Selling your car in Dubai can feel overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re upgrading, relocating, or just want to turn your wheels into cash, this step-by-step guide will help you sell your car legally, quickly, and for the right price.
So, how do you sell your car in Dubai?
You need to know your car’s value, prepare it for sale, collect the required documents, decide how to sell (private, dealer, or platform), and finalize the ownership transfer at the RTA.
Let’s break down each part of the process so you can handle everything with confidence.
Step 1: Know the True Value of Your Car
Before you do anything else, find out what your car is worth in today’s market. This helps you set a fair asking price and avoid overpricing (which leads to slow sales) or underpricing (and losing money).
In the UAE, depreciation hits cars fast—some models lose 20–30% of their value in the first year and up to 50% within three years.
How to Get an Accurate Car Valuation
You have a few options:
- Use an online free car valuation tool.
- Compare your model, year, and mileage on listing sites like Dubizzle or YallaMotor.
- Visit a dealership for a trade-in estimate.
Example Price Snapshot (2025 UAE Market)
| Model | Year | Mileage (km) | Average Price (AED) |
| Toyota Corolla | 2021 | 50,000 | 47,000 – 50,000 |
| Nissan Sunny | 2022 | 40,000 | 39,000 – 43,000 |
| Mitsubishi Pajero | 2020 | 80,000 | 60,000 – 70,000 |
Once you know your price, you’re ready for step two.
Step 2: Prepare Your Car for Sale
First impressions matter. A well-presented car sells faster and fetches better offers.
Clean & Detail Your Vehicle
- Wash and wax the exterior.
- Vacuum the interior and remove personal items.
- Clean the engine bay if it’s safe to do so.
Fix Minor Issues
- Replace broken lights or worn-out wipers.
- Top up fluids.
- Fix visible scratches or dents (small repairs can boost value).
Optional but Helpful
- Schedule a car inspection to boost buyer confidence.
- Keep a file with service history and repair records.
Step 3: Gather the Required Documents
Paperwork makes or breaks the deal. Before you list or meet a buyer, make sure you’ve got all these ready:
Seller Documents
- Emirates ID (original)
- Car registration card (Mulkiya)
- Bank clearance letter (if the car was financed)
- RTA vehicle inspection certificate (valid for 30 days)
- Any service records
Buyer Documents (for reference)
- Emirates ID
- UAE driving license
- Valid car insurance
- Residence visa copy (if required)
Keep copies for your records, too. It’s always better to be safe.
Step 4: Choose Where to Sell Your Car
Here’s where you pick your selling strategy. In Dubai, you have three main options.
A. Private Sale
- More profit
- More effort (listing, communication, negotiation)
- Use platforms like DubaiWheels, Dubizzle, and Facebook Marketplace
B. Dealership Trade-In
- Quicker sale
- Lower price
- Easy if you’re buying another car from the dealer
C. Instant Car Buying Companies
- Companies like Carzoo or SellAnyCar
- Fast payment & paperwork
- Lower than market value
| Method | Speed | Sale Price | Effort | Paperwork |
| Private Sale | Slow | High | High | DIY |
| Dealership | Medium | Fair | Medium | Handled |
| Instant Buyers | Fastest | Lower | Low | Handled |
Step 5: Create a Killer Car Ad
If you’re going the private route, your ad needs to stand out.
Write a Great Description
Don’t just list specs. Talk about:
- Condition: “Well-maintained, accident-free”
- Special features: “Panoramic sunroof, Android Auto”
- Ownership history: “Single owner, full-service history”
Take High-Quality Photos
- Shoot in daylight
- Front, back, side, interior, engine bay, dashboard (odometer!)
- Avoid messy backgrounds
Pro Tip: Cars with clear, professional photos get up to 2x more leads.
Step 6: Handle Buyers Like a Pro
You’ll start getting calls and messages—be ready.
Screen Buyers
- Ask for their name and when they’d like to see the car
- Meet in public places (parking lots near malls or RTA centers)
- Never hand over documents or keys unless you’re sure
During the Test Drive
- Always accompany the buyer
- Bring a friend if possible
- Let them ask questions but don’t oversell
Red Flag: Anyone pushing for a quick deal or partial payment should be avoided.
Step 7: Complete the Sale at the RTA
Here comes the legal part—ownership transfer through the RTA (Roads and Transport Authority).
What to Expect
- Visit an RTA service center (like Al Barsha or Al Manara)
- Get the car tested if over 3 years old
- Settle any fines or toll charges
- Submit documents and sign the contract
- Buyer pays the transfer fee (AED 350+)
What the Buyer Needs
- Valid insurance
- Emirates ID
- UAE driving license
You’ll hand over the car only after the new Mulkiya (registration card) is issued in the buyer’s name.
Step 8: Cancel or Transfer the Insurance
If your insurance has 7+ months left, you can:
- Transfer it to the new owner (check with your provider)
- Or cancel it and request a refund for the unused months
Provide the insurance company with:
- Sale confirmation
- Copy of new registration card
Step 9: Final Things to Do After the Sale
Don’t stop just yet. A few last things ensure you’re fully done with your car.
- Remove your Salik tag (or deactivate it)
- Cancel your car insurance if not been transferred
- Keep copies of the sale contract and transfer receipt
- Notify your bank if the car has a loan
- Deactivate your vehicle from app-based parking platforms (like RTA Parking, ParkKey)
Step 10: Selling While Abroad? Here’s How
If you’re outside the UAE and want to sell your car:
- Issue a Power of Attorney (POA) to someone in the UAE
- They can sell and transfer your car legally on your behalf
- Use the Dubai Notary Public’s e-notarization service for faster processing
Important: POA must include permission to transfer vehicle ownership via RTA.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even seasoned car owners can mess this up. Here’s what to look out for:
- Overpricing your car without checking the real market value
- Forgetting to remove the Salik tag
- Not clearing fines or loans before visiting the RTA
- Selling without full documents
- Accepting cheques or partial payments (always ask for full cash or bank transfer)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell my car with a loan in Dubai?
Yes, but you must clear the outstanding balance first. The bank will then send a loan clearance to the RTA, usually within 48 hours.
Is it legal to put a “For Sale” sticker on my car?
No. It’s illegal and can get your car impounded. Always advertise online or through authorized platforms.
Who pays the car ownership transfer fee?
Typically, the buyer pays it. It starts around AED 350.
Can I sell my car online in Dubai?
Yes. You can list it on platforms like DubaiWheels or sell instantly through car buying companies. Just make sure to follow all legal steps.
Can I keep my license plate number?
Yes, you can request to retain your number at the time of transfer. The buyer gets a new one issued.
Conclusion
Selling your car in Dubai doesn’t have to be stressful. If you follow this step-by-step process—know the value, prep the car, pick the right selling method, gather documents, and visit the RTA—you’ll sell your car smoothly, legally, and without drama.
