Selling a car in Dubai can be quick and straightforward if you know the exact fees, required documents, and legal steps involved. Whether you are going through a private sale or working with a dealership, being prepared will help you avoid delays and unexpected costs. Here is a complete guide to the fees, step-by-step process, and expert tips that can help you sell your car smoothly and at the best value.
The transfer fee depends on the type of vehicle. For example, a private light vehicle costs 350 AED to transfer, while a motorcycle transfer is 200 AED. Heavy private vehicles over 12 tons cost 800 AED, and public ones cost 1000 AED. Additional costs may include the sale contract fee (50 AED), license plate options ranging from 35 AED for a short plate to 500 AED for a luxury plate, and a 20 AED knowledge and innovation fee. You may also need to pay for a technical inspection, insurance renewal, or settling outstanding fines before finalizing the sale.
The process begins with preparing your documents, including a valid Emirates ID for both buyer and seller, the Mulkiya (vehicle registration card), valid insurance under the buyer’s name, and a technical inspection report for cars older than three years. If applicable, you also need a No Objection Certificate from the bank. Once the vehicle passes inspection, both parties sign the sale contract. Fees are then paid at an RTA customer happiness center, and the buyer receives the new Mulkiya. In many cases, the process can be completed in under an hour if all paperwork is ready.
Maximize your sale price by checking your car’s market value on trusted platforms before listing it. Keep your car clean, well-maintained, and photograph it in good lighting to attract serious buyers. Meeting at approved service centers ensures safe transactions. Settle all traffic fines in advance and confirm that the buyer has valid insurance before the transfer. Always keep a copy of the sale contract for legal protection.
Frequently asked questions include whether you can sell a financed car (yes, with a bank NOC and loan settlement), if you can transfer ownership with fines (no, fines must be cleared first), and whether someone else can complete the process on your behalf (yes, with a notarized Power of Attorney). Sellers also ask about selling to buyers from other emirates, which requires canceling the Dubai registration and obtaining an export certificate before re-registration elsewhere.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.
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