How to Transfer Car Registration from Abu Dhabi to Dubai

A car registration transfer between two Emirates is slightly more complex than a transfer within the same Emirate. The transfer is required if you are moving to another Emirate with your car or selling it to a buyer in another Emirate. It has to be done to reflect the new legal liabilities of the car owner. Failure to comply with legal obligations of the process can result in fines and penalties.

Here is a complete guide on how to transfer car registration from Abu Dhabi to Dubai to help you with the process and avoid any inconvenience.

How to Transfer Car Ownership from Abu Dhabi to Dubai

The process of Abu Dhabi to Dubai car registration transfer is slightly different from registering a car bought in the same Emirate. Here are the steps you need to follow:

All outstanding dues should be cleared
Obtain vehicle inspection passing report
Discuss loan and insurance if applicable
Check all documents and paperwork
Visit the RTA licencing centre or Dubai Police headquarters
Fill the forms and pay the fee

Clear Outstanding Traffic Fines

car registration transfer from abu dhabi to dubai — Pay all the traffic fines before you start the car registration transfer process

You must pay all the traffic fines in Abu Dhabi and pending dues before you begin the transfer process.

Obtain a Pass Report UAE

Get your car inspected by a professional to ensure its performance and condition is up to the standard. For this, you need to get a pass report from Tasjeel (government agency). The agency conducts a 50-point inspection of your vehicle to make sure that it is functioning properly This examination costs AED 350.

Transfer Mortgage and Insurance Policy

Mortgaged vehicles are owned by finance companies unless the debt is cleared off. Before you can transfer car registration to another person, the mortgage must be transferred to the new owner via a power of attorney. However, the seller can also choose to pay the loan off in case the buyer doesn’t want it.
Similarly, both parties must decide about the insurance. In some cases, it can be transferred, but in other cases, the buyer needs new insurance. It depends on the terms offered by the original insurance provider.

Check Documents Required for Car Registration Transfer

The following are the documents required for the transfer of ownership that applies to both, the owner and the new buyer.

The owner selling his/her vehicle must have:

Mulkiya – the original vehicle registration card
Original and copy of passport with residence visa
Original Emirates ID
Confirmation of final loan payment, if applicable

The new buyer of the vehicle must have:

UAE driving licence (original and copy)
Insurance certificate (original)
Passport with valid residence visa (original and copy)
Emirates ID

Bank Clearance Documents

The previous owner of the vehicle has to clear loans and other outstanding dues from the bank. If mutually agreed, the seller or previous owner must produce a release letter or no-objection certificate (NOC) from the bank to transfer the outstanding loan to the buyer. It is imperative to check if you require the NOC from the bank, whether you are the buyer or the seller.

Change of Car Ownership

Abu Dhabi car registration transfer — Car ownership transfer is carried out at the registration centres and Abu Dhabi Police HQ

Finally, the last step in our guide of how to transfer car registration from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, is carrying out the ownership transfer at the registration centres. It can be done at the headquarters of Dubai Traffic Police or at the Roads and Transport Authority Dubai (RTA) licencing centre as well. The presence of the current owner and the new buyer is mandatory at the chosen venue to proceed with the registration.

There are primarily two things you (the owner or the seller) are required to do:

The new owner has to fill out the vehicle permit application
Submit the application and required documents

As a part of the process, the authorities will run a check on any outstanding dues payable for the vehicle. After ensuring all of the fines are cleared, the new owner will be required to pay the transfer fee.

Car Registration Transfer Fee

The car registration transfer fee payable by the new owner in Dubai is according to the vehicle type. Here is a complete list of costs to transfer car registration accordingly:

Light vehicle private or public: AED 350
Vehicle between 3 and 12 tonnes: AED 400
Public vehicle between 3 and 12 tonnes: AED 650
Vehicle exceeding 12 tonnes: AED 800
Public vehicle exceeding 12 tonnes: AED 1,000
Light mechanical equipment: AED 500
Public light mechanical equipment: AED 700
Heavy mechanical equipment: AED 800
Public heavy mechanical equipment: AED 1,000
Trailer and semi-trailer: AED 120
Bus with a number of passengers between 14 and 26: AED 300
Bus with a number of passengers exceeding 26: AED 600
Motorcycle: AED 200
Selling agreement: AED 50

Moreover, the total service fee varies as it also depends on the size of the number plate. For instance:

AED 35 for the short plate
AED 50 for the long plate
AED 200 for Dubai branded plates
AED 500 for luxury plates

Besides, for the selling agreement, you are required to pay AED 50, whereas, AED 20 and above is the Knowledge and Innovation fees. Also, AED 200 applies if you don’t have a traffic file in Dubai

DOES HAVING INSURANCE OF VEHICLE A MUST DURING THE TRANSFER PROCESS?

Yes, for registration and/or exporting with number plates insurance of vehicle is must. Whereas, for exporting without number plates, insurance of vehicle is not required.

IS POWER OF ATTORNEY (POA) REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF TRANSFER PROCESS?

If the seller is leaving the country or due to any reason they won’t be available during the transfer process, a POA is required. Power of Attorney can be assigned to any trusted person by the seller who can be present at the time of vehicle transfer process.

Once the above-mentioned processes are complete, the management will print a new Mulkiya (registration card) for the new owner, thereby officially declaring the transfer of registration of the vehicle. Also, make sure you follow all the steps involved of owning a car in Dubai.

FAQs

WHAT ARE THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED DURING THE TRANSFER?

The seller is required to submit their original Emirates ID, Mulkiya – the original vehicle registration card, original and copy of passport with residence visa and confirmation of final loan payment, if applicable.

The buyer is required to submit their original Emirates ID for registration & export inside the country, UAE driving licence (original and copy), insurance certificate (original) and passport with valid residence visa (original and copy).

WHAT IS THE COST OF EXPORT OF VEHICLE INSIDE THE COUNTRY?

The cost of export of vehicle inside the country is AED 520.

With that, we conclude our guide to how to transfer car registration from Abu Dhabi to Dubai. The process of car ownership transfer between Emirates is seamless and streamlined through proper channels. No matter in which Emirate you buy a vehicle make sure to follow the steps and laws defined.

Besides, if you are a buyer and the entire transfer process seems daunting or stressful, then you can buy a used car online in Dubai. You may also find second-hand models of different auto brands on dubizzle that includes the following:

And the list continues. Moreover, sellers may also sell their cars in Abu Dhabi via dubizzle pro. In this way, they may connect with buyers within the same Emirate, ready to pay the best price for their vehicle.

Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on car registration, traffic laws and fines across the UAE.

A Guide to Transfer Car Registration from Abu Dhabi to Dubai