How can I transfer ownership of a car in the UAE?

After you Scout your car and agree to buy or sell a used car in UAE, it is time to transfer the car's registration from one owner to another. Many people have come across occasions when they wanted to buy or sell a used car and did not know how to go about the registration transfer procedure.

The requirements for transferring ownership of a car differ across the UAE, but the process always begins with a main step, which is a trip to the licensing department.

To help you get the job done easily and smoothly, we have prepared some details about the process of transferring ownership of a car in the UAE.

Ownership transferring process

After going to the registration department in Abu Dhabi or Dubai, the traffic authorities require both parties –buyer and seller- be present with a completed application form. Don't forget to check for any unpaid tickets for traffic violations. All pending dues must be cleared.

After that, you will have to provide all the right documents. The following documents are mandatory for the transfer and they are most essential to initiate the proceedings:

• Copy of passport

• Copy of driving license

• Vehicle registration card

• Insurance policy in the new owner's name

• Original license plates

• Technical inspection certificate

• Non objection letter from your bank (If there is an outstanding loan on the vehicle)

Once you get all documents ready, the procedure is pretty much straightforward.

1.To transfer your car ownership in Dubai, get the car testing done in Dubai traffic department Or Tasjeel, EPPCO, Emarat, Shamil or Wasel Car Testing

2. You then fill the form and pay the required fee amount. After that, you put the new plates on your car

3. You mail a copy of the registration card to your finance and insurance company

While these things are made manually, note that Scoutmycar will soon have features that will make it easy for you.

Costs in Dubai are:

New number plates - AED 430 for new number plates

Registration - < AED 400

Costs in Abu Dhabi are:

For lights vehicles - AED 200

For vehicles heavier than 3 tonnes but less than 12 tonnes - AED 305

Vehicle registration transfer and renewal - AED 305

If you would like to transfer your car registration between Emirates, the car will first be de-registered from one emirate and marked as “for export” to another Emirate.

You can then register the car under your name in the Emirate where you live in, following the car testing process and the new registration request.

Soon Carmudi and Scoutmycar will make this process smooth!