Used Car Buying Documents in Dubai – 2025 Complete Guide

Buying used cars is common in Dubai. People frequently switch cars here, and the resale of used vehicles is huge in the city. Finding your dream car might sound good to you, but when purchasing a used vehicle, documentation should never be neglected. The law is quite strict in Dubai, and you could be delayed or forced to face fines if you miss just one step of your purchase journey; this might also mean suspension of the car's registration. 

So, here’s a list of important paperwork to have. We shall discuss all the information you would need to purchase a used car in Dubai in 2025. Let’s break down everything from basic ID clarity to what should be a must-have for RTA for an easygoing purchase. 

Documents Required for the Easy Purchase of a Used Car:

1. Buyer's Personal Documents

These are the papers that establish your identity and location. They will determine whether you are eligible to acquire a vehicle within Dubai. The following shall be presented:

• Emirates ID (original and copy): You cannot purchase any car unless you have an Emirates ID in your possession, just like in the case of a new car.
• Current UAE Driver's License: Ensure that your license is not expired when you set out to purchase a used car.
• Passport and Visa: If you are foreign, please be sure to have copies of your passport.
• Documents to Prove You Live in the UAE: Things like lease agreements or recent bills of electricity establish your address, so one usually requires this in setting up insurance. 

Pro Tip: Make sure that your Emirates ID and license remain valid for a good few months. This way, you will not be delayed when renewing during the process. 

2. Documents from the Seller

Seller documents will also be required. Be sure to ask the private seller for these documents: 

• Original Emirates ID/Passport: There are means to confirm ownership of the vehicle in the name of the seller. 
• Original Mulkiya: The original registration card has to be presented by the seller in support of proof. 
• Car Insurance Details: Mandatory? No. Useful? Yes. It gives an idea of any claims that might have been made on this policy. 

Pro Tip: Always compare the seller's ID with the name on the Mulkiya - if they do not match, walk away or dig deeper. 

3. Car-Related Documents 

Also, you have to take care of all car-related documents. These papers show that the car is roadworthy, i.e, not legally banned. You will need: 

• Original Mulkiya: The original car registration card, in other words, Mulkiya, is always required for the vehicle transfer process.
• Recent RTA Vehicle Test Certificate: It should be within 30 days of passing the technical test. The certificate is mandatory for vehicles above three years of age for transfer.
• Service History (Optional): An elaborate maintenance history report will aid in determining previous services, accidents, and reliability troubles. 

Pro Tip: Always verify fines and the test certificate status on the RTA or Dubai Police app before meeting the seller. 

4. Additional Documents in the Case of Financing

If you plan to finance your vehicle, here is what the buyer and seller need.

• Bank Loan Approval (Buyer): Required by the buyer, this letter confirms the total amount and terms of your financing.
• Bank Release Letter (For Seller): Indicates that the loan has been fully paid off or gives instructions for loan transfer.
• Clearance Certificate: Make sure all fines have been paid using either the RTA or Dubai Police applications.
• Salary Certificate or Income proof: When processing a used car loan, lenders generally require income proof.

5. Documents Required at RTA for Car Ownership Transfer 

To transfer a car at an RTA center, Tasjeel, or Tamam, bring the Vehicle Transfer Application Form, which can be completed online or in person. You’ll need: 

1. Original Mulkiya for car identity proof.
2. The Emirates ID of both the buyer and seller is used to validate both identities.
3. A valid insurance policy (in the buyer's name) is required because RTA will not transfer ownership without one.
4. Passing Test Certificate that is valid for 30 days.
5. Fines Clearance Proof that all fines have been paid and shown in the RTA records.
6. Bank loan documents are also required if you are financing your car.

Payment Receipt:

1. Transfer Fee: AED 350-400.
2. Vehicle Inspection Charges: AED 170.
3. Innovation Fee: AED 20.

6. Documents that are Optional but Recommended

Although they are not required, some documents can save you a great deal of trouble in the future, such as: 

1. Purchase or Sales Agreement: To ensure a clear record of the agreement, particularly in the event of any problems later, this straightforward document contains the sale price, date, VIN, and mileage.
2. Warranty Documents: Get the documents if the vehicle still has a transferable warranty. If something goes wrong after the purchase, it offers peace of mind.
3. Export Certificate: The certificate is necessary to ship the vehicle outside of the United Arab Emirates. It proves you're abiding by the regulations and officially authorizes the vehicle for export.

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid 

It's simple to get swept up in the excitement of buying a car, but a few minor errors now could cause big problems later. Here are some things to be aware of:

• Unpaid Fines: The RTA will not permit you to transfer ownership of the vehicle if there are any unpaid fines. Always check and clear them before purchasing.
• Check for Debt: The car cannot be transferred if the seller has not paid off the bank debt, leaving you in a difficult situation.
• Lack of Insurance: The RTA cannot process the transfer until you have valid insurance in your name.
• RTA Inspection: A formal test must be passed by any vehicle that is more than three years old. It verifies that the vehicle is roadworthy, so don't skip it.

8. Final Checklist for Buyers 

Here is a final checklist to make sure you’ve got everything covered. Print it out or save it on your phone for a smooth purchase: 

Tips for Safe Transactions and Ownership Transfer 

• Detailed Car Inspection: Consider professional inspections for accident or structural history.
• Double-check Docs: Before making a purchase, check the VIN, fines, accident history, insurance status, and loan data.
• Compare Rates: Examine the prices of cars and then make an informed decision.
• Look for Trusted Platforms: Authorized car dealership platforms like FirstChoiceCars help reduce fraud risk.

Conclusion

Overall, buying a used car in Dubai is a simple process. The most critical step is to double-check all the required documents. Taking care of an unpaid fine or a lost test certificate can result in unnecessary delays or legal consequences. Therefore, it’s important to carefully review your checklist and ensure that everything is in order. Additionally, consider using RTA-approved dealership platforms like First Choice Cars for a smooth purchase. This guide can help you make a legal, stress-free used car purchase.

Disclaimer: All information, including pricing, vehicle details, and legal requirements, is accurate at the time of publication but may be subject to change due to market conditions or policy updates. While First Choice Cars makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, we hold no responsibility for any errors, omissions, or outdated content. We recommend contacting our team directly to confirm the latest details before making any decisions.