The Ultimate Guide to Transfer of Car Ownership in Dubai: Documents, Fees, and Timelines

Price: AED 350

Buying or selling a used car in Dubai doesn't have to feel like a bureaucratic maze. Between the paperwork, fees, and various checks required by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), more than a few folks have found themselves tangled up in delays. This guide breaks things down with clear, actionable steps, fee breakdowns, essential document lists, and fixes for those common snags unpaid fines, forgotten loans, or surprise issues during inspection. Whether you're registering your first car, handling the transfer digitally, or need to sort out a tricky case like corporate ownership, you'll find the latest updates here.

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What Are The Requirements To Transfer Vehicle Ownership In Dubai?

Before anything else, both buyer and seller need to meet the RTA's eligibility checklist. A valid UAE residency visa is a must for buyers, and you need to be at least 18 years old (with higher age requirements if you're after a luxury or heavy vehicle). The right driving license for your vehicle class is mandatory. Sellers need to be the legal owners, free and clear of unpaid fines, loans, or mortgages. No residency? No transfer non-residents can't register a car in their own name.

For GCC nationals, there's an extra layer: vehicles imported from outside the GCC region must meet Gulf Specifications thanks to UAE Federal Traffic Laws. Every fine linked to the car must be paid, usually through the RTA app, website, or at service centers. If there's an active loan, the bank needs to issue a no objection certificate (NOC). Insurance also has to be live and in the buyer's name. Sometimes, the seller needs to provide a refund certificate for the previous policy.

If your car is over three years old, book it in for a technical inspection at an RTA-approved center. The certificate has to be current (within 30 days of the transfer). Skip this, and you're risking an ugly halt in the process.

Forget one of these steps? The transaction won't go through. Outstanding fines? Pay up using the RTA app, which handles over 40,500 monthly searches proof the system is busy. Loans not paid off? That NOC from the bank can take an extra 1 or 2 days if you haven't sorted it ahead of time.

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How Do You Check Vehicle Information?

Think of checking a vehicle's record as the digital equivalent of kicking the tires. If you're about to buy, always start with the official tools. Download the RTA app (iOS or Android) or head to the RTA website. Using your UAE Pass or Emirates ID, you can peek at the vehicle status, see any unpaid fines, check insurance validity, and verify if there's a loan tied to the car.

Unpaid fines? The "Pay Fines" section takes care of that right away, with card payments. Is there a loan? Request a loan clearance letter directly from your bank no more running back and forth. For accident or theft status, the Dubai Police app adds another layer of due diligence. And, for peace of mind, scan the Mulkiya QR code to confirm it’s real. If you need a quick stat, the RTA handles more than 40,500 such look-ups each month, and digital confirmations are now the default for most buyers.

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What Documents Are Required For Vehicle Ownership Transfer In Dubai?

Bring the right paperwork, and you’ll save yourself a headache. The RTA wants to see the original Emirates ID from both buyer and seller, the current registration card (Mulkiya), a valid insurance certificate in the buyer's name, and a recent vehicle inspection report if the car's over three years old. Expat buyers and sellers must add copies of their passport with a valid residence visa, while everyone needs a UAE driving license specific to the car type.

Have a loan on the vehicle? You'll need a no objection certificate (NOC) from your bank confirming all dues are paid. If you're selling on behalf of a company, get ready with the company’s trade license, an authorization letter on company letterhead, your company’s Memorandum of Association (MOA), and the Emirates ID of the person authorized to sign. Using a power of attorney? The original POA document needs to be presented.

Unique cases? Diplomats have to provide a diplomatic card, an NOC from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), and consulate clearance. For inherited vehicles, a court-issued inheritance certificate and death certificate are needed.

Bottom line: don't wing it. Originals are required for Emirates ID and Mulkiya, while copies can work for passports and visas. If your car comes from outside the GCC, ensure it matches Gulf Specifications for approval.

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Where To Transfer Vehicle Ownership In Dubai Offline

Prefer dealing with people instead of apps? Head to any key RTA center or Dubai Traffic Police HQ. Some of the heavy hitters:

• Umm Ramool Customer Happiness Centre (Airport Road)
  Open 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM Monday to Thursday
  Closes at 12:00 PM on Friday
• Al Manarah Centre (Al Safa)
• Al Twar Centre (Al Qusais)
• Deira Centre (Al Ittihad Street)
• Barsha Centre (near Mall of the Emirates)
• Dubai Traffic Police HQ (Al Qusais)

No appointment is needed, so walk in anytime during working hours. Just know that while you might get lucky, queues of 15 to 30 minutes are pretty normal. Make sure both buyer and seller bring all required documents.

For transactions involving cars registered in a Free Zone? Jebel Ali Service Centre has you covered.

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How To Transfer Vehicle Ownership Online?

Want to dodge the waiting room entirely? The RTA website and Dubai Drive app let you handle everything digitally, any hour of the day. Here’s how:

1. Log in with your UAE Pass
2. Select "Change Ownership" under Vehicle Licensing Services
3. Enter the plate number, chassis number, and other key details
4. Upload photos or scans of your Emirates ID, Mulkiya, insurance certificate and vehicle inspection report
5. Verify your identity via SMS, settle any fines, and pay the fees

Then, the buyer gets a notification to digitally confirm and sign. If all is in order, the new Mulkiya arrives in your email, and plates can be picked up or delivered.

Online usually means you’re done in just a few hours but sometimes a missed fine or paperwork delay can hold things up. If you’re not comfortable with technology, in-person still works, but for straightforward transfers, digital is the fastest option.

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Step-by-Step Guide To Transfer Vehicle Ownership in Dubai

Let’s make this simple:

Offline route:
Both parties go to an RTA center or Dubai Traffic Police HQ, file the application at the on-site typing center, clear any fines, then pay fees (for most cars, AED 350). The RTA checks documents, issues the new Mulkiya, and you’re done in as little as 15 to 30 minutes if you’re organized.

Online route:
Log in with UAE Pass, upload your docs, verify by SMS, pay online, and follow the prompts. The buyer confirms receipt, and the digital Mulkiya lands in their inbox.

Complex cases loans, corporate vehicles, or inheritances need the extra steps covered earlier (bank NOC, company paperwork, or court certificates).

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How To Purchase Number Plates In Dubai?

In Dubai, buyers and sellers have options for number plates: keep the existing ones, reassign them, or buy new. If the seller loves their plate, they can purchase an Ownership Certificate from the RTA for AED 100 and reassign it to a different car. The new owner just picks up a fresh set.

New plates? Choose between short plates (AED 35), long plates (AED 50), or go high roller with custom or luxury plates (up to AED 500). Apply via the RTA app or in person, pay the fee, and pick up (or opt for delivery). Want something personalized? Brace for higher prices and longer approval times.

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How Much Does It Cost To Transfer Vehicle In Dubai?

If you’re wondering about the bill, it usually goes like this:

• AED 350 for light vehicles
• AED 400 for private vehicles (between 3 and 12 tonnes)
• AED 650 for public vehicles of that weight
• Up to AED 800 for heavy vehicles
• Motorcycles: AED 200
• Trailers: AED 120
• Buses: AED 300

That’s just the start add a Knowledge and Innovation Fee (AED 20), plate fee (AED 35 to 50), and, if required, vehicle testing (AED 170). Don’t forget the 5% VAT on many charges.

Add everything up and a typical light vehicle transfer will land between AED 400 and 480. Fees are paid by the buyer. These don’t change much across the UAE, but Dubai’s RTA might tweak rates each year. You can pay by card or online at the counter.

Also read: Top 10 Used Cars Dubai Buyers Are Searching For In 2025

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Navigating the Process of Car Registration and Transfer in Dubai

Registration and transfer only work if you play by the rules. Keep your insurance active and pay off any fines. After selling, the owner should transfer or cancel the insurance your insurance company will issue a refund certificate. Remember to sort out the Salik tag, and if the car was financed, notify your bank with the transfer.

As for updating the official records, expect a straight path if all your documents line up. If you forget to cancel your Salik, you could find yourself paying tolls for a car you no longer own a classic rookie mistake.

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Understand the Car Ownership Transfer Process

Here’s the rough order of events:
1. Check eligibility and vehicle status
2. Gather your papers
3. Pick online or in-person
4. Submit the application
5. Pay your fees
6. Walk away with the new Mulkiya.
Stumble on incomplete or mismatched documents and you’ll get delayed, so double check the checklists before starting.

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Car Ownership Transfer Fees

A quick summary for your wallet:

• Admin fee: AED 350 for light vehicles
• Vehicle inspection: AED 170 for cars older than three years
• Knowledge fee: AED 20
• Plates: AED 35 to 50

Handle fines beforehand, and confirm outstanding loans are closed. Most costs land on the buyer, except for a few specific cases.

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Steps to Transfer Car Ownership at RTA

Here’s what actually happens once you walk into the RTA center:

• Arrive and take your number (15 minutes if the line is short)
• Submit all documents at the counter (5 minutes)
• Clear any fines or checks (10 minutes)
• Pay the transfer fees (5 minutes)
• Collect the new Mulkiya (5 minutes)

Start-to-finish, expect 15 to 30 minutes if everything is in order and you’ve handled any loans or fines beforehand. Encountered issues? Could take an extra business day or two.

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Tips for a Smooth Car Registration and Transfer Process

Want things to go quickly? Do these:

• Use the RTA app to check your record and prepare originals of everything
• Do your paperwork at off-peak hours (think 7:30 or 8:00 AM)
• Schedule any mandatory vehicle test well ahead

No time for mistakes double check the checklist before you leave home.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid During Car Ownership Transfer

• Missing insurance paper? Application gets bounced
• Active loan, no NOC? Transfer is blocked until sorted
• Mismatched names or typos in your paperwork? You’ll get sent back to the start

Avoid headaches by clearing fines early, checking forms for mistakes, and confirming all the right signatures are in place. If your car fails inspection, fix the issue and retest.

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Handling the Car Registration Smoothly for First-Time Buyers

If you're new to Dubai or buying your first car, get your residency and UAE license in order before you even browse the listings. Look up the vehicle’s VIN for its accident history, and, if nervous, consider using a professional to get the car inspected. The RTA app has step-by-step guides in both Arabic and English handy for non-locals.

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Key Requirements for Online Transfers

Transferring online? The basics never change:

• No unpaid fines
• Insurance in the buyer's name
• All uploaded documents are clear (fuzzy scans slow things down)

Sort out tolls and any mismatched names to avoid delays.

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Eligibility Criteria

It’s not just individual buyers companies (with trade license), diplomats (with MOFA NOC), and even government entities transfer cars. GCC nationals need to check Gulf specs, and expats always need valid visas.

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Required Documents

Checklist, by scenario:

• Private sale: Emirates ID, Mulkiya, insurance, vehicle report
• Corporate transfer: Add trade license, authorization letter, POA
• Diplomatic: Diplomatic ID card, MOFA NOC

A printed reminder or even a phone note will help you avoid leaving something at home.

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Ways to Apply

Choose your preference:

• RTA website: Log in, upload, confirm, pay
• Dubai Drive app: Same as above, but mobile
• In person: Customer Happiness Centre, with original docs

Every method involves identity verification.

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Fees

For 2025: light vehicles (AED 350), motorcycles (AED 200), extra fees (AED 20) and plates (AED 35-50). The buyer usually pays.

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Process Time and Validity

You might finish online in minutes, or in-person in under half an hour. Agreements stay valid for 14 days. The most common slowdowns are unpaid fines, open loans, or mismatched paperwork fix these at the start.

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Customer Happiness and Vehicle Registration and Inspection Centres

Choose a centre with good reviews Umm Ramool, Al Twar, or Jebel Ali for Free Zone cars. Waits average 15 to 30 minutes, but early birds often get through fastest.

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Exceptional Cases: Inherited, Company, or Financed Cars

• Financed cars: Need a loan clearance and NOC from the bank.
• Company cars: Provide trade license, POA, and a company stamp.
• Inherited cars: Court inheritance certificate, death certificate, and all heirs must approve.

Sort these documents in advance to save days of back-and-forth.

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Summary Table

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People Also Ask

How do I transfer car ownership in the UAE?

Check that both buyer and seller are eligible, gather all documentation (Emirates ID, Mulkiya, insurance), clear any fines or loans, choose online or in-person, pay your fees, and collect the new registration. Depending on which method you use, it could be done instantly online or in 30 minutes at a center.

What documents are needed for car ownership transfer?

Emirates ID for both buyer and seller, Mulkiya, buyer’s insurance certificate, a recent inspection report (for cars older than 3 years), and NOC for cars with a bank loan or registered to a company.

Can I transfer car ownership online?

Absolutely, via the RTA app or official website with your UAE Pass login. Upload your paperwork, verify your identity, pay online, and, if everything checks out, you’ll get the updated registration right away.

How long does the process take?

Most people finish in 15 to 30 minutes in-person, or up to one business day for online (if there are no outstanding fines or loans).

What if there are outstanding fines or loans?

These must be cleared before you’re allowed to begin. Fines are easy enough on the RTA app, but a bank NOC can add an extra 1-2 days.

Where can I find luxury cars with verified service histories?

Alba Cars offers luxury cars with verified service histories in the UAE.