Dubai: If you are planning to sell your car, transfer ownership, or export it abroad, you require an important document that confirms your vehicle does not have any pending fines or active restrictions on it: a Traffic Clearance Certificate.We break down exactly when you need this certificate, and how to apply for it.What is a Traffic Clearance Certificate?A Vehicle Clearance Certificate or Traffic Clearance Certificate is an official document issued by the authorities in the UAE that confirms there are no pending fines, loans, criminal cases or ownership disputes registered against your vehicle or the driver’s licence.This document is a legal requirement in many cases, and if you don’t have it at hand, it may create delays or stop your vehicle from being exported, transferred or deregistered.When do I need a Traffic Clearance Certificate?The Certificate is usually required in these situations, according to the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA):Exporting a vehicle outside the UAESelling or transferring ownership of the vehicleCancelling vehicle registrationImporting the vehicle into another countryRequired documentsDepending on which emirate your vehicle is registered in, you may be asked to provide the following documents at the time of application:Vehicle registration card or MulkiyaEmirates IDValid driving licenceThings to considerThe RTA website states that if the vehicle registration has been expired for more than 90 days, you cannot apply for a Vehicle Clearance Certificate.You must pay all traffic fines before applying for this service, otherwise the Certificate cannot be issued.The Vehicle Clearance Certificate is typically valid for 30 days after the date of issuance.If you would like special or customised Traffic Clearance Certificates, you can make the request at RTA’s Customer Happiness Centres in two locations: Deira or Umm Ramool.How to apply for a Traffic Clearance CertificateThe fastest way to apply for a Certificate is online. The application website or app differs based on the emirate that registered the vehicle, but the process to apply is simple and efficient.DubaiYou can apply for a Traffic Clearance Certificate in two ways, in Dubai. First, through the RTA’s website or app, and second, through the Dubai Police’s website or app.RTA: The process to apply via both the website and RTA Dubai app is similar. Follow these steps to do so:Visit RTA’s website, rta.ae, or download the RTA Dubai app via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.Log in using your username and password, UAE Pass, or the details of your Driving Licence, Traffic File, or plate number.Navigate to ‘Services’ and select ‘Driver and Car Owner Services’. Select ‘Apply for a Vehicle Licensing Certificate’.Here, you can select the type of certificate you require. In this case, select ‘Vehicle Clearance’. Select ‘Start Now’.Fill in the information, including the vehicle’s chassis number, plate number, and vehicle selected.Pay the fees.Receive the Vehicle Clearance Certificate instantly through SMS and email.Cost: Dh100 for the Certificate, and Dh20 for the Knowledge and innovation fees.Dubai Police: The process to apply via both the website and Dubai Police app is similar. Follow these steps to do so:Visit dubaipolice.gov.ae, or download the Dubai Police app via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Sign in with your UAE PASS.Navigate to ‘Services’ and select ‘Traffic Services’. Tap on ‘Traffic Clearance Certificate’.Fill in your personal details, and vehicle information, including chassis number, and plate number.Pay the fees.If you have paid your fines, and your record is clear, you will receive the Traffic Clearance Certificate instantly via email.Cost: Dh100 for the Certificate, and Dh20 for the Knowledge and innovation fees.Abu DhabiIf your car is registered in Abu Dhabi, you will need to request a Traffic Clearance Certificate from TAMM, Abu Dhabi’s official services portal. Follow these steps to do so:Visit tamm.abudhabi and log in with your UAE PASS.Select ‘Drive & Transport’ and click on ‘Fines & Violations’. Next, select ‘Issue a Traffic Fines Clearance Certificate’.Fill in your personal details and vehicle information, including chassis number, and plate number.Pay the fees.You will receive the Certificate via email, if your record is clear.Cost: Dh100All other emiratesFor all other emirates – Sharjah, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain – the Ministry of Interior (MOI) offers the quickest way to apply for a Traffic Clearance Certificate. Follow these steps to apply online:Visit MOI’s website, moi.gov.ae, or download the MOI UAE app via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Log in with your UAE PASS.Select ‘E-services’ and navigate to ‘Traffic and Licensing’.In the search bar, type in ‘Issuance of a clearance certificate’ and click on the ‘Start Service’ button.Choose one of the following options - TC Number (traffic code number), plate number or driving licence.If your record is clear, you can go ahead and ‘Submit’ to receive your certificate. However, if there are any fines registered against your car, the system will alert you to pay them first, before progressing with your application.The Certificate is sent to your email address.Cost: Dh120
