Power of Attorney to Sell a Car in UAE

7 min read

Jan 23, 2026Jan 23, 2026

Selling a car in the UAE requires the owner’s physical presence at legal and stages, such as during vehicle transfer and RTA registration. But what to do when you live abroad, travel frequently, or lack time? In such situations, you can legally authorize another person, aka an Agent, to complete the process. To make this possible, you need to know how to get a Power of Attorney to sell a car.

A Power of Attorney in the UAE gives that authority and allows the representative to sell your vehicle on your behalf. This blog will walk you through the steps, requirements, and process of obtaining a Power of Attorney (POA) to sell a car.

What is a Power of Attorney (POA) for Vehicle Sale in the UAE?

In the context of selling a vehicle, a POA means an agent has the authority to handle the sale and transfer ownership. The agent can also complete all necessary paperwork with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and any other authorities (if needed).

There are two primary types of POA in the UAE: General POA and Special POA.

General POA: This grants the agent wide authority to act on behalf of the principal in matters, including selling property or vehicles. However, the General POA is not specific to one task.
Special POA: This is a more targeted POA, granting the agent authority only for a specific purpose, such as selling a car.

For selling a vehicle, the Special POA is the most common choice. It ensures the agent can complete the sale and transfer ownership without affecting other personal or financial matters.

What Rights Does a POA Grant to an Agent for Car Sale?

A POA to sell a car typically provides the following rights to the agent:

Selling the Vehicle: The agent can negotiate and finalize the sale of the vehicle.
Transferring Ownership: The agent can process the transfer of ownership through the RTA.
Completing Documentation: The agent can sign all required documents, including the vehicle registration and sales agreements.
Handling Payment: The agent can receive payments from the buyer and manage the financial aspects of the sale. Some buyers and banks may require additional authorization or direct owner confirmation before releasing funds to an agent.

To ensure you create a legally valid and effective POA, follow our step-by-step guide on “How to Make a Power of Attorney in the UAE.”

What Documents are Required to Get a POA to Sell a Car?

The requirements for obtaining a POA in the UAE may vary depending on whether the principal is a UAE resident or a non-resident. You should prepare the following documents:

a. UAE Residents

Emirates ID: Both the principal (car owner) and the agent must provide their Emirates IDs.
Passport Copies: A copy of the passport of both the principal and the agent is required.
Vehicle Registration (Mulkiya): The original vehicle registration document is necessary to prove ownership.
Contact Details: Both the principal and the agent must provide up-to-date contact information.

b. For Non-UAE Residents

Passport of Principal: A valid passport copy of the vehicle owner is needed.
Emirates ID or Passport of Agent: The agent must provide either an Emirates ID or a passport.
Attestation for Foreign Nationals: If the principal lives outside the UAE, they must attest the POA in their country before submitting it in the UAE. This process is necessary to verify the authenticity of the document.

Ensuring all these documents are complete and accurate helps the POA process proceed smoothly without any delays.

How to Get a Power of Attorney to Sell a Car?

Follow these steps to ensure the process for getting a POA to sell a car is smooth and legally binding:

Agree on POA Scope: First, you need to decide on the specific rights that the POA will grant to the agent. Ensure the document explicitly states whether the agent can sell the car, handle payment, and transfer ownership.
Draft the POA Document: Next, you should draft the POA document, either by doing it independently or with the help of a lawyer. The document must be clear, concise, and include:
- Vehicle Details: The car’s make, model, year, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), and registration number.
- Authority Granted: Clearly state what actions the agent can take on behalf of the principal.
Translation and Bilingual Format: If the POA document is not already in Arabic, it must be translated into both Arabic and English. A certified legal translator should translate to ensure the document is legally valid.
Notarization Process: For the POA to be legally binding in the UAE, it must be notarized. You can do this by visiting a public notary at Dubai Courts or any other notary in the UAE. Additionally, e-notarization is available, where you can have a virtual meeting and notarize the POA using UAE Pass.
Final Issuance and Use: Once notarized, the POA will be issued to the principal. The agent can then use this document to sell the car and complete the transfer of ownership. The POA remains effective only during its validity period, so be sure to stay informed. For more information, check out our blog on “Does the Power of Attorney Expire?“

Ensuring all steps are completed correctly guarantees a valid POA for a smooth and legally binding car sale.

How the Agent Uses POA at RTA to Transfer Ownership?

When the agent visits the RTA to transfer ownership, they use the POA to prove their authority. The agent needs to follow a few steps to ensure the process goes smoothly:

Submit the POA: The agent presents the notarized POA at the RTA.
Provide Vehicle Details: The agent gives the vehicle’s make, model, year, and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
Present Required Documents: Along with the POA, the agent submits the vehicle registration and any other necessary documents.
Sign Transfer Forms: The agent signs all forms required to complete the ownership transfer.

By following these steps, the agent can complete the transfer process with ease.

How Much is the Cost for Obtaining a Vehicle Power of Attorney?

The costs for obtaining a vehicle Power of Attorney in UAE range from AED 300 to AED 4,000, depending on urgency and services. Here is a breakdown of the typical costs associated:

Service	Cost (AED)
POA Drafting Services	AED 300 to AED 2,500
Notarization Fees	AED 100 to AED 1,000
Legal Translation (if applicable)	AED 100 to AED 400 per page
Attestation (for foreign POAs)	AED 90 to AED 3,000
Urgent Services	AED 799 (1-day service)
Additional Principals	AED 599 per principal

The costs depend on the document’s complexity, the number of principals, and whether urgent services are required. Confirm fees with the service provider before proceeding.

Special Scenarios You Should Consider in Power of Attorney for Car Sale

Certain situations may require specific handling when using a POA for selling a vehicle. Here’s what you need to know:

Selling Multiple Vehicles with a Single POA: If you need to sell multiple vehicles, you can draft a single POA covering all cars. Each vehicle’s details, including make, model, and registration, must be listed in the document. This ensures the agent can complete the sale for each car without any confusion.
Selling a Leased or Mortgaged Vehicle: When the car is leased or mortgaged, you cannot proceed with the sale until all financial obligations are cleared. The agent must confirm that the outstanding debts or liens are settled before completing the sale and transferring ownership. Failing to do so can result in legal complications.
Revocation of POA Before Sale Completion: If the principal revokes the POA before the sale is completed, the agent will lose the authority to act on their behalf. To avoid disruption, ensure the POA remains valid throughout the entire sale process. Once the sale is finished, the Principal can revoke the agent’s authority at any time.

If you need to cancel the POA before completing the sale, you can follow the official steps outlined in “How to Cancel Power of Attorney in Dubai.”

Final Note

Obtaining a Power of Attorney (POA) for selling a car in the UAE streamlines the process when you cannot attend in person. By following the correct steps and providing the necessary documents, you can authorize a trusted representative to handle the sale. Ensure the POA is clear, legally binding, and covers all aspects of the transaction.

With the right documentation and proper procedures, the sale can proceed smoothly and without delays. Start the process with SafeLedger. Fill the form now.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a Power of Attorney (POA) for vehicle sale in the UAE?

A Power of Attorney (POA) for vehicle sale in the UAE grants an agent the authority to sell a car on behalf of the owner. It allows the agent to complete all necessary documentation, transfer ownership, and manage the sale process. There are general and special POA types, with the special POA being the most common for vehicle sales.

2. What documents are required to get a POA to sell a car in the UAE?

To obtain a POA, UAE residents need Emirates IDs, passport copies, and vehicle registration. Non-residents require a valid passport, an Emirates ID or passport of the agent, and possibly an attested POA if abroad. Make sure all documents are clear and accurate to avoid delays.

3. How can I draft a POA for selling my car in the UAE?

To draft a POA, you must include specific car details, such as make, model, year, and registration number. Clearly state the rights granted to the agent. The POA must be translated into Arabic and English if necessary and notarized at the appropriate legal authorities.

4. Do I need to provide a witness when signing the POA for the car sale?

While a witness is not mandatory when signing the POA for vehicle sale in the UAE, it is always advisable to have one. Some notaries may require a witness to sign the document to validate its authenticity. Check with the notary to confirm their requirements.

5. How much does it cost to obtain a POA for vehicle sale in the UAE?

The cost of obtaining a POA for vehicle sale in the UAE ranges from AED 300 to AED 4,000, depending on services. Additional costs include notarization fees, legal translation (if needed), and attestation for foreign nationals. The fees can vary based on document complexity and urgency.

6. Can I use a single POA to sell multiple vehicles?

Yes, you can use a single POA to sell multiple cars in the UAE. Each vehicle’s details must be listed in the document. This allows the agent to complete the sale for each car under the same authorization, ensuring clarity and reducing the need for separate POAs for each car.

7. What happens if the car is leased or mortgaged in the UAE?

If the car is leased or mortgaged, the agent cannot sell it until all financial obligations are settled. The POA must include confirmation that the debts or liens have been cleared. Failure to address these financial obligations can lead to complications during the sale and transfer of ownership.

8. Can I revoke the POA before the sale is completed?

Yes, you can revoke the POA at any point before the sale is finalized. Once revoked, the agent no longer has the authority to act on your behalf. To prevent disruptions, ensure the POA remains valid until the transaction is completed. Once the sale concludes, you can revoke the POA.

9. Is the notarized POA legally binding for vehicle sale in the UAE?

Yes, a notarized POA is legally binding for selling a car in the UAE. The notarization process ensures that the document is valid and enforceable under UAE law. The POA must be clear and specify the agent’s authority to complete the vehicle sale, transfer ownership, and handle payment.

10. What should I do if I lose my POA document?

If you lose your POA document, you must contact the notary or legal authority that issued it. A duplicate can be obtained by providing relevant identification and confirming the document's authenticity. It is important to ensure that the agent can still perform their duties by obtaining a valid POA replacement.

11. Can I sell a car in Dubai without Emirates ID?

No, you cannot sell a car in Dubai without an Emirates ID. The Emirates ID is a mandatory document for residents. It is required for verification during the sale process and to finalize registration with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Non-residents must provide a valid passport instead of an Emirates ID.

12. Is UAE Pass mandatory for POA notarization?

UAE Pass is not mandatory for POA notarization but is a convenient option. You can use it for online notarization through Dubai Courts. However, you can still notarize the POA by visiting a public notary at any RTA or government office. Using UAE Pass streamlines the process but is not a requirement.

13. Can a POA holder sell a car to themselves?

No, a POA holder cannot sell a car to themselves. The purpose of a Power of Attorney is to act on behalf of the principal, not to engage in self-dealing. The POA grants the agent authority to sell the car to a third party, ensuring a legal transaction and preventing conflicts of interest.

14. Does RTA accept foreign POAs?

Yes, the RTA accepts foreign POAs, but they must be attested. If you are outside the UAE, you must have the POA notarized and attested by UAE embassies or consulates in your home country. After that, it must be submitted to the RTA for processing the car transfer. Ensure proper legalization before submission.

15. Can a company vehicle be sold using POA?

Yes, a company vehicle can be sold using a POA. The company’s authorized representative can act as the agent to sell the vehicle on behalf of the company. The POA must be signed by the authorized person within the company. All company details, including registration documents, should be clearly mentioned in the POA.