New Guidelines for Selling or Transferring Cars in the UAE 2025

Dubai: Most car owners in the UAE encounter the need to sell or transfer a car at some point in their ownership journey. For many years, this process was not only time-consuming but also a big hassle, and there was hardly any choice but to endure this hardship. But that is no longer the scenario in 2025, as selling or transferring a car has become extremely simple and a much easier process. Thanks to the end-to-end digitalisation.

Everything Digital

This is indeed the case of modern times when it comes to dealing with legal papers and documents of vehicles. Perhaps the most vital shift as almost everything is now online. That means nobody needs to visit the RTA office, carry loads of paperwork, ensure everything is in order and then deal with bureaucrats.

Both buyer and seller can start the transfer process using the RTA's mobile app or website, remotely from the comfort of their home. The only thing you need to be personally present for is the biometric verification to confirm who you identity.

This is not just simple, but it saves a tremendous amount of time and effort. It is hard to believe that a few years ago, the average time to sell a car in Dubai was 23 days. Now, if you follow the process properly online, the entire process can be over within a week. This is such a huge deal for everyone dealing with such issues, and life is so simple.

Keep the record straight

The next important step in the process of selling your car is not just listing it on an app or platform. You need to make sure the car is free from any obligation, financial or otherwise. Simply put, it must be clear from all the claims that include any traffic fines against your car; if yes, you need to settle it before you sell. Likewise, if Salik tolls and outstanding registration fees. All of it, and if there's anything left unpaid, the RTA will flag it. The transfer won't happen.

However, it is fairly easy to check online if your car has any current outstanding fines through the MOI UAE website. It takes five minutes to check, and if there is anything, you can pay immediately. There are chances that some dealers now help you verify and settle fines on the spot.

Outstanding Loan

If you decide to sell your car before actually paying off the loan against it, then, naturally, you won’t be able to go ahead with any transaction. Because until the loan is outstanding, the car is technically owned by the bank. You can't transfer ownership until the loan is cleared; there are no other options that clear the loan.

Once you're paid off, secure a clearance letter from your bank confirming the loan is fully paid. Without it, the RTA won't let the transfer proceed.

If, for some reason, you can't pay the full loan, there is a way out. Some allow you to transfer the loan to the new buyer, but this is rare and complicated; it is recommended to just pay off before you sell.

Secure technical inspection

Your car needs to pass an RTA technical inspection; this is waived off in case you decide to sell it to a car-buying service. If you need to get the inspection done by yourself, it is recommended to visit an approved testing centre like DEKRA, Tasjeel, Shamil, Wasel, or Mumayaz.

Once you secure the inspection certificate, it is valid for 30 days. Therefore, it is necessary to plan things better, not too early, but at the time of sale. If the inspection expires before the transfer is complete, you'll need to get tested again and pay the fee twice. If the car fails the test, you have 30 days to fix it and retest, and remember repairs cost money, so factor that in.

The important papers

Both buyer and seller need to bring specific papers. Missing even one and you'll be sent home.

The Seller Needs:

• The original Mulkiya is a vehicle registration card. If it's expired, renew it first.
• Emirates ID
• Passport with a valid residence visa
• If there's a loan, the bank clearance letter

The Buyer Needs:

• Valid UAE driving licence
• Insurance certificate in the buyer's name
• Passport with a valid residence visa
• Emirates ID

Also, it is compulsory for the buyer and seller to be present at the service centre. There are no exceptions, and you can't have someone on your behalf unless you've gone through the courts to grant power of attorney, and honestly, that's more hassle than it's worth. If a company is buying the car, bring a trade license copy, company stamp, and authorisation letter on the company letterhead.

Insurance is important

Car insurance tripped up 34% of transfer requests in 2024; it is better to avoid it. The buyer needs a valid insurance certificate in their name before the transfer. The insurance must have at least 30 days of coverage remaining. This is non-negotiable.

If you're the seller and you have valid insurance with seven months or more left on the policy, you can transfer it to the new buyer. But not all insurance companies offer a facility, and it is better to check with your service provider. If you can't transfer, cancel your policy and request a refund for the unused portion. You'll need at least seven months remaining to qualify for the refund. Get a copy of the cancellation for the RTA.

Here's the actual step-by-step to get it done

Step Number	Process	Details
Step 1	Pre-Inspection Online	Check for outstanding fines, loans, or violations via MOI portal or traffic app. Book appointments online to avoid wait times.
Step 2	Technical Inspection	Visit approved testing centre; inspection takes 30-45 minutes; cost AED 150-300.
Step 3	Complete Transfer Form	Fill and sign the Transfer of Ownership Authorisation Form available online or at service centre. Errors delay transfer.
Step 4	Visit Service Centre Together	Buyer and seller must appear with all required documents. Submit documents at the registration desk. Verify details carefully.
Step 5	Biometric Verification and Payment	Fingerprint scan for both parties; buyer pays transfer fee (AED 350-850); payment by card, takes 5 minutes.
Step 6	Receive New Registration Card	New Mulkiya printed with the buyer's name. Seller receives confirmation; notify insurance and finance companies.

 

Special Situations

Selling to a family member in another Emirate is not a complicated process. You just need to deregister the car in your current emirate first, and clear all fines and loans. Get the technical inspection. Then the buyer re-registers it in their emirate. The process is the same, just different paperwork for different authorities.

Selling an Imported Car

If the car was imported from outside the UAE, it's classified as GCC spec or non-GCC spec. During the transfer, provide the original import papers; the transfer itself follows the same process as any other car.

Car still has outstanding modifications

If you've modified the car, let's say different engine parts, bumpers, anything not original, report these and submit aftermarket part certificates from authorised dealers. Failing to declare modifications can result in fines exceeding AED 3,000, and the RTA checks for this.

Selling through a dealer

Some licensed dealerships buy used cars directly, and here you don’t get involved in anything at all. The dealer handles most paperwork, but expects lower offers than in a private sale. The process is faster, though some dealers close sales within 20 minutes. The dealership pays you. You confirm the ownership transfer. That's about it. You don’t need to attend RTA if the dealer handles it, but you do need to sign off on the transfer authorisation.

Know the repercussions 

You must be aware of the repercussions if you don't transfer ownership. It is not really a great situation to be in. If you sell a car and don't complete the ownership transfer, you remain legally responsible.

Future traffic tickets, Salik tolls are all your responsibility. Same with any accidents, your liability and just in case any criminal activity involving the vehicle, you could be implicated. And if you're caught without completing the transfer, the fine is AED 3,000. Flat. No negotiation. If you're leaving the UAE permanently and don't sell your car before cancelling your visa, the car can accumulate fines or be impounded.

What You'll Pay

The transfer fee is AED 350-850, based on your Emirate and vehicle type. This is fixed and goes to the traffic authority. If you want to keep your current plate number, there's an additional fee of AED 100-500, depending on whether it's a special plate. Technical inspection is AED 150-300 at the testing centre. If selling through online platforms like Dubizzle or OpenSooq, some charge a 3% transaction fee, you must consider that into your pricing.

Timing matters, and so you can do this faster now. An average time in 2025 for a private sale is seven working days if everything is prepared and you have an appointment. If you're missing documents or have outstanding fines, add 2-3 weeks. Whereas selling through a dealership takes anywhere between 1-3 day.

Conclusion 

Selling or transferring a car in 2025 is remarkably simpler than it used to be. The digital process works seamlessly, and the fees are reasonable. The key is being organised beforehand will save you a lot of time, effort and simplify the entire process.