- Documents You Need for Car Ownership Transfer
- How to Transfer Car Ownership in Dubai
- Common Mistakes to Avoid During Car Ownership Transfer
- Cost Breakdown for Car Ownership Transfer (2025 Estimates)
- Updating Your Car Insurance After Transfer
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Car Ownership Transfer
Looking to change car ownership in Dubai? This guide makes the vehicle ownership transfer process simple, covering all RTA steps and required documents for a smooth experience.
Documents You Need for Car Ownership Transfer
Before you start the vehicle ownership transfer process in Dubai, it's really important to have all your paperwork ready. Gathering these required documents beforehand will save you time and make the whole process much smoother. Here’s a list of what you will need:
Original Emirates ID: Both the buyer and the seller must bring their original Emirates ID. This card proves who you are and that you live in the UAE.
Original Vehicle Registration Card (Mulkiya): This is your car's registration paper. The seller needs to provide the original document. It shows who officially owns the car right now.
Valid Car Insurance under the New Owner's Name: Before the transfer, the new owner must get valid car insurance. This insurance needs to be active and registered under their name for the car they are buying. This is a crucial step for the RTA.
No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Bank: If the car was bought with a loan, the seller must get a No-Objection Certificate from their bank. This certificate proves that the loan is either fully paid off or the bank agrees to the sale. Without it, the car cannot be transferred.
Passport Copies (for non-residents): If either the buyer or the seller is not an UAE resident, they will need to provide copies of their passport. This helps RTA verify their identity and origin.
How to Transfer Car Ownership in Dubai
You have two main choices when you want to transfer car ownership in Dubai. You can do it easily online using the official Dubai RTA app, or you can go in person to one of the RTA service centers. Both options are part of the official vehicle ownership transfer process.
Option 1:Online Through the Dubai RTA App (Online Transfer Steps)
The Dubai RTA app offers a very convenient way to handle your car transfer from home. This is part of the efficient online transfer steps for car ownership.
Download the App: First, you need to download the official Dubai RTA app on your smartphone. It's available for both iOS (Apple) and Android devices.
Find the Service: Open the app and look for the "Vehicles" section. From there, select "Vehicle Ownership Transfer." This will start your online transfer steps.
Upload Your Documents: The app will ask you to upload clear scanned copies or photos of all the required documents. Make sure they are easy to read. This sends them directly to the RTA for review.
Pay the Fees: Once your documents are approved, you will be prompted to pay the transfer fees. This usually ranges from AED 350 to AED 600 (approximately SAR 357 to SAR 612). You can pay securely through the app.
Receive Your Digital Mulkiya: After successful payment and approval, you will get your new digital vehicle registration card (mulkiya) within about 24 hours. This digital mulkiya is fully valid.
Option 2:In-Person at RTA Service Centers
If you prefer to deal with things face-to-face, you can visit any Dubai RTA customer service center. This is the traditional way to go through the vehicle ownership transfer process.
Visit an RTA Service Center: Go to any RTA customer service center or vehicle registration center. You can find these locations easily on the RTA website.
Get a Queue Ticket: Once inside, find the info desk or a ticket machine. Take a queue ticket for "Vehicle Services" or "Ownership Transfer."
Submit Documents: When your number is called, present all your original required documents to the RTA agent. They will check everything to make sure it's correct and complete.
Complete Vehicle Inspection (If Needed): For older cars, or if the car hasn't been registered in Dubai before, an inspection might be required. The RTA staff will guide you if this is the case. This is crucial for road safety.
Sign Transfer Agreement: After all checks are done and payment is made, both the buyer and seller will need to sign the official transfer agreement. This officially transfers the car's ownership.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Car Ownership Transfer
When you're going through the vehicle ownership transfer process, it's easy to overlook small details. Avoiding these common mistakes will save you time, stress, and potential delays with the Dubai RTA. Pay close attention to these points:
Forgetting to Clear Traffic Fines: This is a very common issue. The RTA system will automatically block any ownership transfer if there are unpaid traffic fines linked to the vehicle or the seller's traffic file. Always check and clear all fines before starting the process.
Using Expired Insurance: Your car must have valid, active insurance under the new owner's name before the transfer can happen. If the insurance is expired or not yet activated for the new owner, the transfer will be rejected. Make sure your insurance update is complete.
Missing Seller’s Signature: For in-person transfers, both the buyer and seller need to sign the transfer documents in front of the RTA agent. If the seller (or their authorized representative) is not present or their signature is missing, the transfer cannot be completed.
Overlooking Loan Clearance Proof: If the car was ever under a bank loan, it's absolutely vital to have the official "No-Objection Certificate" (NOC) from the bank. This proves the loan is settled. Without this critical document, the RTA will not process the transfer.
Cost Breakdown for Car Ownership Transfer (2025 Estimates)
Understanding the costs involved in the vehicle ownership transfer process is important. These are estimated fees as of 2025, and actual prices might vary slightly depending on the car type, service center, and any specific RTA regulations at the time. Please note that exact figures can fluctuate. The fees are typically paid in AED, but we'll include SAR equivalents for your reference.
Service | Typical Fee Range (AED) | Typical Fee Range (SAR) |
|---|---|---|
Ownership Transfer Fee | AED 120 - AED 350 | SAR 122 - SAR 357 |
New Registration Fee | AED 300 - AED 500 | SAR 306 - SAR 510 |
Late Renewal Penalty | AED 20 per month | SAR 20 per month (approx.) |
Vehicle Inspection Fee | AED 170 - AED 250 | SAR 173 - SAR 255 |
Ownership Transfer Fee: This is the basic fee for changing the owner's name on the vehicle's records with the Dubai RTA.
New Registration Fee: Once the ownership is transferred, the car needs to be re-registered under the new owner's name. This fee covers the cost of issuing the new mulkiya.
Late Renewal Penalty: This fee only applies if a vehicle's registration (mulkiya) has expired and is being renewed late during the vehicle ownership transfer process. Avoid this by ensuring the mulkiya is current.
Vehicle Inspection Fee: If an inspection is required (for instance, if the car is older or importing from outside), there will be a separate fee for this technical check.
Updating Your Car Insurance After Transfer
After successfully completing the vehicle ownership transfer process with the Dubai RTA, one of the most important things to do is to complete your insurance update. This ensures your vehicle is legally covered and you follow all regulations.
Contact Your Insurance Provider Promptly: It's highly recommended to get in touch with your car insurance company within 48 hours of the ownership transfer. Timely communication is key to avoid any issues.
Provide the New Mulkiya Copy: Your insurance provider will need a copy of the new vehicle registration card (mulkiya), which now shows you as the official owner. This new document confirms the change of ownership.
Adjust Coverage Dates and Details: Make sure your insurance policy reflects the correct start date of your ownership and that all vehicle details are updated. If you changed insurance providers, ensure your new policy is active from the moment of transfer.
Avoid Insurance Gaps: It is absolutely against the law to have a car on the road in Dubai without continuous, valid insurance. Since 2024, the RTA has made it stricter to ensure there are no gaps in coverage. An immediate insurance update prevents fines and other legal problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Car Ownership Transfer
Here are some common questions people ask about the vehicle ownership transfer process in Dubai.
Q:Can I transfer ownership if the seller has left Dubai?
A: Yes, it is possible to complete the vehicle ownership transfer process even if the seller is no longer in Dubai. However, they must provide a notarized power of attorney (POA) to someone who is in Dubai. This POA needs to clearly state that the person has the specific right to transfer vehicle ownership on the seller's behalf. It must also be legally attested by the Dubai Courts to be valid with the Dubai RTA.
Q:What if there are unpaid traffic fines on the car?
A: If there are any outstanding traffic fines linked to the vehicle or the seller's traffic file, you absolutely must clear them before you can complete the transfer. The Dubai RTA systems are designed to automatically block any vehicle ownership transfer process until all violations are fully settled. You can easily check for and pay fines through the official Dubai Police app or their website.
Q:Is online ownership transfer through the Dubai RTA app legally valid?
A: Yes, absolutely! The online ownership transfer through the Dubai RTA app has been fully legally valid since 2023. The digital mulkiya (vehicle registration card) that you receive through the app holds the exact same legal status as a physical copy. For your records and peace of mind, it's a good idea to keep the SMS confirmation you receive for at least 90 days. These online transfer steps are reliable.
Q:How long does the car ownership transfer process typically take?
A: The time it takes can depend on how you choose to complete the transfer:
Online Transfers: If you follow the online transfer steps via the Dubai RTA app, the whole process usually takes between 1 to 3 working days to complete. This is because the RTA team needs a little time to review your uploaded documents.
In-Person Transfers: When you go to an RTA service center in person and have all your required documents ready, the transfer can often be completed on the same day. This is generally the fastest option if you have everything prepared.
Q:Can tourists transfer car ownership in Dubai?
A: Generally, no. Only residents who hold a valid Emirates ID are permitted to own vehicles in Dubai. Tourists cannot directly own a car in their name. If a tourist wishes to use a private vehicle for an extended period, they would typically need to obtain a temporary ID through a residency visa holder, or a resident would have to register the car in their name.
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