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Exporting a Car from Dubai? Start With the Right Documents
Having the vehicle ready for shipping is one thing, but the documents needed to export a car from Dubai can be a headache. If ownership papers, an essential export certificate, or the relevant customs documents aren’t in order, the car may not leave the port.

Gathering the necessary documents to export a car from Dubai is critical, but there is no generic checklist for exporting vehicles from the UAE. The required paperwork depends on the vehicle’s ownership, registration, and its destination. In addition, documents needed to export a car from the UAE are separate from those required to clear the vehicle at the destination country.

This guide provides an overview of the essential documents for exporting a car from Dubai and the UAE in general.

What Documents Are Required to Export a Car from Dubai?

Whether the owner is selling or relocating, the paperwork needed to export a car from Dubai or the UAE falls into a few categories: ownership, UAE export certificate, customs, and shipping documents. Most individual sellers and dealers will need to prepare some of the following:

• 1. Vehicle ownership certificate or registration card (Mulkiya): A certificate or card proving legal ownership of a vehicle registered in Dubai, if applicable.
  2. RTA vehicle export certificate: The relevant export certificate for a vehicle registered in Dubai, depending on the RTA process followed.
  3. Purchase invoice or sale agreement: A document proving purchase of the vehicle for private use or sale, depending on the case.
  4. Owner’s identification: Emirates ID and passport copy of the vehicle owner or representative, depending on the application.
  5. Customs export declaration: The relevant declaration for the vehicle’s export outside of Dubai.
  6. Commercial invoice: A commercial invoice is required for dealer sales, commercial export, or in some cases, for customs declaration.
  7. Shipping instructions and transport documents: The documents required by the carrier or shipping company (e.g., booking confirmation).
  8. Destination-country import documents: The documents required to import the vehicle in the destination country, if applicable.
  9. Approvals or clearances: Additional approvals or clearances may be required, depending on the case (e.g., financed vehicle, company-owned vehicle, restricted vehicle).

• Note: Not all of the above documents are required for every vehicle export from Dubai. The list depends on the specific circumstances of the export and the destination.

What Is the RTA Vehicle Export Certificate, and Why Is It Important?

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) certificate is a mandatory document for the legal export of a vehicle from Dubai. This certificate confirms the vehicle’s eligibility for export from the UAE, removing it from local traffic records in the process.

While the RTA certificate is similar to a vehicle registration card, it’s not the same. To obtain the certificate, the owner must surrender the vehicle’s local license plates. The owner may also be issued temporary blue export plates if the vehicle is driven to the port or a land border for shipping. Moreover, traffic fines, Salik violations, or bank mortgages must be settled before applying for the export certificate. Unregistered or expired vehicles may require an electronic technical inspection to obtain a new inspection pass certificate before processing the RTA export certificate.

Do I Need a Vehicle Ownership Certificate or Registration Card?

Apart from the necessary UAE export documents, legal ownership of the vehicle must be proven and processed for export. For a vehicle registered in Dubai, the original vehicle registration card (Mulkiya) is required as proof of ownership.

The details on the vehicle registration card must match the information on the export paperwork, including the vehicle identification number (VIN) and engine number. If the vehicle is unregistered, expired, or partially expired, additional documents and inspection may be required by the RTA.

An invoice, receipt, or sale agreement isn’t sufficient to prove possession of a motor vehicle in most cases. As such, it’s best to contact local authorities to confirm the exact procedure for applying for the export certificate.

What Documents Are Required to Prove the Car’s Purchase and Value?

Customs authorities may require additional proof of purchase documents to verify the vehicle’s value for export purposes. The specific export paperwork depends on the type of sale or transaction:

• • 1. Purchase invoice or receipt: A purchase invoice or receipt may be required for private purchase or sale. 
  • 2. Sale and purchase agreement: A sale and purchase agreement may be required for private purchase or sale. 
  • 3. Commercial invoice: A commercial invoice is required for commercial sale or export of the vehicle. 
    4. Vehicle identification details: The invoice must clearly list the VIN, make, model, and year.
    5. Buyer and seller information: Full details of the parties involved.
• • • Other government agencies may require similar documentation to verify a vehicle’s value for taxation or other purposes. However, the exact invoice requirements depend on the specific circumstances of the vehicle export.

       

      What Customs Documents Are Needed to Export a Car from Dubai?

    • • • The Dubai Customs Authority requires several documents to process the vehicle export and facilitate customs release:
        • • 1. Applicable customs export declaration: The appropriate customs export declaration, submitted by the shipper or their customs broker. 
            2. Commercial invoice or value documentation: A commercial invoice or other documentation for value assessment, if required for the declaration. 
            3. Vehicle identification and supporting ownership documents: Ownership documents, including the RTA export certificate. 
            4. Permits or approvals: Permits or approvals, if applicable for the type of export. 
            5. Shipping or transport details: The details of transport, if required to process the customs procedure.

             

            • While packing lists or certificates of origin may be among the documents listed for certain types of customs declarations, they aren’t mandatory for most passenger vehicle exports from Dubai.

            What Shipping Documents Are Needed to Transport the Car Internationally?

          • The shipping paperwork depends on the carrier used to ship the vehicle:

          • 1. Shipping booking or shipping instructions: The initial request for shipping services, including instructions for the carrier. 
          • 2. Bill of lading: The official shipping document issued by the sea carrier confirming receipt of the vehicle for transportation. 
          • 3. Vehicle handover or condition documentation: Reports and photos confirming the vehicle’s condition at handover for transport. 
          • 4. Export paperwork: The export documents provided to the carrier, including the RTA certificate and customs release documents. 
          • 5. Consignee and destination details: The personal details of the vehicle’s owner or consignee.
            
            • 
              Other shipping documents may be required, depending on the carrier and route. The above-mentioned documents may vary for different international shipping companies and methods, including container shipping.

            • 
              Are Additional Documents Needed for Financed, Company-Owned or Unregistered Cars?

              Depending on the specific circumstances of the vehicle export, additional documents may be needed to facilitate the export:

            • If the Car Is Financed or Mortgaged

            • A financed car cannot be exported without the permission of the bank or financial institution. As such, a formal mortgage clearance letter from the lender is required to process the export. In many cases, the bank or financial institution must settle the outstanding loan amount before the mortgage block on the vehicle is removed by the RTA.

              • If the Car Is Owned by a Company

              • A company-owned vehicle requires additional documentation to process the export. In most cases, a copy of the company’s Trade License, the Memorandum of Association certified by a legalised translator, a company letter (NOC) in Arabic, and the Emirates ID of the company representative are required.
                 

              • If the Car Is Unregistered or Has Expired Registration

              • An unregistered or expired vehicle cannot be exported without verification of its condition. As such, it must pass an electronic technical inspection at an authorised centre to confirm that it’s roadworthy and fit for export.

                
                If Someone Else Is Handling the Export

              • If someone else (e.g., a friend or shipping company agent) is facilitating the car export on the owner’s behalf, they may be required to provide additional documents. Typically, this includes a power of attorney letter and Emirates ID to act on behalf of the vehicle owner at the RTA and customs office.

                
                Do Destination Countries Require Additional Documents?

                The additional documentation requirements for vehicle export from Dubai to another country may include:

            • • • 1. Import permit or approval: An import permit or approval, depending on the requirements of the destination country. 
                • 2. Proof of ownership or purchase of the vehicle: Original invoice, receipt, or other proof of ownership or purchase. 
                • 3. Vehicle registration or export certificate: The export certificate or proof of deregistration from the local registry, in some cases. 
                • 4. Certificate of origin: A certificate of origin, if required by the customs authorities of the destination country. 
                • 5. Technical or safety compliance documents: Technical compliance documents confirming compliance with crash and safety regulations, if applicable. 
                • 6. Emissions compliance documents: Emissions compliance documents confirming compliance with local emissions standards, if applicable. 
                • 7. Customs declaration and duty assessment documents: Documents related to duty assessment, in some cases. 
                • 8. Translations or legalisation: Translations of documents into the official language of the destination country, if required.

                  
                  It’s always best to confirm the exact requirements with the local authorities of the importing country to ensure that all documents are in order when the vehicle arrives at the border.

                  How Can I Prepare My Car Export Documents Before Shipping?
                  
                  To ensure that the car export process isn’t delayed by paperwork issues, the following export preparation steps should be taken in advance of shipping:

                • 1. Confirm the vehicle import requirements of the destination country. 
                • 2. Confirm ownership of the vehicle and associated details. 
                • 3. Settle any outstanding traffic fines, Salik fines, or financing-related restrictions. 
                • 4. Apply for the relevant export documents and surrender the local license plates. 
                • 5. Prepare the relevant purchase-related documents. 
                • 6. Confirm the necessary export procedures with the customs broker. 
                • 7. Provide the carrier with accurate vehicle and consignee details. 
                • 8. Review the shipping instructions and documents before shipping. 
                • 9. Save a copy of the final export and shipping documents.
                   

                • What Common Documentation Mistakes Can Delay a Car Export?

                • The following common documentation errors can delay a car export from Dubai:
                  
                • 1. Inconsistencies between the vehicle owner’s name on the Mulkiya, invoice, and passport.
                • 2. Incorrect chassis or VIN on the export documents or shipping paperwork.
                • 3. Inconsistencies between invoice details and vehicle documentation.
                • 4. Failure to finalise the required RTA export documentation beforehand.
                • 5. Outstanding traffic fines or financing-related restrictions blocking the export certificate.
                • 6. Failing to confirm the vehicle’s eligibility for import in the destination country.
                • 7. Inaccurate vehicle valuation or details on customs declarations.
                • 8. Incomplete or inaccurate consignee details on shipping instructions.
                • 9. Failing to account for conditional permits or approvals.

                   

                • How Can Verden Logistics Help With Car Export Documentation and Shipping?

                • While the owner is responsible for gathering the personal documents needed for exporting a car from Dubai, Verden Logistics can assist with the other required procedures. In particular, we can help with:

                • 1. Recommending and booking the transport method of choice (e.g., container shipping).
                • 2. Identifying the necessary documents for your specific vehicle export case.
                • 3. Collecting the required personal and vehicle details for booking purposes.
                • 4. Assisting with customs procedures, including required documentation for legal export.
                • 5. Advising on documentation requirements that you must confirm with local authorities.

                • By turning to Verden Logistics for professional assistance with car export documentation, you can be confident that your vehicle will arrive at its destination smoothly and on time.

                • 
                  FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
                  
                  1. What documents are required to export a car from Dubai?
                  Ans: Common documents for exporting a car from Dubai include the vehicle’s original registration card (Mulkiya), the owner’s Emirates ID and passport, the RTA vehicle export certificate, a purchase invoice (where applicable), customs declarations, and shipping instructions.

                • 2. How do I get an RTA export certificate in Dubai?
                  Ans: To apply for an RTA export certificate in Dubai, the owner must settle all traffic fines and mortgages and apply online or at a Customer Happiness Centre. In the process, they must provide ownership documents and surrender the local license plates.

                • 3. Is a vehicle registration card required to export a car?
                  Ans: Yes, a vehicle registration card is generally required to prove legal ownership of a registered vehicle when applying for the export certificate and customs clearance.

                • 4. Do I need a commercial invoice to export a car from Dubai?
                  Ans: A commercial invoice is generally required to declare the value of a commercial export or dealer sale to customs. For private relocation, a purchase invoice or bill of sale may be required, depending on the destination.

                • 5. What customs documents are needed for car export from UAE?
                  Ans: For customs export clearance of a car from the UAE, Dubai Customs will require the applicable export declaration, the RTA vehicle export certificate, the shipper’s identification, and shipping documents, including instructions.

                • 6. Can I export a financed car from Dubai?
                  Ans: A financed car cannot be exported until the loan is settled or the bank approves the export. As such, the owner must contact their financier and obtain a mortgage clearance letter before applying for the export certificate.
                   
                • 7. Do destination countries require additional vehicle export documents?
                  Ans: Yes, most destination countries require additional vehicle export documents to facilitate customs clearance and confirm that the vehicle is eligible for import.
                   
                • 8. How can I avoid delays caused by missing car export documents?
                  Ans: To avoid delays caused by missing car export documents, it’s essential to confirm destination country requirements, ensure consistency between names and VINs on all documents, settle local fines and mortgages, and consult a logistics partner to review shipping instructions.