Driving in Saudi Arabia can be a smooth and enjoyable experience if you adhere to the country’s traffic rules and regulations. One essential document that every driver must possess in Saudi Arabia is the Istimara, also known as the Vehicle Registration Card. This document serves as proof of ownership and registration of your vehicle, allowing you to operate it legally on Saudi Arabian roads.
What is Istimara?
The Istimara, or Vehicle Registration Card, is an official document issued by the General Directorate of Traffic (GDT) in Saudi Arabia. It serves as proof of ownership and registration of a motor vehicle, authorizing the vehicle’s operation on public roads within the Kingdom. The Istimara typically includes the vehicle’s chassis number, plate number, registration number, ownership details, and expiry date.
Istimara Card Validity:
- The validity period of an Istimara card in Saudi Arabia is three years from the date of issuance.
- The Istimara card must be renewed before its expiry date to maintain legal driving status in Saudi Arabia.
Renewal Process:
- Istimara card renewal can be completed online through the Absher platform or at authorized traffic centers.
- Renewal fees are SAR 300 and can be paid online through Absher.
- Applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria, including having a valid Iqama, valid Absher account, valid Fahas certificate, valid insurance, and no outstanding traffic violations.
Checking Istimara Validity:
- Istimara card validity can be checked online through the Absher platform.
- Log in to your Absher account, navigate to Services, then Vehicle Services, and click on the “Renewal Registration Vehicle” option.
- The Istimara expiry date will be displayed in this section.
Istimara Validity after Ownership Transfer:
- The validity of an Istimara card does not change after transferring ownership of a vehicle in Saudi Arabia.
- The new owner of the vehicle is responsible for renewing the Istimara card before its expiry date.
Conclusion:
It is crucial to renew your Istimara card before its expiry date to maintain legal driving status in Saudi Arabia. The renewal process is straightforward and can be completed online through the Absher platform. By following the provided information and guidelines, you can ensure that your Istimara card remains valid and you can continue to drive legally on Saudi Arabian roads.