If you are selling your car or buying a car in the UAE, vehicle ownership between buyer and seller must be transferred. But during the current global situation, this might be a little harder than usual.
Previously, all branches of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Tasjeel and other listening departments in the UAE were closed due to Coronavirus.
That has all changed as restrictions on movement have been lifted, but residents are still urged to take precautionary measures to protect themselves and others.
It’s the same process as before. However, there are slight differences due to the situation.
What documents are required?
To transfer vehicle ownership, you’ll need;
- Vehicle ownership certificate (seller)
- Original Emirates ID (seller and buyer)*
- Vehicle technical inspection certificate also referred to as passing paper
- Valid car insurance
*Original Passport can be used if Emirates ID is not valid.
Where to go to transfer vehicle ownership
In Dubai, you can visit an RTA Customer Happiness Centre in either Umm Ramool, Al Manarah, Al Twar, Al Barsha or Al Aweer. For opening hours you can call 800 90 90.
Alternatively, you can visit select Tasjeel service centres in Dubai. Call 800 3662 for facilities that are open and timings. This is also applicable for residents in Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah.
How much does it cost to transfer vehicle ownership?
To transfer vehicle ownership in the UAE costs AED 350 plus an AED 20 knowledge fee.
For motorcycles, the price is AED 200 plus the AED 20 knowledge fee. Heavy vehicles are up to AED 1,000.
Individuals who prefer to buy a Dubai branded plate or Luxury plate can expect to pay an additional AED 200 or AED 500 respectively.
Plate size also varies in price. Short plates are AED 35, and long plates are AED 30.
How long does it take to transfer vehicle ownership?
Transferring vehicle ownership via the RTA takes five to 10 minutes according to the RTA.
Do I have to leave the house to transfer vehicle ownership?
As of writing, there is no way to transfer vehicle ownership online. You must physically go to a customer service centre.
My car is registered in Dubai, but I live in Sharjah. How can I transfer vehicle ownership?
From our experience and what we’ve been told you must go to the Emirate your vehicle is registered in to transfer vehicle ownership.
Rajesh
October 13, 2020 at 4:38 pmHi – My Vehicle is registered in Abudhabi and I live in Dubai, it was hypothecated by Bank, now the loan is finished last month, I need to renew and transfer the ownership in my name, kindly inform the process, if there is any option to transfer in Dubai without going to Abudhabi; due to Covid rules and testing process
Christopher Milbourne
Author October 14, 2020 at 11:02 amHi Rajesh, unfortunately, you’ll have to go to Abu Dhabi to register the car. You will also need a mortgage clearance certificate from the bank.