How to renew vehicle registration in Qatar

Many residents in Qatar dread when the time comes for renewing their vehicle registration because it is such a hassle to get it done, especially if you own a car that is more than 3 years old.

Qatar Living wanted to know how much of a hassle it is really to renew a vehicle registration (locally referred to as 'Isitimara').

The procedure is quite clear and straightforward - if your car is older than 3 years, you need to pass a stringent technical inspection. If you own a car that is not yet 3 years old, head straight to your insurance agent.

First Scenario: Car is less than 3 years old

As per the latest update (May 2015), vehicle registration for new vehicles are valid for three years. However, if you bought a car before the new law was issued, you will have to renew your vehicle registration at the end of the period.

If you own a car that is less than 3 years old, head straight to your insurance agent. You do not require a technical inspection. Your insurance agent will then give you a document that you may take to any traffic department and renew your permit. And you're done.

Alterantively, you may also visit a Fahes branch where you can insure and renew your vehicle registration at the same place. (Scroll down for Fahes location map)

Second Scenario: Cars older than 3 years

The procedure used to be a hassle before if you owned a car older than 3 years. A few years ago, there was only one place for you to inspect your vehicle in Industrial Area, and we all know what a hassle that is. However, it's much easier and quicker now with several Smart Fahes (owned by Woqod) outlets spread out in the country.

Step 1: Find a Smart Fahes outlet using the map below.

There are five places in Qatar where you can get your vehicle inspected - Al Khor, Wadi Al Banaat, Industrial Area, Mesaimeer and Al Wakra. Please note that some of these branches have different timings.

Step 2: Pay for the technical inspection

Once you get to your preferred outlet, present your vehicle permit card at the gate and pay for the technical check up. They only accept cash payment so make sure you carry some with you. Here's a price list so you can plan how much cash to carry.

The 'main inspection' fees above includes one 'free of charge' re-inspection within 30 days of the main inspection for all vehicle categories.

If the first re-inspection is a 'FAIL' then the subsequent following re-inspection is a paid inspection at the normal main inspection rate, any inspections after this follows the pattern of one paid and one free if they are within the 30 days from the original main inspection.

If a vehicle doesn't PASS within one month of the first main inspection all previous reports and repairs will be ignored and a new fresh main inspection will take place checking every item again. To avoid these delays, go to a mechanic first for a general check-up and fix all major techical faults.

If your vehicle passed the inspection, you should get the following SMS from Woqod.

Step 3: Collect your report and go to traffic department

Previously, Fahes was not equipped with a insurance and traffic department. However, now they have all you need in one place that will make your life easier.

Take your token and head to the insurance counter. Although you're at Fahes for insurance, the policy you will be getting is from Qatar Insurance Company.

Once you get your insurance policy, get another token for Traffic services to renew your permit. Pay for the renewal, which was QAR100, and you are done.

Alternatively, if you wish to get a policy from a different insurance agent, you may leave Fahes following the inspection and go to an insurance agent of your choice. However, you will have to make another trip to a traffic department if you choose this route.

We hope this information was useful. If you have any queries, leave comments below or visit Fahes. Did you renew your vehicle registration recently?