Are you planning to upgrade your vehicle or need extra cash? Selling a car in the UAE is straightforward if you follow the right steps. Whether you choose to sell it privately, trade it in at a dealership, or sell it to a car-buying service, each option has its pros and cons.
This guide will take you through everything you need to know, including legal requirements, pricing strategies, paperwork, and the best platforms to sell your car in the UAE.
Steps To Sell Your Car In The UAE At Glance
1. Prepare Your Car For Sale
Before listing your car, ensure it is clean, serviced, and ready for a new owner. A well-maintained car attracts buyers and helps you secure a better price. Check this guide to know how to get the best price for your used car.
Remove Your Salik Tag
- Salik tags are registered to individuals, not vehicles.
- Remove the tag before the sale to avoid paying for the new owner’s tolls.
Pay Off Any Fines
- All outstanding traffic fines, parking tickets, or Salik charges must be cleared before selling.
- Check and pay fines on the RTA website or the Dubai Police app.
Clear Any Car Loans
- If the car is financed, you must clear the loan before transferring ownership.
- Loan clearance can take a few days, so plan ahead—here are all the details to sell your financed car in the UAE.
Service and Clean Your Car
- A well-serviced car sells faster and at a better price.
- Fix minor repairs like scratches, dents, and broken lights.
- Get a basic service done, including an oil change, tyre check, and fluid top-up—here are 7 factors that will make your used car price drop.
Sort Out Your Insurance
- Insurance can either be transferred to the buyer or cancelled.
- If your policy has seven or more months remaining, you can request a refund—here are 10 tips to choose the best car insurance.
2. Determine the Right Selling Price
Setting the correct price ensures a quick sale at a fair value.
Research Market Prices
- Check similar models on used car listings on DubiCars.
- Consider factors like mileage, condition, and service history.
Get a Car Valuation
- Use the free DubiCars online car valuation tool to get transparent quotes for your used car.
- Visit a car dealership for an expert valuation.
Be Open to Negotiation
- Buyers in the UAE expect to negotiate.
- Set your price slightly higher to allow some bargaining room.
3. Choosing the Best Way to Sell Your Car
There are three primary ways to sell your car in the UAE. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Selling Privately
- Listing your car online on credible platforms like DubiCars, which will help you reach over 3 million buyers.
- Requires handling inquiries, test drives, and paperwork yourself.
- There is also option of choosing VIP Home package and let DubiCars handle posting AD of your used car.
Pros
- Highest possible price (no dealer commission).
- Full control over negotiations.
Cons
- Time-consuming.
- Requires meeting and dealing with potential buyers.
Here is a detailed guide on advantages and disadvantages of selling your car to a private seller in the UAE.
Selling To Dealerships or Car-Buying Services
- Most dealerships offer trade-in deals.
- You can use the sale amount towards purchasing a new car.
Pros
- Quick process, usually completed in a few hours.
- No need to find buyers.
Cons
- Dealers offer lower prices than private sales.
- Not all dealerships accept every car model.
4. Advertising Your Car Effectively
To attract serious buyers and sell your car quickly, you need a well-structured and compelling listing. Choosing the right platform is just as important as how you present your car.
Take High-Quality Photos
Use at least seven clear images covering:
- Front and rear views
- Side profile
- Interior (front and back)
- Wheels and any special features
Write a Detailed and Honest Description
- Mention make, model, year, mileage, and condition.
- Highlight special features like leather seats, sunroof, or extended warranty.
- Be transparent about dents, scratches, or mechanical issues to avoid surprises during negotiations.
Maximum Exposure for Your Car
When you list your car for sale on DubiCars, it gets showcased to thousands of potential buyers across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and the rest of the UAE. Unlike some platforms that claim to offer free ad posting but limit your reach or charge hidden fees, DubiCars provides premium visibility to help you sell your used car in Dubai faster.
Sell Your Car Online with Ease
The process to sell your car online in the UAE has never been easier. Simply follow these steps:
- Create an account on DubiCars.
- Post your car for sale with high-quality images and accurate details.
- Connect with genuine buyers who are actively looking for vehicles like yours.
- Negotiate and finalise the sale at your convenience.
Sell Any Car – New or Used
Whether you are looking to sell a used car in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or any other emirate, DubiCars offers a dedicated marketplace for all types of vehicles. You can also sell your new car or used car easily. Our platform supports private sellers and dealerships alike, ensuring a streamlined experience.
5. Handling Test Drives and Negotiations
Once buyers contact you, handle test drives and negotiations professionally.
Arranging Test Drives Safely
- Meet in a public place (petrol station, mall parking lot).
- Verify that the buyer has a valid UAE driving licence.
- Never let the buyer drive alone.
Negotiating the Best Price
- Expect buyers to bargain.
- Highlight service history, condition, and features to justify your price.
- Set a firm minimum price to avoid low-ball offers.
6. Completing The Sale Legally
Once a deal is made, follow the correct steps for ownership transfer.
Documents Required for Sale
From the Seller:
- Original Mulkia (Registration Card)
- Emirates ID and Passport
- Loan clearance (if applicable)
From the Buyer:
- New car insurance (mandatory)
- Emirates ID and UAE driving licence
- Valid residence visa (if registering in a different emirate, proof of residence required)
Transferring Ownership at RTA
- Visit the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) centre.
- Submit the required documents.
- Pay the transfer fee (AED 350 to AED 500 depending on the emirate).
- The RTA issues a new registration card in the buyer’s name.
Receiving Payment Safely
- Cash – Count the money before handing over keys.
- Bank Transfer – Release the car only after confirming funds are received.
- Avoid cheques – Risk of bounced payments.
7. Cancel Insurance and Salik After Sale
- Cancel your car insurance or transfer it to the new owner.
- Deactivate your Salik tag to avoid future charges.
Final Tips for Selling Your Car in the UAE
- Do not put “For Sale” signs on your car – It’s illegal in the UAE.
- Wash your car at designated locations – Street washing can lead to fines.
- Avoid personal or post-dated cheques – Always opt for instant payment.
- Consider getting an RTA vehicle test (AED 120) – Helps speed up the sale.
Selling a car in the UAE can be quick and hassle-free if you follow these steps. Whether you choose to sell privately, trade in, or use a car-buying service, ensuring your vehicle is well-maintained, fairly priced, and properly advertised will help you get the best deal. If you are looking to sell an imported car in the UAE, here is a detailed guide that will help you make transaction easily.
FAQs
Original Emirates ID
Mulkiya (Car Registration Card)
Loan clearance letter (if applicable)
A recent car inspection report from an RTA-approved center (valid for 30 days)
Yes, you can sell a financed car. Either Pay off the remaining balance and obtain a clearance letter from your bank before selling. Or work with a buyer or a specialized dealer who can help settle the loan as part of the sale process.
Typically, the buyer pays the transfer fee, which is approximately AED 350. This fee covers the administrative process at the RTA (Roads and Transport Authority).
Yes, if your vehicle is over three years old, it must pass an RTA vehicle inspection test. You can book an inspection at any RTA-approved testing centre. This test checks the condition of the car, including brakes, lights, tyres, and general safety features. A passing certificate is necessary to proceed with the ownership transfer.
Insurance valid for seven months or longer can be transferred to the buyer, provided they meet the insurance company’s requirements. Not all insurance companies in the UAE offer this option it’s essential to check before selling. Alternatively, sellers can opt to cancel the insurance policy outright and get a refund, especially if the policy has seven months or more remaining.
Yes, placing “For Sale” signs on your vehicle is illegal in the UAE and can result in the police impounding your vehicle. It’s recommended to use online platforms to advertise your car.
Use trusted free online valuation tools by entering your car’s make, model, year, mileage, and condition. Compare prices of similar models on local UAE automotive portals to gauge the current market value. Scheduling a free, no-obligation car inspection with an expert team can also provide a tailored valuation that factors in service history and optional extras.
Contact your insurer to cancel your policy and request a refund for any unused months. If you’re not transferring it to a new vehicle, cancel your Salik account to avoid ongoing charges.
Respond promptly to inquiries and provide additional details or photos if requested. Schedule safe test drives by arranging a meeting point and, if possible, accompany the buyer to ensure both parties feel secure. Being honest about your car’s condition builds trust and avoids future disputes.
Accepting a low offer without understanding your car’s true market value. A dirty or poorly maintained car can deter buyers or lead to lower offers. Missing documents can delay the sale or make buyers hesitant to proceed. Setting an unrealistic price can drive away potential buyers and leave your car unsold for months. Fake buyers may offer checks that bounce or attempt to scam you with unrealistic offers.
Find used cars for sale in the UAE and new cars for sale in the UAE.
Stay tuned to UAE’s most popular auto blog for more information about the latest happenings in all of the Emirates.
Pingback: 2017 BMW 730 Li — Melover
Pingback: 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE 43 AMG BiTurbo 4Matic — Melover
Pingback: 2019 Mercedes-Benz G 500 — Melover
ralph logan
May 15, 2020 at 10:03 amDo you need an urgent financial solution for a finance to grow your business. We offer all kinds of finance for easy payments. Contact us now with amount and duration/ years you can payback.
Junaid Malik
January 7, 2019 at 12:04 pmyou are right buy i want to add few thing… in my opinion, the best way to sell a car is online because there a lot of competition and sometime you got a really good deals..
it will also save your time and most of the companies provide free inspection services like sellanycar or verywasycar. so i always suggest you to go online and also beware of scamming…