Transferring the ownership of your car in the United Arab Emirates through Al-Rajhi Bank in 2025 will be a streamlined process and is likely to take only three business days if all steps are properly followed. This guide will walk you through each stage, ensuring a smooth transaction for both buyers and sellers.
How to Complete the Transfer in 3 Working Days
Transferring your car ownership in the UAE through Al Rajhi Bank in 2025 is designed to be a streamlined process, potentially taking as little as three working days if all steps are followed correctly. This guide will walk you through each stage, ensuring a smooth transaction for both buyers and sellers.
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Valid Emirates ID (original + copy)
Current vehicle registration card (Mulkiya)
Bank clearance certificate from Al Rajhi
Recent technical inspection report (2025 requirement)
Expansion: For all parties involved, having the correct documentation readily available is the first crucial step in ensuring a swift transfer. Male sellers and buyers should both ensure their original Emirates IDs are valid and have a clear copy for submission. The original vehicle registration card, known locally as the "Mulkiya," is essential as it contains key details about the vehicle. If the seller financed the car through Al Rajhi Bank, a bank clearance certificate confirms that any outstanding loans have been settled, which is a prerequisite for the transfer. Notably, a recent technical inspection report, now a mandatory requirement in 2025, ensures the vehicle meets the UAE's safety standards, providing peace of mind for the buyer and confirming roadworthiness for the RTA. This is particularly important for families purchasing a used vehicle, as safety is a top priority.
Step 2: Bank Authorization Process
Visit any Al Rajhi branch to:
Settle outstanding loans (if applicable)
Obtain digital clearance certificate
Validate buyer/seller Emirates IDs
2025 Update: New SMS verification now required for all bank document requests.
Expansion: For sellers who have an existing auto loan with Al Rajhi Bank, the first step at the branch will be to fully settle any outstanding amounts. Male sellers focused on a quick transaction should ensure they have the necessary funds available. Once settled, the bank will issue a digital clearance certificate, a key document for the transfer process. This digital format, a 2025 update, streamlines the process and reduces paperwork. Both the buyer and seller will need to present their original Emirates IDs at the Al Rajhi branch for validation, ensuring the identities of both parties are verified by the bank. In a move to enhance security, Al Rajhi Bank now requires SMS verification for all requests related to bank documents, adding an extra layer of protection against unauthorized transactions, which benefits both male and female users by safeguarding their financial interests.
Step 3: Finalize at RTA Center
Service | Fee (AED/SAR) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
Ownership Transfer | 420 | 90 minutes |
Plate Replacement | 350 | Immediate |
Insurance Update | Mandatory | Same-day |
Expansion: Once the bank authorization is complete, both the buyer and seller (or their representatives with proper authorization) will need to visit an RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) center to finalize the ownership transfer. The standard fee for the ownership transfer itself is AED/SAR 420, and the process typically takes around 90 minutes. Male buyers who might be interested in personalizing their vehicle can opt for plate replacement at an additional cost of AED/SAR 350, which is usually done immediately. For female buyers and families, it's crucial to note that updating the car's insurance under the new owner's name is mandatory and must be completed on the same day as the ownership transfer. This ensures continuous coverage and compliance with UAE law, providing financial security and peace of mind for all new owners.
Critical Documents You Can't Overlook
Ensuring you have these documents in order will prevent delays and complications during the car ownership transfer process.
Original Mulkiya with seller-buyer signatures
Valid Emirates ID copies (seller + buyer)
Al Rajhi's encrypted clearance QR code
Technical inspection certificate (<6 months old)
Expansion: The original Mulkiya, bearing the signatures of both the seller and the buyer, serves as the official record of the vehicle's registration and the agreement of sale. For male sellers, ensuring the Mulkiya is readily available and signed will expedite the process. Buyers, especially female users who value meticulous documentation, should verify that all details on the Mulkiya are accurate before signing. Valid copies of both the seller's and buyer's Emirates IDs are required by the RTA for their records. Al Rajhi Bank's encrypted clearance QR code, obtained in Step 2, acts as a secure and verifiable confirmation that any outstanding loans have been settled, a crucial element for the RTA to proceed with the transfer. Finally, the technical inspection certificate, which must be less than six months old, confirms the vehicle's roadworthiness and adherence to safety regulations, an important factor for families considering the long-term safety and reliability of the vehicle.
2025 Changes Every UAE Driver Should Know
Stay informed about the latest updates to the car ownership transfer process in the UAE for 2025.
Digital-First Approach
All Al Rajhi clearance certificates now blockchain-verified
Biometric verification replaces physical signatures at RTA
Expansion: In line with the UAE's push towards digital transformation, Al Rajhi Bank has implemented blockchain verification for all its car loan clearance certificates in 2025. This enhances security and reduces the risk of fraudulent documents, benefiting all users by ensuring a more trustworthy process. At the RTA centers, biometric verification is now replacing traditional physical signatures for ownership transfer, further streamlining the process and enhancing security by confirming the identities of the involved parties through advanced technology. This digital-first approach aims to make the entire transfer process more efficient and secure for everyone.
Enhanced Fraud Prevention
Mandatory buyer-seller selfie with Emirates IDs
24-hour transaction cooling period
Expansion: To further combat fraud and ensure the legitimacy of car ownership transfers, the RTA now requires both the buyer and seller to take a mandatory selfie together with their Emirates IDs at the RTA center. This added layer of verification helps prevent unauthorized transfers and protects both parties involved in the transaction. Additionally, a 24-hour transaction cooling period has been introduced. This means that after the initial paperwork is submitted at the RTA, the final ownership transfer will only be completed after a 24-hour waiting period. This cooling period allows for a window where either party can raise any concerns or discrepancies, providing an extra safeguard against impulsive or potentially fraudulent transactions, offering greater security for all UAE residents involved in buying or selling vehicles.
FAQs: Quick Answers for UAE Residents
Q: Can I transfer ownership if I have an active Al Rajhi auto loan?
A: No, ownership transfer is only possible after full repayment of the loan and obtaining the official Form NOC-2025 (No Objection Certificate) from Al Rajhi Bank. Male sellers should prioritize settling their loan before initiating the transfer process.
Q: How long is the bank clearance certificate from Al Rajhi valid for the car ownership transfer?
A: The bank clearance certificate is valid for 14 calendar days from the date of issue. This is a reduction from 30 days in 2024, so both buyers and sellers need to act promptly once the certificate is obtained to finalize the transfer at the RTA.
Q: What is the penalty for late transfer of car ownership in the UAE?
A: Failure to transfer ownership within the stipulated timeframe will result in a penalty of AED/SAR 500 per month, plus an additional 10% of the vehicle's value after 60 days from the date of sale. This emphasizes the importance for all parties to complete the transfer process in a timely manner to avoid incurring these significant penalties.
Q: As a buyer, can I finance the car I'm purchasing through Al Rajhi Bank even if the seller also had a loan with them?
A: Yes, it is possible. You would need to apply for a new auto loan with Al Rajhi Bank based on your eligibility. The bank will then handle the settlement of the seller's existing loan as part of the new financing process. It's advisable for male buyers interested in financing to discuss their options with an Al Rajhi Bank representative early in the process.
Q: What happens if the technical inspection report expires before the ownership transfer is finalized at the RTA?
A: The technical inspection report is typically valid for a specific period (usually less than 6 months). If it expires before the ownership transfer is completed at the RTA, a new technical inspection will be required. This will incur additional costs and potentially delay the transfer process, so it's important for both buyers and sellers to ensure the inspection is recent enough to cover the expected timeline of the transfer.
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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.
