Ultimate Guide to the RTA Vehicle Possession Certificate (Hayaza) in Dubai

Ultimate Guide to the RTA Vehicle Possession Certificate (Hayaza) in Dubai

Dubai is a place with strict transport regulations to simplify legal issues and other concerns. When it comes to vehicle ownership and registration, there are some specific certifications known as Mulkiya and Hayaza. According to the Road and Transport Authority, managing vehicle ownership through a reliable vehicle tracking system is now more efficient and regulated.

For vehicles that are under your possession need a specific document that ensures your legality, known as Hayaza paper. It plays an essential role if you want to store your vehicle for a long time, want to sell a vehicle without renewing the registration, or are interested in managing a non-roadworthy vehicle. To ensure you stay legal and follow the compliance requirements, this guide gives every detail about the possession document, the application process, and other details. 

What is an RTA Vehicle Possession Certificate?

It is an official legal document that acts as proof of your ownership of a vehicle. It is essential for those vehicles that are not drivable on the public roads. You are not allowed to keep an unregistered vehicle with its number plates attached. According to the regulations, it will result in fines for expired registration. Therefore, a possession certificate helps to freeze or pause the registration status. It helps in keeping the ownership rights recorded in the RTA system.

Important Note: Vehicles that are still under the possession certificate are not allowed to be driveable. You are allowed to use th recovery flatbed truck to move such types of vehicles. 

Possession Certificate Vs. Ownership Certificate

Most of the time, people misunderstood both of these documents. Therefore, it is better to clear the difference. 

  • The ownership document is only for the actively registered vehicles that are also drivable on the road. It is an official administrative document that proves you own a vehicle. You keep your license plates, and insurance is mandatory.
  • The possession certificate is also known as Hayaza, which is issued for an unregistered vehicle. For this document, license plates need to be physically returned to the RTA, and there is no need for annual vehicle insurance.

When Is A Possession Certificate Needed?

There are several reasons that make the possession certificate mandatory. It includes:

  • A possession certificate is needed for those vehicles needing long-term vehicle storage. 
  • If you want to sell an unregistered vehicle or have an expired Mulkiya, you just need to convert the vehicle to a possession status and sell it by transferring the Hayaza to the buyer. 
  • It is needed in a situation like buying a vehicle before registration. Purchasing a vehicle with incomplete registration and ownership transfer is still pending. 
  • It is required when a car is imported from outside the UAE and is waiting for customer clearance and registration.
  • It is required for the vehicle transfer process when ownership is being transferred between individuals or companies. 

Key Requirements To Apply For Hayaza Paper

Before you apply for the Hayaza Paper, you need to ensure that you meet some important requirements. 

  • Before you apply, it is mandatory to clear all the traffic fines. In situations like outstanding traffic violations, the RTA completely block issuance of the possession certificate. Therefore, it is mandatory to clear all the outstanding fines.
  • You will have to physically return both the front and rear plates to the RTA.
  • In case the vehicle was financed, your bank will have to submit the loan clearance to the RTA system before changing the status. 

Steps To Apply for a Possession Certificate?

You’ll get both digital & in-person ways to apply for a possession certificate.

Method 1: Digitally via the RTA Portal or App

  • Visit the official site of RTA or the RTA Dubai app and login using your UAE pass.
  • Once logged in, go to the drivers and vehicles section and select apply for a vehicle possession certificate.
  • After that, select the specific vehicle from your traffic profile and upload the required documents like valid Emirates ID. 
  • Now pay the required fee through credit card and digital wallet.
  • Upon successful payment, you’ll receive a transaction code where you’ll need to drop off the physical plates at an RTA smart kiosk or service center. 

Method 2: In-Person via Vehicle Inspection Centers

  • For those who prefer an In-person approach, you can complete the process at an RTA customer happiness center or other testing facilities like Tajseel or Wasel.
  • For this, you need to driver the vehicle if it is registered or tow it to the center. 
  • Now, go to the front desk to get a service token for a possession certificate.
  • Provide them with the documents, such as the original Emirates ID and the vehicle registration card. 
  • For corporate vehicles, you need to present an NOC written in Arabic, a trade license copy, and an authorized signature document. 
  • Now, pay the required fee and hand over the physical license plates to them. 
  • You’ll instantly get the official possession certificate that will be emailed to you as a PDF.

Summing Up!

The RTA vehicle possession certificate is an important document that is needed in Dubai’s vehicle system. It is needed in buying, selling, importing, exporting, and registration processing. It protects you from late registration fines, legal issues, and other unnecessary insurance premiums. It ensures your asset rights stay protected, and if you want to store a vehicle for a longer time, securing the Hayaza paper is the smartest option to legally keep it.