Buying a used car from other emirates? How to transfer ownership

You can transfer the ownership of your car in a day.

By Compiled by Anita Iyer

Published: Thu 3 Aug 2017, 2:04 PM

Last updated: Thu 3 Aug 2017, 4:42 PM

There is no dearth of used cars in the UAE. Opting for a pre-owned car over a new model will leave many more dirhams in your bank account.
Plus, transferring the ownership of your car is hassle free if you follow the instructions shared by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). It is a one-day procedure if the required documents are in place and both the parties present.
But what if you need to transfer your second-hand car from another emirate? Would the procedure of transferring ownership change? Read our story to know more -

1. Paying off all Salik and traffic fines

No transfer of registration procedure can take place without clearance of all pending salik and traffic fines. The seller can clear the fines at any Dubai police station or on their website.
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2. Getting the papers ready

To avoid multiple trips to the registration centre, put together all the required documents before heading there. Documents required:
1. Identification documents (Emirates ID or passport and driver's license) of buyer and seller
2. Vehicle registration card
2. New car insurance contract in the name of the new buyer
3. The car's current registration card.
4. Valid residence visa
5. Car insurance in the name of the new buyer
6. Inspection certificate.

3. Transfer of mortgage

If the car is still under mortgage, the real owner is the finance company. If the mortgage is getting transferred, the seller has to give a power of attorney, transferring the car to the new buyer. Also, get the car's status verified through an RTA inspection before agreeing to pay off the loan. The mortgage has to electronically updated by the bank.
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4. Pass report

You might like the look and feel of the car but it is necessary to get a car test or technical inspection done before transferring the owernship. For getting a 'pass' report, just head to any Shamil centres in your area and it will be done in less than 30 minutes. The pass report would cost you Dh140. If the new buyer wants to change the registration number, the old registration number plate can be removed.
Check the list of Shamil centre's on this link.
Visit RTA website for more details.

5. Registering the new car

After the new insurance is in place, the buyer and seller can proceed with registering the car in the name of the new owner for Dh340. If the transfer of ownership is within Dubai, it can be done in the city. If you are transferring car from Dubai to another emirates, the car needs to be transported by recovery truck to the new emirate. With no number plate, you cannot drive the vehicle yourself to another emirate. The cost of transferring the vehicle between the emirates could cost you Dh500.
anita@khaleejtimes.com