How to Apply for Changing Vehicle Ownership in the UAE

How to Apply for Changing Vehicle Ownership in the UAE: A Complete Guide

Changing vehicle ownership in the UAE is a straightforward process, but it requires specific documentation depending on the type of owner and the vehicle. Whether you’re a citizen, resident, or representing a commercial entity, understanding the required steps and fees can help you navigate the process smoothly. Here’s everything you need to know about applying for a change of vehicle ownership in the UAE.

Required Documents for Changing Vehicle Ownership

Citizens and GCC Nationals

For citizens and GCC nationals, the following documents are required:

• Original Emirates ID for both the buyer and the seller.
• Electronic Insurance for the vehicle.
• Electronic Technical Inspection report.
• Compliance Document: If the vehicle does not comply with Gulf Specifications, you’ll need a document from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology - Conformity Sector confirming compliance.

Residents

For residents, the required documents are similar to those for citizens and GCC nationals:

• Original Emirates ID for both the buyer and the seller.
• Electronic Insurance for the vehicle.
• Electronic Technical Inspection report.

Commercial Companies

Commercial companies, whether inside or outside free zones, need to provide the following:

• Valid Trade Licence.
• Letter from the Company: A formal letter detailing the vehicle transfer and registration.
• Original Emirates ID of the authorized person from the company or their legal representative.
• Original Emirates ID of the buyer or their legal representative.
• Memorandum of Association: This must be translated into Arabic (legalized translation).
• Electronic Insurance for the vehicle.
• Electronic Technical Inspection report.

Companies (Free Zones)

For companies operating in free zones, the process is slightly different:

• Valid Trade Licence.
• Letter from the Company: Confirming the vehicle transfer and registration.
• Original Emirates ID of the authorized person from the company or their legal representative.
• Original Emirates ID of the buyer or their legal representative.
• Memorandum of Association: Must be translated into Arabic (legalized translation).
• Electronic Insurance for the vehicle.
• Electronic Technical Inspection report.
• NOC: A No Objection Certificate for ownership transfer from the Free Zone authority.

Local and Federal Governmental and Semi-Governmental Entities

For governmental and semi-governmental entities:

• Original Emirates ID of the authorized person.
• Letter from the Governmental Entity: Stating the transfer and registration of the vehicle in the name of the new owner.
• Electronic Mortgage Release (if applicable).
• Electronic Insurance for the vehicle.
• Electronic Technical Inspection report.

Diplomats

Diplomats must provide:

• Original Emirates ID.
• Diplomatic Card (if the Emirates ID is not available).
• NOC from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Required when registering a vehicle with consulate plates.
• NOC from the Consulate: Stating the transfer and registration of the vehicle if the diplomat is the buyer.
• Electronic Insurance for the vehicle.
• Electronic Technical Inspection report.

Service Fees for Changing Vehicle Ownership

The fees for changing vehicle ownership vary based on the type of vehicle:

• Light Vehicle (Private/Public): AED 350
• Private Vehicle (3 to 12 tonnes): AED 400
• Public Vehicle (3 to 12 tonnes): AED 650
• Private Vehicle (Exceeding 12 tonnes): AED 800
• Public Vehicle (Exceeding 12 tonnes): AED 1,000
• Private Light Mechanical Equipment: AED 500
• Public Light Mechanical Equipment: AED 700
• Private Heavy Mechanical Equipment: AED 800
• Public Heavy Mechanical Equipment: AED 1,000
• Trailer and Semi-Trailer: AED 120
• Bus (14 to 26 passengers): AED 300
• Bus (Exceeding 26 passengers): AED 600
• Motorcycle: AED 200
• Selling Agreement Fee: AED 50
• Short Plate Fee: AED 35
• Long Plate Fee: AED 50
• Short Classical Plate Fee: AED 150
• Long Classical Plate Fee: AED 150
• Dubai Branded Plate Fee: AED 200
• Luxury Plate Fee: AED 500
• Knowledge and Innovation Fees: AED 20

Process Time

The process time for changing vehicle ownership varies depending on the method:

• RTA Website or Smart App: Instantly
• Customer Happiness Centres or Vehicle Registration and Inspection Centres: 5 minutes

Conclusion

Changing vehicle ownership in the UAE is a well-organized process with clear requirements for different categories of owners. By ensuring you have all the necessary documents and understanding the associated fees, you can complete the ownership transfer quickly and efficiently.

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