Whether you’re moving from Abu Dhabi to Dubai or selling your car to a buyer there, transferring the vehicle registration is a mandatory requirement under UAE law.. The process ensures your car’s records, insurance and registration align with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) system. It’s also crucial for avoiding complications with renewals, fines or inspections later on.
Why is the Transfer Necessary?
When relocating or selling a car across the Emirates, the vehicle’s registration must be updated to reflect its new jurisdiction. Driving a car registered in Abu Dhabi while living in Dubai can cause issues with annual testing, insurance renewals and fine payments. Similarly, if you sell your car to a buyer in Dubai, it cannot be legally registered or insured in their name until the vehicle file is officially transferred.
How to Transfer Car Registration From Abu Dhabi to Dubai
Here is the complete process for car registration transfer from Abu Dhabi to Dubai:
Step 1: Clear All Fines and Financial Dues
The first step to transfer car registration from Abu Dhabi to Dubai is to check if the vehicle has no pending payments or legal issues.
- Traffic Fines: Pay all outstanding fines through the Abu Dhabi Police, TAMM or MOI UAE app. The transfer will not be approved unless the owner’s record is clear.
- Salik and Toll Charges: Settle all remaining toll amounts before initiating the process.
- Vehicle Loan Clearance: If the car is financed, clear any remaining payments and obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or release letter from the bank confirming the loan is paid off.
Moreover, you’ll only be able to proceed once all dues are cleared from the Abu Dhabi system.
Step 2: Apply for Vehicle File Transfer
Once the record is clear, you can transfer your vehicle file from Abu Dhabi to Dubai. This step applies both if you’re moving or selling. To get started, log in to the TAMM or MOI UAE app. The process for both channels is as follows:
Via MOI:
- Apply through the MOI UAE app or website, selecting “Transfer Vehicle File within UAE.” Enter the required vehicle and owner details.
- Pay the applicable transfer fee through the MOI’s payment portal.
- Once payment is complete, receive your Vehicle Transfer Certificate, confirming the file has been moved from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, ready for RTA registration.
Via TAMM:
- Access the service through the TAMM website or app using your UAE PASS credentials, or visit the nearest TAMM Customer Happiness Centre.
- Complete the vehicle transfer form and provide all required documents, which only include the Emirates ID.
- Pay the applicable vehicle transfer fees securely through TAMM’s online payment system or at the service centre.
- After approval, you’ll receive a digital confirmation and updated vehicle registration card through TAMM.
This certificate confirms that the car’s file has been officially moved to Dubai’s RTA system, allowing the next stage of registration to begin.
Step 3: Pay the Transfer Fees
The fee structure for the vehicle registration transfer is as follows:
MOI Vehicle Transfer Fees
- Private Light Vehicle: AED 350
- Public Light Vehicle: AED 350
- Private Vehicle (3–12 tons): AED 400
- Public Vehicle (3–12 tons): AED 650
- Private Vehicle (over 12 tons): AED 800
- Public Vehicle (over 12 tons): AED 1,000
- Private Light Mechanical Equipment: AED 500
- Public Light Mechanical Equipment: AED 700
- Private Heavy Mechanical Equipment: AED 800
- Public Heavy Mechanical Equipment: AED 1,000
- Private Trailer/Semi-Trailer: AED 120
- Public Trailer/Semi-Trailer: AED 220
- Private Bus (14–26 passengers): AED 300
- Public Bus (14–26 passengers): AED 400
- Private Bus (more than 26 passengers): AED 600
- Private Motorcycle: AED 200
- Public Motorcycle: AED 400
Local Dubai Fees:
- Knowledge Fee: AED 10
- Innovation Fee: AED 10
TAMM Vehicle Transfer Fees
- Private Light Vehicle: AED 350
- Public Light Vehicle: AED 350
- Private Freight (3–12 tons): AED 400
- Public Freight (3–12 tons): AED 650
- Private Freight (over 12 tons): AED 800
- Public Freight (over 12 tons): AED 1,000
- Private Light Mechanical Machinery: AED 500
- Public Light Mechanical Machinery: AED 700
- Private Heavy Mechanical Equipment: AED 80
- Public Heavy Mechanical Equipment: AED 1,000
- Private Bus (less than 27 passengers): AED 300
- Public Bus (less than 27 passengers): AED 400
- Private Bus (more than 27 passengers): AED 600
- Private Motorcycle: AED 200
- Public Motorcycle: AED 400
Step 4: Transport the Vehicle to Dubai
After deregistration in Abu Dhabi, the vehicle cannot legally be driven until it’s registered again in Dubai.
- Use a flatbed or recovery truck to move the car safely.
- Keep the transfer certificate and Emirates ID handy for verification.
Step 5: Obtain a New Dubai-Based Insurance Policy
To register a vehicle under the Dubai RTA, acquire a valid insurance policy based in Dubai.
- If you’re moving, purchase a new insurance plan using your updated address.
- If you’re selling, the buyer must get their own insurance policy under their name.
The insurance must be electronically linked to the car’s chassis number in the RTA database. Without this, registration will not proceed.
Step 6: Get the Vehicle Inspected in Dubai
An RTA-approved inspection is mandatory to ensure your vehicle meets safety standards. If your registration in Abu Dhabi is still valid, you don’t need to repeat the inspection there. Simply proceed with the RTA inspection in Dubai after file transfer.
However, if it’s not, then visit one of the following RTA-approved vehicle testing centres:
- Tasjeel
- Shamil
- Wasel
- Emirates Vehicle Gate (EVG) partner locations
The inspection fee for different vehicles is as follows:
- Light vehicle / light bus: AED 150
- Heavy vehicle / heavy bus: AED 200
- Motorcycle: AED 150
- Quad bike: AED 100
- Light mechanical equipment: AED 150
- Heavy mechanical equipment: AED 200
- Trailer and semi-trailer: AED 150
- Classical vehicle: AED 420
- Export technical inspection: AED 100
- Chassis number engraving: AED 150
- Re-inspection of trailer and semi-trailer: AED 100
- Re-inspection of a light vehicle / light bus/motorcycle: AED 50
- Re-inspection of heavy vehicle / heavy bus: AED 75
- Knowledge and Innovation fees: AED +20
Step 7: Register the Vehicle Under Dubai RTA
Once the car has passed inspection and is insured, you can complete the registration at an RTA Customer Happiness Centre.
For Those Moving to Dubai:
You’ll register the vehicle under your own name with new Dubai number plates and registration.
For Those Selling the Vehicle:
Both the buyer and seller must be present to complete the transfer of car ownership between emirates. To complete the process, they must have the following documents:
- Emirates ID (original for both parties)
- Vehicle Transfer Certificate
- Bank clearance letter (if financed)
- RTA technical inspection report
- Valid insurance policy (Dubai-based)
- Existing Mulkiya (vehicle registration card)
Moreover, the RTA transfer and registration fee usually totals AED 350 and plate fees apply if new number plates are required. After successful processing, you’ll receive a new registration card (Mulkiya) and Dubai number plates.
Step 8: Verify and Complete the Process
Once you receive your new registration, check all details for accuracy, including your name, chassis number and plate number. Any errors must be reported immediately to the RTA for correction. Keep copies of the transfer certificate and old registration for record purposes.
How Long Does It Take?
The entire transfer process to transfer car registration from Abu Dhabi to Dubai takes 1 to 3 working days, provided there are no pending fines or documentation issues. However, scheduling the inspection and obtaining new insurance may add a day or two, depending on availability.
Important Tips
Here are some important tips to transfer car registration from Abu Dhabi to Dubai:
- Avoid driving the vehicle between Emirates without a valid registration or insurance.
- Always verify the latest RTA and TAMM requirements online before visiting a centre.
- If moving long-term, update the Emirates ID address to match the Dubai residence for future renewals.
- Keep the electronic documents stored safely; both RTA and TAMM allow digital verification during renewals.
FAQs
Can I register my car in Dubai with an Abu Dhabi visa?
Yes, you can register your car in Dubai with an Abu Dhabi visa, provided you have a valid UAE residence visa and address in Dubai for insurance and registration purposes.
How to cancel vehicle registration in Abu Dhabi?
You can cancel your vehicle registration in Abu Dhabi through the TAMM platform or by visiting the Abu Dhabi Police Vehicle Licensing Department.
Do I need to clear fines or loans before transferring registration from Abu Dhabi to Dubai?
Yes, all outstanding traffic fines and vehicle loans must be cleared to transfer vehicle registration from Abu Dhabi to Dubai.
The process to transfer car registration from Abu Dhabi to Dubai is straightforward when you follow the proper steps and prepare all documents in advance. Whether you’re moving cities or selling your vehicle to a Dubai resident, completing the transfer ensures compliance with UAE road laws and prevents potential insurance issues or fines later.
Besides, if you are a buyer and the entire transfer process seems daunting or stressful, then you can buy a new car in Dubai online. These listings offer a myriad of choices under different budgets.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on car registration, traffic laws and fines across the country.
Related Posts
