Owning a car is important in cities like Dubai, where cars are a big part of daily life. But sometimes, you might need to transfer ownership. It might seem confusing with paperwork and fees but don’t worry—with the right information and a little preparation, it can be easy.
In this blog article, we will discuss transferring car ownership in Dubai. When we’re done, you’re sure to walk away with a more comprehensive understanding of how this situation works, from gathering the necessary documents to visiting the Roads and Transport Authority.
When we reach the end of this article, you’re almost certain to be equipped with the knowledge needed to hand your car’s keys over to a new owner in a hassle-free environment, secure that you’ve followed all the necessary protocols.
Car ownership transfer in Dubai: An overview
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) governs transferring cars. Using an intuitive online portal, the agency has streamlined the procedure and made it relatively efficient.
This is a mandatory legal procedure that must be addressed when a vehicle is sold or transferred to another person. Under the designated procedure, the car is registered under the new owner’s name and removed from the previous owner’s name. Whether dealing with a private sale or buying from a dealership, the process involves several key steps that must be followed according to the RTA’s regulations.
Required documents for transferring car ownership in Dubai:
These are the documents that are typically required for vehicle ownership transfer in Dubai according to the RTA (road and transport authority)
| Category | Requirements |
| Citizens and GCC Nationals | . Emirates ID for the buyer and seller . Electronic insurance . Electronic technical inspection . Proof that the vehicle meets Gulf Specifications (if needed) |
| Residents | . Emirates ID for the buyer and seller . Electronic insurance . Electronic technical inspection |
| Commercial Companies | . Valid Trade Licence . Letter from the company for vehicle transfer and registration . Emirates ID of the authorised person or legal representative . Emirates ID of the buyer or legal representative . Memorandum of Association (Arabic legalised translation) . Electronic insurance . Electronic technical inspection |
| Companies (Free Zone) | . Valid Trade Licence . Letter from the company for vehicle transfer and registration . Emirates ID of the authorised person or legal representative . Emirates ID of the buyer or legal representative . Memorandum of Association (Arabic legalised translation) . Electronic insurance- Electronic technical inspection . NOC for ownership transfer from the Free Zone authority |
| Local and Federal Governmental and Semi-Governmental Entities | . Emirates ID of the authorised person . Letter from the governmental entity stating the vehicle transfer . Electronic mortgage release (if applicable) . Electronic insurance . Electronic technical inspection |
| Diplomats | . Emirates ID . Diplomatic card (if Emirates ID is not available) . NOC from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (for consulate plates) . NOC from the consulate for vehicle transfer and registration (if the diplomat is the buyer) . Electronic insurance . Electronic technical inspection |
Who is eligible for transferring car ownership in Dubai?
Citizens, residents, GCC nationals, companies, diplomatic bodies, and government entities can apply for this service.
How to transfer car ownership in Dubai – Step-by-step process:
There are many ways to apply for a vehicle ownership transfer in Dubai; these include:
| Category | Locations/Platforms |
| RTA | . RTA Website . Dubai Drive . Dubai Now (Google Play – App Store) |
| Customer happiness centres | . Umm Ramool . Al Manarah . Al Twar . Deira . Al Barsha |
| Tasjeel centres | Some include: Jebel Ali Tasjeel Hatta Tasjeel Al Qusais Tasjeel Barsha Tasjeel Al Warsan Tasjeel Note: You may visit here to find out more centrs that are easily accessible to you. |
Vehicle ownership transfer Dubai online:
Here’s how you can do it through the RTA website in a few easy steps;
- Step 1: Visit the RTA website and log in to their RTA account using their username and password or UAE Pass.
- Step 2: The seller selects ‘Change Ownership’ from the ‘Vehicle Licensing Services’ section.
- Step 3: The buyer’s identity is verified using their UAE Pass and registered phone number.
- Step 4: The seller and buyer sign the vehicle sale agreement online.
- Step 5: The seller pays the required fees and any outstanding fines.
- Step 6: The seller must visit the Customer Happiness Centre or a Vehicle Registration and Inspection Centre to submit the vehicle plates within 14 days of settling the fees.
- Step 7: The buyer visits the service centre to complete the vehicle registration process.
Additional considerations for car ownership transfer in Dubai
- Transferring Car Ownership for Financed Vehicles: If the car is financed, the seller must obtain a clearance certificate from the bank or finance company before proceeding with the transfer. This certificate confirms that the loan has been fully paid off and that the car can be sold.
- Transfer of Ownership for Expats Leaving Dubai: Expats leaving Dubai must transfer car ownership before their final exit.
- Online Transfer Option: The RTA offers an online service for transferring car ownership, but both buyer and seller must have UAE PASS accounts.
Car ownership transfer in Dubai fees:
Here are the fees associated with vehicle ownership transfer in Dubai:
| Service | Fee (AED) |
| Light vehicle (private/public) | 350 |
| Private vehicle (3 to 12 tonnes) | 400 |
| Public vehicle (3 to 12 tonnes) | 650 |
| Private vehicle (more than 12 tonnes) | 800 |
| Public vehicle (more than 12 tonnes) | 1,000 |
| Private light mechanical equipment | 500 |
| Public light mechanical equipment | 700 |
| Private heavy mechanical equipment | 800 |
| Public heavy mechanical equipment | 1,000 |
| Trailer and semi-trailer | 120 |
| Bus (14 to 26 passengers) | 300 |
| Bus (more than 26 passengers) | 600 |
| Motorcycle | 200 |
| Selling agreement fee | 50 |
| Short plate | 35 |
| Long plate | 50 |
| Short classic plate | 150 |
| Long classic plate | 150 |
| Dubai branded plate | 200 |
| Luxury plate | 500 |
| Knowledge and Innovation fees | +20 |
Why is car insurance important?
At InsuranceMarket.ae, people can find different car insurance options that match their needs and budget. Whether you need full coverage or third-party insurance, the website compares plans easily, helping you pick the best one when transferring car ownership in Dubai. The site is easy to use and shows all the important details about the policies, including what they cover and the cost. This makes it a helpful place for anyone in Dubai looking for simple and clear insurance options during the car transfer process.
What’s the takeaway?
So that was all about transferring car ownership in Dubai. Whether you’re selling your car to get a new one, giving it to a family member, or needing to transfer ownership for other reasons, this guide will help you through the process easily. Ensure you check all the steps, have all your documents ready, and pay the required fees to complete the transfer smoothly. Knowing the rules and following the tips in this article will make the process quicker and less stressful, whether you’re the buyer or seller.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q. Can I transfer car ownership without going to the RTA?
Yes, you can do it online using the RTA app or website as long as the buyer and seller meet the online transfer requirements.
Q. Do I need an NOC from my bank if my car has a loan?
If the car is still financed, the seller needs to get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the bank before the transfer.
Q. What if the car doesn’t pass the RTA inspection?
If the car fails the inspection, the seller must fix the issues and have the car inspected again before the transfer can proceed.
Q. Can I transfer ownership if I have unpaid fines?
No, all fines must be paid off before you can transfer the car ownership.
