Selling Used Cars in Dubai - FAQ
Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions section for those planning to sell their car in Dubai through the online platform Carabia! Here you will find comprehensive information about the selling process, required documents, procedures, and related nuances.
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What documents are required to transfer ownership of a car to a new owner?
To transfer ownership of a car in Dubai, you will need to prepare:
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Your identification (Emirates ID), and the buyer's identification will also be required.
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The vehicle registration certificate (Mulkiya).
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A valid insurance policy in the name of the buyer.
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A sales contract signed by both parties (provided by the RTA).
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A technical inspection report (required if the car is over three years old).
Make sure that all documents are valid and comply with the requirements of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai.
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How much will it cost to transfer ownership of my car?
When planning to sell a car in Dubai, it is important to consider the associated costs. One of the mandatory payments is the fee for transferring ownership. The amount of this fee depends on the type of vehicle.
For most passenger cars, the transfer fee is 350 AED. For other types of vehicles, such as trucks, buses, or commercial vehicles, the cost may be higher. Additionally, there is an extra fee for processing the sales contract, which is usually 50 AED. Participants in the transaction may also be required to pay for the vehicle information update service (about 20 AED). Typically, this fee is paid by the buyer of the car.
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Where can I complete the re-registration process for my car?
The process of transferring ownership of a car in Dubai can be completed at several convenient locations. The main option is to visit one of the RTA customer service centers. Here, you will be assisted in completing all necessary procedures to finalise the transaction.
Additionally, you can use the services of authorised RTA service providers. They offer similar services but often have more flexible working hours and no queues. Such intermediaries include Tasjeel, Shamil, Mumayaz, and Wasel centres. They are equipped with everything necessary for quick re-registration. It is recommended to check the working hours of the chosen center and the list of required documents in advance to save time and avoid unnecessary hassle.
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Is a technical inspection required before selling a car in Dubai?
Yes, for some vehicles, undergoing a technical inspection is a mandatory condition before transferring ownership. If the car is over three years old, a technical inspection certificate must be provided. This inspection is conducted at authorised RTA centers, and the main purpose of the procedure is to check the technical condition of the vehicle and its compliance with safety and environmental standards.
If the car is less than three years old, a technical inspection is not required before sale. However, providing a technical inspection report can increase trust from potential buyers and allow you to set a fair price for the car.
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Can I sell my car if I have unpaid fines for traffic violations?
No, having unpaid fines for traffic violations will prevent you from completing the ownership transfer process for your car. Therefore, before selling the vehicle, all existing fines must be fully paid.
The RTA system automatically blocks the re-registration process if the seller has outstanding fines. This means you will not be able to transfer ownership of the car until all fines are paid.
To avoid problems, it is recommended to check for fines in advance through RTA online services or at customer service centers. After paying the fines, you will be able to continue the process of selling the car.
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What actions should I take to prepare my car for sale?
To sell your car quickly and maximize the benefit from the transaction, you need to pay attention to its preparation. Here are a few steps to take:
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Visit a car wash. Clean the car outside, tidy up the interior, and remove trash and personal belongings. A clean and well-kept car makes a better impression on potential buyers than a dirty and unkempt one.
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Fix minor issues. Check the operation of all car systems (lighting, air conditioning, power windows, etc.) and fix any minor faults. This can help increase the value of your car.
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Gather the necessary documents. Prepare all required documents (identification, registration certificate, insurance policy, inspection report). Having them on hand will speed up the transaction process.
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Assess the value of the car. Use online tools or consult professional appraisers to evaluate your car. This will help you set a fair price for the sale.
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Are there reliable online platforms for selling my car in Dubai?
Several independent online platforms operate in the UAE that facilitate the sale of cars from private individuals. One of them is the Carabia. This platform offers convenient tools for selling used cars in Dubai. With Carabia, you can quickly post a sales ad, and it will be guaranteed to be seen by millions of interested users.
Advantages of using the Carabia online platform:
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The listing process is intuitive, and you can include various bits of information for quick buyer searches, including photos, technical condition reports, etc.
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The ad will be visible to thousands of potential buyers, increasing the chances of a quick sale.
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The service does not charge for posting ads and does not take additional commissions on completed transactions.
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Sellers can choose their preferred selling options: directly without intermediaries or through an auction.
The Carabia platform provides sellers with all the necessary tools to sell their car, making the process as comfortable and profitable as possible.
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Can I sell my car if it is still under loan?
Yes, you can sell your car even if it is still under loan, but certain conditions must be met. You will need to:
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Pay off the loan balance. The simplest way is to fully pay off the remaining loan amount before selling the car. After that, you will receive all necessary documents confirming ownership.
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Negotiate with the buyer and the bank. If you cannot pay off the loan immediately, you can negotiate with the buyer that they will pay off the remaining loan during the sale process. In this case, you must agree on the terms with the bank that issued the loan. Keep in mind that the lender may require additional documents or make changes to the loan agreement.
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Re-register the auto loan documents. The bank must confirm the transfer of loan responsibility to the new owner.
In any case, selling a car that is under loan requires additional time. To avoid surprises, it is recommended to consult with the bank in advance and clarify how this procedure works.
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Who is responsible for paying the fees associated with the transfer of ownership?
In most cases, the responsibility for paying the fee required for the transfer of ownership of the car lies with the buyer. These fees typically include the transfer fee, which is 350 AED for passenger cars, as well as other associated costs, such as the sales contract fee.
In some cases, the seller may take on part or all of the re-registration costs to expedite the sale or offer the buyer more favorable terms.
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Is it mandatory to provide a technical inspection report of the car?
Providing a technical inspection report is a mandatory requirement for selling a car in Dubai if the vehicle is over three years old. This document confirms that the car meets safety requirements. Even if the car is less than three years old, many automotive experts still recommend undergoing a technical inspection at the RTA, as having such a report demonstrates the seller's responsibility and makes the transaction more transparent.
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Can I transfer my existing insurance to the new owner?
Yes, in some cases, you can transfer your existing insurance to the new owner. This is possible if there are seven months or more remaining until the expiration of the insurance policy, and the new owner meets the requirements set by the insurance company.
The procedure for transferring insurance consists of the following steps:
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Contact your insurance company to clarify the possibility of transferring the policy.
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The insurance company will check if the new owner meets the requirements for obtaining the insurance policy (age, driving experience, absence of traffic violations, etc.).
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If the new owner meets the requirements, the insurance company will reissue the policy in their name.
If the conditions do not allow for the transfer of insurance, you can cancel the policy and request a refund for the unused period. In this case, the buyer will need to arrange a new insurance policy for the purchased car.
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How can I find out the market value of my car before selling it?
Determining the market value of your car is one of the key steps before selling. There are several ways to find out a fair price:
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Online appraisal tools. Use reliable online calculators that estimate the value based on the make, model, year of manufacture, mileage, and condition of the car. Simply enter the required data, and the system will provide you with an estimated value.
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Ads for similar cars. Browse ads for similar cars on online platforms to understand the prices at which cars with similar characteristics are being sold. This will help you gauge the market.
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Professional appraisal. Consult professional car appraisers. They will conduct a more detailed analysis of your car, considering its technical condition, any damage, and other factors.
When determining the price, consider at least the following aspects:
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Make and model (in the UAE, some brands have higher demand, allowing such cars to be sold at a higher price);
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Year of manufacture;
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Mileage;
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Technical condition, presence of damage, signs of wear;
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Availability of additional options and features;
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Conditions of use.
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Can someone else sell my car on my behalf?
Yes, you can authorise someone else to sell the car on your behalf. To do this, you need to issue a corresponding power of attorney. This procedure involves several steps:
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Visit the court. The power of attorney must be issued at the court.
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Provide documents. You will need to provide your passport (Emirates ID) and documents for the car (Mulkiya).
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Specify the powers of your representative. Clearly state in the power of attorney the powers you are granting to the authorised person (for example, selling the car, signing the sales contract, receiving payment).
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Notarise the document. After completing the process, the power of attorney is notarised.
It is recommended to issue a power of attorney only to those individuals whose honesty and responsibility you trust.
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