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How To Transfer Car Ownership In Abu Dhabi- A Beginner’s Guide

transfer car ownership in abu dhabi

Selling your car is one thing; ensuring that the ownership transfer occurs smoothly is a very different story. If you’ve ever wondered how to transfer car ownership in the UAE, you’ve come to the perfect spot.

Do you know why it matters? What if you could sell your car without worrying about paperwork, long queues, and red tape? That’s what we all want, right? An easy, hassle-free experience.

We have a step-by-step guide on how to transfer car ownership in Abu dhabi that will guide you through the whole process of transferring ownership of your car to us in UAE.

Read our informative guide on Tips for fixing Leaks in Your Car’s AC System.

What are the Points to Remember While Transferring Car Ownership?

The seller, as well as the buyer have to consider certain conditions before initiating the transfer of vehicle ownership.

A mutual agreement must be reached between the seller and the buyer during the transfer process, especially when it’s their first time transferring ownership.

During the car ownership transfer process in Abu Dhabi, make sure your car insurance is valid for at least 13 months.

Step By Step Process To Transfer The Car Ownership

Clear All Your Salik or Traffic Fines 

Have you ever heard that pending fines can hinder the transfer of your vehicle registration? Car plate numbers shouldn’t have any fines attached to them. It is for this reason that you must clear all unpaid dues before even considering selling your car. Hence, if you haven’t cleared them yet, do so at a nearby police station. It is also possible to clear your fines online.

Vehicle Testing

RTA vehicle tests must be passed before a vehicle can be transferred to a new owner. A RTA test certificate that states “Pass” or “Fail” is issued after the vehicle test is taken.

Test certificates list all vehicle problems that need to be fixed if a vehicle fails a test. Therefore, it is wise to have the vehicle tested before putting it up for sale.

Vehicle Testing

Submit Required Documents

Several legal documents are required to transfer vehicle ownership, so you’ll want to make sure they’re in order. Make sure you have your Emirates ID and passport with you. Your identity must be verified.

The original vehicle registration card (mukhiya) is another essential document. This document can be used to prove ownership of a vehicle. You will also need your insurance papers and driver’s license. If you are a diplomat transferring vehicles, you’ll also need a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Some documents need to be submitted by the new owner. You will need a copy of their passport and their Emirates ID if you are selling to a resident. In the event that a diplomat purchases your vehicle, be sure to obtain a copy of their diplomatic card and a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is a good idea to bring a police report if you have lost one or both of your license plates.

Get the Vehicle Transfer Certificate

After submitting the relevant paperwork, you must pay the service fee and pass over the car number plate to the center. You will then obtain an electronic ‘Vehicle Transfer Certificate’ via SMS and email. The process will take approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

Registering the New Car

If the transfer of ownership occurs within Abu dhabi, it can be completed in the city. In case you are moving an automobile from Abu Dhabi to another emirate, the vehicle must be carried by recovery truck to the new emirate. The cost of transferring a vehicle between emirates might be Dh500.

Car Owner Transfer Fee

The car ownership transfer fee depends on the weight of the vehicle:

  • Private or public light vehicles: AED 350 (around $95).
  • Private vehicles weighing between 3-12 tonnes: AED 400 (around $108).
  • Public vehicles weighing between 3-12 tonnes: AED 650 (around $176).
  • Private vehicles exceeding a weight of 12 tonnes: AED 800 (around $217).

In addition to the transfer fee, there are also a few other fees that the buyer will need to pay, such as:

  • Vehicle plate fee: This fee varies depending on the type of plate that the buyer wants. For example, a short plate costs AED 35, a long plate costs AED 50, and a luxury plate costs AED 500.
  • Knowledge and Innovation fee: This fee is AED 20.
  • Selling agreement fee: This fee is AED 50.

How To Transfer Car Ownership Between Emirates?

Transferring ownership of a car from one emirate to another is a question that is asked frequently. It is slightly different if the old and new vehicle owners are from different emirates.

When transferring a car from another emirate to Abu Dhabi, the following requirements must be met:

  • In order to export the vehicle, it must be deregistered in the city in which it was registered, followed by export registration.
  • It is illegal to drive an unregistered car without number plates in the other emirate, so the car must be transported on a recovery truck.

Can I Change Vehicle Ownership Online?

Transferring the ownership can be done online through the Roads & Transports Authority (RTA) website.

Log in to the Roads & Transports Authority (RTA) website to transfer ownership online. You will need to select “Change of Vehicle Ownership” from the list of services once you have logged in. In the next step, you will need to enter the vehicle details, including the VIN number, as well as the details of the buyer. Following submission of this information, you can pay the fee and print the ownership transfer forms.

How To Renew Your Vehicle’s Ownership?

The process of renewing the ownership of your vehicle is straightforward. You need to follow these steps:

  • Obtain a Vehicle Technical Inspection (VTI) certificate from a reputable testing agency. The renewal procedure cannot begin until this certificate has been received and has been valid for 30 days.
  • If you still owe fines for the car, for example, traffic tickets or parking fines, you should pay them.
  • You will need to provide the appropriate documentation, such as a valid Emirates ID, a valid driver’s license, and the original registration card for your vehicle.
  • You will need to pay the renewal cost, which depends on the type of vehicle and the length of the renewal.
  • As soon as all documentation and payments are received, a new registration card will be issued for the car.

FAQs

What is the procedure for purchasing a number plate?

It is necessary to visit an RTA customer service center or an authorized plate dealer, choose an available number plate, fill out the necessary forms, and make the payment to complete the purchase process.

If I want to check the transfer status of my registration certificate, how can I do that?

Once you sell your vehicle, you should check to see if the registration certificate has been transferred. This is because you are still legally responsible for the car. You can check the status of a transfer via SMS or a website. 

When selling a car in Abu Dhabi, who pays the transfer fees?

When a car is sold, the buyer usually pays the transfer fees. A car sale transaction must, however, be carefully negotiated between the buyer and seller in order to clarify payment terms.

Can I get a replacement vehicle registration card if I lose it?

You can obtain a replacement registration card by presenting your Emirates ID and proof of ownership at the relevant authority service center. You will have to pay a replacement fee.

Where can we find information about vehicles?

RTA of Abu Dhabi’s iOS and Android apps permit you to check the status of your car, fines, the company that insures your car, and the status of your car loan (mortgage) using your phone.

Is it possible to transfer a vehicle on behalf of someone else?

You can transfer a vehicle on behalf of someone if you have a Power of Attorney along with a copy of the person’s Emirates ID and driving license.

Conclusion

Residents in the UAE have been provided with more convenient and seamless legal procedures thanks to the UAE Government and relevant authorities. Transferring ownership and registering a vehicle does not require a lot of time if all of the necessary documents are in place. Abu Dhabi also offer online car registration renewals. Technology plays a major role in streamlining and automating many parts of the process, making it easier for residents to complete various formalities. If your vehicle is in need of repair or maintenance, contact Al Zaabi Autocare, a trusted car repair service provider in Abu Dhabi. Our experienced technicians and state-of-the-art facilities ensure top-quality service and customer satisfaction. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for all your car care needs.