Car Ownership Transfer in the UAE: Procedure and Required Documents

Ownership transfer is the step that makes a sale official. Before it, the car remains in your name with all the responsibility that carries. After it, it belongs to the buyer. Here is what you need to know.

Who handles the procedure?

Transfer takes place at the licensing authority of the emirate where the car is registered: the RTA in Dubai, the traffic department in Abu Dhabi, and the licensing centres in the other emirates. Both seller and buyer, or their authorised representatives, must attend to sign.

Documents required from the seller

• Original Emirates ID.
• Original vehicle registration card.
• Mortgage release letter from the bank if the car was previously financed. Without it, the transaction is not accepted.
• Valid insurance (in some cases requested for renewal during transfer).

Documents required from the buyer

• Emirates ID.
• New insurance in the buyer's name (a prerequisite for issuing the new registration).

Technical test

If the car is older than three years, it usually needs a valid technical test from an approved centre before transfer. The test covers brakes, lights, emissions and body. A recent car with valid registration may not need it.

Fees

Fees vary by emirate and vehicle type, and typically include the transfer fee, the new registration fee and the test fee where applicable, paid at the centre. Check your emirate's authority for current figures.

How long does it take?

With complete documents and insurance ready, the transaction finishes in one visit, often in under an hour. Most delays come from a mortgage that was not released or insurance that was not issued.

What if the car is registered in another emirate?

Ownership can be transferred together with re-registration in the buyer's emirate, which may require an extra step to cancel the original registration.

How AL Faeq handles it

When you sell your car to us, we handle the whole procedure: we prepare the documents, book the appointment, and only need you present to sign. Payment is made before transfer, and ownership is transferred the same day.