How to Sell Your Car in Dubai: Step-by-Step RTA Guide
Selling a car in Dubai is straightforward if you follow RTA regulations, clear all obligations, and prepare documents in advance. In 2025, the process remains fully in-person at RTA Customer Happiness Centres or approved partners like Tasjeel, Shamil, or Wasel. This step-by-step guide covers preparation, documentation, inspection, transfer, and post-sale actions to ensure a fast, legal, and hassle-free sale.
Step 1: Prepare Your Car for Sale
|
Action |
Details |
|
Clean & Detail |
Wash exterior, clean interior, remove personal items. Professional detailing (AED 150–300) boosts appeal. |
|
Fix Minor Issues |
Repair dents, scratches, and warning lights. Ensures RTA test pass. |
|
Service History |
Gather all service receipts. Increases buyer trust and value. |
A well-presented car sells faster and at a better price. Minor fixes now prevent RTA test failure later. Always keep original keys and manuals.
Step 2: Check & Clear All Obligations
|
Obligation |
How to Clear |
|
Traffic Fines |
Check via the RTA website, the Dubai Police app, or the Sahl kiosk. Pay instantly online. |
|
Salik Charges |
Log into salik.ae or RTA app. Settle dues and remove the tag if selling. |
|
Bank Loan |
Visit the bank → pay the full amount → get a Loan Clearance Letter (1–3 days). |
No transfer is possible with pending fines, Salik, or loans. Print payment receipts as proof for the buyer. RTA blocks transfer until all are cleared.
Step 3: Get RTA Vehicle Inspection (Tasjeel)
|
Requirement |
Details |
|
Age Rule |
Mandatory if the car is over 3 years old. |
|
Test Centers |
Tasjeel (Al Quoz, Al Qusais), Shamil, Wasel. |
|
Cost |
AED 150 (pass), AED 50 (re-test). |
|
Validity |
30 days from the pass date. |
Book online via tasjeel.ae or walk in. Test checks brakes, lights, suspension, emissions, and underbody. A pass certificate is required at the RTA transfer.
Step 4: Gather Required Documents
|
Document |
Seller |
Buyer |
|
Original Emirates ID |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Mulkiya (Registration Card) |
Yes (original) |
Receives a new one |
|
RTA Test Pass Certificate |
Yes (if >3 yrs) |
— |
|
Loan Clearance Letter |
Yes (if financed) |
— |
|
Valid Car Insurance |
— |
Yes (in buyer’s name) |
|
Service Records |
Recommended |
— |
Lost Mulkiya? Apply for a duplicate at RTA (AED 50, 1–2 days). Both parties must be present at the transfer. No power of attorney allowed for private sales.
Step 5: Find a Buyer & Agree on Price
|
Method |
Pros |
Cons |
|
Online (Dubizzle, YallaMotor) |
Higher price |
More effort |
|
Car Buying Services (CarSwitch, SellAnyCar) |
Fast cash |
Lower offer |
|
Dealership Trade-in |
Convenient |
Lowest value |
Use Dubizzle for max reach. Meet in public (e.g., Tasjeel parking). Allow test drive only with a valid license. Agree on the final price after the RTA test passes.
Step 6: Complete Ownership Transfer at RTA
|
Location |
Options |
|
RTA Centres |
Deira, Al Barsha, Umm Ramool |
|
Approved Partners |
Tasjeel, Shamil, Wasel |
Process:
- Both buyer and seller visit with all documents.
- RTA verifies fines, loans, and test pass.
- Buyer pays transfer fee (AED 350–500) + knowledge fee (AED 20).
- Sign the digital transfer form.
- New Mulkiya is issued instantly in the buyer’s name.
Transfer takes 15–30 minutes if all documents are ready. The buyer usually pays RTA fees.
Step 7: Post-Sale Actions
|
Task |
Action |
|
Cancel Insurance |
Call insurer → submit sale proof → get refund (if applicable). |
|
Remove Salik Tag |
Return to EPPCO/ENOC or transfer to a new car. |
|
Hand Over |
Keys, manuals, spare tyre, service book. |
Cancel insurance the same day to avoid liability. Keep a copy of the new Mulkiya as sale proof. Update your parking permit if needed.
RTA Transfer Fees 2025
|
Fee Type |
Amount (AED) |
|
Ownership Transfer |
350–500 |
|
Knowledge & Innovation Fee |
20 |
|
Mulkiya Duplicate (if lost) |
50 |
|
Test Failure Re-inspection |
50 |
The buyer typically pays transfer fees. Seller only pays if Mulkiya is lost.
Which Premium Tyres Increase Resale Value in Dubai?
Well-maintained tyres with 50%+ tread can add AED 1,000–2,000 to your sale price. Buyers check tyre condition during inspection.
|
Car Type |
Recommended Tyre |
Size |
Benefit |
|
Compact (Corolla, Civic) |
Long life, quiet, boosts value |
||
|
Midsize (Camry, Accord) |
Comfort, wet grip |
||
|
SUV (RAV4, Tucson) |
Durability, fuel efficiency |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell my car with fines?
No. All fines and Salik must be cleared before RTA transfer.
Does the buyer need insurance?
Yes. Valid insurance in the buyer’s name is mandatory for transfer.
Can I transfer ownership online?
No. Both parties must visit the RTA or approved center in person.
How long is the RTA test valid?
30 days from the pass date.
Who pays RTA transfer fees?
Usually, the buyer, but it can be negotiated.
