A Comprehensive Guide to Buying a Car in Dubai and Other Emirates

Purchasing a vehicle from one of the other Emirates in the UAE can yield better deals and access to rare models, but it’s essential to understand the processes involved. Each Emirate has its own set of regulations for car verification, ownership transfer, and bringing the vehicle back to your home Emirate. Below is a detailed guide to navigating this process, step by step.

Buying a Car in Abu Dhabi

Vehicle Inspection and Seller Responsibilities:

  • Conduct a vehicle inspection at Abu Dhabi Police-approved testing centers.
  • The seller must resolve any outstanding fines and loans tied to the vehicle.

Ownership Transfer Steps:

  1. Access the TAMM portal using your UAE PASS or visit a service center.
  2. Submit an application along with Emirates IDs, vehicle registration (Mulkiya), and valid insurance.
  3. Pay an AED 350 transfer fee.
  4. Upon approval, receive your new registration card.

Transferring the Vehicle:

  • Acquire an export certificate through the TAMM portal.
  • Obtain temporary export plates and short-term export insurance.
  • Use the temporary plates to drive or arrange a towing service.
  • Finally, register the vehicle in your home Emirate.

Buying a Car in Dubai

Vehicle Inspection and Seller Responsibilities:

  • Complete an inspection at RTA-approved centers such as Tasjeel or Shamil.
  • The seller must clear any vehicle-related fines and mortgage.

Ownership Transfer Steps:

  1. Both parties must visit an RTA Customer Happiness Centre.
  2. Provide Emirates IDs, the vehicle registration card, valid insurance, and an inspection report.
  3. Pay AED 350 for the transfer, with potential additional fees for new plates.
  4. The buyer will receive an updated Mulkiya.

Transferring the Vehicle:

  • Apply for an export certificate via the RTA website or app.
  • Obtain temporary export plates and insurance (valid for 7 days).
  • Drive the vehicle or arrange for towing to your new Emirate.
  • Complete local registration at your destination.

Buying a Car in Sharjah

Vehicle Inspection and Seller Responsibilities:

  • Use authorized centers like Tasjeel for inspections.
  • The seller must address any fines and may need to provide a No Objection Certificate.

Ownership Transfer Steps:

  1. Visit the Sharjah Traffic Department with the required documentation.
  2. Submit Emirates IDs, Mulkiya, insurance, and the inspection report.
  3. Pay the AED 350 transfer fee.

Transferring the Vehicle:

  • Obtain an export certificate from the Sharjah Traffic Department.
  • Request export plates and temporary insurance.
  • Either drive the vehicle using the export plates or arrange for its transport.
  • Register the vehicle in your new Emirate.

Buying a Car in Ajman

Vehicle Inspection and Seller Responsibilities:

  • Inspector approval should come from Ajman Traffic Police-approved centers.
  • The seller must settle any pending fines or loans.

Ownership Transfer Steps:

  1. Go to the Ajman Traffic Police station with the necessary documents.
  2. Submit Emirates IDs, Mulkiya, valid insurance, and inspection results.
  3. Pay an AED 350 transfer fee to receive the updated registration card.

Transferring the Vehicle:

  • Request an export certificate from the traffic department.
  • Obtain export plates and export insurance.
  • Use the temporary plates to drive or arrange for the vehicle’s transport.
  • Finalize registration at your home Emirates’ traffic department.

Buying a Car in Umm Al Quwain

Vehicle Inspection and Seller Responsibilities:

  • The vehicle should be tested at UAQ Police-approved facilities.
  • Ensure all fines and loans are cleared by the seller.

Ownership Transfer Steps:

  1. Attend the UAQ Police Traffic Department.
  2. Present Emirates IDs, the vehicle registration card, insurance, and the inspection certificate.
  3. Pay an AED 350 transfer fee and receive a new registration.

Transferring the Vehicle:

  • Apply for an export certificate.
  • Obtain export plates and temporary insurance.
  • Drive the vehicle or get assistance from a recovery service.
  • Register the vehicle in your home Emirate.

Buying a Car in Ras Al Khaimah

Vehicle Inspection and Seller Responsibilities:

  • Inspect the vehicle at RAK Police-approved centers.
  • Ensure the seller pays off all fines and debts.

Ownership Transfer Steps:

  1. Both parties should visit the RAK Traffic Department.
  2. Submit Emirates IDs, Mulkiya, insurance, and the inspection certificate.
  3. Pay the AED 350 transfer fee and obtain the new Mulkiya.

Transferring the Vehicle:

  • Get an export certificate from the department.
  • Acquire export plates and export insurance.
  • Use these to drive or tow to your Emirate.
  • Complete your local vehicle registration.

Buying a Car in Fujairah

Vehicle Inspection and Seller Responsibilities:

  • Inspect the vehicle at a certified testing center in Fujairah.
  • The seller must clear any outstanding fines or loans.

Ownership Transfer Steps:

  1. Visit the Fujairah Police licensing office.
  2. Submit Emirates IDs, vehicle registration, inspection certificate, and insurance.
  3. Pay AED 350 for the ownership transfer, and receive a new registration card.

Transferring the Vehicle:

  • Request an export certificate.
  • Obtain export plates and temporary insurance.
  • Drive or transport the vehicle to your Emirate.
  • Register it at your local traffic department.

Quick Comparison Table

Emirate Transfer Fee Export Plate Fee Portal / Authority Main Inspection Centre
Abu Dhabi AED 350 ~AED 500 TAMM ADNOC, Emirates Vehicle Gate
Dubai AED 350 Varies (7-day) RTA Tasjeel, Shamil
Sharjah AED 350 ~AED 500 Sharjah Police Tasjeel
Ajman AED 350 ~AED 500 Ajman Police Ajman Testing Centre
Umm Al Quwain AED 350 ~AED 500 UAQ Police UAQ Inspection Centre
Ras Al Khaimah AED 350 ~AED 500 RAK Police RAK Testing Centre
Fujairah AED 350 ~AED 500 Fujairah Police Fujairah Testing Centre

Essential Checklist Before Purchase

  • Ensure the seller has cleared all fines and debts.
  • Conduct a thorough vehicle inspection.
  • Obtain copies of valid Emirates ID and Mulkiya.
  • Confirm that the car is free from any mortgage.
  • Validate current insurance, or plan for temporary export insurance.
  • Anticipate the total cost, including transfer fees, export plate fees, and recovery charges (if necessary).

Buying a Car Without Registration or Number Plates

If a seller has already canceled a vehicle’s registration:

  1. Request an official de-registration document from the seller.
  2. Arrange for a towing service since the car cannot be driven without plates.
  3. Take the vehicle to an authorized testing center in your Emirates.
  4. After passing the inspection, visit your local traffic department with the necessary documentation:
    • Emirates ID and driving license
    • Vehicle inspection report
    • Seller’s de-registration confirmation
    • Valid insurance
  5. Apply for a new registration and number plates, and pay the applicable fees.

FAQs

Can I register a car from another Emirate without export plates?
No, export plates are required to legally transport a vehicle between Emirates.

What happens if the inspection fails?
The seller must address and rectify any issues before a re-inspection can be scheduled for ownership transfer.

Can someone else register or pick up the car for me?
Yes, as long as you provide a valid Power of Attorney (PoA) document, duly attested by the relevant authority.

Is export insurance necessary?
Yes, it’s mandatory for driving the vehicle legally on UAE roads with export plates.

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Source:www.dubicars.com