How Do I Sell a Car with a Title Signed Over to Me?

In the United Arab Emirates, selling a car requires adequate papers and, of course, a fine operationalizing guide, as it may be a problem regarding a title that has been signed over to you but not yet officially transferred into your name. 

Be it that the previous owner signed it over or you buy a used car that still hasn't been registered, this is significant in terms of understanding the legal and procedural pathway to sell a car without any hassle.

We will be discussing everything you need to know about selling a car with a signed-over title in the UAE, the risks that are associated with it, what the law has to say about it, and how best to do it. 

This is especially essential to anyone dealing with used cars, pre-owned cars, or even just unwanted vehicles in such cities as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or Ajman.

What Does "Title Signed Over" Imply?

A signed-over title usually refers to the registered owner of the car having completed his portion of the transfer of ownership form or title document, mostly writing your name on it and signing to verify that he is thus selling your car or transferring the car to you. 

However, you're not recognized as the owner until the transaction is completed with any relevant authorities, such as the RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) in Dubai or corresponding traffic departments in other Emirates.

This ends up in a gray area, where neither have you has been granted the legal ownership of the car. The title has been given over by the former owner. 

This happens quite often in private sales or when people buy cars fast but delay the transfer for some reason, either unpaid fines, missing documents, inspection delays, etc.

Are You Able to Sell a Car Signed Over to You?

In the United Arab Emirates, the Mulkiya, which is a vehicle registration system, has to be in your name for you to be able to sell the vehicle legally. And then, of course, this entails the Dubai RTA and other car licensing authorities to sanction the sale officially. 

Consequently, they will not allow the ownership transfer process to another purchaser unless you are, as previously stated, the legal owner of that vehicle. 

So even if the title was already signed over to you, you could still face issues or, at worst, some penalties by trying to sell a car without registering it in your name first.

Why Is It Important to Transfer the Title First?

Transferring the title of a car into one’s name before selling is essential for multiple reasons:

• Legal Responsibility: If the car is not registered in your name, fines, violations, or legal issues will still concern the former owner and cannot be solved legally.
• Buyer's Peace of Mind: Most buyers, particularly in the UAE, dealing with car dealerships or platforms like CarPoint.ae, will not accept a car devoid of a title registered in the seller's name.
• Smooth Transaction: Title mismatches are the makings of all impediments to finalize the sale transaction. More often than not, one will be asked to first clear up the ownership matter before any sales movement is taken.
• Insurance & Registration: Only proper ownership can legally allow you to insure the car and renew its registration; both these steps need to be done to make it fit for the road and an enticing offer for buyers.

Steps to Sell the Car with a Signed Title

Before getting involved in selling a car, with a signed title, do take these effective steps:

1. Transfer the Car to Your Name

Visit the nearest RTA or the local traffic department and submit all the relevant documents. Typically, you need:

• Original Emirates ID
• Signed title or sale agreement
• Previous Mulkiya (registration card)
• Passing certificate from vehicle inspection (if applicable)
• Clearance of all fines and loans, if any

This way, with the car officially in your name, you may now take the legal steps to sell it.

2. Clear All Outstanding Dues

Before any sale, check that there are no:

• Pending traffic fines
• Loans on the vehicle that are unpaid
• Pending cancellations of insurance
• You can check and clear these through the RTA mobile app or website.

3. Vehicle Inspection (if needed)

In the case of an old vehicle or one that was not inspected in the recent past, it is advisable to go for the passing certificate from an authorized vehicle testing center in Dubai. An inspected and tested vehicle ready for transfer of ownership is very well appreciated by the buyer.

Car Selling Made Easy with CarPoint.ae

CarPoint.ae eases your way to sell your old, unwanted, or wrecked car, even when stuck in a title mess. After you have correctly transferred ownership into your name, you may list the car with us or request an instant evaluation to evaluate your car. We buy all kinds of cars in Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, and the rest of the UAE, including:

• Cars that have minor or major mechanical problems
• Engine-damaged cars
• Cars that are totaled/scrapped or in an accident
• Used cars with high mileage
• Cars with expired registrations

We also help with paperwork, free car evaluations, and even provide towing services if your vehicle is non-drivable.

What Happens If You Do Not Do a Title Transfer?

If you attempt to sell a car that is not legally yours, the following may happen: 

• You may get in big legal trouble. 
• Buyers may refuse to complete the transaction with you.
• Any change in ownership may be delayed.
• If by any chance, you have legal protection as a seller, that might as well be put in jeopardy.

In addition, negative marks on your name as a seller can affect your credibility, especially on car marketplaces or to private buyers who do their due diligence on documentation.

Common Scenarios and Possible Solutions

Scenario 1: You bought a car from a friend who never registered the vehicle.

Solution: Attempt a joint visit to the RTA with your friend, where they should assist in completing the transfer.

Scenario 2: The owner left the country after signing over the title.

Solution: Attempt to contact the signer and obtain power of attorney or business authorization; if it cannot be attained, seek advice from RTA legal service.

Scenario 3: You inherited or received the car as a gift.

Solution: Show legal proof (inheritance or gift documents), and after that, you can proceed with getting a transfer of ownership done.

Final Thoughts

Selling a vehicle with a signed title in one's favor seems like an easy way out; however, in the UAE, conducting the sale according to the law is essential for a misery-free sale. Always transfer the car into your name before putting it up for sale. 

This protects you from headaches concerning the law in the future, assures the buyer of your integrity, and gives you a fairer price. 

If you are now willing to sell your car for cash, in any condition whatsoever, CarPoint.ae puts speed, ease, and reliability to this process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Would I Hold Possession of an Automobile While Selling If I Haven't Transferred It Into My Name?

No, that is against the law in the UAE. You cannot sell a vehicle without putting it under your name.

How Much Time Transfer of Ownership Take?

Typically, this can be done within a day if everything is ready about documents and payments.

Will CarPoint.ae: Handle the Transfer of the Car Title?

Yes, our team helps with all required paperwork and the transfer of the title.

Is There a Delay Fine on Title Transfer in Dubai?

There is no particular "delay fine"; however, there may be penalties for unpaid fines and expired registrations.

What are the prerequisites to transfer the ownership of a vehicle in Dubai?

Emirates ID, vehicle registration, signed sale agreement, passing certificate, and cleared fines.