Car ownership transfer is mandatory when buying or selling a used car and failure to comply will result in a fine of AED 3,000. When it comes to transferring the ownership of cars between emirates, there are a few things you need to consider and driving rules in the UAE to follow. Here is a detailed guide to help you along the process of car ownership transfer between emirates.
Requirements of Car Ownership Transfer between Emirates
When you sell a vehicle that is registered in one emirate to a buyer in another emirate, the transfer process commences according to the legal responsibilities of the new owner. Failure to comply with the rules can result in fines and penalties. In the worst-case scenario, the previous owner may end up facing disciplinary action.
Usually, car ownership transfer is required when you buy or sell a car. For instance here is how to transfer car ownership in Dubai. That said, it is also mandatory if you are leaving the country and a friend or relative will be using your car. With fines and legalities surrounding the process, knowing the requirements to transfer car ownership is imperative.
1. Outstanding Traffic Fines Payment
To ensure a smooth transfer process, the seller should clear all Salik and traffic fines before handing the car over to the other party. The process may vary depending on the emirate the car is currently registered in:
- The Dubai Police traffic fines payment portal or the RTA website for any fines issued in Dubai
- Abu Dhabi Police portal for fines issued in Abu Dhabi
- Sharjah Road and Transport Authority will collect the fines registered in Sharjah
- If the fine is issued in any other Emirate, visit the Ministry of Interior website
2. Insurance Transfer
A car insurance policy should either be terminated or transferred to the new buyer if the said policy is transferable. In case it has expired or cannot be transferred, the new owner will have to get a new auto insurance policy.
Buyers can clear the finances via banks as well. For instance, Emirates NBD bank offers a financing solution called AutoSwap, which eliminates the hassle of settling the existing loan.
3. Get a Pass Report
Finally, get your vehicle professionally inspected to ensure it is ready to hit the roads. This can be done by getting a pass report from Tasjeel, a government agency. They conduct a 50-point examination for AED 350 to ensure the vehicle is mechanically and cosmetically sound. However, dubizzle SellerAssist provides a more detailed 240-point analysis confirming the perfect condition of the vehicle. Other features offered include a detailed report indicating if the car is in good shape, mentioning the vehicle owner record and car’s insurance history.
4. Documents Required
For a successful transfer of automobile ownership, both the current owner and the buyer should have certain documents.
The current owner of the car must own the following documents:
- Original Emirates ID
- Mulkiya (the original vehicle registration card)
- Original and a copy of passport with residence visa
- In the case of a car loan, the final loan payment confirmation
- If the car loan is not paid completely, then an NOC from the bank
- Technical inspection certificate of the vehicle
The buyer or the new owner needs to show the following documents:
- Emirates ID
- Original and a copy of UAE driving licence
- Original and a copy of passport
- Residence Visa (for non-GCC expats)
- Insurance certificate ( it should be terminated or transferred to the buyer)
5. Car Number Plates
While the buyer retains the number plates in most cases, the seller also has the option to keep the plates. Surprisingly, many people wish to retain the same number plate because of using it for a long time or in case it is a distinguished number plate.
However, there are certain rules about the retention of number plates. In the latter case, an owner’s certificate issued by RTA will be required and new plates will be issued for the vehicle.
If you want a different number plate for any reason or just for a change, check out these number plates for sale.
Transfer Car Ownership to a Registration Centre
Vehicle registration transfers are done either at the Traffic Police HQ of the Emirate the car is being transferred from or a licensing centre of the same Emirate. The registration process will begin in the presence of both parties at the venue of their choice.
The two main steps of the registration process are:
- A vehicle permit application to be filled for the buyer/new owner
- Submission of the required documents and the permit application at the registration desk
Now your job is done and the authorities will take the matter from there. They will check if there are any outstanding fines, which the previous owner will have to pay for the transfer to continue. After the clearance, the new owner will need to pay a transfer fee. The fee for a light vehicle is AED 350 and it varies further depending on the weight of the car. Moreover, an additional AED 20 is charged as Knowledge and Innovation fees while the selling agreement is for AED 50.
Once all these steps are taken care of, the authorities will verify all the information and print a new registration card, a Mulkiya, under the new owner’s name. For Dubai residents, here is a list of all the vehicle testing centres in the emirate.
This concludes our guide on how to transfer car ownership between emirates. If you don’t want to go through this process, you can always buy a used car in your emirate.
Stay tuned to the region’s best auto blog for more on car market trends, rules & regulations, maintenance and more.
Related Posts
