RTA Vehicle Transfer Certificate in Dubai: Complete 2026 Guide
When you export a car from Dubai or move it to another emirate, you must cancel the vehicle registration with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and obtain a Vehicle Transfer Certificate. This document confirms that the vehicle is legally cleared to leave Dubai’s registration system. Without it, another emirate or customs authority may refuse the vehicle registration or export process. The RTA provides this service through its online portal, Dubai Drive mobile application, and authorised service centres.
What Is an RTA Vehicle Transfer Certificate?
Official confirmation of vehicle deregistration
A Vehicle Transfer Certificate confirms that a car is no longer registered in Dubai and can legally leave the emirate’s vehicle registry. Once issued, the certificate replaces the vehicle registration card (Mulkiya) as proof that the vehicle has been deregistered.
Source: https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/home/services/vehicle-licensing
Required for export or inter-emirate transfer
Drivers usually need this certificate in three situations:
- exporting a car outside the UAE
- transferring a vehicle to another emirate
- selling a vehicle that will be registered outside Dubai
Authorities request the certificate to verify that the car was legally removed from Dubai’s registration system.
Source : RTA Dubai – Export Vehicle Service: https://www.rta.ae
Not the same as ownership transfer
Ownership transfers inside Dubai are handled through RTA vehicle licensing centres. A Vehicle Transfer Certificate instead confirms that the vehicle leaves Dubai’s traffic system.
Source :
RTA Vehicle Licensing Guide : https://www.rta.ae
When Do You Need a Vehicle Transfer Certificate?
Exporting a vehicle outside the UAE
Before exporting a car from Dubai, you must cancel the vehicle registration and obtain the transfer certificate. Export procedures may also require approval from Dubai Customs and shipping companies.
Sources : RTA Dubai: https://www.rta.ae - Dubai Customs: https://www.dubaicustoms.gov.ae
Transferring a vehicle to another emirate
Residents moving to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or another emirate must deregister the vehicle in Dubai before registering it again locally.
The transfer certificate confirms that the vehicle can be registered in the new emirate.
Source: RTA Dubai Vehicle Licensing: https://www.rta.ae
Selling a vehicle outside Dubai
If the buyer plans to register the vehicle outside Dubai or export it, the seller must cancel the registration and provide the certificate.
Sources: RTA Dubai: https://www.rta.ae - Dubai Government Portal: https://u.ae
Eligibility and Conditions
Vehicle must exist in the traffic file
The vehicle must be registered in the Dubai traffic system before the cancellation request can be processed.
Source : RTA Dubai: https://www.rta.ae
All fines and dues must be cleared
Drivers must clear all obligations before cancelling registration:
- traffic fines
- Salik toll charges
- vehicle blocks or legal cases
Sources: RTA Dubai: https://www.rta.ae - Salik Toll System: https://www.salik.ae
Vehicle inspection may be required
If the vehicle registration has expired, the RTA may request a technical inspection before issuing the certificate.
Vehicle inspections are conducted at authorised testing centres such as Tasjeel and Shamil.
Sources: RTA Dubai: https://www.rta.ae - Tasjeel Testing Centres: https://tasjeel.ae
Documents Required
Emirates ID
Applicants must provide a valid Emirates ID for identity verification.
Source: UAE Government Portal: https://u.ae
Vehicle registration card (Mulkiya)
The original vehicle registration card must be submitted when cancelling the registration.
Source: RTA Dubai: https://www.rta.ae
Insurance documentation
Insurance information may be required depending on the vehicle’s registration status.
Source: RTA Dubai: https://www.rta.ae
Export or destination details
If exporting the vehicle, you may need to provide:
- export destination
- buyer information
- shipping details
Sources: RTA Dubai: https://www.rta.ae - Dubai Customs: https://www.dubaicustoms.gov.ae
Police report for lost plates
If the license plates were lost or stolen, you must provide a police report before cancelling the registration.
Source: Dubai Police: https://www.dubaipolice.gov.ae
How to Apply for the Certificate
Step 1 : Log in with UAE Pass
Drivers can access the service through the RTA website or Dubai Drive app using UAE Pass.
Sources: RTA Dubai: https://www.rta.ae - UAE Pass: https://uaepass.ae
Step 2 : Select “Cancel Vehicle Registration”
Navigate to Vehicle Licensing Services and select the registration cancellation option.
Source: RTA Dubai: https://www.rta.ae
Step 3 : Choose export or transfer
Select the correct reason for cancellation:
- export vehicle
- transfer to another emirate
Step 4 : Upload documents
Upload required documentation through the RTA platform.
Step 5 : Pay the fees
Payments are processed through DubaiPay or bank card.
Source: DubaiPay: https://www.dubaipay.ae
Step 6 : Return license plates
The vehicle plates must be surrendered at an authorised RTA service centre.
Step 7 : Receive the certificate
Once approved, the certificate is issued digitally and sent via SMS or email.
Fees and Processing Time
Standard fee
According to the RTA fee schedule:
- AED 100 service fee
- AED 20 knowledge and innovation fee
Fees may vary depending on vehicle type and service channel.
Source: RTA Dubai Fees Guide: https://www.rta.ae
Replacement certificate
If the certificate is lost or damaged, drivers can request a replacement.
Typical replacement cost: around AED 120 including service fees.
Processing time
Most requests are processed immediately once documents and fees are approved.
However, the process is only final after license plates are returned.
FAQ : RTA Vehicle Transfer Certificate
Can I apply online?
Yes. Drivers can apply through the RTA website or Dubai Drive mobile application.
Do I need to surrender the plates?
Yes. License plates must be returned to finalise the cancellation process.
How long does the process take?
Processing usually occurs immediately once the application is approved and fees are paid.
The RTA Vehicle Transfer Certificate is essential when a vehicle leaves Dubai’s registration system. Drivers need it when exporting a vehicle abroad, transferring it to another emirate, or selling it outside Dubai.
Understanding the official process helps avoid delays, penalties, or registration issues. For assistance with exporting or transferring a vehicle in Dubai, the Automobili Motors team can guide you through the required steps.
📧 contact@automobilimotors.com
📲 WhatsApp: +971 54 426 6387
