Transfer Vehicle Ownership in Dubai: The Full 2026 Guide

Transferring vehicle ownership in Dubai is a key part of selling or buying a car in the UAE. When you buy a used vehicle, you must officially change its ownership registration under your name with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) so that all legal rights, responsibilities, and liabilities belong to you as the new owner.
This process protects both seller and buyer and keeps Dubai’s traffic system accurate and up-to-date. (dubizzle.com)

What Is Vehicle Ownership Transfer?

Legal transfer of car rights from seller to buyer

Vehicle ownership transfer means official registration of a vehicle is changed in the RTA system so that the buyer becomes the legal owner.
All responsibilities including fines, insurance, registration fees, and future renewals move to the new owner. (ArabWheels)

Protects both parties in a sale or gift

The process ensures transparency and legal protection for both seller and buyer. It verifies that the vehicle is free of liabilities, meets safety requirements, and that the transaction complies with Dubai’s traffic laws.

Mandatory in the UAE

Dubai law requires you complete an ownership transfer when buying or selling a vehicle. Not doing so can result in fines or enforcement actions if the vehicle remains registered under an old owner. (DubiCars)

Who Must Complete the Transfer?

Buyer and seller in a private sale

Whenever a private individual buys or sells a car, both parties must complete the transfer process to ensure legal ownership change registered with the RTA. (dubizzle.com)

Dealer or showroom purchases

If you buy a car from a dealership, the dealer often assists with the transfer as part of the sales package, but the ownership still must be legally updated in the RTA system.
At Automobili Motors, we handle everything for our clients. This is part of our service and sales process to make sure the buyer and the seller are doing the right things.

Gifted or inherited vehicles

Even if a vehicle is gifted or inherited, the new owner must follow the same ownership transfer process to update the official records and assume legal responsibilities. (Property Finder)

Eligibility Requirements

Valid Emirates ID for both parties

Both seller and buyer must have a valid Emirates ID to complete the transfer online or at an RTA centre.
This confirms their identity and residency status. (dubizzle.com)

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Buyer must have a UAE residency and a valid licence

The buyer usually needs a valid UAE driving licence that matches the vehicle category and a UAE residency visa to register the vehicle under their name. (octane.rent)

No outstanding fines or loans

The vehicle must be clear of fines, Salik toll debts, and unsettled loan obligations before the RTA will allow the ownership transfer to proceed. (ArabWheels)

Valid car insurance

At the time of transfer, the buyer must have a valid insurance policy for the vehicle in their own name. Most RTA centres verify this before completing the transfer. (Excellence Driving)

Vehicle must be in UAE

The car must be physically located in Dubai (or the UAE) to complete the transfer. You cannot transfer ownership of a vehicle that is outside the country. (RTA)

Documents Required

Vehicle registration card (Mulkiya)

The original Vehicle Registration Card or Mulkiya is essential to prove current ownership and verify details before transfer. (dubizzle.com)

Emirates ID of seller and buyer

Both parties must present their Emirates ID originals for identity verification. (dubizzle.com)

Passport and residence visa copies

For expats, passports with valid UAE residency visas are often required, especially if the driving licence isn’t immediately available. (DubiCars)

Valid insurance certificate

The buyer must secure valid insurance in their name before the transfer can be completed. (Excellence Driving)

Technical inspection certificate

Most vehicles must pass an RTA-approved technical inspection showing the car is road-worthy. This inspection result is a required document in many cases. (ArabWheels)

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No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for financed cars

If the vehicle is under finance or loan, an NOC from the financing bank is needed to confirm that the loan is cleared or transferred. (ArabWheels)

Fees and Costs for Vehicle Ownership Transfer

Standard transfer fee for private cars

For light private vehicles, the ownership transfer fee is generally around AED 350. A nominal knowledge and innovation fee of AED 20 is also added. (Bayut)

Inspection and other charges

If the vehicle requires inspection, there is a separate inspection fee (often around AED 170). Additional charges may apply if the buyer wants new number plates or personalised plates. (Shory Insurance)

Motorcycle and heavy vehicle fees

Motorcycle transfers usually cost less (around AED 200), while larger or heavier vehicles carry higher fees depending on weight and type. (Bayut)

Optional delivery services

Costs may rise if you choose premium services such as same-day delivery of documents or expedited service. (RTA)

Step-by-Step Transfer Process

Step 1: Gather and check all documents

Before starting, ensure all documents listed above are ready and valid. This prevents delays and makes the process much smoother. (dubizzle.com)

Step 2: Complete vehicle inspection

Take the vehicle for an RTA-approved inspection to prove it is roadworthy — a requirement for most ownership transfers. (ArabWheels)

Step 3: Clear fines and liabilities

Pay all traffic fines, Salik charges, and settle any loan obligations before applying for the transfer. (ArabWheels)

Step 4: Start the transfer online or at a centre

You can begin the transfer via the Dubai Drive app or RTA website using UAE Pass — or go in person to an RTA Customer Happiness Centre or partner vehicle registration centre. (DubiCars)

Step 5: Seller completes sale and purchase details

The seller enters the buyer’s details and confirms the sale on RTA’s platform. The buyer receives a signing link via SMS/email. (RTA)

Step 6: Buyer signs and pays transfer fee

The buyer signs the Sale and Purchase Agreement digitally and pays the transfer fee to complete the transaction. (RTA)

Step 7: Decide on number plates and documents

Choose whether you want to keep the existing plates or return them to the RTA. Then receive the new registration card in your name. (RTA)

How to Transfer Ownership Online

Use the Dubai Drive app or RTA website

Dubai’s RTA supports online ownership transfers through the Dubai Drive mobile app or the official RTA portal, making the process faster and more convenient than visiting centres. (DubiCars)

Login with UAE Pass

Sign into the system using your UAE Pass, which securely verifies your identity and simplifies form filling. (DubiCars)

Follow digital prompts step-by-step

Once logged in, navigate to “Vehicle Licensing Services” → “Change Ownership” → choose the vehicle → enter buyer details → finalise payment and digital signatures. (DubiCars)

Get confirmations via SMS and email

The system sends confirmations, reminders, and links to both parties via SMS and email to track progress and sign agreements digitally. (RTA)

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Missing or invalid documents

One of the most common issues that delays transfers is missing or expired documents : always verify validity before applying. (ArabWheels)

Ignoring outstanding fines

Transfers will not proceed until all fines (traffic, tolls, etc.) are paid, check and clear these ahead of time. (ArabWheels)

Forgetting insurance in buyer’s name

If the buyer’s insurance is not active at the time of transfer, the RTA will refuse to complete the process. (Excellence Driving)

Not completing vehicle inspection

Many vehicles require a valid technical inspection, skipping this step will block the transfer. (ArabWheels)

FAQ : Transfer Vehicle Ownership in Dubai

How long does the transfer take?

If all documents and obligations are clear, transfers often complete the same day at a centre or within a short period online. (ArabWheels)

Can I keep the number plates?

Yes. In many cases, buyers may retain the existing number plates during the transfer or choose to return them to the RTA. (RTA)
Some number plates are really expensive so if there are not available then RTA will give a random number to the new buyer, unless he also owns a plate number.

Does the seller need to be present?

Both parties should be present or represented by an authorized Power of Attorney if they cannot attend the centre. (DubiCars)

Can ownership transfer be done entirely online?

Yes. The Dubai Drive app and RTA website allow digital transfer without physically visiting the service centre. (DubiCars)

What happens if there are outstanding fines?

Outstanding fines must be settled before the transfer is approved. (ArabWheels)

Do I need a valid inspection?

Yes. A valid technical inspection certificate is usually required for most transfers. (ArabWheels)