Learn how to get an RTA Export Certificate in Dubai, understand testing rules, plate options, costs, and export your vehicle legally and smoothly.
When planning to ship your car from Dubai, one of the most essential documents is the RTA Export Certificate. Whether you're relocating permanently, selling a vehicle overseas, or preparing a classic car for international delivery, this certificate is mandatory to legally deregister your vehicle in the UAE and ship it abroad.
But it’s important to understand the difference between exporting a car and temporary travel (Carnet de Passage or tourism use)—they are not the same. In this guide, we clarify all the differences, explain export testing rules, and help you determine the right export solution for your needs.
An RTA Export Certificate is an official document issued by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai. It is used to deregister a vehicle from the UAE system and permit its permanent export to another country. This document is essential when the car is being:
- Permanently exported
- Sold internationally
- Shipped as part of relocation
RTA Website: https://www.rta.ae
If you're traveling to Europe or another country temporarily using your own car under a Carnet de Passage (CPD), you do not need an Export Certificate. In such cases:
- The vehicle remains registered in the UAE
- The export is temporary, not permanent
- You’ll require a Carnet, not deregistration
Key Point: Export Certificate = Permanent exit | Carnet de Passage = Temporary travel
| Condition | Export Plates | Export Test Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Valid Registration + Export Plates | ✅ Yes | ✅ Required |
| Expired Registration + Any Option | ✅ Yes | ✅ Required |
| Possession Certificate or VCC + Any Option | ✅ Yes | ✅ Required |
| Valid Registration + No Export Plates | ❌ No | ❌ Not Required |
| Expired/VCC + No Export Plates | ❌ No | ✅ Required |
- Drive car to port, border, or airport
- Needed for land travel
- Requires export test (even with valid registration)
- Export plates must be returned to RTA
- Suitable for air/sea freight
- No driving needed after clearance
- Export test NOT required if registration is valid
If you're planning to ship your car to Europe for summer tourism, you're likely NOT exporting it permanently.
- Use Carnet de Passage for temporary use
- Vehicle remains registered in UAE
Tourism = Temporary = No deregistration
| Mode of Shipping | Plates Needed? | Best Option |
|---|---|---|
| Air Freight | ❌ No | No Plates |
| Sea Freight (RoRo) | ✅ Yes (if driven) | With Plates |
| Sea Freight (Container) | ❌ No | No Plates |
| Land Transport | ✅ Yes | With Plates |
- Clear all fines, Salik charges
- Check police blocks
- Bank mortgage clearance
- Export test clearance if required
Freight My Car offers:
- Full documentation & RTA coordination
- Export test management
- Air, sea, and land transport
- Insurance & customs clearance
We ensure a smooth, legal, and fast car export experience.
| Use Case | Certificate Type | Export Test Needed | Plates Issued | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Relocation to Europe | Yes | Yes | Optional | Permanent Move |
| Selling Overseas | Yes | Yes | Optional | International Buyer |
| Summer Tourism (Air) | Yes | No (Valid Reg) | No | Tourism |
| GCC Drive Export | Yes | Yes | Yes | Road Travel |
| Carnet Travel | No | No | No | Temporary Travel |
The RTA Export Certificate is the foundation of a smooth and legal vehicle export from Dubai. It ensures your car is deregistered properly, eligible for international customs clearance, and compliant for registration abroad.
🚫 Don’t confuse tourism travel with permanent export.
🧾 Know when an export test is needed—even with a valid registration.
✅ Choose plates based on your method of shipping.
Need a professional to handle everything? Freight My Car is your trusted partner for compliant, fast, and safe car exports from the UAE to anywhere in the world.
