Ultimate Guide On RTA Vehicle Possession & Ownership Certificate

In the UAE, especially in Dubai vehicles need proper documentation to legally give a proof of ownership. It makes the process of transfer, sale, and registration easier. One such document is RTA Possession certificate and RTA ownership certificate. Both of these are also known as Hayaza or Mulkiya in different contexts.

Therefore, understanding the paperwork is mandatory to streamline the process of getting this certificate. It was issued by the Road And Transport Authority in Dubai. Whether you are selling or transferring a car, this permit is a legal proof of ownership and possession. Know everything about what this certificate is, how you can apply, what are the required documents, and much more.

Understanding An RTA Possession & Ownership Certificate

The main purpose of both these documents is to serve as proof of your ownership for the vehicle but serves different operational purposes.

RTA Vehicle Ownership Certificate

The vehicle ownership certificate is also known as Mulkiya which is the standard registration card that you carry within your wallet. It means your vehicle is registered within the RTA system. It makes your vehicle roadworthy and registered which means you can legally operate your vehicle on the road. The requirements for this permit include:

Valid insurance
Passed technical inspection
Active number plates

The validity period of this permit is for one year but needs renewal annually.

RTA Vehicle Possession Certificate

It is a permit that is a proof of ownership used for vehicles that are not currently registered to be operated. It proves that you own a vehicle which is not active in the traffic systems. It actually means you own a car but you don’t intend to drive it.

It is a permit needed for cars that people want to park for a long time without paying for insurance, buying without a license, and some other purposes. Having a vehicle with only this permit means you can not drive that car. Doing such things is included in traffic violations and if you want to move the car it must be towed. An additional advice is to have an authorized GPS vehicle tracking to streamline the process of getting the certificate.

Eligibility To Apply For This Permit

Anyone can apply for this permit if they legally own a vehicle or have the possession rights registered with RTA in Dubai. The eligible applicants for it include:

Individuals with UAE residents or citizens
Companies that own vehicles (with valid trade license)
Diplomats or foreign missions (with special conditions)
Authorized representatives with power of attorney

In the case of diplomats or vehicles registered under a consulate, specific documentation like consular ID may also be required.

Documents Needed For The Certificate

When you are applying for the possession and ownership permit, you will have some important documents. It includes:

Individual Documents

Original Emirates ID (for UAE residents)
Vehicle registration plates (sometimes submitted physically depending on the process)
Proof that the vehicle is owned by the applicant
Clearance of fines or unpaid traffic violations

For Companies

Company trade license
Official letter (in some cases) stating authorized signatory
Memorandum of Association (MOA) if required

For Diplomats

Consular ID card copy
Vehicle’s existing registration card
Other documents specifically requested for diplomatic vehicles

Ways To Apply For The RTA Certificate

RTA provides multiple ways to apply for the certificate which are smooth and easier.

1. Online (RTA Website / Smart App)

You can apply for the permit through an RTA website or smart app. Follow these simple steps to apply for the permit.

Login using your RTA or UAE PASS account
Go to Licensing Services.
Choose Vehicle Ownership Certificate / Possession Certificate
Select the vehicle
Submit required documents
Pay the service fees online
Receive the certificate electronically (PDF via SMS/email

2. Applying via RTA Call Center

Now apply via RTA call center by dialing 800-9090.
Give the vehicles details to the agent.
Pay the required fees with your credit card.
Submit documents and complete formalities.
Receive electronic certificate via SMS/email.

3. At RTA Service Centers or Inspection Centers

Visit a Customer Happiness Centre or Vehicle Registration/Inspection Centre.
Provide Emirates ID, vehicle plates, and required docs.
Pay fees at the desk.
Certificate is issued electronically and sent to your email/SMS.

If you need in-person assistance this method is helpful.

Fees & Processing Time For The RTA Certificate

The service and processing time for the permit usually include

Fee Type	Amount
Ownership Certificate Fee	AED 100
Knowledge & Innovation Fee	AED 20
Ownership Transfer Fees	AED 400

Note: Fees can vary slightly based on your exact service choice or updates from RTA. The permit is usually issued electronically within the same day or within a few days, depending upon how you apply.

Additional Tips & Important Notes

Before you apply for the permit, it is important to ensure that you do not have any outstanding fines, violations, or issues against your vehicle. Otherwise, it might result in refusing the certificate.
If your car is on loan, it is important for you to get an electronic mortgage release from the bank registered with RTA to proceed.

Common Uses Of The RTA Permit

The ownership and possession certificate is used for different purposes including:

Selling your vehicle legally to another person
Transferring ownership to a new owner
Registering your vehicle in your name in another emirate (like Abu Dhabi)
Getting comprehensive insurance coverage
Traveling with full legal documentation
Exporting the vehicle to another country
Solving disputes over ownership rights

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Not clearing existing fines or loans

Vehicles with pending fines or financial issues cannot get an ownership certificate.

Incorrect documentation

Double-check your Emirates ID, trade license (if a company), and other documents before submission.

Skipping the inspection centre

Sometimes RTA requires inspection confirmation before issuing the final certificate — especially for ownership transfer.

Summing Up!

RTA Vehicle Possession and Ownership Certificate is an important document to legal ownership in Dubai. Whenever purchasing, selling, transferring, registering, or exporting a vehicle, this certificate is the legal basis of the identity and ownership rights of the car. With the help of the new procedures and digital services (such as the RTA app or the online platform), as well as the clearance of all the documents and fines, you will be able to get this certificate in a short time and with minimum inconvenience.