Step-by-Step Procedure
Follow these verified steps in chronological sequence to avoid common administrative delays or fines:
Step 1: Vehicle Technical Passing Test
The vehicle must pass an RTA technical inspection (AED 170). For international sea freight container shipping, an export inspection certificate confirming chassis integrity is required.
Step 2: Settle All Traffic Fines & Mortgages
Clear all traffic fines across Dubai Police, Abu Dhabi Police, and federal MOI systems. Obtain an electronic bank mortgage clearance if the car was financed.
Step 3: Surrender Dubai Plates & Apply for Export Certificate
Remove the vehicle's metal Dubai license plates and surrender them at an RTA Customer Happiness Center. The RTA cancels the Mulkiya and issues an official Tourism/Export Certificate.
Step 4: Acquire Blue Export Plates (If Driving by Road)
If driving the car overland across borders (e.g. to Saudi Arabia, Oman, or Qatar), purchase blue RTA Export Plates (AED 70) and buy short-term export transit insurance.
Required Credentials Checklist
Ensure you have the following documentation ready before initiating this service:
Official Fees Breakdown
The following figures reflect official government tariffs verified on official UAE portals:
| Component / Violation | Amount (AED) | Official Notes & Terms |
|---|---|---|
| RTA Vehicle Export Certificate | AED 120.00 | AED 100 base + AED 20 Knowledge/Innovation fees |
| Vehicle Technical Inspection | AED 170.00 | Standard roadworthiness testing |
| Blue Export Number Plates (Pair) | AED 70.00 | Required only if vehicle is driven overland |
| Short-Term Export Transit Insurance | AED 150.00 - 300.00 | Third-party border transit cover (valid 14 days) |
Expected Processing Timeline
Certificate & export plates: 30 to 45 minutes at an RTA center.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Driving an exported car on public roads after the blue export plates expire (valid for 14 days).
- Failing to obtain customs clearance before booking sea freight container shipment.
- Shipping a vehicle with an active bank mortgage — UAE Customs and RTA will strictly block export.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dubai blue export plates and transit insurance are valid for 14 calendar days from the issuance date, allowing sufficient time to transport the vehicle across international border checkpoints.
Yes. If transferring a vehicle from Dubai registration to another emirate's registration, RTA issues an 'Inter-Emirate Transfer Certificate' instead of an international export certificate.
Under the unified GCC Customs Agreement, vehicles exported within the GCC may benefit from the 'Statistical Customs Declaration' to avoid duplicate customs duties, provided the original duty was settled in the UAE.
Official Sources & Verification References
Every procedure, tariff, and fine in this guide was directly verified against the following official government pages:
- RTA Vehicle Export Guidelines — checked on 2026-11-04
- Dubai Customs Export Procedures — checked on 2026-11-04
Related Dubai Driving Guides
How to Transfer Car Ownership in Dubai: Buyer & Seller
Complete guide to transferring car ownership in Dubai: digital RTA app procedure, happines...
Read Guide →Dubai Number Plate Transfer & Retention Rules
Keep or transfer your Dubai number plate: RTA plate reservation fees, transferring plates ...
Read Guide →Buying a Used Car in Dubai: Inspection Checklist
25-point used car inspection checklist for Dubai: GCC specs verification, chassis checks o...
Read Guide →