Scrap Your Car Without the Paperwork? Here’s What You Still Need!
- Jul 11
- 3 min read
Thinking of scrapping your car in the UAE but lost the paperwork? You're not alone. Life happens—documents get misplaced, and vehicles are often left sitting idle for years before the decision is finally made to scrap them. But what if you don’t have all the official documents? Can you still scrap your car legally?
The good news: Yes, it’s possible to scrap a car without all the paperwork—but there are still requirements and procedures you need to follow. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know to make the process smooth and stress-free.

Why Proper Documentation Matters in the UAE
In the UAE, vehicle registration and ownership are taken seriously. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) requires that all vehicle transactions—whether selling, exporting, or scrapping—go through the proper legal channels. This is to prevent:
Fraudulent activity
Vehicle abandonment
Improper disposal of hazardous materials
So while scrapping a car without paperwork is possible, you’ll still need to prove ownership and get clearance from the appropriate authorities.
What Documents Are Normally Required to Scrap a Car?
Typically, when scrapping a vehicle, you need:
Emirates ID
Vehicle registration card (Mulkiya)
Copy of your driving license
A signed letter of intent to scrap the vehicle
RTA deregistration or scrap certificate
If you’re missing some of these, don’t panic—alternatives are available.
What If You’ve Lost Your Car’s Registration (Mulkiya)?
The vehicle registration card is essential because it proves you're the rightful owner. But if it's lost, here's what you can do:
Visit the RTA or use the RTA Dubai app to request a replacement Mulkiya.
You’ll need your Emirates ID and license plate number.
Pay a small replacement fee (typically AED 50-100).
Once you have the duplicate, you can move forward with the scrapping process.
What If the Car Isn’t Registered in Your Name?
If you inherited or bought a car informally (e.g., from a relative or friend), but never transferred the ownership officially, this can complicate the process. In such cases, you'll need:
Proof of relationship or a signed No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the registered owner.
A copy of the previous owner's Emirates ID and Mulkiya.
In some cases, legal help may be required to transfer ownership first before scrapping.
Can You Scrap a Car Without Emirates ID?
No. Your Emirates ID is mandatory to identify yourself and prove legal residency in the UAE. If yours is expired or lost, get it renewed or replaced before starting the scrapping process.
The Role of the RTA in the Scrapping Process
Even without all the paperwork, you cannot skip the RTA. You will need to:
Inform the RTA of your intention to scrap the car.
Deregister the vehicle officially.
Collect an RTA-issued Scrap Certificate.
This certificate is vital—it serves as proof that the vehicle is off the roads and no longer in your name.
How Scrap My Car UAE Helps You Scrap Without the Hassle
At Scrap My Car UAE, we understand that not everyone has every document ready. That’s why we offer a paperwork support service to help you:
✅ Retrieve or replace lost documents ✅ Liaise with RTA on your behalf ✅ Guide you through ownership or deregistration issues ✅ Pick up your car from your location
✅ Pay cash on the spot—once all legal steps are fulfilled
Can I Scrap an Abandoned Vehicle?
If a car is abandoned (like in a parking lot or old garage) and you're not the registered owner, you can’t legally scrap it without a police report and proof of ownership transfer. Attempting to scrap such vehicles without authorization can result in legal consequences.
What Happens If You Scrap Without Completing Legal Formalities?
Scrapping a car without informing the RTA or transferring ownership can leave you liable for:
🚫 Traffic fines 🚫 Salik charges 🚫 Legal notices if the car is misused 🚫 Environmental violations if not properly disposed
That’s why it’s essential to complete all steps, even if you're missing some initial documents.
Conclusion: Missing Papers? Don’t Worry—Just Follow the Right Steps
Losing car documents isn’t the end of the road. With proper steps and the right support, you can still scrap your vehicle legally and safely in the UAE.
Scrap My Car UAE is here to make the process simple. Whether you’re missing your registration card or need help dealing with the RTA, our team will guide you every step of the way.
Ready to Scrap Your Car?
✅ Free valuation ✅ Instant cash payment ✅ We help with the paperwork!
📞 Call or WhatsApp us at 055 745 83 22 🌐 Visit scrapmycarUAE.com 📱 Follow us on Facebook: scrapmycaruae
Let us handle the hassle so you can walk away with cash in hand and peace of mind!



