In this 2025 guide, you'll discover exactly how to transfer car ownership in Saudi Arabia through Absher with ease. You'll get clear and concise instructions alongside practical tips that simplify every stage of the vehicle ownership transfer process. Keep reading to learn how to tackle this process quickly and efficiently!
Complete 2025 Step-by-Step Process
Prerequisites for Absher Vehicle Transfer
Before starting the procedure, ensure your Absher account is active, verified, and linked to your mobile number. You should also have active SMS notifications enabled for receiving timely updates. Keep your original vehicle registration certificate (Istimara) ready, as it is essential for validating the vehicle ownership transfer process and meeting traffic department regulations.
How to Transfer Ownership via Absher Portal
Log in to your Absher account and navigate directly to the 'Vehicle Services' section, then select 'Ownership Transfer'. Enter your vehicle details including the plate number and chassis number (VIN) carefully. You will need to upload important documents such as copies of both the seller’s and buyer’s national IDs along with a signed sales agreement. Complete this step by paying the transfer fee of SR/AED 500 via the SADAD payment system. Once done, you will receive an SMS confirmation with your appointment details, ensuring that you follow the correct and updated vehicle ownership transfer process through Absher.
Required Documents Checklist
Make sure you have all of these documents before you begin the transfer:
Seller’s national ID copy (both front and back if needed)
Buyer’s national ID copy
Signed sales agreement
Original vehicle registration certificate (Istimara) for the seller
Below is a quick reference table that summarizes the necessary documents:
Document Type | Seller | Buyer |
|---|---|---|
National ID | ✓ | ✓ |
Signed Contract | ✓ | ✓ |
Insurance Copy | ✓ | ✓ |
Istimara | ✓ | - |
Special Case Handling
Transferring Company-Owned Vehicles
For company-owned vehicles, you must secure an authorized signatory letter along with a copy of the commercial registration. This extra layer of documentation confirms that the transfer meets GCC certified vehicle ownership transfer policies. Also, include the necessary Chamber of Commerce authorization to ensure the process is compliant.
Inherited Vehicle Transfers
If the vehicle is being transferred due to inheritance, submit the inheritance certificate along with any required court orders. Additionally, provide a family ID proof to verify your claim. Following these steps guarantees that the inherited vehicle’s transfer adheres to standardized traffic department procedures in Saudi Arabia.
Common Issues & Solutions
Transaction Rejection Causes
A transfer may be rejected if there are any outstanding traffic fines, if the vehicle inspection has expired, or if signature samples are mismatched. You might also face delays if the insurance validity is less than 30 days. Keep these potential issues in mind and resolve them in advance to ensure smooth processing.
SMS Verification Troubleshooting
Should you encounter issues receiving the confirmation SMS, first verify that the mobile number registered to your Absher account is active. Make sure to check both your primary messaging inbox and the spam folder. If problems persist, consider resetting your SMS notifications via the Absher dashboard or visiting the local Ministry of Interior service center for further assistance.
Post-Transfer Requirements
After the ownership transfer is complete, update your vehicle insurance within 14 days to meet local traffic regulations. A physical inspection at the MVC center is required to collect your new Istimara from the traffic department. If necessary, arrange for new license plates according to the guidelines. Remember, completing the entire transfer process within 30 days of the sale agreement is critical to avoid daily penalties of SR/AED 100 (up to SR/AED 1,000).
FAQ
What are the first steps for transferring car ownership through Absher?
To begin, ensure that your Absher account is active and that you have verified your mobile number for SMS notifications. Gather all necessary documents such as the original vehicle registration certificate (Istimara) and the copies of both the seller’s and buyer’s national IDs. The guide clearly explains how to navigate the Absher portal and how to enter the required vehicle details. This preparation is central to a smooth and effective vehicle ownership transfer process.
How can I verify that my document checklist is complete?
Start by reviewing the comprehensive checklist provided in this guide. You should have both the seller’s and buyer’s national ID copies, a signed sales agreement, and the original Istimara for the seller. This checklist helps ensure you meet all requirements set by the traffic department regulations. Double-checking these details will reduce the chance of your transaction being delayed or rejected.
What should I do if my ownership transfer gets rejected?
If your transaction is rejected, check for common issues like outstanding traffic fines or expired vehicle inspection reports. Ensure that your SMS notifications are working correctly by confirming your registered mobile number and checking your message folders. The guide provides troubleshooting steps to address these common issues efficiently. By promptly resolving these issues, you can quickly resume the transfer process.
Are there any special requirements for company-owned or inherited vehicles?
Yes, special documentation is required in these cases. For company-owned vehicles, you must include an authorized signatory letter, a copy of the commercial registration, and Chamber of Commerce authorization. In cases of inherited vehicles, submit the inheritance certificate along with any necessary court orders and family ID proof. These additional steps are essential to comply with GCC certified guidelines.
This article is for reference only, please refer to local laws and regulations.
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Mustafa Karim, having been deeply involved in automotive research and development for over ten years. He is fond of Japanese cars, and their precise and energy-efficient features have influenced him. In his spare time, he loves Japanese anime and kendo, drawing inspiration from them for control system research and development. He also often shares cutting-edge automotive knowledge on platforms, contributing to industry innovation and adding strength to automotive development with his expertise.
