Apply for Changing a Vehicle Ownership
Transfer the ownership of a vehicle from the owner (seller) and register it officially under the name of the buyer, perform an online Sale and Purchase Agreement, change the possession of a vehicle to a new owner, and obtain an insurance refund certificate for a vehicle that has been disposed of.
Select the type of certificate
Output
Certificate of Change of Vehicle Possession with no expiry date
Ways to Apply
Website
- Website
- RTA Smart Apps
- RTA Partner Apps
- Customer Happiness Centres
- Vehicle Registration and Inspection Centres
Channels
Steps
- The seller logs in to his account using his username and password, or UAE Pass.
- The seller selects Change Ownership from Vehicle Licensing Services , then selects the vehicle.
- The seller’s identity is verified through his UAE Pass and registered phone number.
- The seller pays the fines, if any.
- The seller enters the buyer's personal information and vehicle data and submits the application.
- The buyer receives a link to sign the sale and purchase agreement through SMS and email.
- After the buyer's signature, the seller receives a notification through SMS and email and signs the agreement.
- The seller chooses whether to hand over the plates at the centre within 14 days from the fees settlement or through the delivery service.
- The buyer pays the fees.
- The buyer heads to one of the listed service centres to complete the vehicle registration process.
Service Time
Instantly
Channels
Steps
- The seller logs in to his account using his UAE Pass.
- The seller selects Change Vehicle Ownership from Vehicle Licensing services list.
- The seller selects the vehicle and pays the fines, if any.
- The seller enters the buyer's Emirates ID number and phone number.
- The seller selects whether to return the plate to RTA or reserve it for future use.
- The buyer signs the vehicle Sale and Purchase Agreement and pays the fees.
- The seller signs the vehicle Sale and Purchase Agreement, selects the method for returning the plates, and pays the fees.
- The seller hands over the vehicle plates to gain access to the Sale and Purchase Agreement through My Docs page.
- The buyer heads to the service centre to complete the vehicle registration process.
Service Time
Instantly
Channels
- Dubai Now ( Google play - App store )
Steps
- The seller logs in through his UAE Pass.
- The seller selects the service and the vehicle to be sold.
- The seller pays the fines, if any.
- The seller enters the buyer's Emirates ID number.
- The parties sign the vehicle ownership changing agreement.
- The buyer pays the fees.
- The buyer purchases the insurance through the application.
- The buyer heads to the service centre for the vehicle inspection.
- The buyer registers the vehicle.
Service Time
Instantly
Channels
Steps
- The seller receives a link from the front desk employee.
- The seller uploads the documents through the link.
- The seller receives the transaction code and shares it with the employee.
- The seller checks and electronically signs the application.
- The seller pays the fees.
- The seller hands over the vehicle plates.
- The buyer heads to the service centre to complete the vehicle registration process.
Service Time
Instantly
Channels
Steps
- The seller receives a link from the front desk employee.
- The seller uploads the documents through the link.
- The seller receives the transaction code and shares it with the employee.
- The seller checks and electronically signs the application.
- The seller pays the fees.
- The seller hands over the vehicle plates.
- The buyer heads to the service centre to complete the vehicle registration process.
Service Time
Instantly
Important to Know
You Should Have
- Powers of attorney issued outside the UAE must be ratified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the consulate.
- If you're a GCC national who wants to register his vehicle and is unable to provide an Emirates ID, you must provide a document proving that you're:
- Working in Dubai for a governmental or semi-governmental entity.
- A property owner, investor, or student in Dubai.
You Should Know
- You or your legal representative must be present in person when applying at Customer Happiness or Inspection Centres (for the buyer and seller).
- On Sundays, Al Yalayis Vehicle Testing and Muhaisna Shamil centres only provide inspection services.
- In case of a lost plate, you must apply for a lost plate(s) report according to the procedures followed by the Licensing Agency at RTA.
You Should Do
- If you're the buyer, pay all traffic fines (Dubai and other emirates fines).
- If you don't have a Traffic File, you must open a new file (new file fees: AED 200).
Eligible Categories
Citizens, residents, and GCC nationals
Service Requirements
- Valid Emirates ID for the buyer and seller
- Electronic insurance
- Electronic technical inspection
- Document proving that the vehicle is compliant with the Gulf Specifications (Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology - Conformity Sector) if the vehicle isn't compliant on the customs card
- Electronic mortgage release (if any).
Fees
AED 170
| Certificate of Change of Vehicle Possession | AED 100 |
| Sale and Purchase Agreement | AED 50 |
| Knowledge and Innovation | AED 20 |
| Total | AED 170 |
Payment Methods
- Cash
- eWallet
- Credit card
Terms and Conditions
- You must complete all licensing transactions within 14 days to prevent penalties and fines.
FAQs
- Q : Do both the buyer and seller have to pay all the Traffic File fines when applying for changing the possession of a vehicle to a new owner?
- A : If the vehicle is registered under a Possession Certificate and the possession is being transferred to a new owner, the buyer must pay all fines issued in his name.
- Q : Is the vehicle inspection required when changing the vehicle possession from an insurance company to another customer?
- A : Yes.
- Q: Do federal centres in other emirates still offer the service of transferring vehicles registered in Dubai to other emirates?
- A : No, federal centres in other emirates don’t offer the service of transferring Dubai-registered vehicles. However, they provide vehicle inspection services to individuals only.
Updated on: 26-November-2025