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Cancel a Vehicle Registration in Kuwait

Cancelling a registration is the step before taking a vehicle out of the country: you get an export certificate valid for 48 hours.

Closely related: Export plate. If the car is going to the scrapyard instead, see Scrap a vehicle.

Steps listed by the GDT

  1. Valid insurance for at least 1 month.
  2. Go to the technical inspection department in Al-Assima, export division.
  3. The owner attends in person, or their representative.
  4. Hand over the plates and the vehicle document after cancellation from the computer system, and get the export plates.
  5. Receive an export certificate valid for 48 hours to leave; the plates are returned to the General Traffic Department from the border centres.
  6. Obtain a certificate that you have no recorded traffic violations.
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Official form (PDF)

Official GDT form for cancelling or scrapping a vehicle registration. Original document published by the General Traffic Department (GDT), Ministry of Interior. We host a copy for convenience and it is unchanged.

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Original source: Click here

Source: Based on the official GDT procedure page:Click here.

Compiled October 2026. Rules and offices can change: confirm with the GDT before you go. This site is not affiliated with the government.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to cancel a vehicle registration in Kuwait?

The fee is set by the GDT and can change, so we do not list amounts. Check the current fee on the official GDT page linked at the bottom of this page.

How long is the export certificate valid?

48 hours.

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Vehicles

Export plate

To export a vehicle that was registered in Kuwait you exchange its plates for export plates that are valid for 48 hours.

Read the guide Vehicles

Scrap a vehicle

Scrapping goes through the unused-vehicles division in Al-Jahra; insurance is not required.

Read the guide Vehicles

Transfer vehicle ownership

Both buyer and seller must appear in front of the GDT employee, transfer the insurance and confirm there are no outstanding financial violations.

Read the guide Vehicles

Vehicle modifications

Any fundamental change to a vehicle that alters its license data has to be reported to the General Directorate of Traffic, and color changes follow Article 47 of the Traffic Law.

Read the guide Vehicles

Vehicle report request

For a vehicle report you need either the responsible person's Civil ID or a formal authorization for a representative.

Read the guide Vehicles

New vehicle registration

New and imported vehicles are registered by the GDT after a customs certificate, a technical inspection and valid insurance.

Read the guide

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