UAE car procedure · 7-step guide

How to transfer car ownership at RTA in the UAE

Ownership transfer is the legal hand-off that ends your liability and begins the buyer's. It takes 30–45 minutes at any RTA service centre when both parties show up prepared — and a full afternoon when they don't. Here's the checklist that gets you out in one trip.

1. 1

   Clear Salik and traffic fines

   Outstanding Salik balance and unpaid fines block transfer. Settle both on the RTA app or website the day before. Print or screenshot the zero-balance confirmation — RTA staff sometimes ask.

2. 2

   Renew RTA passing certificate if expiring

   Cars 3+ years old need a valid RTA passing certificate to transfer. If yours expires within 14 days of the transfer date, renew before. Costs ~AED 170 + AED 100 if you fail and need a retest.

   Watch out. RTA will let an expired-by-1-day certificate sneak through some staff but not others. Don't gamble — renew.

3. 3

   Buyer activates insurance

   The buyer must have an active comprehensive UAE policy before transfer — RTA will not stamp the change without it. Most insurers can issue cover within an hour by phone or app once the chassis number is shared.

4. 4

   Both parties arrive at RTA or a typing centre

   Any RTA Customer Happiness Centre or RTA-approved typing centre (Tamm, Tas'heel) handles transfers. Bring Emirates IDs, mulkiya, valid passing certificate, and the buyer's insurance details.

   Tip. Typing centres outside peak hours (10am–noon, 2–4pm) process transfers in under 20 minutes; RTA centres can run 60+ in peak traffic.

5. 5

   Submit the transfer form and pay fees

   Staff fills the form; both parties confirm details and sign. Fees: AED 350 transfer + AED 50 plate fee + AED 10 knowledge fee. Pay by card or cash.

6. 6

   Receive the new mulkiya in the buyer's name

   RTA prints the updated mulkiya on the spot. The buyer leaves with the new card; the seller's name is removed from the system the same minute.

7. 7

   Update the Salik tag account

   The physical Salik tag stays on the windscreen, but the linked account belongs to the previous owner. The new owner needs to register the tag against their account on the Salik app within 7 days, or future tolls will hit the seller's balance.

   Watch out. If the buyer doesn't update Salik, the seller keeps receiving toll charges. A quick Salik app handoff is the simplest fix.