Buy a second-hand vehicle

LIVING IN THE UAE

HOW TO'S

A comprehensive step-by-step instruction guide to setting up in the UAE, from applying for your residence visa and resident ID to renting a home and opening a bank account.

Open a Bank Account (1/19)

Take the medical test (2/19)

Apply for visa (3/19)

Renew of visa (4/19)

Apply for a resident ID card (5/19)

Renew a resident ID card (6/19)

Apply for a health card (7/19)

Apply for Mobile (8/19)

Connect Electricity & Water (9/19)

Connect Internet (10/19)

Apply for a landline (11/19)

Subscribe to satellite / cable TV (12/19)

Buy a property (13/19)

Apply for UAE driving licence (14/19)

Transfer a foreign driving licence (15/19)

Buy a new vehicle (16/19)

Buy a second-hand vehicle (17/19)

Have a baby (18/19)

Obtain a Birth Certificate (19/19)

Overview

There is a large second-hand car market in the UAE – although the phrase ‘pre-owned’ is more commonly used. Expect to pay a premium of between Dhs.5,000 and Dhs.10,000 for buying through a dealer (as opposed to buying from a private seller), since they also offer a limited warranty, insurance, finance and vehicle registration. All second-hand vehicles older than two years need to be inspected annually at a vehicle test centre.

Prerequisites

Be a UAE resident
Have your UAE driving licence
Have the finances in place to purchase a car

What to bring

Passport with residence visa (original and copy)
UAE driving licence (original and copy)
Finance (loan, credit agreement or cash)

Visit www.adcb.com to apply for a car loan.

Procedure

Find a vehicle you would like to purchase, test drive it, and have it tested at a testing station approved by your emirate's licensing authority.
Check that the engine plate number on the car corresponds with that given on the vehicle registration card.
Check with the traffic police in your emirate that the vehicle is neither stolen nor has any fines.
After you have purchased the vehicle, you will need to insure it, then transfer ownership/vehicle registration.
Copies of the new car registration card need to be sent to your insurance company; also give one copy to the seller as proof of sale.
Make sure new plates have been fixed to the vehicle (if required).
Purchase a Salik tag if you're planning to drive in Dubai.

The responsible transport authorities in the UAE include the Drivers Licensing Department (DLD) in Abu Dhabi, Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai, Sharjah Roads & Transport Authority, Ajman Public Transport Corporation, Fujairah Transport Corporation, Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority, and Umm Al Quwain Municipality will be able to provide further advice.