimara in Qatar?
Istimara is the vehicle registration card issued by Qatar’s Ministry of Interior. It is a legal requirement for all vehicles on Qatari roads and contains the car’s chassis number, engine details, plate number, model, colour, year, and owner’s name. Used car registrations are valid for one year; new cars can be registered for three years initially.
How do I check my Istimara or vehicle details online in Qatar?
You can check your Istimara status and vehicle details through the MOI e-services portal at eservices.moi.gov.qa, or via the Metrash2 app under Traffic then Vehicles. Traffic violations linked to a plate number can be checked at fees2.moi.gov.qa.
How do I renew my Istimara in Qatar?
Renew online via Metrash2 or the MOI website, or in person at any Traffic Department branch. Before renewing, clear all traffic fines, pass the Fahes annual technical inspection (required for vehicles over 3 years old), and ensure your car insurance is valid for at least one year.
How do I transfer car ownership in Qatar?
The seller initiates the transfer via Metrash2 or the MOI website. The buyer approves it in their Metrash app. The seller pays QAR 200 to complete the process. All traffic violations on the vehicle must be cleared before the transfer can proceed. The new Istimara is then issued to the buyer.
Can I register a car in Qatar without insurance?
No. Valid car insurance for a minimum of one year is a mandatory requirement for vehicle registration and renewal in Qatar. You cannot get or renew your Istimara without submitting proof of a valid insurance policy.
How do I register an imported car in Qatar?
You can register an imported car only after getting your Qatar residence permit. The car must not be older than 5 years. You will need an import permit, customs clearance, a Fahes inspection within 14 days of arrival, and the standard registration documents. A customs tax of 5% of the vehicle value applies.
What happens if I do not renew my Istimara on time?
You have a 30-day grace period after your Istimara expires. If you miss it, your registration card and number plates can be confiscated by the Traffic Department. Renew through Metrash2, the MOI website, or in person at a Traffic Services branch before the grace period ends.
Where is the main Traffic Department in Qatar?
The main General Directorate of Traffic office is at Madinat Khalifa, Doha. It is open Sunday to Thursday from 6:30 am to 12:30 pm and 1:00 to 7:00 pm, and on Saturdays from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon. Regional branches are located across Doha and Qatar, including Mesaimeer, Al Rayan, Al Wakra, Al Khor, Industrial Area, and the Airport.
How do I get a clearance certificate for a vehicle in Qatar?
Clearance certificates and export certificates for vehicles are processed through the MOI Traffic Services portal. Visit the Vehicle Registration section on the MOI e-services portal or go in person to the Madinat Khalifa Traffic Department with your ownership documents.
