Whether you’re getting rid of mum’s old car or passing on a beloved family car to a friendly person, transferring car ownership is a difficult matter for most Australians.
Depending on the state you live in, you will have to follow different protocols and procedures to sell or buy a used car.
Below we share how to transfer vehicle ownership in each state.
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New South Wales
In New South Wales, you can transfer car ownership online or at a Service NSW Centre.
To get started, the previous vehicle owner/seller must submit a Notice of Disposition (NOD).
Once completed, the new owner/buyer must transfer the vehicle registration to him/her within 14 days of purchase to avoid late transfer fees.
To complete your transfer online, you will need the following details:
- MyServiceNSW Account
- Details of your concessions
- Date of car purchase
- Purchase price or market price of the vehicle (whichever is higher)
- Pay transfer fees and registration tax, license plate fee (if any) and motor vehicle tax
People planning to visit a local service center will need:
- ‘Application for transfer of registration’ form completed
- Proof of identification
- Details of your concessions
- Vehicle registration form (Completed and signed by the seller on the back)
- Your payment
For more details and instructions or to transfer ownership of your vehicle, see Government website Services NSW.
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Victoria
In Victoria, sellers must initiate the transfer process using their myVicRoads account.
Both buyer and seller must have an active myVicRoads account to complete the online transfer.
Once the seller has completed their part, the buyer will receive an email notifying them that the vehicle has been transferred to their myVicRoads account.
To complete their part of the negotiation, they will need to do the following online:
- Pay motor vehicle fees (if any)
- Pay transfer fee
The Victorian Government encourages people buying used vehicles to check that the vehicle is registered before negotiating or making a purchase and to ensure they have an active myVicRoads account.
Click This for more information or to begin transferring vehicle ownership.
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Queensland
IN QueenslandTransfer ownership of vehicles including trailers, cars, motorbikes, mopeds, heavy vehicles, caravans and boats.
Similar to Victoria, the seller must go through the transfer process online before the buyer can complete the process on their end.
Buyer must complete transfer within 14 days of purchase.
If completing a transfer online is too stressful, you can also complete it in person.
To do so, the seller needs to submit an online ‘transfer application’. Once this process is complete, you can complete the transfer at your nearest Automobile and Transportation Service Center.
If you live in rural areas of Queensland, the QGAP office, Magistrates Court or local police may be able to help – call before visiting.
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Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
In the ACT, transferring car ownership requires only a few pieces of evidence:
- Proof of identity – such as an ACT license
- Debit or credit cards can be used to pay registration fees and transfers.
Additionally, depending on the type of vehicle you have and the type of registration you are applying for, you may need to present additional documentation to prove the make and model of your vehicle.
You will need to transfer your vehicle registration within 14 days of purchase to avoid any late fees and ensure all forms are signed and completed by you and any other registered operator Exactly.
Click This for more information on additional documents, transfer fees and registration instructions.
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Western Australia
Transferring vehicle ownership in Western Australia is not complicated.
As the seller, you need to contact the Department of Transportation (DOT) within seven days to notify them that you have sold your vehicle.
As the buyer, you need to contact the DOT within 14 days of purchase to let them know you own a new vehicle.
You may be fined if you exceed the 14-day period.
Both sellers and buyers can complete the required forms online or can post the forms to Driver and Vehicle Service Centers and regional dealers.
To learn more about where to post your form and the necessary details, see Western Australian government website.
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Northern Territory
In the Northern Territory, there are a number of ways to register a vehicle or transfer registration between parties.
These methods include via email, post (letter) and in person. Regardless of how you apply, you must do the following:
- Fill out form ‘R11 Northern Territory Vehicle Registration’ – which can be found online.
- Provide proof of your identity and residence in the Northern Territory.
- Proof of vehicle ownership.
In addition to these documents, be prepared to pay title fees and stamp duty (if applicable).
Look This for more information.
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Tasmania
In Tasmania, you can only transfer vehicle ownership online if both Tasmanian licensed buyers and sellers.
The seller must also be the registered driver of the vehicle before starting the process.
To transfer vehicle ownership online, you need:
- Vehicle registration number
- Vehicle identification number (VIN) or chassis number
- Last name of both buyer and seller or organization name
- Date of purchase
- Purchase price or market price (whichever is higher) of the vehicle
- Payment
If you are not a technology enthusiast, you can go to the nearest Service Center. You will need:
- Completed transfer application form (can be found on the Tasmanian Government website)
- Your current Tasmanian license or forms of proof of identity.
- Tax exemption proof (if any).
- To pay fees
Check Service Tasmania website for more information and instructions.
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South Australia
South Australia follows a similar protocol to Tasmania, where you can transfer vehicle ownership online and this must be completed within 14 days of purchase.
To transfer ownership online, you must have a mySAGOV account. Otherwise, you will have to visit a ServiceSA center or fill out and send the required forms by post.
When transferring online, ensure you have the seller’s license plate number, driver’s license or South Australian customer number and full name, ready to transfer.
Want to sell your car? Do it quickly and hassle-free with CarExpert.
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Note: There are different procedures in place for transferring vehicle ownership across state lines – for example, when a person in Victoria sells to a buyer in New South Wales. Check your state government’s website for more information.
