Documents Needed to Sell a Car in Dubai

To sell a car in Dubai as an individual, you normally need your Mulkiya (registration card), your original Emirates ID, valid insurance, a passing technical inspection where required, and a mortgage release if the car was financed. All traffic fines must also be paid. Below is the full checklist, including the extra paperwork for financed cars, company cars and exports.

Document checklist at a glance

The core documents explained

• Mulkiya (vehicle registration card) This is the car's registration card and the main proof that the car is registered in your name. Bring the physical card or make sure you can show the digital version on the RTA app.
• Emirates ID Both the seller and buyer need a valid Emirates ID. If you are selling to a company, they will ask to see your original ID, not a copy.
• Insurance The car must be insured for it to be registered to the new owner. In practice, the buyer arranges their own insurance. After the sale, contact your insurer to cancel your policy and ask about any refund for the unused period.
• Technical inspection Some cars need to pass a technical inspection before the transfer, depending on their age and registration status. Tasjeel and other approved inspection centres carry out these tests. Check with RTA or your buyer whether your car needs one.

If your car is financed

You can sell a financed car, but the bank must release its mortgage before ownership changes. The usual steps are:

1. Ask your bank for a liability letter showing the amount needed to close the loan.
2. Settle the loan (you, or in some cases the buyer, pays it off).
3. The bank issues a clearance letter and releases the mortgage electronically with RTA.
4. Transfer ownership to the buyer.

Timing depends on your bank, so start early. When you sell to the Car Buying Zone, we guide you through these steps.

Paying traffic fines before you sell

RTA won't transfer the car until all fines are paid, including fines from other emirates. Check your fines on the RTA or Dubai Police apps before you sell. When you sell to CBZ, we may be able to pay outstanding fines for you and deduct the amount from the agreed price.

If someone else is selling for you

If you can't attend, your representative needs a valid power of attorney that specifically covers selling vehicles. A general power of attorney may not be accepted. Check the exact wording with RTA before it is drafted.

Company-owned cars

Company cars usually need:

• A valid trade licence
• A letter or NOC from the company authorising the sale
• The authorised signatory's Emirates ID
• The company stamp

Requirements can vary, so confirm with RTA or your buyer before you visit.

Exporting the car or leaving the UAE

If the car leaves the UAE, or is registered in another country, an export or transfer certificate is needed instead of a normal local transfer. Fines must still be cleared and any loan settled. If you are leaving the country, start early and read our guide to selling your car before leaving the UAE.

Useful extras (not required, but they help)

• Service book and receipts: they support your car's value
• Spare key
• Warranty or service contract papers, if any remain
• Accident repair invoices, if the car was repaired

What to bring when you sell to CBZ

For most cars, bring:

• Your Mulkiya
• Your original Emirates ID

If your car is financed, company-owned or has unpaid fines, tell us when you book. We'll explain what else is needed so your visit isn't wasted. Car Buying Zone serves customers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, pays by cash or bank transfer on the same visit, and helps with the ownership transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need the original Mulkiya to sell my car in Dubai? 

You need your registration details to be valid and available. The physical card or the digital version on the RTA app is normally accepted. If the card is lost, check with RTA whether you need a replacement before the sale.

Can I sell my car with an expired registration? 

Usually the registration needs to be renewed, or any non-renewal fine paid, before the car can be transferred. This may also require a technical inspection. Check with RTA for your car.

Can I sell a car that is still under finance? 

Yes. The loan must be settled and the bank must release the mortgage before ownership can change. Ask your bank for a liability letter first so you know the exact amount.

Does the buyer need to be present at the transfer? 

In the standard RTA process, both seller and buyer confirm the sale, in person or through RTA's digital channels. A representative can act only with a valid power of attorney that covers selling vehicles.

What documents do I need to sell my car to CBZ? 

For most cars, your Mulkiya and original Emirates ID. If the car is financed, company-owned or has fines, let us know when you book and we'll tell you what else to bring.

Do I need a passing test to sell my car? 

It depends on the car's age and registration status. Some cars need a technical inspection report before transfer. Check with RTA or ask your buyer before your visit.