A Buyer’s Guide to a Smooth Used Car Transfer in the UAE

Worried about used car registration in the UAE? From mulkiyatransfer to hidden costs, we break it down—so you don’t face delays or fines.

Smooth Transfer, No Surprises: Navigating Used Car Registration Pitfalls in the UAE

You find the perfect listing. Low mileage, clean history, price that seems just right. A quick call to the seller, maybe a short test drive—and the excitement kicks in. This could be the one.

But between that test drive and the actual transfer, something often slips through the cracks.

You ask about the used car registration, and the response is vague. The seller says it’s “handled.” You assume the mulkiya transfer will be smooth. No one really talks about the steps in detail—and why would they? It’s just paperwork, right?

That assumption is exactly what trips up so many buyers across the UAE.

They get caught in delays because a previous fine wasn’t cleared. Or the car still has an active loan. Or the insurance was transferred incorrectly. Sometimes, the car can't even be registered in the buyer’s name—weeks after paying for it.

It’s not carelessness. It’s that the used car registration process often comes at the end of the conversation, not the beginning. Buried in the excitement of a new purchase.

That’s where we’re going to pause and flip the approach.

In this blog, we’ll walk through the pitfalls that most pre-owned car buyers miss—and how you can avoid them. We’ll explain why registration isn’t just a step—it’s the moment legal ownership truly starts. And how being aware of the fees, documents, and timelines can save you far more than just money.

The Basics: What Is the Used Car Registration Process in the UAE?

You’vepicked the car, finally shake hands, and the deal’s done; the car is yours—almost. Now comes the part that truly transfers ownership: registration. And in the UAE, that means handling what’s called the Mulkiya.

That’s where most first-time buyers feel that sudden overwhelm:
“Wait, what do I do now?”
“What’s Mulkiya?”
“Am I supposed to go somewhere? Do it online?”

Let’s clear the air.

First, what is Mulkiya?

It’s the UAE car registration card—your legal proof that the car is officially and completely yours. No Mulkiya, no ownership. It also records your insurance, testing, and fines. Think of it as the car’s official identity document, tied to your Emirates ID.

Used Car Registration in the UAE — Step-by-Step

1.Seller clears all dues

Before anything can move forward, the seller must settle:

• Outstanding traffic fines

• Salik (toll) balances

• Any pending loan or bank hypothecation
  The system won’t allow the transfer unless all dues are clear.

2. Vehicle inspection (mandatory for older vehicles)

If the car is over 3 years old, it needs to pass a technical test. You can get this done at authorized centers like:

• Tasjeel (Dubai, Sharjah)

• Shamil (Dubai, Sharjah, RAK)

• ADNOC vehicle testing centers (Abu Dhabi and Al Ain)

They’ll check brakes, tires, emissions, lights — making sure the car is safe for UAE roads.The test results are instantly updated in the system.

3. Buy insurance (before you register the car)

Here’s a detail that many forget: insurance must be active before registration.

• You can purchase it online or through the service center desks.

• Basic third-party or comprehensive? That depends on you — but it needs to match the registration period (usually one year).

4. Transfer registration — online or offline

Now, the actual handover.You can either do this:

• At an RTA customer happiness center (like Al Barsha, Al Qusais, Deira)

• Or online via:

• Dubai Drive app

• RTA website (Dubai)

• MOI UAE app (for other Emirates)

Both buyer and seller must be present (physically or digitally via verified accounts), and you’ll need:

• Original Emirates ID (both parties)

• Valid vehicle test certificate (if applicable)

• Valid car insurance under buyer’s name

• Car plate number

• Mulkiya (from the seller)

Some Emirates may also ask for residency details or no-objection letters in special cases.

5. Pay the transfer and registration fees

Here’s what to expect:

• AED 400–500 for registration

• Additional AED 20–50 for service center handling

• If you’re getting a new number plate: AED 35–500 depending on type (short, long, luxury)

• Optional delivery service: AED 25–30

You can pay via card or digital wallets at service centers or through the apps.

6. Receive your new Mulkiya (Vehicle Registration Card)

Once all steps are done, you’ll get your new Mulkiya, valid for one year.
If done online, it’s emailed and accessible in the Dubai Drive or MOI app.
If done offline, you receive a printed copy and plate (if changed) on the spot.

It sounds like a lot, but when done right, this entire used car registration process can be completed in under a day—especially if you’re buying through dealers like RMA Motors who handle the mulkiya transfer for you.

The Hidden Costs: Breaking Down the Used Car Registration Fees

Just when you think you're done with the deal and checking the paper, the final cost slips a few hundred dirhams higher than you expected.That’s where many first-time buyers of used cars in UAE get caught off guard—not because the system is unclear, but because the details are often scattered or barely mentioned.

Let’s break down exactly what’s involved when it comes to used car registration fees, so you can plan without surprises:

Standard Registration Charges You’ll Definitely Pay

• Vehicle Testing Fee: AED 170 – Required for cars older than 3 years. Testing is mandatory and needs to be done at RTA-approved centers before registration.

• Ownership Transfer / Mulkiya Issuance: AED 350 – Covers the cost of issuing the new Mulkiya (ownership card) under your name.

• Plate Number Fee: AED 35 – If you’re requesting a new number plate or need a replacement.

• Traffic File Fee: AED 220 – This is typically required if you don’t have an existing traffic file with the RTA.

Hidden Charges Most Buyers Miss

This is where most buyers underestimate the used car registration charges:

• Expired Registration Penalty: If the seller hasn’t kept the registration current, you may inherit late fees. These can quickly snowball depending on how long the delay is.

• Pending Traffic Fines: Outstanding fines are tied to the car—not the owner. Always check the fine history before closing the deal, or you’ll be footing someone else’s speeding ticket.

• Insurance Requirements: You can’t register the car without valid insurance, and last-minute plans often lead to overpriced short-term coverage just to get through the paperwork.

• Salik Tag Reissue: Not always mentioned, but if you’re transferring ownership and plan to continue using toll roads, you might need to update or replace the Salik tag—another AED 100–120.

• VAT on Certain Fees: While most government fees are listed as is, some services (especially through third-party agents) add VAT over and above the listed price.

Pitfall Prevention: Where Most Buyers Go Wrong

Too many buyers learn the hard way that pre owned car registrationisn’t just a formality. It’s the legal and financial line that decides whether the car is yours to drive—or your problem to fix.

Let’s walk through the most common mistakes that cost buyers both time and money:

Red Flags That Should Make You Pause

• Outstanding Traffic Fines Not Disclosed
  A fine tied to the vehicle becomes your burden once you start the transfer process. Many sellers don’t mention this—sometimes out of ignorance, other times deliberately. Always check via the RTA or MOI portals before moving forward.

• Expired Registration or Insurance
  If the car’s registration has lapsed or insurance is no longer valid, you’llbe responsible for renewing both before the transfer can even begin. That’s not just extra cost—it’s added hassle.

• Incorrect or Missing Documents
  No Emirates ID? Incomplete vehicle history? No valid technical inspection report? Each missing piece is a reason for rejection during the transfer. And worse, if the car has been modified without approval (like tinting beyond limits), you might fail the vehicle inspection altogether.

Why Skipping Verification is a Costly Shortcut

When you don’t verify pre owned car registration details before closing the deal, the consequences stack up fast:

• Delays at the RTA center (or failed online transactions)

• Blocked registration due to active fines or legal issues tied to the car

• Ownership disputes in cases where the seller isn’t the rightful owner or has forged documents

• Last-minute insurance scrambling, often at higher premiums

Why RMA Makes Registration Effortless

Let’s face it—the used car registration process in the UAE can be a maze. Between verifying ownership, clearing fines, ensuring insurance compliance, and dealing with RTA formalities, buyers are often left overwhelmed.

That’s where RMA Motors steps in—not just as a dealership, but as your full-service car buying partner.

Unlike most dealers, RMA doesn’t just hand over the keys. Before a car is even listed for sale, their team runs a comprehensive pre-screening process that includes:

• Clean title check – ensuring no disputed ownership or hidden liens

• Outstanding fines clearance – so there are no unpleasant surprises

• Registration status verification – ensuring you won’t get stuck mid-transfer

• Transparent ownership history – no guesswork about where the car’s been

So, when you pick a car from RMA, you’re not just picking a vehicle—you’rechoosingcertainty.

End-to-End Support: No Queues, No Confusion

RMA’s in-house documentation support means you never have to chase down paperwork or figure out the process alone. Whether it’stransferring the Mulkiya, verifying insurance, or managing any RTA compliance, RMA does it all—so you don’t have to.

That includes:

• Coordinating RTA inspection and testing

• Handling ownership transfer with zero delays

• Ensuring everything is compliant before you even sign

If you're not up for all that stress—just buy from RMA Motors.

With transparent listings, verified histories, and complete paperwork support, RMA Motors ensures you drive off with nothing but peace of mind. This is exactly what sets them apart in a crowded market: a seamless, fully-managed experience that puts the customer first.