How to Sell a Scrap Car in Dubai: Step by Step

September 2026

Selling a car that doesn't run can feel harder than selling a good one. Here's how it works in Dubai, start to finish.

A car that won't start, failed its test or was badly damaged in an accident is hard to sell on classifieds. Buyers want to test drive, most scrap yards want you to deliver it, and parking fines keep adding up. A scrap car buyer skips all of that.

1. Gather the basics

Before you ask for a price, note down the make, model, year and roughly how many kilometres it has done. Take four or five clear photos: front, back, both sides and the dashboard. Photos of the damage help the buyer give you a firm price instead of a range.

2. Get a quote

Send the details on WhatsApp. A good buyer gives you a fixed number and tells you straight away whether pickup is included. Ask if anything will be deducted at collection, so there are no surprises.

3. Check your documents

You'll usually need your Emirates ID or passport, the registration card (Mulkiya) and the keys. If there's still a bank loan on the car, it has to be cleared first. Our documents guide covers this in more detail.

4. Pickup and payment

Agree a time and place. The tow truck comes to you, whether the car is in a basement parking, on the street or at a garage. Make sure you are paid in full before the car is loaded.

5. Close the registration

Once the car is sold for scrap, its registration needs to be cancelled so it's no longer linked to you. Ask your buyer how they handle this and keep a copy of any paperwork.