Transferring a Vehicle from Dubai to Another Emirate: How the RTA Possession Certificate and MOI Registration Process Works

Transferring a vehicle from Dubai to another emirate—whether to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, or Umm Al Quwain—requires a structured deregistration and re-registration procedure. This ensures that the vehicle exits the Dubai traffic system correctly and enters the traffic system of the receiving emirate through the Ministry of Interior (MOI) national platform.

A key document in this process is the Possession Certificate issued by RTA Dubai, which confirms that the vehicle has been deregistered in Dubai and cleared for transfer.

What Is the Possession Certificate?

The Possession Certificate is an official RTA document issued when a vehicle is deregistered in Dubai. It confirms that:

• The vehicle has been removed from Dubai’s traffic records
• All applicable traffic fines have been paid
• Dubai license plates have been surrendered
• The vehicle is permitted for re-registration outside Dubai

This certificate is issued for two main purposes:

1. Exporting a vehicle outside the UAE, or
2. Transferring a vehicle to another emirate within the UAE

Once the certificate is issued, the vehicle is no longer eligible to operate under Dubai registration.

Registering the Vehicle in Another Emirate

After obtaining the Possession Certificate, the vehicle must be registered in the new emirate. This step is facilitated through the MOI national traffic system, which connects all emirates under a unified vehicle registration framework.

Depending on the emirate, the re-registration process may include:

• Technical inspection
• Insurance issuance or transfer
• Emirates ID verification
• Recording ownership details
• Issuing new number plates and registration cards

The Possession Certificate serves as proof that Dubai deregistration has been completed.

Clarifying Document Names and Terms

During inter-emirate transfers, different terms are used informally, which can cause confusion. The correct document titles to rely on are:

Official Documents:

• Possession Certificate (RTA Dubai)
• Export Certificate (variant for overseas export)
• Transfer Vehicle Certificate (MOI system when registering in another emirate)

Informal / Non-Official Terms:

• Local Transfer Certificate
• Unified Possession Certificate

These unofficial terms are sometimes used by workshops, vehicle traders, or service centers, but they do not appear in official RTA or MOI systems.

Role of the Ministry of Interior (MOI)

The Ministry of Interior manages the national traffic platform, which connects vehicle records across all UAE emirates. When a vehicle is moved from Dubai, MOI facilitates:

• Ownership transfer
• Inter-emirate traffic file updates
• Registration issuance
• License plate distribution
• Compliance and verification checks

This federal integration eliminates the need for separate export documentation for domestic transfers.

Standard Procedure for Inter-Emirate Vehicle Transfer

The process typically follows these steps:

Step 1: Deregister Vehicle in Dubai (RTA)

• Settle fines
• Surrender plates
• Request deregistration
• Obtain Possession Certificate

Step 2: Register in the New Emirate

• Present Possession Certificate
• Complete inspection if required
• Provide Emirates ID and insurance
• Initiate registration process

Step 3: Issue New Plates and Registration

• Vehicle enters new traffic system
• Registration card and plates are issued

This procedure applies to private sales, corporate transfers, and relocation cases.

Common Scenarios for Vehicle Transfers

Inter-emirate transfers are frequently used for:

• Private car sales between emirates
• Resident relocation
• Fleet redistribution for companies
• Leasing company disposals and resale
• Auction purchases
• Corporate internal transfers

Dubai is one of the most active vehicle markets in the UAE, making such transfers common across sectors.

Important Considerations for Vehicle Owners and Companies

Before initiating a transfer, it is important to note:

• Insurance must match the emirate of registration
• Financed vehicles require a bank NOC
• Some emirates require physical inspection
• Fee structures vary by emirate
• MOI and traffic authority timings differ
• Vehicle status must comply with technical standards

For fleets or multiple vehicle transfers, professional documentation support can significantly reduce delays.

Conclusion

Moving a vehicle from Dubai to another emirate involves coordination between RTA Dubai and the MOI national traffic system. The critical document in this process is the Possession Certificate, which confirms Dubai deregistration and allows registration elsewhere in the UAE. Understanding the correct terminology and sequence of procedures helps ensure compliance and prevents unnecessary delays for both individuals and businesses.