Dubai: Whether you are planning on exporting your car, selling it or transferring ownership, or just writing off the vehicle – you will need to officially deregister your vehicle first.

Here’s what you need to know about deregistration or vehicle registration cancellation procedures in Dubai.

What is deregistration and why do I need to do it?

The UAE has introduced new executive regulations, which will come into effect on January 1, 2027. Under Article 89 of Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026 (the executive regulation of Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 on Traffic Regulation in the UAE), residents are permitted to register or renew up to two vehicles under standard processing fee structures.

There is a new vehicle ownership cap, however – residents can own a maximum of five vehicles, with every vehicle (after two) requiring payment of an additional tiered fee per vehicle.

Deregistration helps individuals with multiple cars comply with the new ownership limits introduced by the UAE. By deregistering a car you are no longer using, you can legally remove it from active circulation and clear your name of ownership responsibilities. This is also a mandatory process ahead of exporting a car, selling or transferring ownership of it, or scrapping the vehicle if it is beyond repair.

What documents do I need to deregister my car?

Before applying for deregistration, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai mandates that you clear all traffic fines and Salik balances, settle any car loans, and cancel your car insurance.

Once these processes are complete, you can proceed with deregistration, with the following documents:

  • Emirates ID.
  • Passport copy and visa.
  • Vehicle registration card (Mulkiya).
  • Bank clearance letter, to prove there is no longer an auto loan attached to the car.
  • Insurance cancellation certificate.
  • Number plates, which need to be returned to the RTA.

How do I apply for vehicle cancellation or deregistration?

In Dubai, you can deregister your car online through RTA’s website, through the RTA Dubai app, or in-person at a RTA Customer Happiness Centre. Follow these steps.

Apply online via RTA’s website or app

  • Visit RTA’s website at rta.ae, or download the RTA Dubai app via the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Sign in with your UAE PASS.
  • Navigate to ‘Services’, select ‘Vehicles’ and ‘Cancel Vehicle Registration’. Select ‘Start Now’.
  • Select the certificate type: Export/Transfer Certificate (if you are exporting your vehicle or moving to another emirate), or Vehicle Transfer Certificate (for ownership transfer).
  • Choose your vehicle and enter the required details, including your personal information and vehicle registration number.
  • Book a technical inspection, if applicable. This step is only needed in special cases, such as if your vehicle’s registration expired some time ago but you never renewed it – the RTA may require an electronic technical inspection before they process cancellation and issue a final status certificate.
  • Select how you will return the licence plates – via courier or through a Customer Happiness Centre.
  • Pay the fees, including courier fees, if applicable, and submit the request.
  • Once you have applied for deregistration, you must return the licence plates of the vehicle to the RTA via courier, or through a Customer Happiness Centre.

The process is completed upon the return of the licence plates, with the issuance of a deregistration certificate.

Fee: Dh120

Apply in-person via a RTA Customer Happiness Centre

If you would prefer deregistering your car in person, visit a conveniently located RTA Customer Happiness Centre, available through this list – rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/home/about-rta/contactus#findus – and follow the steps below:

  • Visit a Customer Happiness Centre and approach a service agent.
  • Request vehicle cancellation service. The staff member will assist in verifying documents, as well as collecting and scanning documents and processing payment.
  • You can also return licence plates immediately, upon completing the service request.

The deregistration certificate is issued immediately.