How to Transfer Car Ownership in Dubai

Transferring vehicle ownership in Dubai is a crucial process for individuals or businesses buying and selling vehicles. This process is managed by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), which offers multiple methods to make the transfer efficient. Whether you’re a resident, a business, or a diplomatic entity,  it’s crucial to follow the correct steps to ensure a smooth and legal transfer of car ownership in Dubai.

Let’s explore the key elements involved in transferring vehicle ownership, including eligibility, required documents, fees, and how to apply.

• Overview of Vehicle Ownership Transfer
• Eligibility Criteria
• Required Documents
• Ways to Apply
• Process Time and Validity
• Key Terms and Conditions
• FAQs

Overview of Vehicle Ownership Transfer

Transferring vehicle ownership involves registering the vehicle under the buyer’s name. It includes an online sale and purchase agreement, changing possession, and obtaining an insurance refund certificate for vehicles that are sold or disposed of. The process can be completed online, via mobile apps, or at designated centres.

In addition to these basic steps, the ownership transfer includes verifying whether all fines associated with the vehicle have been settled. Whether conducted online or in person, the transfer of vehicle ownership in Dubai must comply with UAE Federal Traffic Laws, ensuring that both the buyer and seller adhere to local regulations.

Eligibility Criteria

The RTA allows various entities to transfer car ownership in Dubai. Below are the categories of eligible individuals and organisations:

• For Individuals: Any UAE and GCC national or expatriate holding valid residency status. 
• For Companies: Mainland and Free Zone Businesses
• For Diplomatic Bodies: Foreign diplomats working in Dubai and representatives
• For Government Entities: Various local and federal government organisations 

Required Documents

To transfer car ownership in Dubai, the buyer and seller must submit specific documents. Here’s a breakdown of different categories:

Individuals

• Valid Emirates ID for both the buyer and the seller.
• Electronic Insurance certificate for the vehicle.
• Technical Inspection Report (if required).
• Gulf Specifications compliance document, if applicable (for vehicles imported from outside the GCC).
• Electronic Mortgage Release (if the vehicle is under finance).

Companies

• Trade Licence of the company.
• Authorisation Letter from the company, authorising the individual to complete the transfer.
• Emirates ID of the authorised person completing the transfer.
• Memorandum of Association (translated to Arabic).
• Electronic Insurance and Technical Inspection Report.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Free Zone authority (if applicable).

Diplomatic Bodies

• Emirates ID or Diplomatic Card.
• NOC from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• NOC from the Consulate (if the diplomat is the buyer).
• Electronic Insurance and Technical Inspection Report.
• Electronic Mortgage Release (if the vehicle is financed).

Ways to Apply

There are multiple channels available to apply for vehicle ownership transfer in Dubai. You can complete the process through the official RTA website, mobile apps, or in person at designated service centres.

Online via RTA Website

• Log in using your UAE Pass or RTA credentials.
• Select the ‘Change Ownership’ option under Vehicle Licensing Services.
• Verify your identity and clear any outstanding fines.
• Enter the buyer’s details and apply.
• The buyer signs the agreement via SMS or email.
• The seller signs and completes the payment for the required fees.
• Complete the registration at an RTA service centre to finalise the ownership transfer.

Through Dubai Drive

• Log in using UAE Pass.
• Choose ‘Change Vehicle Ownership.’
• Complete the necessary steps, including identity verification.
• Sign the agreement and settle fees.
• Visit a service centre for vehicle registration.

At Customer Happiness Centres or Vehicle Registration and Inspection Centres

• Visit the centre with all the required documents.
• Upload your documents using the link provided by an employee.
• Settle all fees and fines related to the vehicle.
• Submit the vehicle plates as part of the finalisation process.
• The buyer then completes the registration at the centre.

The fees for transferring vehicle ownership in Dubai depend on the vehicle type and additional services like plate transfers and vehicle testing. Below is a breakdown of the common fees:

Note: Additional charges may apply for vehicle testing, delivery services and if the vehicle requires an inspection. Fees for Free Zone companies might include NOC-related costs.

Process Time and Validity

• Online and Mobile App Transfers: The process is nearly instant, with the transaction being completed immediately after the required steps are followed.

• Customer Happiness Centres: The transfer process at these centres typically takes around 5 to 10 minutes.

• Validity: The transfer must be completed within 14 days of the sale and purchase agreement to avoid cancellation of the transaction.

Customer Happiness and Vehicle Registration and Inspection Centres

Dubai offers several Customer Happiness Centres and Vehicle Registration & Inspection Centres for individuals to complete the vehicle ownership transfer process. These centres provide convenient locations and efficient services for customers.

Customer Happiness Centres

These centres are designed to provide a smooth and customer-friendly experience for all vehicle registration and licensing services, including ownership transfers. The following locations are available:

• Umm Ramool
• Al Manarah
• Al Twar
• Deira
• Al Barsha

At these centres, customers can easily access services such as vehicle ownership transfer, payment processing and documentation submission.

Vehicle Registration and Inspection Centres

These centres cater to customers who need vehicle testing and inspection, along with the change of ownership services. They are conveniently located across Dubai for easy access. The following centres are available for vehicle testing and ownership transfer:

• Al Qusais Tasjeel
• Barsha Tasjeel
• Al Warsan Tasjeel
• Jebel Ali Tasjeel
• Hatta Tasjeel
• Tasjeel Discovery Gardens
• Tasjeel City of Arabia
• Al Adheed Shamil
• Muhaisna Shamil
• Nad Al Hammar Shamil
• Shamil Al Qusais
• Al Mumayaz Vehicle Testing – Aswaaq Mizher
• Al Mumayaz Vehicle Testing – Al Barsha Mall
• Wasel Vehicle Testing – Al Jaddaf
• Wasel Vehicle Testing – Arabian Centre
• Wasel Vehicle Testing – Nad Al Hammar
• AG Cars Vehicle Testing Centre – Deira
• AG Cars Vehicle Testing – Al Mamzar
• Al Mutakamela Centre – Al Aweer
• Al Mutakamela Centre – Al Quoz
• Tamam Vehicle Testing
• Al Yalayis Vehicle Testing
• Tajdeed Vehicle Testing
• Aber Registration Vehicle Testing Centre – Seih Shuaib

Services Provided at the Centres

At these centres, you can complete various tasks, including:

• Vehicle Inspection: Ensuring that the vehicle is in good condition for ownership transfer.
• Ownership Transfer: Completing all necessary paperwork to officially transfer car ownership in Dubai to the buyer.
• Document Submission: Uploading and submitting documents like Emirates IDs, insurance and technical inspection results.
• Fee Payment: Settling any applicable fees for ownership transfer and registration.

Service Centres for Free Zones

For customers located in Dubai free zones, specific service centres cater to their needs.

For example, transactions for Jafza, Dubai Media City, and Dubai Airport are processed at the Jebel Ali Service Centre, while Jebel Ali Free Zone transactions are processed exclusively there.

FAQs

By following these guidelines, you can seamlessly transfer car ownership in Dubai. Always ensure that all required documents are ready to avoid delays. For further details, visit the RTA website or contact their support centre. Besides, you can also explore our guide on buying a car in Dubai. 

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