Guide
How to Transfer Car Ownership in Dubai (RTA Process)
Transferring car ownership in Dubai is handled by the RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) and requires both the buyer and seller to be present, with the car cleared of fines and any outstanding loan. Once the paperwork checks out, the transfer itself is usually completed in a single visit to an RTA service centre or an authorised typing/registration centre.
What both parties need
Both the buyer and the seller normally need to attend, or be represented by someone holding a valid power of attorney. Each party brings their Emirates ID, and the seller brings the vehicle's registration card (Mulkiya). If either party is a company, the trade licence and an authorised signatory are needed instead of a personal Emirates ID.
Clearing fines and any outstanding loan
The RTA will not process a transfer while the vehicle has unpaid traffic fines — these need to be settled first. If the car still has a bank loan against it, the bank holds the original Mulkiya and needs to issue a loan clearance letter (or attend to release its interest in the vehicle) before ownership can move to a new owner.
Inspection or testing, where applicable
Depending on the vehicle's registration status and how long it's been since its last test, an RTA vehicle test (sometimes done through Tasjeel or a similar authorised testing centre) may be required before the transfer can proceed. This confirms the vehicle is roadworthy and its details match its registration.
Completing the transfer
With fines cleared, any loan settled, and testing done if required, the actual ownership transfer takes place at an RTA service centre or an authorised vehicle typing/registration centre. Both parties (or their authorised representatives) sign the transfer, and the RTA updates the vehicle's registration to the new owner. Having every document ready before you go is what makes this step quick rather than the start of a second visit.
Plates and new registration
In most cases, the existing number plates stay with the vehicle and a new Mulkiya is issued in the new owner's name. Whether new plates are needed depends on the specific case and any plate-related preferences the new owner has.
Common reasons a transfer gets delayed
Most delays come down to paperwork that isn't ready on the day: unpaid fines discovered at the counter, a loan clearance letter that hasn't been issued yet, an expired registration that needs renewal first, or one party not being able to attend and not having arranged a valid power of attorney in advance. Sorting these out before you go — rather than at the service centre — is what keeps the visit itself quick.
Buyer and seller responsibilities
As the seller, your main job is to make sure the car is legally free to transfer: fines cleared, loan settled or a clearance letter in hand, and your documents ready. As the buyer, you'll usually want to confirm the vehicle's history and condition before the transfer — for example through an inspection — and arrange your own insurance to take effect from the point of transfer, since driving without valid insurance is not permitted.
RTA transfer fees
The RTA publishes the current transfer fees, testing fees, and any related charges — these change from time to time, so check rta.ae for the exact, up-to-date figures rather than relying on an amount you've seen elsewhere.
How Kash My Car handles this for you
If you sell through Kash My Car, you don't need to manage the RTA transfer process yourself. Once you accept our offer, we handle the RTA transfer and required sale documentation — including coordinating any outstanding loan settlement — and payment is completed at the time of sale. You still bring your Emirates ID, Mulkiya, and spare key; we take it from there.
Selling instead of transferring privately?
Get a free online valuation and let us handle the RTA paperwork as part of the sale.
Selling from outside Dubai? See Sell My Car in the UAE.
Last reviewed: September 2026