Your guide to transfer car ownership in Saudi
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If you’re thinking about selling or giving away your car, just know that it takes more than handing over the keys! Unless you want to be held responsible later for the car’s fines and accidents, you’ll need to officially transfer vehicle ownership (Istimara). The new owner also needs their own car insurance.
In Saudi, you can transfer vehicle ownership online through Absher — it’s quite a simple process. Let’s walk you through what’s involved, what documents you need and how to get started!
Before transferring vehicle ownership
Before starting the online process, make sure:
- Both the seller and buyer must have active account on Absher
- The car price is between 500 and 1,000,000 riyals.
- Car is in good shape — not stolen, wanted, or impounded.
- Neither the buyer nor the seller can have any unpaid traffic violations.
Find out what documents you need
To transfer car ownership, you’ll need a few things. The car needs: a valid registration (Istimara), a valid MVPI (that’s the vehicle inspection
- a valid registration license (Istimara)
- a valid MVPI (that’s the motor vehicle periodic inspection)
- a valid car insurance policy. No insurance, means no transfer!
💡 Tip for used-car buyers
Always get a car insurance quote for your chosen used car before buying. Why? For some car models, car insurance can be unexpectedly expensive. So you need to find a car that you can definitely afford to renew its insurance before committing.
You can get car insurance quotes using the car’s VIN on insurance comparison sites in Saudi.
How to transfer car ownership in Saudi
- First, the seller logs into their [Absher] account, chooses [Vehicle Sale], and enters all the necessary details.
- Next, the buyer logs in and decides whether to accept or decline the offer. If they accept, they pay the seller through Absher’s secure system.
- Both the buyer and seller will then receive a text message from Absher with a deadline for completing the transfer and payment.
- Once the online process is complete, the seller gives the car to the buyer. The buyer then confirms car delivery on Absher. And with that the car’s ownership transfers to the buyer & the seller gets their cash!
How much is the vehicle transfer fee in Saudi?
The fee for transferring car ownership in Saudi is 380 SAR. (150 SAR forgovernment fees, plus 230 SAR Absher service fees)
From selling a car, to finishing a rent-to-own car lease, there are many reasons why you might need to transfer ownership and update your Istimara. Whatever situation you find yourself in, make sure the new car insurance policy starts on the day transfer – because you can’t legally register or transfer a car ownership in Saudi without it.
Need car insurance quickly?
Check out car insurance comparison sites in Saudi – they can help you find the best car insurance rates fast.
