A Comprehensive Guide to Transferring Car Ownership between Emirates

Car ownership transfer is mandatory by the UAE government when you’re buying or selling the car in any state like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, etc., which would cost you around AED 400 for ownership transfer.

Otherwise, you have to pay a fine of AED 3000 in case of non-compliance. You must prepare all the required documents like the car’s registration card, a new vehicle insurance contract in the name of the new buyer, a copy of the residence visa, vehicle technical inspection certificate, etc., to complete the ownership transfer process.

FAQs on Car Ownership Transfer in the UAE

There are several frequently asked questions related to vehicle ownership transfer are as follows:

How do I transfer ownership of a car in the UAE?

Vehicle ownership must be transferred to any party at the Dubai Traffic Police HQ or an RTA licensing center. Both parties (current owner and new owner) must be present. It would be best if you headed to the typing center to fill out the vehicle permit application form for the new owner.

What documents are needed to transfer car ownership?

• Emirates ID, passport copy, and buyer’s and seller’s driver’s license
• Car’s Registration Card
• A new vehicle insurance contract in the name of the new buyer
• Residence visa
• The vehicle’s technical inspection certificate

Can I transfer car ownership online in the UAE?

It can be done at any Dubai Police station or on the official website. Afterward, the required set of documents for the vehicle ownership transfer online must be prepared. Both buyer and seller have to provide their identification documents.

What is the cost of car ownership transfer in Dubai?

The buyer will have to pay AED 400 as the car ownership transfer Dubai fees. This price is specifically for light vehicles. Moreover, an innovation or knowledge fee is applied for AED 20.

Can we transfer vehicle ownership online in Abu Dhabi?

Motorists can transfer vehicle ownership online without visiting an Abu Dhabi Police service center. Car ownership transfer in Abu Dhabi can be completed with in few minutes online.

How can I change car ownership in Sharjah?

The current owner and new owner have to arrive at the Approved Tajseel Car testing and registration center with the documents required as above :

• Insurance Policy (New Owner’s name)
• Original Emirates ID (Both parties)
• Original Driving License (Both parties)
• New Passing Certificate.

What is the procedure for registration certificate transfer?

First, all pending Salik and traffic fines have to be paid off. It can be done at any Dubai Police station or on the official website. Afterward, the required set of documents for the car ownership transfer must be prepared. Both buyer and seller have to provide their identification documents. 

Then, the vehicle must undergo a car test to get a pass report. Shamil Center can do this for only AED 140. After getting the pass report, the registration number plate can be changed. Lastly, insurance has to be renewed in the new buyer’s name. The vehicle ownership transfer will require AED 340. 

How to transfer vehicle ownership between two Emirates?

Car ownership can be transferred in any state like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, etc., costing you around AED 400. You need to prepare all the required documents like a car’s registration card, A new vehicle insurance contract in the name of the new buyer, a copy of your residence visa, a vehicle technical inspection certificate, etc., to complete the ownership transfer process. Present the documents with all the relevant documents in the respected registration centers to transfer the ownership of your vehicle.

What is the cost of the Mulkiya transfer?

The new owner will also pay a 400 AED transfer fee for light vehicles. The new registration card (mulkiya) will be printed with the new owner’s name, which usually takes a few minutes.

Who pays for the change of ownership?

It is solely on the buyer to pay for the change of ownership. Before the sale of the car, it is advised to the seller to request evidence that the buyer has finished the needed sections for car ownership transfer. 

How much time does the registration certificate transfer require?

RTOs say that transfer of car ownership takes 7 days. However, the general turnaround time for the registration certificate is 21 to 30 days. It also depends on the RTO for the successful transfer of the vehicle.

How can I check the status of the transfer of the registration certificate?

After you sell your vehicle, it is crucial to know whether the registration certificate has been transferred or not. It is because, legally, you are still liable for the car. SMS or websites are suitable options for checking the transfer status. 

Requirements for Transfer of Car Ownership Between Emirates

When you sell a vehicle registered in one Emirate to a buyer in another emirate, the transfer process commences according to the legal responsibilities of the new owner. Failure to comply with the rules can result in fines and penalties. In the worst-case scenario, the previous owner may face disciplinary action.

Usually, a car ownership transfer is required when you buy or sell a car, but it is also mandatory if you are leaving the country and a friend or relative will be using the car. With fines and legalities surrounding the process, knowing the transfer of car ownership requirements is imperative.

Outstanding Traffic Fines Payment

To ensure a smooth transfer process, the seller should clear all Salik and traffic fines before handing the car over to the other party. The process may vary depending on the Emirate the car is currently registered in: 

• The Dubai Police traffic fines payment portal or the RTA website for any fines issued in Dubai
•  Abu Dhabi Police portal for fines issued in Abu Dhabi 
• Sharjah Road and Transport Authority will collect the fines registered in Sharjah
• If the fine is issued in any other Emirate, visit the Ministry of Interior website 

Insurance Transfer

A car insurance policy should either be terminated or transferred to the new buyer if the said policy is transferable. If it has expired or cannot be transferred, the new owner will have to get a new auto insurance policy.

Get a Pass Report

Buyers can Finally get your vehicle professionally inspected to ensure it is ready to hit the roads. It can be done by getting a pass report from Tasjeel, a government agency. They conduct a 50-point examination for AED 350 to ensure the vehicle is mechanically and cosmetically sound. 

Documents Required

For a successful transfer of automobile ownership, both the current owner and the buyer should have certain documents.

Seller’s Documents Required:

• Original Emirates ID
• Mulkiya (the original vehicle registration card)
• Original and a copy of passport with residence visa
• In the case of a car loan, the final loan payment confirmation

Buyer’s Documents Required:

• Emirates ID
• Original and a copy of UAE driving license
• Original and a copy of passport with a valid residence visa 
• Original insurance certificate

Car Number Plates

While the buyer retains the number plates in most cases, the seller also has the option to keep the plates. Surprisingly, many people wish to retain the same number plate because of using it for a long time or case it is a distinguished number plate.

However, there are specific rules about the retention of number plates. In the latter case, an owner’s certificate issued by RTA will be required, and new plates will be issued for the vehicle.

Transfer car ownership at the registration center

Vehicle registration transfers are done either at the Traffic Police HQ of the Emirate the car is being transferred from or a licensing center of the same Emirate. The registration process will begin in the presence of both parties at the venue of their choice.

The two main steps of the registration process are:

• A vehicle permit application is to be filled for the buyer/new owner
• Submission of the required documents and the permit application at the registration desk

Your job is done, and the authorities will take the matter from there. They will check for any outstanding fines, which the previous owner will have to pay for the transfer to continue. After the clearance, the new owner will need to pay a transfer fee.

The fee for a light vehicle is AED 350, which varies further depending on the car’s weight. Moreover, an additional AED 20 is charged as Knowledge and Innovation fees, while the selling agreement is for AED 50.

Wrapping Up!

Transfer of ownership is mandatory and takes AED 400 to do so. Otherwise, the penalty is AED 3000. The best way is to transfer ownership when selling the car. Usually, it will take 7-21 days for a complete ownership transfer. You need to prepare the required documents mentioned above and make an online application to successfully proceed with the ownership transfer application.

Further, we have addressed all the necessary queries related to car ownership transfer between emirates to make the process easier for you. Moreover, for any assistance, you can reach out to BuyAnyInsurance at any time. 

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