- What You Need to Prepare First
- Step-by-Step Authorization Process
- Important Considerations for Car Delegation
Want to legally authorize someone to drive your car in Saudi Arabia? This guide shows you how. Learn simple steps for proper vehicle authorization, covering documents and key rules.
What You Need to Prepare First
Before you start the process of giving someone permission to drive your car, it’s really important to get all your papers ready. Having everything prepared beforehand will help you save time and avoid any delays. Here’s a list of the key things you will need to gather for this important car authorization process:
Valid Identification for Everyone: You will need a current and valid identification card for yourself, the person who owns the car, and also for the person you want to let drive your car. Make sure both IDs are not expired and clearly show all needed information, like names and pictures.
Original Car Registration Certificate: This is the official paper that shows your car is registered in your name. It’s a very important document that proves your car’s legal status. Make sure you have the original copy, not just a picture or a photocopy, as officials will need to see it.
Signed Authorization Letter (Draft): It’s a good idea to write a draft of a letter explaining that you are giving someone else permission to drive your vehicle. This letter should clearly state who you are, who the authorized driver is, and what car they are allowed to drive. You'll sign this letter later, often in front of an official.
Completed Standard Vehicle Authorization Form: There is an official form specifically for car authorization. You can usually get this form from the Ministry of Interior’s website or pick up a physical copy at a traffic department service center. Fill it out carefully and completely, putting all the correct details in each section.
Proof of Owner’s Residency Status: If you are not a Saudi citizen, you will need to show proof that you live in Saudi Arabia legally. This might be your residency permit or official residency document, which confirms your legal status in the country and allows you to own and register a vehicle there.
Step-by-Step Authorization Process
Once you have all your documents ready, you can start the official steps to register your vehicle authorization. Follow these clear instructions to make sure the process goes smoothly and you get the legal permission needed for another person to drive your car:
Visiting Your Local Traffic Police Office
Your first step is to go to the traffic police department closest to where you live. This is where you will submit your request for car delegation. In big cities like Riyadh or Jeddah, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment beforehand. You can usually do this easily online through the Absher platform, which helps manage traffic for government services. Making an appointment will help you avoid long waiting times and make your visit much quicker.
Submitting Your Documentation
When you get to the traffic police office, you will need to hand over all the materials you prepared earlier to the officials at the counter. They will review everything carefully to make sure it’s correct and complete before moving forward with your request. The key documents you must submit include:
Your Original Vehicle Registration: The official car registration certificate that legally proves you own the vehicle and that it is registered properly.
The Authorization Request Form: The filled-out form where you formally ask for permission to let someone else drive your car, stating all the necessary details of the authorization.
Copies of Both Parties’ IDs: Clear, readable copies of the identification cards for both the car owner and the person who will be driving the car. These copies are kept for their records.
Residency Verification (if you are not a citizen): If this applies to you, you will need to show your residency permit or equivalent document to confirm your legal status in Saudi Arabia, allowing you to carry out this car service.
Complete Necessary Fees Payment
After your documents are reviewed and approved, there will usually be standard processing fees that you need to pay for the car authorization service. These fees can vary a bit, but generally, they are a reasonable amount, often in the range of a few hundred dirhams or riyals (AED/SAR). You can pay these fees in several convenient ways, depending on what the office offers:
You might be able to use mobile payment apps directly from your phone, making the payment quick and easy.
Some offices have on-site kiosks where you can pay using a card or cash, providing a self-service option.
You may also be able to make a direct bank transfer. If you pay this way, make sure to get an official receipt to prove you have paid the required amount, as you will need to show it to the officials.
Important Considerations for Car Delegation
Giving someone else permission to drive your car comes with certain responsibilities and rules that are important to understand. It’s very important to be aware of these points before you give over driving rights to another person. Being informed about these details will help you avoid any problems later on and ensure both you and the authorized driver are safe.
Authorization Limitations
When you give someone permission to drive your car, you can set specific rules for how they can use it. These permissions can include certain restrictions to ensure your car is used exactly as you intend. For example, when you apply for vehicle authorization, you might want to limit:
Where They Can Drive: You can set rules about geographical boundaries, like saying the car can only be driven within a certain city or province. This helps control where your vehicle travels and keeps it within your desired area.
How Long They Can Drive It: You can specify a time duration for the authorization. For instance, you might give legal permission for just 3 months, or for a specific trip, after which the authorization ends and they can no longer drive your car.
Specific Vehicle Access: In some cases, you might even specify what the car can be used for, or if it's only for a specific driver for certain purposes, ensuring very controlled car delegation.
Legal Responsibilities
Even if someone else is driving your car with your permission, you, as the car owner, still hold a lot of responsibility. This is a very important point to remember. You are legally accountable for almost everything that happens with your car while it is being driven by your authorized driver. This includes:
Traffic Violations: If the person driving your car gets a speeding ticket, runs a red light, or commits any other traffic offense, the penalties, including fines, will often be tied to your vehicle and you, the owner. You might receive the notifications and be responsible for paying the fines.
Parking Offenses: If the car gets a parking ticket when your authorized driver parks it illegally, you will also be responsible for that fine. These fines are usually linked to the car's registration and thus, to you.
Insurance Claim Issues: In case of an accident, even if your authorized driver was at fault, issues related to your car insurance claim will directly involve you as the policyholder. Your insurance premiums might be affected by any claims filed, regardless of who was driving.
When Authorization Expires
Most car permissions in Saudi Arabia last for a specific period. A standard authorization usually lasts for up to one year from the date it is issued. When this period is over, the permission is no longer valid, and the authorized driver cannot legally drive your car anymore. If you want to continue allowing them to drive your vehicle, you will need to renew the authorization. Renewing requires a few steps:
Re-submission of Documents: You will likely need to submit all the required documents again, just like you did for the first authorization, to confirm everything is still current.
Current Vehicle Inspection Report: Your car might need to pass a current vehicle inspection to ensure it is safe and roadworthy before the authorization can be renewed. This ensures the car is in good condition.
Updated Fee Payment: You will also need to pay the required renewal fees, which are similar to the original fees for the car authorization service.
Troubleshooting Authorization Problems
Sometimes, things don't go as planned, and you might face problems with your car authorization application. Don't worry, there are common reasons why this happens, and usually, there are simple solutions to fix them and get your application processed.
Why Applications Get Rejected
It can be frustrating when your application for car authorization is turned down. Here are the most typical reasons why your request might be rejected by the authorities, helping you to avoid common pitfalls:
Document Expiration: One of the most common issues is that a document you submitted, like an ID card for either the owner or the driver, or even the car registration certificate itself, has expired. Always check the dates before you apply.
Signature Mismatches: The signature on your authorization form or letter might not match the signature on your official ID or other documents on file. Make sure your signature is consistent with what is on your official records.
Outstanding Vehicle Fines: If your car has unpaid traffic fines or violations on its record, your authorization application might be put on hold until these fines are cleared. Always check for any outstanding penalties beforehand to avoid delays.
Updating Authorization Details
If you need to change something about an existing car authorization, like extending the time or changing a specific condition, you can usually do so through official channels. You will need to inform the authorities about the changes to keep your car delegation legal and current. This can often be done through a few methods:
Form Amendment Submission: You might need to fill out a special form specifically designed to amend or update the details of the existing authorization, stating clearly what changes you want to make.
Updated Notarization (if needed): Sometimes, for significant changes, you might need to get new documents notarized, meaning they are officially certified by a public notary or authorized official.
Replacement Certificate Request: After the changes are approved and processed, you might be given a new authorization certificate that reflects the updated details, replacing the old one with the new legal permission.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q:Where do I get the authorization form?
A:You can easily get the official car authorization form in two ways. You can download it directly from the Ministry of Interior’s official website, which is a quick and convenient option from your computer. Alternatively, if you prefer a physical copy, you can collect one at any of the traffic department service centers throughout the country during their operating hours.
Q:Can I authorize multiple drivers?
A:Yes, it is possible to authorize more than one person to drive your car. However, you cannot just add multiple names to one form. You will need to submit a separate authorization form for each person you want to authorize. This means each authorization requires its own individual registration process, and you will also need to pay separate fees for each driver you add to your vehicle’s driving permissions.
Q:What if my authorized driver damages the car?
A:Your car insurance policy is the primary coverage in case of damage. This means that if your authorized driver is involved in an accident and your car gets damaged, your auto insurance will typically cover the costs based on your policy terms and conditions. However, whether your insurance premium will go up depends on the specific details of your policy and who is determined to be at fault in the accident.
Q:How quickly can I cancel an authorization?
A:If you need to stop someone from driving your car immediately, you can cancel an authorization very quickly. You just need to go to the traffic police department and report the cancellation. Make sure you bring your identification card and all your vehicle documents with you. The cancellation process can often be processed right away, removing the legal permission.
Q:Is online authorization available?
A:While some parts of the car authorization process can be started digitally through platforms like Absher, getting the final approval still usually requires an in-person visit. You might be able to fill out forms or book appointments online, which saves time, but the final verification and issuance of the authorization often need you to go to certified centers in person for official processing.
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