Under Article 9 of the Qatar Traffic Law, a standard vehicle license is valid for one calendar year from the date of issue. Certain vehicles registered to specific establishments may qualify for a two-year license, but this typically does not apply to privately owned expat vehicles.
According to Article 11, you must renew your vehicle registration license within 30 days of the expiry date. If you drive your vehicle on public roads with an expired and unrenewed license beyond this grace period, you risk fines and penalties. The law is explicit that a vehicle shall not be operated on the road with an expired license.
Practically speaking, Qatar's Traffic Department sends renewal reminders, and you can renew conveniently through the Metrash2 app or at approved service centers. Before renewal, your vehicle will need to pass a roadworthiness (Fahes) inspection. Don't leave this to the last minute — allow time for the inspection, especially during busy periods.
This is general legal information, not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, consult a lawyer licensed in Qatar.