How to Get Your Car Exported to Your Home Country from the UAE?

Many UAE residents choose to export their cars when moving back to their home country or relocating abroad. The UAE government allows vehicle exports, but the process must follow certain steps set by authorities such as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and the Ministry of Interior (MOI). 

In most cases, the vehicle owner needs to cancel the car’s registration, apply for a vehicle export certificate, and complete customs clearance before shipping the vehicle overseas. Although the process may vary slightly between emirates, the overall procedure remains similar across the UAE.

Can You Export a Car from the UAE to Another Country?

Yes, vehicles registered in the UAE can be exported to another country. However, the vehicle owner must complete certain official procedures before the car can leave the country.

As per the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and the UAE Ministry of Interior (MOI) services, exporting a vehicle requires the owner to first cancel the vehicle registration and apply for an export certificate. This certificate confirms that the vehicle is being legally removed from the UAE traffic records and is approved for export outside the country.

Once the export certificate is issued, the owner can proceed with customs clearance and shipping arrangements to transport the vehicle to the destination country.

Authorities Involved in Vehicle Export from the UAE

Exporting a vehicle from the UAE involves several government authorities. Each authority handles a specific part of the process, such as cancelling the vehicle registration, issuing the export certificate, or completing customs clearance before the vehicle leaves the country.

Authority	Role in the Vehicle Export Process
Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)	Cancels vehicle registration and issues export certificates in Dubai
Ministry of Interior (MOI)	Provides vehicle export certificate services through its portal
TAMM – Abu Dhabi Government Services	Issues transfer or export certificates for vehicles registered in Abu Dhabi
Dubai Customs / Abu Dhabi Customs	Handles customs clearance before the vehicle is shipped abroad

Depending on the emirate where the vehicle is registered, the owner may need to apply through the RTA, MOI, or TAMM portals to complete the export certificate request.

Documents Required to Export a Car from the UAE

Before exporting a vehicle from the UAE, you (the owner) need to submit certain documents to the relevant transport authority when applying for the export certificate. These documents help verify the vehicle’s ownership and ensure that it is eligible for export. Generally, the following documents may be required — 

1. Emirates ID of the vehicle owner
2. Passport copy
3. Vehicle registration card (Mulkiya)
4. Export certificate application submitted through the relevant government portal
5. Vehicle inspection certificate, if required by the authority
6. Proof that any outstanding fines or loans on the vehicle have been cleared

Authorities such as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and the Ministry of Interior (MOI) may request these documents when processing an export certificate request. The exact documentation may vary depending on the emirate where the vehicle is registered and the method used to export the vehicle.

Step-by-Step Process to Export a Car from the UAE

Exporting a vehicle from the UAE involves a few official steps —

1. Clear Any Outstanding Fines or Loans

Before starting the export process, make sure that all traffic fines linked to the vehicle are cleared. If the car is financed, the loan must be settled. The authorities may ask for a clearance letter from the bank.

2. Cancel the Vehicle Registration

The vehicle registration must be cancelled through the relevant authority in the emirate where the car is registered.

For example:

• RTA handles vehicle services in Dubai
• TAMM manages vehicle services in Abu Dhabi

During this step, the owner usually needs to submit the vehicle registration card and return the number plates.

3. Apply for a Vehicle Export Certificate

After cancelling the registration, the owner can apply for a vehicle export certificate through government portals such as —

• RTA website or service centres
• Ministry of Interior (MOI) portal
• TAMM Abu Dhabi portal

This certificate confirms that the vehicle is approved to be exported outside the UAE.

4. Complete Vehicle Inspection (If Required)

In some cases, the vehicle may need to undergo a technical inspection before the export certificate is issued. This inspection verifies the vehicle’s details and condition.

5. Obtain Export Plates

Once the export certificate is issued, the authority may provide temporary export plates. These plates allow the vehicle to be legally transported to ports or shipping terminals.

6. Complete Customs Clearance

Before the vehicle leaves the UAE, it must go through customs clearance. Authorities such as Dubai Customs or Abu Dhabi Customs verify the export documents before the car is shipped to another country.

Shipping Options for Exporting a Car from the UAE

Once the export certificate is issued and customs requirements are completed, the vehicle can be shipped to the destination country. Most car exports from the UAE are transported through international shipping companies operating from major ports such as Jebel Ali Port in Dubai.

The shipping method usually depends on the vehicle type, destination country, and budget —

1. Roll-On Roll-Off (RoRo): In this method, the vehicle is driven directly onto a cargo ship designed to carry vehicles. It is one of the most common and cost-effective options for exporting cars.
2. Container Shipping: With container shipping, the vehicle is loaded inside a shipping container before being transported by sea. This option provides additional protection and is often preferred for luxury or high-value vehicles.
3. Air Freight: Air freight is the fastest way to transport a vehicle internationally, but it is usually more expensive than sea shipping. This method is used for high-end or urgent vehicle exports.

The shipping process usually begins after customs clearance is completed and the export certificate has been issued by the relevant UAE authority.

Cost of Exporting a Car from the UAE

Exporting a car from the UAE involves certain government service fees along with additional costs related to inspection, number plates, customs clearance, and shipping. One of the main charges is the vehicle export certificate fee, which allows the vehicle to be legally exported outside the UAE.

Government Fees for Vehicle Export Certificate

As per the UAE Ministry of Interior service information, the federal fees for issuing a vehicle export certificate are —

Vehicle Type	Export Certificate Fee
Light vehicles, motorcycles, light buses (14–26 passengers), and vehicles weighing between 3–12 tons	AED 50
Heavy vehicles weighing more than 12 tons and heavy mechanical equipment	AED 100
Large buses with a capacity of above 26 passengers	AED 50

These fees apply when applying through the Ministry of Interior website, mobile app, or service centres. Note that you can usually make payments using credit cards or e-Dirham.

Other Costs Involved in Exporting a Car

Apart from the export certificate fee, vehicle owners may also incur additional charges during the export process. These costs may vary depending on the emirate and shipping destination.

• Vehicle inspection fee: Usually around AED 120 – AED 170 if a technical inspection is required
• Export number plates: Approximately AED 70 for temporary export plates
• Registration cancellation fee: Around AED 100 – AED 200 depending on the authority
• Customs clearance charges: May apply depending on the port and export documentation
• International shipping cost: Can range from AED 3,000 to AED 10,000+ depending on the destination country and shipping method

Because shipping charges vary widely based on vehicle size, destination country, and transport method, the total cost of exporting a car from the UAE can differ from one case to another.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)