How to Transfer Car Ownership in Saudi Arabia Through Absher

In this 2025 guide, you'll discover exactly how to transfer car ownership in Saudi Arabia through Absher with ease. You'll get clear and concise instructions alongside practical tips that simplify every stage of the vehicle ownership transfer process. Keep reading to learn how to tackle this process quickly and efficiently!

Requirements for Car Ownership Transfer

Transferring car ownership in Saudi Arabia is a straightforward process, especially with the introduction of the Absher platform. To initiate the transfer, there are specific requirements and documents that both the seller and buyer must have ready.

Necessary Documents

1. National Identity (ID) or Iqama:

   • The seller and buyer must present their original IDs to validate their identity.

2. Vehicle Registration Certificate:

   • This document, often referred to as the "Istimara," proves that the vehicle is registered and provides details about its specifications.

3. Purchase Invoice:

   • If the vehicle is being sold by a dealership, the invoice must be presented. This is crucial for new cars.

4. Insurance Policy:

   • A valid insurance policy must be shown, indicating that the vehicle is insured. Without it, the transfer cannot be completed.

5. Vehicle Inspection Report:

   • An inspection report is often required, especially if the vehicle is older than a few years. This can usually be obtained from an authorized inspection center.

6. Absher Account:

   • Both parties must have an active Absher account. This platform is integral for completing the transfer online.

Additional Considerations

• No Outstanding Fines: Ensure that there are no pending traffic fines on the vehicle. If there are, these must be paid before the transfer can occur.

• Payment Receipts: If applicable, showing proof of any payments made, especially for loans or financing.

• Financial Clearance: If the car is financed, a clearance letter from the bank or financing company is necessary.

Transfer Car Ownership Conditions

Before moving forward with the transfer, it's essential to understand the conditions under which vehicle ownership can be transferred in Saudi Arabia. Here are the primary conditions:

Eligibility Criteria

1. Legal Age:

   • Both the buyer and seller must be of legal age (18 years or older) to enter into a contract.

2. Legal Status:

   • The seller must have full ownership rights to the vehicle without any encumbrances. This means the car should not be stolen or involved in any legal disputes.

3. Absher Registration:

   • Both parties must be registered on the Absher platform to facilitate the online transfer process smoothly.

Specific Situations

1. Transfer of Ownership Due to Sale:

   • This is the most common scenario where the vehicle is sold to another individual.

2. Transfer Due to Inheritance:

   • In the case of inheritance, legal documentation proving the relationship and entitlement to the vehicle must be provided.

3. Gifting a Vehicle:

   • If a vehicle is being gifted, documentation proving the relationship and intent (such as a gift letter) is necessary.

Important Notes

• Inspection: Vehicles older than 5 years typically require a passing inspection report before transfer.

• Financed Vehicles: If the vehicle is financed, the transfer can only occur once the loan is fully settled or if the financing institution agrees to the transfer

How to Transfer Vehicle Ownership in Saudi Arabia:Step-by-Step Guide

Transferring vehicle ownership can be done seamlessly through the Absher platform. Here’s a step-by-step guide to walk you through the entire process:

1. Login to Absher:

   • Both the seller and buyer need to log in to their Absher accounts. If you do not have an account, you will need to create one, which requires your personal information and a valid phone number.

2. Select Vehicle Services:

   • Once logged in, navigate to the “Vehicle Services” section. This is where you will find options related to vehicle ownership transfers.

3. Initiate Transfer:

   • Under the "Transfer of Ownership" option, the seller must enter the vehicle's registration number and select the buyer from their list of contacts or enter the buyer’s ID number.

4. Verify Documents:

   • Both parties will be prompted to verify the documents submitted earlier. The system may guide users on any missing information or documents needed.

5. Complete Payment:

   • If there are any fees associated with the transfer, you will be instructed to make a payment using one of the accepted payment methods.

6. Receive Confirmation:

   • After completing the transfer, both parties will receive confirmation via email or SMS. The vehicle registration will then be updated in the system to reflect the new owner's details.

Vehicle Ownership Transfer Fee in Saudi Arabia

When transferring vehicle ownership in Saudi Arabia, it’s important to note that there are specific fees associated with the process. Below is a breakdown of the typical fees:

Breakdown of Fees

• Ownership Transfer Fee: This is a standard fee charged to process the transfer.

• Vehicle Registration Fee: This fee is applicable if the vehicle registration needs to be updated.

• Inspection Fee: If the vehicle is older than 5 years, it must pass an inspection, which incurs an additional fee.

Common Issues & Solutions

Transaction Rejection Causes

A transfer may be rejected if there are any outstanding traffic fines, if the vehicle inspection has expired, or if signature samples are mismatched. You might also face delays if the insurance validity is less than 30 days. Keep these potential issues in mind and resolve them in advance to ensure smooth processing.

SMS Verification Troubleshooting

Should you encounter issues receiving the confirmation SMS, first verify that the mobile number registered to your Absher account is active. Make sure to check both your primary messaging inbox and the spam folder. If problems persist, consider resetting your SMS notifications via the Absher dashboard or visiting the local Ministry of Interior service center for further assistance.

Post-Transfer Requirements

After the ownership transfer is complete, update your vehicle insurance within 14 days to meet local traffic regulations. A physical inspection at the MVC center is required to collect your new Istimara from the traffic department. If necessary, arrange for new license plates according to the guidelines. Remember, completing the entire transfer process within 30 days of the sale agreement is critical to avoid daily penalties of SR/AED 100 (up to SR/AED 1,000).

FAQ

What are the first steps for transferring car ownership through Absher?

To begin, ensure that your Absher account is active and that you have verified your mobile number for SMS notifications. Gather all necessary documents such as the original vehicle registration certificate (Istimara) and the copies of both the seller’s and buyer’s national IDs. The guide clearly explains how to navigate the Absher portal and how to enter the required vehicle details. This preparation is central to a smooth and effective vehicle ownership transfer process.

How can I verify that my document checklist is complete?

Start by reviewing the comprehensive checklist provided in this guide. You should have both the seller’s and buyer’s national ID copies, a signed sales agreement, and the original Istimara for the seller. This checklist helps ensure you meet all requirements set by the traffic department regulations. Double-checking these details will reduce the chance of your transaction being delayed or rejected.

What should I do if my ownership transfer gets rejected?

If your transaction is rejected, check for common issues like outstanding traffic fines or expired vehicle inspection reports. Ensure that your SMS notifications are working correctly by confirming your registered mobile number and checking your message folders. The guide provides troubleshooting steps to address these common issues efficiently. By promptly resolving these issues, you can quickly resume the transfer process.

Are there any special requirements for company-owned or inherited vehicles?

Yes, special documentation is required in these cases. For company-owned vehicles, you must include an authorized signatory letter, a copy of the commercial registration, and Chamber of Commerce authorization. In cases of inherited vehicles, submit the inheritance certificate along with any necessary court orders and family ID proof. These additional steps are essential to comply with GCC certified guidelines.

This article is for reference only, please refer to local laws and regulations.

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