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How to Transfer Car Ownership in Dubai

Written by Lawrence

Are you planning to sell your car? Keep in mind that the car ownership transfer needs to be in place so that you don’t face any hassles later. Buying a new car is indeed exciting, but for those who plan to buy a used vehicle or a second hand vehicle, we want to make the experience equally enjoyable. 

If you are a resident of the UAE and are wondering what and how to transfer car ownership in Dubai, then this is the perfect blog for you. We will be discussing all the details regarding car ownership transfer like – the entire process, documents needed, car ownership transfer fees, and things to keep in mind.

There are certain regulations that need to be followed if you want to go through the process of Dubai car ownership transfer.

How to check vehicle information?

If you want to get any information regarding the vehicle before purchasing it, then The Road and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has an app available on iOS and Android through which you can sign in to check the status of your vehicle, fines (you can even pay them via the app), what company insures your vehicle and your car loan (mortgage) status.

Documents required

Given below are the lists of documents required for individuals as well as companies who want car ownership transfer Dubai.

  • Documents for individuals
  • Electronic insurance of the car
  • Police report if either of the plate was lost
  • Plate numbers need to be delivered to the center
  • Vehicle technical inspection certificate, a pass report from Tasjeel
  • For sellers – Emirates ID and mulkiya (vehicle registration card)
  • For buyers

  • Buyers who are UAE or GCC citizens must provide their original and a copy of their Emirates ID, drivers license and passport.
  • Buyers who are UAE residents must submit their original and a copy of their Emirates ID, drivers license and passport and valid residence visa. 
  • Diplomats have to provide their valid diplomatic card and a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

Documents for companies

In case the car is registered under a company’s name and you wish to transfer the car ownership, then these following documents would be needed –

  • Official Arabic letter
  • Copy of trade licence
  • Endorsement of signature and authorisation letter
  • Vehicle ownership certificate
  • Electronic insurance 
  • Adding mortgage or redeeming electronic mortgage at the bank, if the car is still under the mortgage. 
  • Technical inspection certificate 
  • NOC from the relevant authorities: Jebel Ali Free Zone and Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone (if applicable)
  • Plate numbers have to be delivered to the center, in case the seller wishes to keep them
  • Police report if either plate was lost

How to transfer car ownership in Dubai?

Follow these steps for car ownership transfer online .

  • Reach the Dubai Traffic Police HQ or an RTA licensing center and head over to the typing center to have a vehicle permit application form filled out for the new owner.
  • Submit all documents including the vehicle permit application at the registration desk.
  • If there are any outstanding fines, they need to be cleared by the seller for the car ownership to be transferred.
  • Once given the all clear, the new owner must pay the transfer fees.

  • A knowledge/innovation fee is usually applied at AED 20.
  • The new owner will also need to pay a 400 AED transfer fee for light vehicles.

  • The new registration card (mulkiya) will be printed with the new owner’s name on it which usually takes a few minutes.
  • A copy of the new registration card must be sent by the previous owner to the insurance company and the finance company to confirm the vehicle has been sold.
  • Sellers should make sure to keep a copy of the new registration card to prove the vehicle has been officially sold/transferred as it may be needed for a refund on insurance.

Dubai car ownership transfer fee

Now that you know the process of car ownership transfer and the documents required, let’s proceed to know about the car ownership transfer fees. The fee that you have to pay depends upon the type of vehicle you have. Here’s the complete breakdown – 

S.No. Vehicle Type Fee 
Light vehicle private/public AED 350
Vehicle between 3 and 12 tonnes AED 400
Public vehicle between 3 and 12 tonnes AED 650
Vehicle exceeding 12 tonnes AED 800
Light mechanical equipment AED 500
Public vehicle exceeding 12 tonnes AED 1000
Public light mechanical equipment AED 700
Heavy mechanical equipment AED 800
Public heavy mechanical equipment AED 1000
Trailer and semi-trailer AED 120
Bus with passengers capacity between 14 and 26 AED 300
Bus with passengers capacity exceeding 26 AED 600
Motorcycle  AED 300
Selling agreement AED 50
Knowledge and innovation fees AED 20 

Make sure to transfer the car insurance in time before you transfer the car ownership. If your car insurance is getting over, you can get the best quotes from BuyanyInsurance

Vehicle plate fee

This service fee can change according to the plate size.

  • AED 35 for short plate
  • AED 50 for long plate
  • AED 200 for Dubai branded plates
  • AED 500 for luxury plates

Tips for car ownership transfer

  • Both the buyer and the seller need to be physically present for the transfer. In case either party is not available , an authorized legal representative has to appear instead.
  • The seller needs to clear all pending traffic fines before the final car ownership transfer.
  • The application has to include registration, possession, export or transfer service.
  • If you are transferring the car ownership after the death of the owner, then be prepared because it is a slightly longer process. A representative has to appear in the Dubai court and get a letter issued along with a death certificate. These documents have to be presented at the service center for the process to move forward.

Please find below my small author bio. Let me know if anything needs to be added to it. Also attached is my picture. 

Author BioKritika Manchanda is a content writer with BuyAnyInsurance. She has more than a decade of experience of churning out SEO friendly content. When she is not writing, she is either reading, or making travel plans.


Originally published Dec 29, 2022 09:36:22 AM, updated Jan 23, 2024

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