Bahrain Number Plate Change: A Simple Guide To Follow

In Bahrain, vehicle registration plates typically feature the country's flag, name in Arabic and Latin script, and a combination of letters and numbers. While the standard format includes six digits, older plates may have fewer digits, and these are often considered status symbols. Changing a vehicle's number plate in Bahrain involves several steps, including submitting relevant documents, paying applicable fees, and ensuring the vehicle is eligible for the desired plate change.

Required documents for changing number plates

To change your number plate in Bahrain, you will need to gather the following documents:

• Documents proving the identity and place of residence of the vehicle owner.
• A completed vehicle registration form, signed by the vehicle owner. If the vehicle is owned by a company or institution, the form should be stamped and accompanied by a letter from the company.
• Documents that accept the status of a vehicle registration application.
• Documents proving ownership of the vehicle.
• A certificate of ownership of the vehicle whose number you want to replace.
• A written letter signed by the owner to waive the number and bring the original ID card.
• The metal plates of the vehicle whose number is to be replaced.

In addition to the above documents, there are some other requirements to be aware of. Firstly, the vehicle whose number is to be changed must be valid for registration. Secondly, all violations and accidents associated with the vehicle must be terminated. Finally, there are various fees associated with changing number plates, depending on the type of vehicle and the specific circumstances of the change. These fees range from 3.5 BD to 100 BD.

Fees for changing number plates

The fees for changing number plates in Bahrain depend on the type of vehicle and the nature of the change. Here is a detailed breakdown of the costs:

Transferring a Vehicle Plate Number to Another Vehicle

For transferring a vehicle plate number from one vehicle to another, the fee is 20 BD. This process involves providing the necessary documentation, such as proof of identity and vehicle ownership, and filling out the vehicle registration form.

Issuing Vehicle Ownership and Registration Certificates

Obtaining a vehicle ownership certificate in Bahrain incurs a fee of 6 BD. Meanwhile, the cost of issuing a vehicle registration certificate is 5 BD. These certificates are essential when transferring or changing vehicle plate numbers.

Ownership of the Vehicle Owner with the Registration Number

The fee for this service is 100 BD. This fee is associated with transferring the vehicle plate number to another vehicle and establishing the ownership of the new vehicle owner with the assigned registration number.

Metal Plate Fees

The cost of a single copy of a metal plate varies depending on the type of vehicle:

• 3.5 BD for a vehicle with a special registration number
• 3.5 BD for a motorcycle
• 5 BD for public transport
• 6 BD for special transport
• 12 BD for changing the license plate type

VIP Number Plates

The cost of VIP number plates in Bahrain can vary. Some people have reported selling VIP number plates for 10,000 BD or more, while others suggest that the value of such plates has decreased in recent years due to economic factors. It is recommended to buy directly from owners rather than dealers to get a better price.

Types of license plates

There are two main types of license plates in Bahrain:

• License plates for private usage: These plates are for privately owned vehicles. They have a blue background with white text, featuring the Bahraini flag, and the country's name in both Arabic and Latin scripts.
• License plates for special usage: These plates are for special vehicles, such as diplomatic cars. They have a coloured bar in the upper section of the license plate, without the Bahraini flag.

Within these main categories, there are additional variations and options available:

• VIP Car Plates: Bahrain offers VIP or premium car license plates that are available for purchase. These plates often feature desirable number combinations or patterns and can be sold at varying prices.
• Transferable Plates: It is possible to transfer license plates between vehicles in Bahrain. The process involves providing the necessary documentation, terminating any violations or accidents associated with the vehicle, and paying the required fees.
• Custom Plates: While not officially issued by the Bahraini government, some companies offer custom-embossed license plates. These plates allow individuals to choose their desired letters or numbers, but they are strictly for novelty use and cannot be used as official registration plates.

How to buy a new number plate

In Bahrain, there are various options for purchasing a new number plate. Firstly, it is important to understand the types of license plates available. Private vehicle license plates have the Bahraini flag and the country's name in Arabic and Latin script, with a blue and white colour scheme. Special vehicles, such as diplomatic cars, have a coloured bar at the top without the flag.

If you are looking to buy a new number plate for your private vehicle, there are a few options. Firstly, when you purchase a new car, you will typically be given a 5- or 6-digit number plate. These are the most common types of number plates on the road today. However, if you are looking for a more unique or prestigious number plate, there are other options available.

One option is to purchase a VIP or special number plate. These can be found for sale online or through specialised Instagram accounts that trade car plates. Prices can vary depending on the number of digits and the desirability of the number combination. For example, a 4-digit plate with no particular pattern could cost around 7,000-8,000 BD, while a more desirable pattern, such as 1122, could cost upwards of 30,000 BD. Three-digit plates are considered rare and often require special approval to transfer ownership, with prices exceeding 100,000 BD.

When purchasing a VIP or special number plate, it is important to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines. It is recommended to thoroughly inspect the product and compare it to the description provided. Meeting in a public place and bringing a companion are also advised for added safety. Additionally, it is important to note that shorter digit plates, such as those with one or two digits, are typically owned by the royal family and cannot be sold.

Another option for obtaining a new number plate is to transfer the registration of a vehicle plate number between two vehicles. This process requires various documents, including proof of identity and residence of the vehicle owner, a vehicle registration form, and a certificate of ownership. There is also a fee of 20 BD for transferring the vehicle plate number.

Finally, if you are looking for a novelty or custom number plate, there are international websites that offer Bahrain-style license plates. These are sold as decorative items and are not for official use.

How to sell a number plate

To sell a number plate in Bahrain, there are a few key steps you need to follow. Firstly, it is important to determine the value of your number plate. The value of a number plate is typically based on the number of digits, with shorter numbers being more expensive and those with patterns often costing more. For instance, a 4-digit plate with no pattern can be valued at 7-8k BD, while a plate with a pattern such as 117737 can be sold for 500-1000 BD. You can get a rough estimate of the value of your number plate by checking with online traders or Instagram accounts dedicated to trading car plates, such as @number.bh.

Once you have an idea of the value, you can list your number plate for sale. There are various platforms available, such as online websites, social media groups, or Instagram accounts. When creating your listing, be sure to include clear and accurate information about the number plate, including the number, any patterns or special characteristics, and your asking price. It is also essential to verify the legality of selling your specific number plate, as certain types may have restrictions.

After your number plate is listed, you will need to communicate with potential buyers. It is recommended to thoroughly review the buyer's post description to ensure they are genuine and then proceed with communication via phone or a secure chat feature. When arranging a meeting with a potential buyer, choose a public place and bring a companion for added safety.

During the meeting, allow the buyer to inspect the number plate thoroughly and compare it to the description provided in your listing. Once the buyer is confident in the quality and authenticity of the item, you can proceed with the sale. It is important to note that you are responsible for ensuring that the sale of your number plate complies with all relevant laws and regulations.

Lastly, when finalising the transaction, be cautious about sharing personal or financial information. Avoid transferring any amount of money before confirming the receipt of the goods or services. By following these steps, you can effectively sell your number plate while maintaining privacy and security.

Frequently asked questions