Dubai Car Ownership Transfer:Your Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Thinking of buying or selling a car in Dubai? Transferring vehicle ownership here is straightforward when you know the steps. This guide will walk you through the entire process, making it easy to understand and follow.

How to Transfer Car Ownership in Dubai

Transferring car ownership in Dubai involves a clear process set out by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Whether you're the buyer or the seller, knowing what to expect will save you time and effort. Here's a look at what you'll need and the steps involved.

Required Documents Checklist

Before you begin the transfer process, make sure both the buyer and seller have all the necessary paperwork ready. Having these items prepared will help avoid any delays. Here's what you will need:

• Original Emirates ID: Both the buyer and the seller must present their valid original Emirates ID cards. This is essential for identification and verification purposes.

• Original Vehicle Registration Card (Mulkiya): The seller needs to provide the original registration card of the vehicle. This card proves the current ownership of the car.

• Valid Car Insurance Certificate: The vehicle must be covered by a current and valid insurance policy. The insurance certificate should show that the car is insured for at least 13 months, often with the buyer's name. If not, the new buyer will need to arrange new insurance covering their details before the transfer is completed.

• Recent Vehicle Inspection Report: A passing vehicle inspection report is a must. This report confirms the car is roadworthy and meets all safety standards in Dubai. You can get this inspection done at approved centers like Tasjeel or Shamil.

• No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from Financier (if applicable): If the car was bought with a loan or is still under finance, the seller must get a No-Objection Certificate from their bank or financing company. This certificate states that the financier agrees to the ownership transfer.

Step-by-Step Transfer Process

Once you have all your documents in order, you can follow these simple steps to transfer car ownership in Dubai:

1. Seller Initiates the Process:

• Typically, the seller starts the process. They need to take the vehicle to an RTA-approved customer service center or vehicle registration center. Popular centers include Tasjeel, Shamil, Wasel, and Mumayaz centers.

• The vehicle itself must be present at the center for inspection and identification.

2. Vehicle Inspection:

• A mandatory technical inspection of the car is required. This check ensures the vehicle is safe and meets Dubai's road regulations.

• You can get this inspection done at any RTA-authorized testing center, such as Tasjeel.

• The vehicle must pass this inspection before the ownership transfer can proceed.

3. Payment of Fees:

• After the inspection, you will need to pay the required fees. These are the official vehicle transfer fees set by the RTA. While exact numbers can change slightly, some common fees as of 2025 include:

• Transfer Fee: Approximately AED 500 / SAR 510 (base amount).

• Knowledge Fee: About AED 20 / SAR 20.

• Innovation Fee: Around AED 20 / SAR 20.

• Vehicle Inspection Fee: This typically ranges from AED 170 / SAR 175 to AED 350 / SAR 360, depending on the type of vehicle and the testing center.

• Please note:These are starting prices and can vary based on vehicle type and additional services.

4. Finalize at the RTA Center:

• Once all fees are paid and the inspection is complete, both the buyer and the seller must go to the RTA Dubai counter together.

• An RTA officer will verify all documents and inputs details into the system.

• Both parties will then sign the necessary transfer documents to confirm the change of ownership.

5. Receive New Registration and Ownership Certificate:

• Upon successful completion, the buyer will receive the new ownership certificate (Mulkiya) in their name.

• This updated ownership certificate proves that the buyer is now the legal owner of the vehicle.

• The old vehicle registration card will be cancelled.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure a smooth car ownership transfer in Dubai, be aware of these common pitfalls. Avoiding them will help prevent delays and problems:

Ignoring Outstanding Fines

• The Problem: Many people forget to check for traffic violations or fines linked to the vehicle. If there are any outstanding fines, the RTA Dubai will not approve the transfer.

• How to Avoid: Before you start the transfer process, make sure all traffic fines are cleared. You can easily check for fines:

• Through the official Dubai Police app.

• By visiting the RTA portal online.

• Settle any fines before heading to the RTA center.

Expired or Incorrect Insurance

• The Problem: Not having valid car insurance or not correctly transferring it can halt the process. The car must be insured under the new owner's name.

• How to Avoid:

• Ensure the vehicle has active insurance coverage. It's often required to have at least 13 months of insurance valid at the time of transfer.

• The buyer needs to either update the existing policy (if allowed by the insurance company) or get a new one right after the transfer.

• It is crucial to manage the insurance transfer or new policy setup within a short period, typically within 30 days after the ownership change is approved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions people ask about transferring car ownership in Dubai:

Q:Can I transfer ownership without physical presence?

A:Yes, it is possible in some cases. The RTA Dubai offers a digital authorization system. This means both the buyer and seller can complete online verification and grant permission without being physically present at the same time. However, this varies, and sometimes physical presence is still required.

Q:How long does the process typically take?

A:The entire process usually takes about 3 to 6 hours. This time frame assumes that all your documents are correct and ready, and there are no long queues at the service center. Delays can occur if documents are missing or if the center is very busy.

Q:Is a test drive mandatory before buying?

A:It is not legally required for the ownership transfer process. However, it is highly recommended. Taking the car for a test drive allows the buyer to check the vehicle's condition, identify any potential issues, and ensure it runs well before finalizing the purchase.

Q:Can I transfer ownership of modified vehicles?

A:You can only transfer cars that have modifications approved by the RTA Dubai. If a vehicle has illegal or unapproved alterations, these must be removed before the mandatory vehicle inspection. The car must pass the inspection in its compliant state to be eligible for ownership transfer.

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