Registering a car in Saudi Arabia: istimara and ownership transfer
Every car in Saudi Arabia needs a valid istimara — the registration card. Here's how registration and ownership transfer work when you buy a used car.
What the istimara is
The istimara is the vehicle registration issued by the Traffic Department (Muroor). It ties the car to its owner and must be renewed each year. When you buy used, the aim is to have it transferred cleanly into your name.
Insurance and inspection first
Registration and transfer require valid insurance in the new owner's name and, for cars past a certain age, a passed periodic inspection (Fahes / MVPI). Arrange the insurance and inspection before your transfer appointment so nothing stalls on the day.
Transferring ownership
Ownership transfer is done at the Traffic Department or through the Ministry of Interior's Absher app, with both parties, the istimara, IDs and insurance in order. Any traffic fines against the car must be cleared first, so check for them before you pay.
Check before you buy
Confirm the istimara details match the car and the seller, that there's no outstanding finance on the vehicle, and that fines are clear. A car you can't register cleanly into your name is not a car you should be paying for yet.
Annual renewal
After the transfer you renew registration each year with current insurance and, when it falls due, a fresh inspection. Renewals can be handled through Absher, so keep your insurance dates and inspection in sync to avoid driving on an expired istimara.
Keep the handover safe
Never pay in full before the istimara is in your name and the transfer is confirmed. Doing it properly protects you from inheriting someone else's fines, finance or accident liability along with the car.