How To Sell Your Car In The UAE From Abroad

Are you leaving the UAE permanently and haven’t sold your car yet? Or perhaps you were unable to sell it while still residing in the country? If you are abroad and need to sell your car in the UAE, you must grant a Power of Attorney (POA) to a trusted individual or company to handle the sale on your behalf.

In any of the seven Emirates, a vehicle POA allows a designated person to manage the selling process for you. This guide outlines the latest steps on how to sell your car in the UAE from abroad. UAE residents who lack the time to sell their own vehicles can also follow this process.

What Can a Power of Attorney (POA) Do?

A person with a vehicle POA is authorised to:

• Sell or transfer vehicle ownership on your behalf.
• Receive sale proceeds.
• Renew vehicle registration and insurance.
• Settle outstanding traffic fines and impound fees.
• Sign transfer documents and complete ownership transfer.
• Represent you in all government departments, including traffic and licensing authorities.

How to Get a Vehicle Power of Attorney

Documents Required

To issue a vehicle POA, the following documents are needed:

• Passport (original and copy)
• Emirates ID (original and copy)
• Vehicle registration card (Mulkiya)

Drafting the POA

The vehicle POA must be professionally drafted, clearly stating that you are authorising another person to sell or transfer your vehicle. You can also include an option to allow the vehicle to be exported to your home country if it is not sold within the UAE.

Getting a vehicle POA drafted typically takes 5-8 working days in the UAE.

Legalisation Process

Once the document is drafted, it must be notarised:

• If you are in the UAE, notarisation is done through a UAE Notary Public.
• If you are outside the UAE, the POA must be legalised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your country and then attested at the UAE Embassy.

Translation Requirement

As Arabic is the official language of the UAE, a POA document drafted in another language must be translated into Arabic by a UAE Ministry of Justice-certified translator. If not translated correctly, the application may be rejected.

Cost of a Vehicle POA

The cost varies depending on the service provider, but drafting and notarising a Vehicle POA starts from AED 549 in the UAE.

Steps to Transfer the Vehicle

Once you have granted vehicle POA, the authorised person can proceed with the sale and ownership transfer. Here’s what needs to be done:

1. Clear Any Vehicle Loans

• Any existing car loans must be settled before the sale.
• Once cleared, the bank will inform the RTA or traffic department to update records.
• You will receive an SMS confirming loan clearance (usually within 24-48 hours).

2. Vehicle Testing

• Before ownership transfer, the car must pass an RTA vehicle test to ensure roadworthiness.
• If the car fails, the test centre will provide a list of required repairs.
• It is advisable to get the test done before listing the car for sale to avoid delays.

3. Pay Traffic Fines

• All outstanding traffic fines must be cleared before the transfer.
• Fines can be checked and paid via police websites, apps, or traffic departments.
• Black points are linked to the driver, not the vehicle, so they do not impact the sale.

4. Insurance Considerations

• If the vehicle’s insurance policy has 7 months or more remaining, it may be transferred to the new owner (subject to the insurance provider’s policy).
• If transfer is not possible, you can cancel the policy and request a refund.

5. Ownership Transfer Process

Once the above steps are completed, the authorised POA holder can proceed with the final transfer.

Required Documents:

• Emirates ID of the POA holder.
• Valid passing certificate (vehicle test).
• Certified Power of Attorney document attested by the UAE government.

Once the ownership transfer is completed, the POA holder can legally sell the vehicle on your behalf. Check this detailed guide on how to transfer car ownership.

Additional Considerations

1. RTA Online Services for POA Verification

• The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and other emirates’ transport authorities provide online verification services to check if a POA is valid before proceeding with a sale.
• This can help avoid fraudulent documents or delays.

2. Using DubiCars for an Easier Sale

• DubiCars offers a safe and reliable platform for selling cars in the UAE, with services for vehicle valuation, listing, and buyer connections.
• This simplifies the selling process, especially for those selling from abroad.

3. Remote Sale via Certified Car Dealerships

• Some UAE dealerships offer buy-back programs or direct purchase options for cars with a valid POA.
• This provides a quick and hassle-free option for sellers abroad.

4. Temporary Vehicle Storage Option

• If the car cannot be sold immediately, it may need to be stored to avoid fines or damages.
• Several UAE companies offer secure car storage services until the vehicle is sold.

5. Deregistration for Export (If Applicable)

• If the car is not sold in the UAE, the POA holder can deregister it for export.
• An export certificate from the RTA is required for this process.

This guide provides the latest steps on how to sell your car in the UAE from abroad. It is also useful for UAE residents who may not have time to sell their own vehicles. By following these steps and ensuring all legal requirements are met, you can sell your car without being physically present in the UAE.

Find the best cars for sale in the UAE.

Stay tuned to UAE’s most popular auto blog for more information about the latest happenings in all of the Emirates.

FAQs