How to Prepare Your Car for Scrapping in Dubai!
- May 30
- 5 min read
Is your car reaching the end of its life? Whether it’s due to age, damage, or simply no longer being roadworthy, scrapping your car can be the smartest decision. In Dubai, where car ownership is high and road safety is taken seriously, scrapping old or non-functional vehicles is not just a personal choice—it’s a legal responsibility in many cases.
But before you turn your car over to a scrapyard, there are essential steps you need to take to prepare it properly. This guide will walk you through the entire process of preparing your car for scrapping in Dubai, ensuring a smooth, legal, and profitable experience.

Why Prepare Your Car Before Scrapping?
Before diving into the checklist, let’s understand why preparation is important:
Ensures legal compliance with RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) rules.
Helps you get the best price for your scrap vehicle.
Prevents identity theft, fraud, or fines due to incorrect deregistration.
Allows you to remove and potentially sell valuable parts separately.
If you're working with a trusted buyer like Scrap My Car UAE, much of the process can be streamlined for you, but being informed helps you stay in control.
Step 1: Remove All Personal Belongings
Cars tend to become a second home over the years—receipts in the glove box, sunglasses, documents in the trunk. Before scrapping:
Thoroughly check under the seats, in the glove compartment, trunk, cup holders, and side door pockets.
Don’t forget to remove phone chargers, parking cards, toll tags (like Salik), and other accessories.
Look for insurance or registration documents, which might be needed later.
Tip: Use a flashlight to spot hidden items, especially under seats or floor mats.
Step 2: Gather and Organise Car Documents
You’ll need certain documents to scrap your car legally in Dubai. Keep these handy:
Original Emirates ID
Vehicle Registration Card (Mulkiya)
Car insurance policy (if active)
RTA deregistration form
You may also need to sign a scrap agreement form with the car buyer. If you’ve lost your Mulkiya, you can request a duplicate from the RTA before proceeding.
Scrap My Car UAE can assist you in completing all required paperwork swiftly.
Step 3: Deregister the Car with RTA
This is one of the most crucial steps. You cannot legally scrap your car without cancelling its registration.
Visit an RTA Customer Happiness Centre or log into the RTA website or Dubai Drive app.
Apply for vehicle deregistration and mention the reason as "scrapping."
You'll receive a deregistration certificate, which is required by the scrapyard.
Important: If the car is under a loan or has outstanding fines, you must settle them first.
Step 4: Cancel the Insurance Policy
After deregistration, you can cancel your car insurance. This helps you:
Get a pro-rated refund for the unused portion of your policy.
Avoid future charges or renewals.
Contact your insurance provider, submit proof of deregistration, and request a refund or cancellation confirmation.
Step 5: Remove Number Plates
The RTA requires that you return your car’s number plates upon deregistration.
Hand over the plates at any RTA service centre.
You may be asked to submit a deregistration receipt along with your Emirates ID.
If you're using Scrap My Car UAE, their team can guide you through this process.
Step 6: Decide Whether to Remove Parts
Some car parts still hold value, even in a non-running car. You may want to remove and sell:
Alloy wheels
Battery
Stereo system
Navigation unit
Spare tyres or tools
Catalytic converter
However, if you're short on time or prefer convenience, Scrap My Car UAE offers competitive prices that include all parts. You can simply scrap the vehicle as-is.
Step 7: Get Multiple Scrap Quotes
Not all scrap yards or buyers offer the same price. Factors influencing the quote include:
Vehicle weight and model
Condition of parts
Market demand for scrap metal
Whether the engine or transmission is still functional
Scrap My Car UAE offers instant evaluations and top cash payouts for cars across Dubai, no matter the condition.
Step 8: Choose a Licensed Scrap Dealer
Never hand over your car to an unregistered buyer. Here's why you should always choose a licensed scrap car dealer:
Ensures RTA-approved disposal
Provides a certificate of destruction
Guarantees you won’t be held liable for any future misuse of the vehicle
Scrap My Car UAE is a licensed and trusted scrap car buyer in Dubai, offering a hassle-free, same-day pickup and paperwork process.
Step 9: Schedule a Pickup or Drop-off
Depending on your vehicle’s condition:
If it runs: You can drop it off at the scrapyard.
If not: Arrange for a free towing service.
Scrap My Car UAE offers free towing across Dubai, ensuring that even completely immobile cars are taken off your hands without extra charges.
Step 10: Receive Payment and Destruction Certificate
Once the vehicle is collected:
You’ll be given cash on the spot or a payment receipt, depending on your preference.
A certificate of destruction will be issued, confirming that the vehicle has been permanently scrapped.
Keep this certificate safely—it's proof that the car is no longer in your name.
Environmental Impact of Car Scrapping in Dubai
Dubai’s government actively promotes responsible vehicle disposal to reduce pollution and improve sustainability. Licensed scrapyards:
Drain and safely dispose of hazardous fluids like oil, coolant, and brake fluid.
Recycle metals, plastics, and rubber components.
Prevent harmful emissions from abandoned vehicles.
By choosing a responsible buyer like Scrap My Car UAE, you contribute to a cleaner and greener Dubai.
Benefits of Scrapping Your Car with Scrap My Car UAE
✅ Fast Service – Get your car evaluated, picked up, and scrapped in under 24 hours ✅ Instant Cash – Fair market value, paid immediately ✅ Free Towing – No hidden fees for car pickup ✅ Paperwork Assistance – Help with RTA deregistration and insurance cancellation ✅ Environmentally Friendly – All cars scrapped according to government standards ✅ All Vehicles Accepted – Whether accident-damaged, dead, or just old
FAQs
1. Can I scrap a car without the registration card?Yes, but you’ll need to request a duplicate from the RTA first. It may take a few days to process.
2. What if my car is still under finance?You must clear the loan before you can deregister and scrap the vehicle.
3. Do I have to be the registered owner to scrap a car?Yes. If you're scrapping it on behalf of someone else, a power of attorney or consent letter is required.
4. Is it legal to leave a broken car on the road in Dubai?No. Abandoned cars are towed and fined by Dubai Municipality. Always arrange proper removal.
Final Thoughts
Scrapping a car in Dubai doesn’t have to be a complicated process. With the right preparation and the help of a reliable partner like Scrap My Car UAE, you can turn your old vehicle into instant cash without stress.
From paperwork to towing and payment, we handle it all. Whether your car is rusting in your garage or completely totaled, we’ll take it off your hands—legally, quickly, and efficiently.
Ready to Scrap Your Car in Dubai? 📞 Call or WhatsApp us today at 055 745 83 22 🌐 Visit us at scrapmycaruae.com 📱 Facebook: scrapmycarUAE
Let us turn your scrap car into cash in hand—the smart way.



