Transferring a used car can be a long and difficult process, especially if you are buying a car in one Emirate and registering it in another (e.g., buying from Dubai and registering in Abu Dhabi). No one wants to waste their days waiting at the RTA due to minor oversights like not taking along all the necessary documents. The experts at CarSwitch have put together this handy checklist to help you get the transfer done the first time around. This applies in cases where the used cars for sale in Dubai, UAE are not financed and are being purchased using cash.
- Make your car ready for transfer: To make the process of transferring the car quick and smooth, sellers need to avoid common hurdles such as:
- Outstanding fines: You won’t be able to transfer your used car if there are any outstanding fines. You can call RTA at 8009090 to enquire about outstanding fines and clear them. Some traffic violations will require a visit to the Emirate where the violation took place!
- Outstanding car loans: You should clear your loan at least a couple of weeks before transferring the car as banks require a few working days to electronically file loan clearance with the RTA.
- Bring along all the required documents: Make sure that you and the seller bring along all the required documents to the RTA. These include original and copies of the following documents:
- Passport and resident visa (buyer and seller)
- Emirates ID (buyer and seller)
- Car’s registration card / mulkiya (seller only)
- Car insurance (buyer only)
- Driver’s license (buyer only)
- Agree on a time and RTA location: To avoid unnecessary inconvenience, get in touch with the seller in advance to finalize a suitable time and RTA location in the Emirate where the car is currently registered.
- Prepare for the handover: The car will be inspected for export at the RTA. After the car passes RTA’s inspection, its ownership will be transferred to the buyer and the seller will be asked to hand over the license plates to the RTA. In addition, sellers should remove their Salik tag from the car and keep it. At this point, the seller’s role in this process is complete and the car belongs to the buyer.
- How to take the car to your home Emirate: The process to move the car to the buyers home Emirate varies
- Dubai, Sharjah: These Emirates require the vehicle be transferred on a flat-bed truck. Transferring the car on a flat-bed from one Emirate to another can cost AED 150 to 300, depending on the distance. Need help with moving the car? You can get free quotes from servicemarket.com
- Abu Dhabi: You can get export plates to move the vehicle to your home Emirate. These exports plates will only be valid for 3 days and you will have to purchase export insurance at the RTA. Abu Dhabi also allows transport on a flatbed truck.
- Get it ready for your home Emirate: When your car arrives, the RTA in your home Emirate will inspect it again, after which you will get a new set of license plates and mulkiya (car registration).
- Purchase a new Salik tag: You will need a Salik tag on the windscreen of your car to take it out for a ride. Buy it from one of the RTA customer care centers in your Emirate and you are good to go. You can also get Salik tags from some banks and petrol stations.
While the process of transferring the car is slightly simpler if you are buying and selling in the same Emirate, you can still face a number of challenges. Check out CarSwitch’s checklist for transferring your used car at Dubai RTA to make it a hassle-free experience.
Looking for an easy way to buy a car from another Emirate? CarSwitch can help!
- We’ve got you covered: We’ll help with the final paperwork at the RTA and get it right the first time, so no need to waste your evening!
- Vetted cars: All cars have undergone the CarSwitch 200pt check, so you’ll know exactly what’s up with the ride you have your eyes on. Every car comes with a 3 month/unlimited Kilometers warranty so you can sleep easy!
- Say goodbye to shady commission-seeking agents: Check out our switchin’ collection of used cars for sale in Dubai, UAE, from the comfort of your home. You are buying straight from the owner so you get the same great deal as buying straight from the owner!
Ready for a switchin’ experience? Sit back and browse through our switchin’ cars here.
Happy shopping!
