RTA Car Selling Checklist: Everything You Need Before Selling Your Car in Dubai

Summary

Selling your car in Dubai requires clearing fines, passing RTA inspection, gathering documents, and transferring ownership legally. This guide covers each step to avoid delays and get the best price.

Selling a car in Dubai isn’t as simple as handing over the keys and waving goodbye. It involves paperwork, legal procedures, inspections, and if done right, some pretty good profit. Whether you’re upgrading, leaving the country, or just looking to cash out, following a proper checklist can save you from unnecessary delays or even legal hiccups.

If my goal is to sell my car Dubai without stress and still get a solid deal, this guide is exactly what I need.

1. Clear All Outstanding Fines and Loans

Before you can even think about transferring ownership, the first thing the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will require is a clean record. That means:

• Pay off all traffic fines linked to the vehicle.
• Clear any Salik dues (Dubai’s road toll system).
• Settle any outstanding loan with your bank. If the car is financed, get a clearance letter from the bank confirming the loan is fully paid off.

Without these steps, you won’t be able to legally transfer ownership of the car.

2. Conduct a Full RTA Vehicle Inspection

All cars being sold in Dubai must pass an official inspection from an RTA-approved center. This isn’t just a formality; it’s a requirement.

Head to any of the RTA testing centers (Shamil, Tasjeel, Tamam, or Wasel).

The inspection costs roughly AED 170–200 and checks for major mechanical and safety issues.

Once the car passes, you’ll be given a Vehicle Technical Inspection Certificate which is valid for 30 days.

If your vehicle fails, you’ll need to fix the issues and repeat the test.

3. Prepare the Required Documents

Here’s what you’ll need to complete the sale:

• Emirates ID (both seller and buyer)
• Original vehicle registration card (Mulkiya)
• Valid insurance (optional but preferred)
• Passport copy and visa page (for expats)
• Proof of settled car loan (if applicable)
• Technical Inspection Certificate from RTA

You should also keep a sale agreement handy, especially when dealing directly with individuals rather than showrooms or dealers.

4. Decide on a Selling Method

You’ve got multiple ways to sell your car in Dubai:

• Private sale: Possibly the most profitable, but it requires time and effort to deal with inquiries and test drives.
• Dealerships or car buying companies: They handle everything, but the price may be lower.
• Online classifieds or marketplaces: Online Platforms like Facebook Marketplace work well, but beware of scammers.
• OneClickDrive: A great option for showcasing your car to a large number of verified buyers without the headache of traditional listings.

5. Negotiate Smartly

Before meeting potential buyers, check the market value of your car using platforms like OneClickDrive. Be realistic about your asking price and leave a little room for negotiation. A good way to justify your price is by showing:

• Recent service history
• New tires or battery (if replaced)
• RTA inspection report
• Clean accident history

Never agree to sell your car without verifying the buyer’s identity and confirming their serious interest.

6. Visit the RTA for Ownership Transfer

Once you’ve agreed on a deal, both parties must visit an RTA-approved center. There, you will:

Submit the documents

Pay the transfer fee (AED 350 for light vehicles)

Transfer ownership digitally

The new owner must have insurance before the transfer can be completed. Once done, you’ll receive a confirmation SMS and your responsibilities for the vehicle end there.

7. Remove the Car from Your Insurance and Salik Account

Contact your insurance provider and cancel the policy. If there’s time left on the policy, you may be eligible for a refund.

Remove the car’s tag from your Salik account or transfer it to a new vehicle if you’re getting another one.

This step is important to avoid getting billed for any toll charges or liabilities that occur after the sale.

8. Exporting? Do It the Right Way

If the buyer plans to take the vehicle out of the country, which is quite common with Dubai cars for sale export, make sure the car is deregistered for export through the RTA. The buyer will need:

• An export certificate
• Export plates (temporary)
• Insurance for export purposes

All of this can be arranged at the RTA center itself. It’s important that the car isn’t driven within the UAE once marked for export.

FAQs

What is the process of selling a car in Dubai?

To sell a car in Dubai, clear all fines, ensure valid insurance, get an RTA vehicle inspection certificate, find a buyer, and complete ownership transfer at an RTA Customer Happiness Centre.

How to transfer ownership of a car in Dubai?

Both buyer and seller visit an RTA Customer Happiness Centre with Emirates IDs, valid Mulkiya, insurance, and a passed inspection certificate. Pay the transfer fee, and the RTA issues a new Mulkiya for the buyer.

Can I keep my number plate when I transfer ownership in the UAE?

Yes, you can keep your plate. Inform the RTA during transfer to retain or reserve it for your next car.

What is the best selling used car in Dubai?

Popular models include the Toyota Land Cruiser, Nissan Patrol, and Toyota Corolla due to reliability and high resale value in the UAE market.

Do you need a licence to sell cars in Dubai?

Selling your own car doesn’t require a license. However, selling cars as a business or multiple vehicles for profit requires a trade license approved by the Dubai Economic Department.

Final Tip: Stay Alert for Scams

Always insist on payments through secure bank transfers or cash; no cheques or partial promises. Never share your OTP or banking credentials. If something feels off, walk away.

Selling your car in the Dubai or on the Sharjah car market can be a breeze when you’re well-informed. Stick to this checklist and you’ll not only avoid legal troubles but also stand a good chance of pocketing the best price for your wheels. Whether you’re listing your ride yourself or using a platform like OneClickDrive, preparation is key.

And remember, just because the car’s leaving your driveway doesn’t mean your responsibility ends until everything’s done by the book.