Transferring ownership is the official step that moves a car from the seller's name into the buyer's. It is handled by the traffic authority for the emirate where the vehicle is registered, and much of it is now done online. Here is how it works and what has to be in place first.
Where it is done
The authority depends on the emirate: the RTA in Dubai, Abu Dhabi Police through the TAMM platform in Abu Dhabi, and the Ministry of Interior or Emirates Vehicle Gate for the other emirates. You use the service for the emirate in which the car is currently registered.
What has to be in place first
- No outstanding finance. If the car is mortgaged, the bank's electronic release (eNOC) must clear the mortgage before the transfer can proceed.
- Traffic fines paid. Outstanding fines are settled as part of the process — in the RTA flow the seller clears fines before the transfer continues.
- A valid technical inspection. The car generally needs a valid inspection from an authorised centre. A periodic-test exemption applies to newer vehicles, but an inspection may still be required for an ownership transfer — check the requirement for your emirate on the official portal.
- Buyer insurance. The buyer needs valid motor insurance in their name for the car to be registered to them.
The Dubai (RTA) process, step by step
- The seller signs in to the RTA (website or app) using UAE PASS and selects the vehicle.
- The seller pays any outstanding fines and enters the buyer's Emirates ID and contact details.
- The buyer receives a link by SMS and email and signs the digital Sale and Purchase Agreement; the seller then signs too.
- The buyer pays the fees — and, if they have no traffic file, opens one (the RTA lists an AED 200 new-file fee).
- The buyer completes registration at a service centre and collects the new ownership card (Mulkiya) and plates.
The RTA lists the online service time as “Instantly” and warns that licensing transactions must be completed within 14 days to avoid penalties. Transfer and registration fees apply; because the published fee lines vary and can change, confirm the current amount on the official service page rather than a third-party figure.
Abu Dhabi and the escrow option
In Abu Dhabi the equivalent transfer is completed digitally through TAMM using UAE PASS. Abu Dhabi has also introduced “Shary”, an official escrow-based service that holds the vehicle's value in a protected account and releases it to the seller only once the ownership transfer is officially completed — a way to handle payment and transfer together without cash changing hands.
Selling to a dealer through Carbai
Carbai itself does not carry out the transfer — it introduces your car to verified dealers so you can compare private offers. Once you choose a dealer, you complete the official transfer above directly with them. If you would like to see what dealers would offer first, you can submit your car in a few minutes.