Buying a used car in Dubai, a simple process to check history, avoid scams, and transfer ownership
Buying a second-hand car can feel like buying a suitcase at the airport. It might be perfect, or it might be full of surprises. In Dubai, the good news is that buying a used car can be straightforward when we follow a clear order: verify the car, verify the seller, then transfer ownership properly.
This guide is written for residents and business owners who want a practical process. We’ll cover the key checks to run before we pay a deposit, the most common scam patterns, and what to bring to the RTA so the transfer doesn’t turn into a wasted afternoon.
If you’re searching online for “buy used car dubai”, treat this as your calm checklist, not a sales pitch.
Before we view the car: set standards and reduce risk
The easiest problems to avoid are the ones we never drive to see. Before we meet any seller in Dubai, we should decide what “acceptable” looks like for us.
Start with basics that matter in the UAE:
- GCC spec vs non-GCC spec: many buyers prefer GCC spec for local use and resale. If it’s an import, ask why it was imported and request supporting documents.
- Mileage that matches age: a low odometer reading is not proof of a gentle life, it’s just a number. We look for consistency across service history, tyre wear, and interior condition.
- Service records and ownership story: “Full service history” should mean invoices or digital records, not a sentence in a chat.
We also set meeting rules. We meet in a public place, ideally near an inspection centre or an RTA service location. We avoid night-time viewings and we don’t agree to “delivery to our home” unless we’ve already verified the seller and the car.
A simple mindset helps: we wouldn’t sign an office lease without checking the title deed. A car deserves the same respect.
Check the car’s history in Dubai (and confirm it’s transfer-ready)
Before we talk price, we confirm the car can legally move into our name.
First, we verify that the person selling the car is the person who owns it. Ask to see:
- Emirates ID (or passport, depending on the seller’s status)
- The vehicle registration card (Mulkiya)
Next, we check the car’s status using official RTA services. The RTA provides online vehicle enquiry tools that help us confirm key details before we commit. Start with the official RTA vehicle enquiry service and keep screenshots for your records.
What we’re looking for:
- Outstanding fines that could block transfer
- Registration status and any red flags
- Any mismatch between the plate details and what the seller claims
Then we book a proper inspection. A short test drive is useful, but it won’t catch everything. Use an RTA-approved testing centre or a trusted workshop for a pre-purchase check. We want clear notes on brakes, suspension, leaks, chassis condition, and tyre age. If the seller refuses an inspection, we don’t negotiate, we leave.
For expats and new residents, the rule is simple: to register a car in Dubai, we typically need a valid residency status, Emirates ID, UAE driving licence, and insurance. Without these, transfer and registration can stall.
Avoid common used car scams in Dubai (without getting paranoid)
Most sellers are legitimate, but the small number of bad actors can cost us weeks of stress. The aim isn’t to be suspicious of everyone, it’s to avoid the predictable traps.
Here are the patterns we see most often:
Deposit pressure: “Someone else is coming in one hour, send a deposit now.” We don’t send money before (1) we see the Mulkiya, (2) we verify the car’s status, and (3) we agree where transfer will happen.
Odometer and accident story gaps: If the interior looks heavily worn but the mileage is “very low”, we treat it as a warning. We ask for service evidence that matches the mileage.
Still financed or not cleared: If there’s an active loan, transfer can be blocked until it’s settled and properly cleared. We only proceed when the seller can show clearance steps and is willing to complete the process at the correct service centre.
Fake listings and bait-and-switch: The ad shows one car, the viewing is a different trim, different year, or “same but better”. We keep the original ad screenshots and confirm chassis number and specs in person.
On payment, we keep it boring. Bank transfer or manager’s cheque is easier to prove than cash. Whatever we choose, we get a signed sale agreement that lists the car details, price, date, and both parties’ IDs.
Transfer ownership in Dubai: what actually happens at the RTA
Once we’re happy with the history and inspection, we move to ownership transfer. In Dubai, this is typically handled through RTA services and approved centres, and it’s designed to be procedural.
What we prepare as the buyer:
- Emirates ID
- UAE driving licence
- Valid insurance policy for the vehicle
- Vehicle inspection/test report (when required)
What the seller brings:
- Emirates ID
- Mulkiya (registration card)
- Any supporting clearance documents if relevant
For the latest service access points and related owner services, the RTA Driver and Car Owner services page is the safest starting point.
A simple cost guide (fees change, so we always check the official schedule first):
| Item | Typical cost range (guide) |
|---|---|
| Vehicle inspection/test | AED 150 to AED 200 |
| Ownership transfer service | Often a few hundred AED |
| Plates and registration card (if applicable) | Varies by plate type |
In many everyday purchases, buyers often spend under AED 2,000 on RTA-related steps excluding insurance, but the total depends on the vehicle, plate choices, and testing requirements.
After payment and approval, we receive the updated registration (Mulkiya) in the buyer’s name. Only then is it truly ours.
Conclusion: a calm checklist beats a “good deal”
A used car purchase in Dubai doesn’t need luck. It needs order: verify the owner, check official status, inspect properly, pay in a traceable way, then transfer through the RTA. If any part feels rushed or vague, we step back, there will always be another car.
If you run a workshop, dealership, inspection service, or fleet support business, being easy to verify matters just as much as a clean Mulkiya. Add your business to UAEThrive and get discovered by local buyers and owners with a free listing: Get your UAE business discovered for free.
