Vehicle Power of Attorney in the UAE: Buying, Selling & Registering Vehicles

The Vehicle Power of Attorney (POA) in the UAE is a legal authorization that allows an individual to delegate specific vehicle-related actions to another person. These actions may include selling, buying, registering, exporting, shipping, servicing, insuring, or managing the vehicle on behalf of the owner (the principal).

This type of POA is commonly used when a person cannot personally complete a vehicle-related task due to travel, illness, lack of time, or any other reason.

Understanding the legal aspects of issuing a Vehicle POA is essential to ensure that all procedures are valid, compliant with UAE law, and protective of the principal’s rights. Below is everything you need to know about issuing a Vehicle POA in the UAE.

Steps to Issue a Vehicle Power of Attorney in the UAE

To issue a legally valid and secure Vehicle POA, you must follow these steps:

1. Prepare the Required Documents

Both the principal and the agent must provide complete and valid documentation, along with details of the vehicle.

2. Draft the POA Professionally

The POA must clearly outline the exact powers granted to the agent.
It may be drafted in Arabic or English, but an official Arabic translation is required for notarization.

3. Complete the Notarization Process

Notarization can be done in two ways:

• By visiting a private or public notary office and signing the POA before the notary.
  
• Remotely, through government e-services or approved online portals, including a virtual meeting with a notary public.
  

4. Approval and Issuance

Once the POA is approved, the principal receives the official notarized document electronically or in physical form.

Required Documents for Issuing a Vehicle POA

To issue a Vehicle POA in the UAE, the following documents are necessary:

For the Principal and Agent

• Valid passport for both parties
  
• Emirates ID (for UAE nationals and residents)
  
• Contact details (phone number and email address)
  

For the Vehicle

• Vehicle ownership card (Mulkiya)
  

If the Vehicle Belongs to a Company

• Trade license
  
• Memorandum of Association (if required)
  
• Authorized signatory documents
  

Additional Documents (Depending on the Purpose of the POA)

• Customs certificate (for imported vehicles
  
• Official company authorization letter
  
• Valid vehicle insurance
  
• Driver’s license of the agent (if the POA includes driving)
  
• Vehicle inspection certificate (if related to registration or renewal)

Types of Vehicle Powers of Attorney in the UAE

Vehicle POAs fall under two main categories:

1. General Vehicle POA

Grants broad and unrestricted authority to the agent over the vehicle, such as full management and representation.

2. Special (Limited) Vehicle POA

Authorizes the agent to perform specific actions only, such as:

• Vehicle Sale POA
  
• Vehicle Export/Shipping POA
  
• Vehicle Registration / Transfer POA
  
• Vehicle Ownership Renewal POA
  
• Vehicle Purchase POA
  
• Vehicle Maintenance and Repair POA
  
• Vehicle Insurance POA
  
• Vehicle Import POA
  
• Vehicle Driving Authorization
  
• Vehicle Payment Collection POA (receiving sale proceeds)
  

These limited POAs are the most common as they clearly restrict the agent’s powers and reduce legal risks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a Vehicle Power of Attorney in the UAE?

It is a legal contract where the vehicle owner (principal) authorizes another person (agent) to carry out specific vehicle-related actions such as selling, buying, registration, export, or driving.

2. What is the difference between a Vehicle POA and a General POA?

A Vehicle POA is limited to vehicle-related matters only, while a General POA gives broad powers across multiple areas such as legal, financial, business, and administrative matters.

3. What types of Vehicle POAs exist?

There are two types:

• General Vehicle POA
  
• Special Vehicle POA (sale, purchase, export, registration, etc.)

4. How is a Vehicle POA issued and notarized?

The principal and agent prepare the required documents, draft the POA, visit a notary or use the e-Notary system, sign the document, and receive the approved notarized POA.

5. What documents are required?

Valid passports, Emirates IDs, vehicle ownership card, contact details, and any case-specific documents such as insurance, customs certificates, or inspection reports.

6. Can a Vehicle POA be issued electronically?

Yes. Vehicle POAs can be issued online via UAE notary services, including identity verification through a video call. The notarized POA is then sent by email.

7. What powers does the agent have under a Vehicle POA?

The agent’s powers are limited to what is explicitly stated in the POA—selling the vehicle, receiving payment, driving, transferring ownership, or completing administrative procedures.

8. Can a Vehicle POA be cancelled?

Yes. It can be cancelled unless the POA explicitly states otherwise. Cancellation terms depend on the wording of the POA.

9. How can the principal protect their rights when issuing a Vehicle POA?

By defining powers clearly, limiting validity, specifying conditions, notarizing the POA properly, keeping a copy, and maintaining communication with the agent.

10. What legal tips apply when buying or selling a vehicle through a POA?

Verify the vehicle documents, confirm the authenticity of the POA, and ensure ownership transfer is completed immediately through official channels.

Conclusion

Issuing a Vehicle Power of Attorney in the UAE is a practical and legally effective solution for handling vehicle-related transactions. However, it is essential to draft the POA accurately, attach all required documents, and notarize it properly to ensure its validity and protect the principal’s rights.

At our Dubai Private Notary Office, we provide complete legal support for drafting and notarizing all types of Vehicle POAs across the UAE.
If you need someone to act on your behalf for any vehicle-related matter, contact us today—we will prepare and notarize your POA quickly, securely, and wherever you are.