How to Transfer Vehicle Ownership in Abu Dhabi – Online Process, Fees & Documents

Buying or selling a car in Abu Dhabi? The first thing you need to sort out is the vehicle ownership transfer. In Abu Dhabi, this is a legal requirement — the Mulkiya (vehicle registration card) must be updated to reflect the new owner's name before the car can be legally driven by its new owner.

The process is managed through the TAMM portal (Abu Dhabi's government service platform) and can be done either online or in person at an Abu Dhabi Police service center.

What is a Mulkiya and Why Does It Need to Be Transferred?

A Mulkiya is the official vehicle registration card issued by Abu Dhabi Police. It contains the vehicle details like make, model, chassis number, plate number and most importantly, the name of the registered owner.

When you buy a car, the Mulkiya is still in the seller's name. Driving the car in this state is not only illegal — it also means the buyer has no legal proof of ownership. That is why the ownership transfer must be completed before the new owner takes the car on the road.

Once the transfer is done, a new Mulkiya is issued in the buyer's name. The old Mulkiya is cancelled and the seller is no longer responsible for the vehicle.

Who Can Apply for a Vehicle Ownership Transfer in Abu Dhabi?

Both individuals and registered companies can apply for a vehicle ownership transfer in Abu Dhabi. There are no restrictions based on nationality — UAE nationals, residents and expatriates can all do this.

A few things to keep in mind before you start —

1. The current registered owner must initiate the transfer. No one else can do it on their behalf unless they have a valid Power of Attorney.
2. Both the buyer and the seller must be present at the service center if it is the first time the vehicle is being transferred.
3. If the vehicle is under a bank loan or mortgage, you will need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the bank before the transfer can go through.
4. All pending traffic fines on the vehicle must be cleared before the transfer is approved.
5. If the buyer has another vehicle with an expired registration, they will not be eligible for the transfer.

What Should You Do Before Transferring Car Ownership in Abu Dhabi?

Whether you are the buyer or the seller, there are a few things you need to sort out before you visit the service center or go online. Skipping any of these steps can cause delays or rejection of your application.

For the Seller

1. Clear all traffic fines linked to the vehicle. You can check and pay fines on the Abu Dhabi Police website or TAMM.
2. Clear any outstanding Salik (toll) balance if the vehicle was registered in Dubai previously.
3. If the car is under a bank loan, get a mortgage release letter or a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the bank.
4. Make sure the car insurance is valid for at least 13 months at the time of transfer.
5. Cancel any existing restrictions on the vehicle.

For the Buyer

1. Arrange valid car insurance in your own name before initiating the transfer. This is required.
2. Make sure you have a valid Emirates ID.
3. Check that none of your other vehicles have an expired registration as this will block the transfer.

How to Transfer Vehicle Ownership Online via TAMM in Abu Dhabi?

You can complete the vehicle ownership transfer in Abu Dhabi online through the TAMM portal — no need to visit a service center in most cases. Here is the step-by-step process —

• Step1- Go to the TAMM portal at tamm.abudhabi and sign in using your UAE Pass credentials. (If you do not have a UAE Pass, you will need to register for one first.)
• Step2- Once logged in, click on 'Drive & Transport'.
• Step3- Select 'Manage Personal Vehicle' from the menu on the upper left side.
• Step4- Click on 'Transfer Vehicle Ownership'. This service is powered by Abu Dhabi Police.
• Step5- Click 'Start Service' and fill in the application form — enter the vehicle details, buyer's Emirates ID and seller's information accurately.
• Step6- Upload the required documents (see the documents section below).
• Step7- Pay the applicable transfer fee online.
• Step8- Once the payment is confirmed, you will receive the new Mulkiya (vehicle registration card) under the buyer's name.

Note: Both the seller and the buyer will receive an SMS confirmation once the transfer is complete.

How to Transfer Vehicle Ownership in Abu Dhabi Offline?

If you prefer to do the transfer in person, here is what you need to do —

1. Visit the nearest Abu Dhabi Police service center or an approved vehicle registration center. You can find the closest one through the TAMM website or app.
2. Collect the vehicle ownership transfer application form and fill it in carefully.
3. Submit the completed form along with all required documents (see the documents section).
4. Pay the transfer fee at the counter. Payment can be made by cash or card.
5. Receive the new Mulkiya in the buyer's name once the transfer is approved.

Abu Dhabi Police Service Centers for Vehicle Transfer:

1. Al Madina Service Center
2. Mussafah Service Center
3. Al Ain Service Center

Tip: You can book a queue-free appointment at TAMM service centers through the TAMM app to save waiting time.

How to Renew Your Car Registration Online in Abu Dhabi

What Documents Are Needed for Car Ownership Transfer in Abu Dhabi?

Here is the full document checklist for individuals and companies —

For Individuals (Buyer and Seller)

1. Emirates ID of both the buyer and the seller (original)
2. Original vehicle registration card (Mulkiya) in the seller's name
3. Vehicle passing certificate (technical inspection report)
4. Valid motor insurance certificate in the buyer's name
5. No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the bank — only required if the vehicle is under a bank loan or finance

For Companies

1. Valid trade licence along with the signature of an authorised signatory
2. No Objection Letter from the company, stamped and signed
3. Sale agreement or proof of sale between the buyer and the company
4. Mortgage release letter from the bank (if the vehicle is under a loan)
5. Original vehicle registration card (Mulkiya)
6. Vehicle passing certificate (technical inspection report)
7. Valid vehicle insurance certificate in the buyer's name

What Are the Fees for Vehicle Ownership Transfer in Abu Dhabi?

The transfer fee depends on the type of vehicle. For most private cars (light vehicles), the fee is AED 350. If your vehicle needs a technical inspection add AED 170 for the inspection fee.

Here is the complete list of transfer fees —

Vehicle Type	Transfer Fee
Light Private or Public Vehicle (most common)	AED 350
Motorcycle for Personal Usage	AED 200
Motorcycle for Commercial Usage	AED 400
Private Vehicle (3–12 Tons)	AED 400
Public Vehicle (3–12 Tons)	AED 650
Private Vehicle (More Than 12 Tons)	AED 800
Public Vehicle (More Than 12 Tons)	AED 1,000
Private Vehicle for Heavy Mechanical Usage	AED 500
Public Vehicle for Heavy Mechanical Usage	AED 700
Private Bus (14–26 Passengers)	AED 300
Public Bus (14–26 Passengers)	AED 400
Private Bus (26 Passengers)	AED 600
Personal Semi-Trailer and Trailer	AED 120
Public Semi-Trailer and Trailer	AED 220

* Vehicle technical inspection fee: AED 170 (mandatory for vehicles older than 3 years or as required)

How to Transfer Ownership of a Financed Car in Abu Dhabi?

If the car you are buying or selling is under a bank loan or hire purchase agreement, the transfer process requires one additional step — getting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the bank.

Here is what you need to do —

1. The seller must contact their bank and request a mortgage release letter or NOC. This confirms that the bank has no objection to the vehicle being sold.
2. Some banks issue this letter only after the loan is fully repaid. Others may allow a transfer if the buyer agrees to take over the loan — this depends on the bank's policy.
3. Once the NOC is in hand, add it to the other documents and proceed with the standard transfer process through TAMM or the service center.

Without the bank's NOC, Abu Dhabi authorities will not approve the ownership transfer.

Important Points to Remember for Vehicle Ownership Transfer in Abu Dhabi

Certain conditions must be taken into account by both the seller and the buyer before doing a vehicle ownership transfer in Abu Dhabi -

• As a seller, if you have car insurance in Abu Dhabi, make sure that it is valid for 13 months during the period of car ownership transfer in Abu Dhabi.
• While carrying out the process, the seller and the buyer must be mandatorily present for the mutual agreement in case of a first-time car ownership transfer.
• Before making the vehicle ownership transfer in Abu Dhabi, note that you must eliminate your existing restrictions (if any) and pay off pending fines associated with the vehicle.

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