Doha Guides Team regularly reviews this article to ensure the content is up-to-date and accurate. The last editorial review and update were on 02 February 2024.
Are you due to renew your vehicle registration (Istimara) soon? Perhaps you aren’t sure how the process works or what documents you need. It can be a bit of a hassle, but it’s important to make sure your car is registered and up-to-date.
This blog post will walk you through the steps needed for Istimara Renewal Online in Qatar and explain the requirements, including how much it will cost. Keep reading for all the details!
What is Istimara in Qatar?
“Istimara” is the Arabic word for registration. In Qatar, the term Istimara is popularly used for a vehicle registration card. The Istimara (vehicle registration card) is issued by the Ministry of Interior (MOI) to a vehicle’s owner. Istimara is also known as a vehicle license but should not be confused with a driver’s license.
While driving in Qatar, a driver is legally required to carry his driving license as well as the vehicle’s registration card. You can be penalized if you drive a car without a valid registration card (Istimara) and driving license.
Istimara Contents
The front side of the Istimara will have the vehicle’s plate number, registration type, owner’s name, QID number, nationality, renewal date, expiry date, date of first registration and any special legal permission (tinted glass, stickers etc.).
The back side will have technical details like the vehicle’s make, model, year of manufacturing, type, chassis number, engine number, insurance details etc.
While driving a vehicle in Qatar, you must ensure the vehicle’s Istimara is valid. If the renewal date is approaching, give yourself plenty of time to complete the renewal process.
How To Check Vehicle’s Istimara Validity in Qatar
You can see the validity of your Istimara on the card itself. It will be marked as “Exp. Date” on the front.
You can also check the Istimara validity on the Ministry of Interior website by following the below steps:
Step 1: Go to the “Traffic Violations” page on the MOI portal
Here is the link to the “Traffic Violations” page.
Step 2: Enter your plate number and select the vehicle type
Step 3: Enter the verification code and click on “Search”
Step 4: Enter the vehicle owner’s ID number and click on “Submit”
You can see the validity of the Istimara as well as any traffic violation.
Istimara Renewal Grace Period in Qatar
The grace period for the renewal of vehicle registration (Istimara) in Qatar is 30 days after the expiry date. If you fail to renew your vehicle registration after the grace period, you may be subject to fines and other penalties.
Istimara Renewal Location
Istimara renewal can be done online using the Metrash2 mobile app or on the MOI e-services portal. You can also do it at any Traffic Department office. This service is also available at most Fahes Technical Inspection stations.
MOI Qatar Istimara Renewal Fee
Below is the annual fee for Istimara Renewal in Qatar:
| Description | Fees |
|---|---|
| Private light vehicles | QR 100 |
| Bikes | QR 100 |
| Private transport vehicle for passengers (Bus) | QR 150 |
| Taxi car/ limousine | QR 200 |
| Private transport vehicle for goods, items and animals | QR 150 |
| Public transport vehicle for passengers, goods, items and animals | QR 200 |
| Constructional, agricultural and industrial vehicles | QR 250 |
How To Renew Vehicle Registration (Istimara) in Qatar
The process of renewing a vehicle registration (Istimara) in Qatar is relatively simple and can be done online or in-person at the Ministry of Interior’s Traffic Department offices. However, there are a couple of requirements that must be met before you can renew the vehicle’s Istimara.
Requirements for Istimara Renewal
Following are the requirements for Istimara renewal:
(1) The vehicle should have passed the annual technical inspection (Fahes). In the case of private passenger cars and private transport less than 3000kg, this requirement is waived off for the first three years. Here is our complete guide to Fahes vehicles inspection:
How To Do Fahes Vehicle Inspection in Qatar
(2) The vehicle should have valid third-party liability insurance. The car insurance should be valid for at least one year for all vehicles or more than one year for new vehicles.
Istimara Renewal Online Using Metrash
By renewing your Istimara online, you save time and avoid having to go to the Traffic Department Office. Here is how you can renew your vehicle’s Istimara in Qatar using Metrash mobile app:
Step 1: Complete your Fahes vehicle inspection
This is required for most vehicles after three years of first registration.
Step 2: Renew your vehicle insurance for one year
For most insurance providers, this can be done online.
Step 3: Open the Metrash2 mobile app
If you have not used Metrash2 mobile app before, here is your guide to Metrash app registration.
Step 4: Click on “Traffic Services”
Step 5: Click on “Vehicle Services”
Step 6: Click on “Renew Vehicle Registration”
Step 7: Enter your plate number and choose vehicle type
You may also be prompted to enter your mobile number. Click on “Next” after entering these details.
Step 8: Confirm insurance and Fahes details
The next screen will show your insurance and Fahes test details. If the insurance is valid and Fahes is passed, you will see green circles. If any of these is not completed, then it would be a red circle, and you cannot proceed with the renewal. This page will also show your vehicle details and the amount to be paid.
Step 9: Select the card delivery option
You can collect the card personally from any Traffic Department office or by mail via QPost. For QPost, you need to give your address as per the Qatar National Address system.
There is an additional fee of QR 20 for QPost delivery, but it is more convenient as the card will be delivered to your address within 3 working days.
Step 10: Pay the renewal fee online
You can pay using a debit or credit card. Once the payment is completed, you can save or print the receipt. You can also receive the receipt by email.
The above steps can also be done using the MOI e-services portal but would require a smart card.
Istimara Renewal Offline at Traffic Department Office
If you opt to do your renewal directly, you can go to any branch of the Traffic Department. As explained earlier make sure your Fahes inspection is passed and insurance has been renewed.
Go to any Traffic Department office, take a token from the reception counter and wait for your turn. Once your number is displayed, go to the service counter and give your old Istimara and Qatar ID.
You will also need a debit or credit card for payment. You don’t have to take the insurance document as it would be already updated in the MOI system. Once the payment has been made, you will get a new istimara card printed in a few minutes.
Renewing your vehicle registration is a relatively easy process, but there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. By following these simple steps, you can make the renewal process quick and easy.
What To Do If Istimara is Lost
If the vehicle registration card (Istimara) is lost, the vehicle owner needs to visit any Traffic Department office and request a new one. Make sure to carry the QID and a bank card for payment. There will be a charge of QR 100 for replacement.
READ NEXT: Complete Guide To Fahes Vehicle Inspection
FAQ On Qatar Istimara Renewal
How much is the renewal of Istimara in Qatar?
The annual renewal fee for Istimara (vehicle registration) in Qatar is QR 100 for private light vehicles. You would also need additional fees for Fahes inspection and insurance renewal.
Where can I renew my Istimara in Qatar?
Istimara renewal can be done online using the Metrash2 mobile app or MOI portal. You can also renew Istimara at any Traffic Department office.
How can I update my information on the Istimara?
To update any information on the Istimara, you need to visit any Traffic Department office.
What documents are needed for Istimara renewal?
For renewing your Istimara online, you only need a debit/credit card for payment. For offline renewal, you need the old Istimara, Qatar ID and a debit/credit card.
Related Articles:
- How To Do Renew Qatar Driving License Online
- How To Get A Driving Experience Certificate From Qatar
- How To Check Traffic Violations in Qatar
- How To Get International Driving License in Qatar
- Car Accident Procedure in Qatar
- List of Qatar Traffic Violation Fines and Demerit Points
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HI, i am in KSA and my car istimara will expire on 29/01/2024, due to my KSA visit visa last extension if i exit KSA i will not be allow back and the company is not allowing me exit KSA , so is there any option to renew and do Fahes without entering to Qatar, also what will be the fine after grace period.
Hi Riaz, Fahes testing can be done inside Qatar only. Usually there is a grace period of 30 days for Istimara renewal after which there may be a fine. Make sure you renew your car insurance before insurance expires. The insurance company will not cover any accident after the expiry (there is no grace period for insurance).
Hi, we have private transport vehicles(Nissan Bus- 22seater), Our vehicle fahas has been failed and istimara already expired on 14th Jan, 2024, also full insurance was expired on same date. So, Is there insurance considered as third party after expired full insurance of vehicle?
Hi Jagdish, If the insurance has expired, your insurance company will not cover any liability after that. So you have to renew it at the earliest.
If the Istimara is expired and your test has failed, you still get a grace period for fixing this (usually 30 days after the test).
Hi, Just a note. Not all renewals can be done on Metrash. I renewed my insurance 2 weeks before the istamara was due and after trying continuously to renew it, the 2 weeks are now up, and I am still unable to do it through Metrash. They do not have my insurance details and there is no way I can enter them. I have been in contact with the insurance company and they do not understand the issue as they have done everything required from their side. I have contacted Metrash and they have just ignored me.
Hi Bernard, Thanks for the update. Seems like a system error. You may need to visit Traffic Department in such cases.
During Istemara renewal, what are the tyre requirement.
Hi Hitesh, The tire must all be safe, correct size, and without excessive wear or damage. If you are not sure about your tire’s quality check with the tire shop at any Woqod fuel station. They will inspect and tell you.
Hi
I have car in qatar but I’m still in vacation the istimara will expire on Aug. 17 and i will be back in qatar Aug.20. Is the 100qr fine for private car is for 1 month?
Hi Eduardo, There is a grace period of 1 month (without fine). You can do the renewal once you are back. Check if your insurance coverage ends before this date. In that case it is better to renew insurance.
The vehicle is under my name on Metrash, but the Istemara card (hard copy) is under previous owner, because Istemara is due in first week of August. Will there be any issue at Fahes station for renewal of istemara?
Hi Iftekhar, If the vehicle has been transferred to your name, you can get new istimara under your name.
Hi DG,
Please advise it is mandatory to have the physical Istimara card with us during driving the car or just to keep the copy of the istimara is enough to drive the car without any issue.
Hi GK, You can show the Istimara image available on your Metrash app.
Is it possible to renew istimara before expiery?. Mine will expire only after one month from now. But I’ve to change it into company name as i am taking loan from company.
Hi Nahas, Yes, you can renew now. But make sure to renew insurance also.
Actually, my father is an international citizen in Qatar. he was hospitalized and died after a few weeks. But he had a private passenger car and it wasn’t possible to renew the car, in that case, what cost it will take?
Hi Alifa, Please visit Traffic Department with the istimara, your father’s death certificate, your QID, and the document proving you are the legal heir. They would advise you. Normally they are helpful in such situations.
I did my Istimara today and my istimara expire date was 09-05-2023 and I did fahes istimara renewal on 11-05-2023 but I got the fine of 250 QAR, but I didn’t understand why I received fine.
Can anybody help me in understanding.
Hi Mohammad, You should have asked before paying. Normally there is a 30 days grace period.
I buy a 2nd vehicle. But the seller forgot to give his old istimara. Is it possible that they can print and give me the new istimara to me? The vehicle is under my name now.
Hi Manuel, When you buy second hand vehicle, the owner can transfer it to you through Metrash. You will get new Istimara printed with your name. You don’t need the old Istimara.
Hallo admin,
I forgot to renew my car istimara and it’s been more than 3 months now. Do you know the fines and other penalties in details? Thank you
Hi Rama, We believe it is QR 500 for not renewing on time. Please don’t drive without renewing as there is a fine of QR 1500 for driving without renewal.
What will be the consequences on accident During grace period? Will my insurance be void without an updated isthimara?
Hi Sanu, Normally grace period applies to Isthimara only, insurance will refuse to cover. You can check with your insurance company.
How many days before the the car registration renewal can be done in qatar(before the expiry of the registration).
Hi Jonty, There is no defined time period on official websites. Normally people do this within 1 month of expiry as you need to renew your insurance also.
Good day may I know the procedure how to renew
My car istimara with 3 months expired Registration
Hi Winston, Hope your issue has been resolved.