The process of buying or selling a used car in Dubai, while exciting, comes with the mandatory requirement of officially changing the vehicle’s legal ownership. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is the governing body that oversees and regulates this transaction. Understanding the RTA vehicle ownership transfer procedure is crucial for both the buyer and the seller to ensure a seamless, legal car ownership transfer in Dubai.
This detailed guide walks you through the entire Dubai car sale process, from the initial preparations to collecting the new registration card (Mulkiya).
1. Essential Pre-Transfer Checklist for Selling Your Car
Before you can officially sell car Dubai process, there are a few important steps the seller must complete. A little preparation goes a long way in speeding up the transfer.
- Settle Fines and Dues: All outstanding traffic fines and Salik, an electronic toll system, balances associated with the vehicle must be cleared. The RTA car transfer Dubai will not proceed with the ownership change until this step is complete.
- Clear Bank Mortgage: If the car was financed, the seller must first pay off the loan and obtain an official No Objection Certificate (NOC) or electronic mortgage release from the financing bank. The bank will electronically notify the RTA.
- Vehicle Inspection (Technical Test): If the vehicle is more than three years old, it must undergo and pass a technical inspection at an RTA-approved testing center. This is a mandatory requirement to ensure the car is roadworthy before the new vehicle transfer UAE registration can be issued.
- Gather Documents: Ensure you have the original documents ready.
| Document | Seller (Current Owner) | Buyer (New Owner) |
| Identification | Original Emirates ID | Original Emirates ID & Valid UAE Driving License |
| Vehicle Paperwork | Original Vehicle Registration Card (Mulkiya) | Proof of New Vehicle Insurance (in the buyer’s name) |
| Finance Clearance | Bank’s electronic NOC (if car was financed) | N/A |
2. The Core Step-by-Step RTA Car Transfer Process
Once all preparation is complete, both the seller and the buyer must be present or their legal representatives with a Power of Attorney to execute the car ownership transfer Dubai. The transaction can be completed at an RTA Customer Happiness Centre or an RTA-approved Vehicle Testing and Registration Centre.
Step 1: Vehicle Testing and Documentation Submission
- Visit a Centre: Head to an RTA-approved centre. This is where the physical transfer of the vehicle and paperwork is processed.
- Inspection: If not already done, the vehicle will undergo the technical inspection test. A “Pass” certificate is required for the transfer car registration Dubai.
- Document Verification: Both parties submit the required original documents including Emirates IDs, Mulkiya, Insurance, Inspection Report, and NOC if applicable. to the RTA representative for verification.
Step 2: The Sale and Purchase Agreement
- Sale Contract: An electronic or physical Sale and Purchase Agreement is formally initiated at the service centre. Both the seller and buyer must sign this agreement, officially documenting how to sell car in Dubai.
- Number Plate Retention: The seller must decide whether to transfer the existing number plate with the car or retain it for future use. If the seller retains the plate, new plates will be issued to the buyer, and the old plates must be surrendered.
Step 3: Payment of Fees and Fines
- Clear Outstanding Fines: Any remaining unpaid traffic fines must be settled at this stage.
- Transfer Fees: The buyer is responsible for paying the car transfer fees Dubai and the new registration charges.
- The base Ownership Transfer Fee for a light private vehicle is typically AED 350.
- There is an additional Sale and Purchase Agreement Fee
- Knowledge and Innovation Fees also apply.
Step 4: Finalizing the Ownership Transfer
- System Update: Once all fines and fees are paid, the RTA system officially executes the vehicle transfer UAE.
- New Registration Card: The buyer will immediately receive the new Vehicle Registration Card (Mulkiya) issued in their name, along with new number plates if the previous ones were retained by the seller. This step completes the legal RTA vehicle ownership transfer.
3. Transfer Car Online Dubai: The Digital Alternative
For added convenience, the RTA offers digital channels to manage certain parts of the transaction, moving towards a more streamlined, paperless experience.
The full transfer car online Dubai service is often facilitated through the RTA website or the Dubai Drive smart applications.
- Digital Process: The seller initiates the request, verifies their details via UAE Pass, and enters the buyer’s details.
- Electronic Approval: The buyer receives a notification, approves the purchase, and completes the electronic signing of the Sales Agreement.
- Online Payment: The buyer pays the car transfer fees Dubai digitally.
- Collection: While the initial steps are digital, the final registration and issuance of the new Mulkiya and plates may still require a visit to a service centre or smart kiosk.
Using the official RTA app or website for an RTA car transfer in Dubai allows both parties to manage the transaction at their convenience and is a growing method for the Dubai car sale procedure.
4. Key Considerations for a Smooth Transaction
- Vehicle Insurance: The buyer must have a valid electronic car insurance policy in their name before the ownership transfer can be processed. Without active insurance, the transfer car registration Dubai cannot be completed.
- Expatriate Requirements: Expatriates must have a valid UAE residency visa and a UAE driving license to register a vehicle.
- Company Vehicles: If the vehicle is registered under a company, additional documents are required, including the company’s trade license copy and a formal authorization letter (NOC) for the individual conducting the transfer.
By following this step-by-step process, both the seller looking to sell a car in Dubai and the buyer acquiring a vehicle can navigate the car ownership transfer Dubai process efficiently, legally, and without unnecessary delays. The system, managed by the RTA, is designed to be transparent and protect the interests of all parties in the vehicle transfer UAE.
Know Before You Go!!!
If all the required documents are ready, fines are cleared, and the car passes inspection, the process at an RTA Customer Happiness Centre or approved testing centre typically takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
No. The RTA car transfer Dubai system strictly requires that all outstanding traffic fines and Salik balances associated with the vehicle must be fully settled before the transfer car registration Dubai can proceed. This is usually the seller’s responsibility.
If the car is financed, the loan must be fully paid off first. The seller must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the financing bank, which is usually sent electronically to the RTA, clearing the mortgage before the RTA vehicle ownership transfer can take place.
Generally, both the seller and the buyer, or their legal representative holding a notarized Power of Attorney, must be physically present at the RTA service centre or authorized centre to submit documents and sign the electronic Sale and Purchase Agreement.
You can initiate and complete several steps, including the electronic sale agreement and fee payment, through the RTA website or app (transfer car online Dubai). However, the final issuance of the new registration card, Mulkiya, and new number plates, if needed, may still require a visit to the service centre.
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