It depends on the type of registration and the age of the vehicle.
When inspection is needed
- Most vehicles must pass a technical inspection every year before the registration can be renewed.
- Vehicles registered as "Private" need it only once they are more than 5 years old.
Cost (National Portal)
- BHD 5 each time for an inspection by the Traffic directorate, or you can use a private inspection centre.
- BHD 15 for an external inspection.
Where to go
The Traffic app has a service that shows inspection centres on a map, with their locations, opening hours and phone numbers.
Timing
- You can renew a registration up to 3 months before it expires.
- A late fee of 500 fils a day is charged after the expiry date, for up to 40 days. After that it becomes a fixed BD 20.
- Your civil liability (third-party) insurance must also cover the whole registration period.
What people miss
A private car that turns more than five years old needs its first inspection at the next renewal. Book it early, because you cannot renew until it passes.
Steps
- Check whether your car needs inspection (all non-private vehicles yearly; private ones over 5 years old).
- Find a centre in the Traffic app.
- Pass the inspection and make sure your insurance covers the full year.
- Renew the registration, up to 3 months before expiry.