Dubai: If you’re buying a used car, it can come with certain risks. Is there hidden damage? How would you know if the owner’s ‘clean history’ claim is really true?There’s one sure-fire way to find out. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) issues a Technical Vehicle Status Report that puts used cars under a magnifying glass and clearly lays out any issues for buyers.Here’s what to expect from the report, and how to apply for one.What is a Technical Vehicle Status Report?The Technical Vehicle Status Report acts like a health record for used vehicles. According to the RTA, it includes important information related to the vehicle.Here are some aspects the Report covers:Ownership history: Past owners, registration dates and transfers.Insurance validity: Insurance record and if/when it expired.Test and inspection records: The last RTA test date and whether it passed or failed.Fines and legal claims: Outstanding traffic fines and any black points associated with the vehicle.Mileage log: Odometer readings over time.Import details: Origin country and import date, if applicable.Things to consider before applyingThe RTA clarifies the following information before applicants begin the service:The owner of the vehicle must agree to disclose data about the vehicle.The RTA makes it clear on its website that the report contains only the information available at the time of issuance. Since the Technical Vehicle Status Report data is collected from multiple sources, RTA and its data providers may not always have complete information about a vehicle. For example, the report may include all the information mentioned in the list above, but omit insurance records, or odometer readings, if this information was not available at the time. It’s best for applicants to be aware of this caveat before applying, so they are not disappointed if certain details are missing.Documents requiredBefore applying for the Technical Vehicle Status Report, you will require the following information:Emirates ID of the buyerEmirates ID of the sellerVehicle’s plate number, or vehicle identification number (VIN), a 17-digit number found on the bottom-left corner of the front windshield or in the driver’s door jamb.How to apply for a Technical Vehicle Status ReportYou can apply for the report online by following these steps:Visit RTA’s website – rta.ae – and log in with your UAE PASS.Click on ‘Services’, then select ‘Vehicles’ and navigate to ‘Apply for a Technical Vehicle Status Report’. Click on ‘Start Now’.Enter the following details: The buyer and seller’s Emirates ID numbers, the vehicle’s plate number or VIN.Select the vehicle, then select ‘Vehicle History Report’.Pay the fees.You will receive the report through email, or you can download it from the ‘Certificates’ section in your dashboard. The processing time for this service is one working day.Fees: Dh120
