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Exporting Cars from Saudi Arabia: Complete Guide to Procedures and Requirements

ehab

2026-11-09

Exporting cars from Saudi Arabia has become a common option for individuals and dealers who want to move vehicles out of the Kingdom, whether to resell them or to take them to another country after their residency ends. Saudi Arabia’s car market is varied, and many models with Gulf specifications are in demand in several foreign markets.

Exporting a car requires knowing the official procedures: preparing documents, getting export plates, paying fees and choosing the right shipping method for the receiving country. This guide explains the main requirements to export a car from Saudi Arabia, the steps, the fees and the ways to ship vehicles abroad. If you are also considering bringing a car in, see our guide to importing cars to Saudi Arabia.

Why do many people export cars from Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia is an important car market, which has made it a preferred place to buy vehicles and re-export them to other markets. The Kingdom has a large supply of new and used cars, and a range of Japanese, Korean and American models that are in high demand in many countries.

Easy government procedures, specialized shipping companies and ports equipped to move vehicles have also made exporting cars from Saudi Arabia more organized and flexible for individuals and companies. The main reasons include:

Cars with Gulf specifications suit many foreign markets.
A variety of options across economy, luxury and commercial vehicles.
Land and sea shipping services linking Saudi Arabia with many countries.
Export procedures can be completed through official bodies in a clear, organized way.
Many traders use the Saudi market as a source of cars for resale outside the Kingdom.

Requirements for exporting a car from Saudi Arabia

Before starting the export, make sure all legal requirements are met so the export is accepted and finished without delay. Details differ by owner status and vehicle type, whether the car belongs to an individual or a company, and whether it is new or used. The main requirements are:

The car has no traffic violations or outstanding financial dues registered against it.
All installments or financing obligations tied to the vehicle are paid before export.
The vehicle registration (istimara) or, for new cars, the customs card is available.
Vehicle ownership documents are in order.
Export plates are obtained from Traffic before the car is shipped out of the Kingdom.
A shipping letter from an approved transport or shipping company is provided.
The car complies with the import rules of the destination country.
The owner’s personal documents are available: national ID for citizens, or residence permit and passport for residents.

Documents required to export cars from Saudi Arabia

Documents differ by the owner’s status and the type of vehicle, but there is a core set of papers to prepare before starting. Preparing them ahead speeds up the process and avoids delays when issuing export plates or arranging shipping. The core documents are:

A valid original vehicle registration.
The customs card if the vehicle is new.
National ID for citizens, or residence permit and passport for residents.
A vehicle export request form.
A letter from the shipping company showing the vehicle’s details and destination.
Insurance documents required while the car is in transit.
Proof of payment of any financial obligations tied to the vehicle, if any.

For diplomatic vehicles, additional documents are needed, including an official letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs setting out the vehicle’s details, the receiving party and the port of arrival.

Steps to export a car from Saudi Arabia

Exporting a car follows several organized stages, from preparing documents to shipping the vehicle to the receiving country. Following the right steps helps complete the process faster and avoids remarks from the authorities.

1. Prepare the required documents

First make sure all papers for the vehicle and the owner are complete, such as the registration, ID or residence permit, and the shipping letter, and that no violations or financial obligations block the export.

2. Visit Traffic and get export plates

Once documents are ready, visit the Traffic Department to submit the vehicle export request. The vehicle data is checked against official records, then Saudi export plates are issued after the requirements are met and fees are paid.

3. Inspect the vehicle and hand over the plates

The car is inspected to check its data against the registration, including the chassis number, before the export is approved. After approval, the original plates are handed in and the export plates for moving the car out of the Kingdom are received. You can also browse the car brands in Saudi Arabia.

4. Prepare the car for shipping

Before shipping, check the car’s general condition, remove personal belongings and photograph the vehicle to document its condition before handing it to the shipping company.

5. Ship the car to the receiving country

The car is taken to the port or shipping point according to the chosen transport method, by sea or land, and clearance and receipt procedures then begin in the importing country under its local rules.

Following these steps lets you export a car from Saudi Arabia in an organized way, from getting export plates to the car reaching its final destination.

How much does it cost to export a car from Saudi Arabia?

Export fees depend on the vehicle type, transport method and destination country. Costs include government fees plus shipping and related services, so there is no single figure for every case. The main costs to consider are:

Export plates fee: SAR 100, the fee for issuing the plates needed to move the vehicle out of the Kingdom.
Procedure and transaction fees: vary with the service requested and the procedures involved in the export.
Car shipping cost: varies with the receiving country, the transport method (sea or land), and the size of the car.
Clearance and customs fees: set by the rules of the country the car arrives in.

When estimating the cost of exporting a car from Saudi Arabia, look at all the expenses involved, not just the official fees, since the final cost can vary widely with the destination and the service chosen. It is best to get a quote from a specialized shipping company to know the actual cost before you start.

Saudi export plates: how to get them and the fees

Saudi export plates are an essential step when moving any vehicle out of the Kingdom. They are issued after export procedures are completed and the vehicle data and ownership are verified, and they let the car be moved legally from its location in Saudi Arabia to the shipping point or the receiving country. To obtain export plates:

Submit the vehicle export request to the Traffic Department with the required documents.
Make sure the car has no traffic violations or financial obligations.
Match the vehicle data against the registration or customs card.
Hand in the vehicle’s original plates after approval.
Receive the export plates for leaving the Kingdom.

The export plates fee is SAR 100, and there may be additional fees tied to certain services or procedures depending on the vehicle’s condition and the export method. Get the export plates well before the shipping date to avoid delays in moving the car to the port or the shipping company.

Ways to ship cars from Saudi Arabia abroad

After export procedures and plates are done, the car must be moved to the receiving country. The right shipping method depends on the country’s location, the budget and the arrival time you need. Specialized shipping companies offer several options for individuals and businesses:

Sea shipping: the most used option for distant countries, especially when shipping to Egypt or countries with no land border with the Kingdom. It is cost-effective compared with other methods, and can carry a single car or several vehicles in containers or on car-carrier systems.
Land shipping: used mostly for countries close to Saudi Arabia such as the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan. It is simple to arrange and the car arrives faster than by sea, especially over short distances.
Air shipping: a limited option because of its high cost, but suitable when luxury or high-value cars need to move fast.

You may also like: best luxury cars in Saudi Arabia 2026. The right method depends on the receiving country, the available budget and how fast you need the car, so use a specialized shipping company to pick the best option for each vehicle.

Exporting cars from Saudi Arabia to Egypt, the UAE and other Arab countries

Procedures differ by receiving country, but every export starts with completing the legal requirements inside the Kingdom, then choosing the right shipping method and finishing import procedures in the destination country. Egypt and the UAE are among the main destinations for cars exported from Saudi Arabia because of easy transport and steady demand for vehicles.

Exporting a car from Saudi Arabia to Egypt

Exporting a car from Saudi Arabia to Egypt is among the most requested vehicle exports. Individuals and traders must prepare the car’s documents, get export plates from Saudi Traffic, then choose a shipping method, usually sea shipping between the two countries. The main steps:

Prepare the vehicle registration, proof of ownership and the documents required for export.
Get export plates after completing the official procedures.
Hand the car to a specialized shipping company.
Complete customs clearance under the rules in force in Egypt.

The cost of exporting a car from Saudi Arabia to Egypt varies with the car type, model year, shipping method and the fees applied in the receiving country.

Exporting a car from Saudi Arabia to the UAE

Exporting a car from Saudi Arabia to the UAE is a common move between Gulf countries because of geographic closeness and easy land shipping. The process requires completing export procedures in Saudi Arabia, then inspection, registration and clearance in the UAE. The basic steps:

Make sure the car has no violations or financial obligations.
Prepare vehicle and owner documents.
Get export plates from Saudi Traffic.
Move the car by land shipping or another suitable method.
Complete import and registration procedures in the UAE.

Exporting cars from Saudi Arabia to other Arab countries

Saudi Arabia is an important launch point for exporting cars to many Arab countries, with land and sea shipping available to move vehicles easily. Requirements differ by country, but the basics are preparing documents, getting export plates, choosing a suitable shipping company and confirming the car meets import rules in the receiving country. Land shipping is generally used for close Gulf countries such as the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain, while sea shipping is relied on more when exporting to countries like Egypt and Sudan. Knowing the receiving country’s requirements before starting speeds up the export and avoids delays or extra costs.

How long does it take to export and ship a car from Saudi Arabia?

The time depends on how fast official procedures are completed, the shipping method chosen and the destination country. It does not hinge on one stage only: it covers preparing papers, issuing export plates, preparing the car for shipping, then transport and clearance in the destination country. The expected time covers these stages:

Export procedures inside Saudi Arabia: depends on complete documents and how fast Traffic procedures and export plate issuance are finished.
Car preparation and shipping time: varies by shipping company and transport method. Land shipping is faster for nearby countries, while sea shipping takes longer depending on the shipping line and port.
Receiving procedures in the destination country: vary with the customs and clearance rules there.

Plan the export ahead and coordinate with a reliable shipping company to know the expected timeline and avoid delays in moving the vehicle.

Traffic Department rules for exporting vehicles

Exporting cars from Saudi Arabia is subject to regulatory rules that make sure moving the vehicle out of the Kingdom is lawful and protect the rights of the owner and related parties. These requirements help organize the export and verify vehicle data before departure. The main rules and procedures include:

Submitting the vehicle export request and completing the relevant form.
Bringing the original vehicle registration, or the customs card if the vehicle is new.
Presenting national ID for citizens, or residence permit and passport for residents.
Providing a shipping letter from an approved transport company when needed.
Making sure the fees for issuing export plates are paid.
Handing over the vehicle’s original plates and receiving export plates once the request is approved.
Meeting the requirements for diplomatic vehicles or special cases, as set by the relevant authorities.

Important tips before exporting a car from Saudi Arabia

Planning ahead and checking every detail before exporting helps avoid delays and unexpected costs during shipping. So review the car’s condition, prepare the documents and choose a trusted carrier to ensure the vehicle arrives safely. The main tips:

Make sure the car has no violations or financial obligations before starting the export.
Review the car import rules of the receiving country before shipping.
Choose a specialized shipping company experienced in moving vehicles internationally.
Photograph the car from every side before handing it to the shipping company to document its condition.
Remove personal belongings from inside the vehicle before transport.
Have a clear contract with the shipping company showing the cost, shipping method and destination.
Keep copies of all vehicle documents and export procedures.

Car export services for individuals and companies

Modern Supply Company for Cars offers integrated solutions to ease exporting cars from Saudi Arabia for individuals and companies, from preparing the required documents to shipping vehicles to the receiving country. The services aim to provide an organized experience that follows official procedures and reduces the time and effort for the customer. For more, see the types of cars in Saudi Arabia. Car export services include:

Help preparing the export documents required.
Following up on getting export plates.
Coordinating with suitable shipping companies depending on the car’s destination.
Providing vehicle transport solutions for individuals and traders.
Following the shipping stages and confirming the vehicle is ready before handover.

With experience in cars and transport services, Modern Supply Company helps customers complete export procedures easily, whether the goal is moving a car for personal use or shipping several vehicles for business. To contact Modern Supply Company for details on the car export service, visit the contact page.

FAQ: exporting cars from Saudi Arabia

How much does it cost to export a car from Saudi Arabia?

Fees vary by vehicle type, destination and shipping method, and include the export plates fee plus transport and clearance costs depending on the receiving country.

Can a resident export a car from Saudi Arabia?

Yes, a resident can export a car after meeting the legal requirements, such as having vehicle documents, settling any financial obligations and getting export plates.

What are the requirements for exporting a car from Saudi Arabia?

The basic requirements are no violations, ownership documents, settled financial obligations and getting export plates before shipping the vehicle out of the Kingdom.

How long do car export procedures from Saudi Arabia take?

It depends on completing documents, how fast procedures are done and the chosen shipping method, with land shipping usually taking less time than sea shipping depending on the receiving country.

Can a car be exported from Saudi Arabia to Egypt?

Yes, cars can be exported from Saudi Arabia to Egypt, provided export procedures in the Kingdom are followed and the import requirements and fees applied in Egypt are met.

What are the ways to ship cars from Saudi Arabia abroad?

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