How You Can Export Your Car from the UAE

Jan 17, 2025 - 3 min read

Exporting your car from the UAE, whether to a neighboring GCC country or a non-GCC destination, requires understanding the specific steps and conditions involved. The process remains the same with slight changes depending on your destination and the status of your car’s registration, like in GCC countries people directly drive the car, but in non-GCC countries, they ship their car with the help of shipping companies. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the export process smoothly.

Exporting to GCC Countries

If you’re planning to take your car to a GCC country like Saudi Arabia, Oman, or Bahrain, the most common method is simply driving it across the border. You Need an Export certificate with plates to do so.

Steps To Apply For An Export Certificate with Plates:

  1. Visit an RTA center and apply for an export certificate for the destination GCC country. This certificate allows you to transport your car across borders legally.
  2. Export Plates Insurance: You need to take insurance first before applying export certificate. Export insurance is usually valid for seven days.
  3. Export certificate: You have to remove your Dubai plates and proceed to the RTA counter to Apply for an export certificate. You will receive a certificate along with export plates.
  4. Drive to Your Destination: With the export certificate, blue plates, and valid insurance, you can drive your car to the designated GCC country.

Exporting to Non-GCC Countries

For non-GCC countries, the export process usually involves shipping your car via container rather than driving. Here are the steps:

  1. Export Certificate without Plates: Since the car will be shipped, you can apply for an export certificate without plates.
  2. Shipping Company Assistance: The shipping company will typically handle the logistics, including preparing your car for export and ensuring compliance with the destination country’s requirements.

Conditions for Exporting Your Car

The process of exporting your car depends on the current status of your car’s registration:

  • If Your Registration Is Valid:
    • Remove the plates from your car.
    • Visit any RTA center to apply for an export certificate. You can choose to apply with or without plates, depending on your mode of transport (driving or shipping).
  • If Your Registration Is Expired:
    • Conduct an export test at an RTA-authorized center.
    • Depending on whether you plan to export the car with or without plates, the export test may differ. Ensure you clarify this with the testing center.

Expert Help from Renew My Car Registration

Exporting your car from the UAE can involve several steps, and the requirements may vary based on the destination and the car’s condition. At Renew My Car Registration, we make the process hassle-free by assisting you with obtaining export certificates, completing export tests, and navigating the necessary paperwork.

Whether you’re driving to a GCC country or shipping your car to a non-GCC destination, let us help streamline the process. Contact us today for expert guidance and support in exporting your car from the UAE.

What is the process for exporting a car to GCC countries?

The process involves obtaining an export certificate from the RTA, getting temporary export plates (blue plates), purchasing export insurance, and then driving your car to the destination GCC country.

Do I need export plates for GCC countries?

Yes, you’ll need temporary export plates (blue plates) to drive your car to a GCC country. These plates are valid for seven days.

Can I export my car without plates?

Yes, for non-GCC countries, you can apply for an export certificate without plates, as the car will be shipped.

What documents do I need to get an export certificate?

You will need your Emirates ID, car plates, and export insurance. If you're not the car owner, the owner must accompany you with their ID.

What happens if my car registration has expired?

If your registration is expired, you’ll need to complete an export test at an RTA center before you can obtain the export certificate.

How long is the export certificate valid for?

The export certificate does not have an expiry date however, export plates are valid for 7 days.

Is export insurance mandatory?

Yes, export insurance is mandatory to apply for Export certificates with export plates.

What is the process for exporting a car from the UAE to both GCC and non-GCC countries?

The export process begins with obtaining an export certificate from the RTA. For GCC countries, you will need to get temporary export plates (blue plates), purchase export insurance, and drive your car to the destination country. For non-GCC countries, the process involves applying for the export certificate without plates, as the car will be shipped via a shipping company. If your registration is expired, you must complete an export test at an RTA center.