The process to transfer car ownership in Dubai is quite a straightforward procedure in the UAE and can be done in a few clear-cut steps, either by visiting RTA-certified institutions such as Happiness centers or online through their website. Whether you’re visiting the transfer car ownership Dubai RTA centers or prefer to transfer car ownership Dubai online, this guide covers every requirement. Learn the mandatory steps, document checklist, fees, and how to secure car insurance online for a seamless Transfer Car Ownership in Dubai process.
How to Transfer Car Ownership in Dubai?
When you buy a secondhand car, you need to change the vehicle registration information as well so that the purchase is registered with the relevant authorities. To transfer car ownership, you need to prepare the following requirements:
- Step 1: Provide A Valid Vehicle Inspection Certificate: The car must be inspected at a certified vehicle inspection center, such as Tasjeel, to confirm its mechanical health.
- Step 2: Present an Active Car Insurance Certificate: Car insurance Dubai is another mandatory step when you want to transfer car ownership in Dubai. So the buyer must purchase an insurance policy for the car and present the certificate along with other documents when applying for the transfer. If you already have insurance on an older car you have sold you can learn How to Transfer Car Insurance in UAE in one of our previous articles.
- Step 3: Pay Outstanding Fines: Usually, the seller will pay the traffic fines before selling their car but in some cases, they may not do so in lieu of a discount. In such cases, the buyer will need to take care of that as well because that’s another thing that must be done before you transfer vehicle ownership.
- Step 4: Get a Finance/Mortgage Clearance Letter: The sellers of financed vehicles or cars that are under a mortgage must secure a clearance letter from the bank or financial institution confirming that all outstanding loans have been settled. So as a buyer, you must make sure the seller has that letter with them before going to an RTA center.
Document Required to Transfer Car Ownership in Dubai
Here are the documents you need to have with you when you want to transfer car ownership:
Documents to Transfer Car Ownership in Dubai (For Sellers)
Sellers will only need to have two documents:
- Valid Emirate ID
- Vehicle Registration Certificate or Mulkiya
Documents to Transfer Car Ownership in Dubai (For Buyers)
- Buyers must present the following documents:
- Emirates ID (original and copy)
- UAE residence visa (for residents)
- Valid UAE driving license
- Proof of car insurance Dubai (in the buyer’s name)
Step-by-Step Guide to Car Ownership Transfer in Dubai
After taking care of all those prerequisites, it is time to start the procedure for transfer of car ownership. Here is a step-by-step guide on How to Transfer Car Ownership in Dubai, Abu Dhab,i and all of the UAE (the process varies a little between emirates):
Step 1: Visit the RTA Service Center
The first thing to do is find the nearest RTA service center or a customer Happiness center and visit there. Ideally, both the seller and the buyer must be present; however, if either of the parties cannot show up, they can authorize someone else to act on their behalf in the process.
Step 2: Submit the Transfer Application
At these centers, you will receive an RTA car ownership transfer application, which must be filled out and returned along with the required documents, which include:
- The buyers’ and sellers’ ID
- Vehicle Registration Certificate
- Proof of Insurance (purchased by the buyer)
- Technical Inspection Certificate
- NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the bank if the vehicle is financed
Step 3: Pay the Transfer Fees
Certain charges for car transfers must be paid at different stages of the process. One of them is a transfer fee for private or public light vehicles, which is AED 350. Other fees include an inspection fee and the additional charge of getting a new license plate if the seller wants to keep theirs, which is AED 35.
Step 4: Receive the New Registration Card
After completing all the necessary steps, you’ll need to wait briefly for the agent to register the transfer. This process takes only a few minutes, and once done, you will receive a new Mulkiya with your name on it. Don’t forget to perform a Chassis Number Check UAE to ensure everything is in order.
Fees and Charges for Transferring Car Ownership in Dubai
Understanding the costs involved is essential when planning your car ownership transfer. Here’s a transparent breakdown of 2024 RTA fees:
- Ownership Transfer Fee: AED 350 for light vehicles (standard administrative charge)
- Mandatory Vehicle Inspection: AED 170 at authorized centers like Tasjeel
- New License Plates: AED 35 (only required if seller keeps original plates)
Note: Heavy/commercial vehicles incur higher fees. Payment is required at completion of the transfer process at RTA centers.
How to Transfer Vehicle Ownership in Dubai Online
The process for car ownership transfer can also be done online. It is done through the MOI (Ministry of Internal Affairs) website. In the following section, we will walk you through the process.
Step 1: Register on the MOI Website
To transfer car ownership in Dubai online you must first visit MOI’s website. Then navigate to e-Services and find the section titled Vehicle Ownership Transfer. After this you will find yourself on a page like this:
Step 2: Complete the Online Application to Transfer Car Ownership in Dubai
For the next step click on Start Services which will take you to the registration page. It doesn’t matter whether you already have an account or not, both signing in and signing up can be done with a UAE PASS.
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
After registering, you will need to fill out the relevant forms and upload the required documents, which include:
- Vehicle Registration Certificate
- Proof of Insurance (purchased by the buyer), which will also act as proof of purchase
- Technical Inspection Certificate
- NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the bank if the vehicle is financed
Step 4: Pay Transfer Car Ownership Dubai RTA Fees
The next step is paying the required fees, including AED 300 for light vehicles and AED 400 for heavy shipping vehicles. The amount will increase depending on the car’s shipment capacity. After the transaction is completed, you will receive an online registration, which you can take to an RTA center to receive your license plate and registration card.
How To Transfer Car Ownership Between Emirates
One of the Tips For Buying Used Cars everyone gives you is to try to buy one from your emirate because transferring car ownership between two emirates can be a bit complicated since you need to transfer ownership at the seller’s Emirate and then register it again.
While it may involve more steps than when you want to transfer vehicle ownership in the same emirate, it is not as complicated as it might appear. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it, plus a little money-saving tip at the end!
When transferring vehicle ownership, it’s essential to have the right coverage in place, especially for commercial vehicles. Truck insurance provides specialized protection for heavy-duty vehicles, ensuring compliance and financial security. Make sure your truck is properly insured before completing the ownership transfer.
Buy the Car in the Owner’s Emirate
The first step is buying the car, which must be done in the seller’s emirate.
Visit an RTA Center There and Get the Title in Your Name
Then you will need to officially transfer the title to your name at an RTA center. This will make the purchase official but doesn’t mean you can now drive the car as it will not have a license plate.
Transfer Vehicle to Your Emirate of Residence
Since you can’t drive a car without a license plate, here is what you should do to take your car home. At the RTA center apply for a vehicle export certificate which will allow you to get a recovery service to take your car to your emirate and deliver it to an RTA center.
Get Inspection and Insurance and Register in Your Name
There you must get your car inspected again and buy insurance for it because those are, as we mentioned before, some of the prerequisites to transfer vehicle ownership and registration. After that, you can register the car and get your own license plate.
Money Saving Tip: Here is how to transfer car ownership in Dubai and between Emirates without paying for a recovery truck:
However, this method might require some negotiation with the seller as you will be driving their car to your emirate before having officially bought the car.
Master Your Dubai Car Ownership Transfer
The process to transfer car ownership in Dubai is straightforward when you follow RTA guidelines. Remember to prioritize valid car insurance online before initiating transfers. With both physical centers and digital options like transfer car ownership Dubai online available, you’re equipped for success. For competitive insurance quotes during ownership changes, explore Lookinsure’s instant comparison platform today.
Frequently Answered Questions
How do I transfer car ownership through the RTA in Dubai?
To transfer car ownership in Dubai, follow these steps:
Clear fines: Ensure all traffic fines are paid.
Prepare documents: Bring Emirates IDs, vehicle registration (Mulkiya), insurance proof, and NOC from the bank (if financed).
Vehicle testing: Get the car tested at an RTA-approved center if required.
Visit the RTA: Both buyer and seller must visit an RTA customer happiness center or use the online service.
Pay fees: The buyer pays the transfer fee and registration costs.
Get a new Mulkiya: The buyer receives the new registration card and updated license plates (if applicable).
How much does it cost to transfer car ownership in Dubai?
Private or public light vehicles: AED 350
Private vehicles weighing 3–12 tons: AED 400
Public vehicles weighing 3–12 tons: AED 650
Private vehicles exceeding 12 tons: AED 800
How to transfer car ownership from Dubai to Sharjah?
To transfer car ownership from Dubai to Sharjah, follow the steps below:
Buy the Car in the Owner’s Emirate
Visit an RTA Center There and Get the Title in Your Name
Transfer Vehicle to Your Emirate of Residence
Get Inspection and Insurance and Register in Your Name
How can I transfer financed car ownership?
In order to transfer ownership of a financed vehicle the seller must provide a NOC or no objection from the bank which ensures all outstanding loans have been settled. This letter should be presented to the RTA along with other required documents.
Can car insurance Dubai be transferred to new owner in Dubai?
Yes, if your insurance policy has at least 9 months of validity remaining, you may request the insurance provider to transfer ownership of the policy to the new vehicle owner. To proceed:
Submit the new owner’s details (e.g., Emirates ID, driver’s license, and vehicle registration) to the insurer.
The insurer will verify that the new owner meets their eligibility criteria (e.g., driving history, residency status).
Once approved, the policy remains valid under the new owner’s name, with no interruption to coverage.
Can I transfer car ownership online in Dubai?
Yes, you can transfer car ownership online in Dubai. The process is handled through the MOI UAE website using your UAE Pass for authentication.
Complete the online form → Upload documents → Pay AED 350 fee → Receive digital registration.
