No-objection certificate for a trade licence renewal application
Obtains the RTA no-objection certificate you need to apply to renew your trade licence.
How it works
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Documents
You
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Reviewed by MARIO E.G.S.H AI
MARIO E.G.S.H AI
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Submitted on Invest in Dubai
Runner at DET
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Licence issued
DET
Documents required
Current trade licence
copyPreliminary approval document from the licensing authority (DET or free zone)
copyExemption letter for SMEs (if the company has one)
in some casescopyOnly if: Only for SMEs claiming an exemption.
Conditions, time and validity
- Applies to companies whose licence includes RTA commercial transport activities (for example car rental, delivery, freight, passenger transport, driving schools).
- All RTA fines and financial obligations of the company must be paid first.
- Renewing at the licensing authority without the NOC (for activities that need it) can lead to a violation.
- Luxury passenger transport companies also need a new RTA contract, cheques and a bond.
- No NOC is needed when the activity is on RTA's auto-renewal list (28 activities, for example buses, trucks, driving schools, fleet management, bicycle and motorcycle rental, hazardous and petroleum materials transport) and the licence is renewed at the Department of Economy and Tourism. Car rental is not on that list.
- Processing time
- 3 to 15 working days when the activity needs RTA approval; otherwise faster after payment.
- Validity of the result
- The NOC is valid for 90 days; use it at the licensing authority within that time.
- Where it is applied for
- RTA website (company account or UAE PASS) and the Invest in Dubai portal.
Steps at the authority
- Client gives access to the company RTA account and the preliminary renewal approval.
- Centre selects the licence, applies for renewal and pays the fees.
- RTA approves (3 to 15 days if approval is needed) and emails the NOC.
- The licence is renewed at DET or the free zone; free-zone companies upload the renewed licence to RTA.
Tips that save you a trip
- Start the RTA renewal before the trade licence expires; check first whether your activity is in RTA's auto-renewal list.
Common reasons for rejection or delay
- Unpaid RTA fines or violations on the company's traffic file.
- Licence data entered does not match the preliminary approval of DET or the free zone.
- The activity needs another authority's approval that is missing.
Questions and answers
Is the NOC needed for every renewal?
Only for transport activities not on RTA's auto-renewal list; auto-renewal activities renew at the licensing authority directly.
Checked by the MARIO E.G.S.H team on 2026-10-08. Rules can change at any time; our consultant confirms the details for your case.
Legal basis
Dubai Law No. 17 of 2005 establishing the Roads and Transport Authority, and the RTA's rules for commercial transport activities (the exact resolution numbers are to be confirmed by staff).
Related services
Trade licence renewal
Renew a Dubai mainland licence through Invest in Dubai, including Ejari and approvals check.
Change business location
Moves your licensed business to a new location and updates the licence with Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET).
Reserve and renew trade name
Reserves a new trade name or renews an existing reservation with Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET).
Issue and renew initial approval
Obtains or renews the initial approval for your business activity from Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET).