How to Transfer Car Registration from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?

Transferring car registration from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is a necessary step when you are relocating between the emirates or selling a vehicle ...read more

Whether you're the buyer or the seller, understanding the requirements and following the right procedures can save time and help you prevent delays. Here, we break down everything you need to know about transferring car registration from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, making the process clear, convenient, and stress-free.

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How to Transfer a Car from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?

Transferring car registration from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is a straightforward process, but it requires both the current and new owners to be present. The transfer is typically conducted at the Dubai Traffic Police headquarters or an RTA licensing centre.

Steps to Transfer Car Ownership from Dubai to Abu Dhabi

Step1: Gather Required Documents – Make sure you have all the necessary documents ready, including the original Mulkiya (vehicle registration card), Emirates ID of the current owner, a valid car insurance policy issued in Abu Dhabi, a passport copy with residency visa, and a no-objection certificate (NOC) from Dubai RTA.
Step2: Clear the Vehicle in Dubai – Visit an RTA centre in Dubai to pay any pending fines, request an export certificate, and cancel the existing registration. This process usually takes around two working days.
Step3: Complete the Transfer in Abu Dhabi – With the Dubai clearance documents in hand, visit the Abu Dhabi Traffic Department. Submit the paperwork, have the car undergo a technical inspection (approx. AED 170), and pay the registration fee (ranging from AED 355 to AED 420, based on the vehicle type).

Vehicle Ownership Transfer from Dubai to Abu Dhabi Cost Breakdown

Here is the cost breakdown of transferring car ownership from Dubai to Abu Dhabi —

Dubai Export Certificate – AED 120
New Registration Fee – AED 355 (for Sedans) and AED 420 (for SUVs)
Abu Dhabi Technical Inspection – AED 170
Number Plate Replacement – AED 35

Documents Required for Vehicle Ownership Transfer from Dubai to Abu Dhabi

Both the current (old) and new car owners must have these documents prepared in advance to ensure registration transfer smoothly and without delays.

Documents Required for the New Car Owner —

Original and copy of the UAE driving licence
Copy of passport with residence visa
A copy of the Emirates ID
Original insurance certificate

Document Required from the Current Owner —

Car registration (Mulkiya)
A copy of the Emirates ID
Final loan payment document (if the car was bought on loan)
Vehicle number plate

What happens to the Car Insurance in case of Transferring Car Ownership from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?

The existing car insurance policy can either be transferred to the new owner in Abu Dhabi or cancelled, depending on its validity.

Transfer Option – If the current policy has more than 7 months of validity remaining, it can be transferred to the new owner.
Cancellation Option – If the policy has less than 7 months left, it must be cancelled. The original owner will then receive a pro-rated refund for the unused portion of the policy.
New Policy Requirement – If the insurance has expired or doesn’t meet the transfer criteria, the buyer in Abu Dhabi must purchase a new car insurance policy before the registration transfer can be completed.

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Things to Keep in Mind When Transferring Car Ownership from Dubai to Abu Dhabi

When transferring car registration from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, keep these key points in mind–

Clear All Fines – The previous car owner must pay any outstanding traffic fines before the transfer. These can be checked and paid online through the official portal.
Insurance Transfer – The existing insurance policy can be transferred to the new owner, but it must have at least 7 months of validity remaining after the transfer.
Car Loan Settlement – If there is an unpaid car loan, the owner can either pay off the remaining amount in full or transfer the loan to the new owner, which requires a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the bank.
Presence at RTA Office – Both the old and new owners must be physically present at the RTA office during the re-registration process.
If the Owner is Deceased – In case the current owner has passed away, the process is different. The legal heir or nominee must visit the registration office with the death certificate and follow the required steps for ownership transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is mandatory to change your Dubai number plate at the time of transferring vehicle ownership. You need to replace it with the one issued by Abu Dhabi authorities.

The main documents include the original Mulkiya, updated car insurance policy from a provider, Emirates ID, a no-objection certificate from Dubai RTA, and a passport with a valid residence visa.

Usually, the process takes around 4 to 7 business days once you have submitted all the needed documents. So, clearing fines and getting the export certificate in Dubai can take approximately 2 working days, while Abu Dhabi inspection and registration can be completed in an additional 2 to 5 days.

If a car is purchased with a loan or is under a lease, the actual owner is the bank or finance company until the loan is fully repaid. In such cases, proper legal steps must be followed before transferring ownership. The current owner has two options:

Settle the loan in full before the transfer, or
Obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the bank to allow the loan to be transferred to the new buyer.

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