How to Transfer Car Registration in Australia: A Guide

Transferring car registration is something every vehicle owner needs to deal with at some point. Whether buying a used car, selling your old one, or moving to a new state, sorting out the paperwork is part of the process. Each state has its rules, and missing a deadline could mean unexpected fines or headaches.

If you’re unsure where to start, this guide breaks down the steps to help you transfer a car’s registration smoothly. We’ll go over what documents you need, how to do it online or in person, and what costs to expect.

General Steps to Transfer Car Registration

Although each state has slightly different requirements, the overall process is fairly similar across Australia. Buyers and sellers have responsibilities, and getting it right the first time makes life easier for everyone involved.

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before kicking off the transfer, ensure you have all the necessary paperwork. Here’s what you’ll usually need:

• Proof of purchase – A receipt, invoice, or completed transfer form signed by both buyer and seller.
• Identification (ID) – A driver’s licence or another accepted photo ID.
• Roadworthy certificate (if needed) – Some states require a valid roadworthy certificate before approving transfer.
• Vehicle details – VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and current registration details.
• Completed transfer form – Available from your state’s transport authority website.

Step 2: Check Stamp Duty and Transfer Fees

Stamp duty is a government charge based on the sale price or market value of the car. Each state has different rates, so it’s worth checking an official fee calculator before finalising the sale. In addition, there’s usually a separate transfer fee, which varies by state.

Step 3: Submit the Transfer Application

You can usually transfer a car’s registration either online or in person, depending on your state’s system:

• Online transfer – Many states now offer an online service, making it quicker to lodge the transfer digitally.
• In-person transfer – If online isn’t an option, you’ll need to visit a transport office or service centre to complete the paperwork.

Step 4: Payment and Confirmation

The buyer is responsible for paying the required fees and any stamp duty. Once the payment is processed, the transfer is complete. Some states provide an email confirmation or updated registration papers as proof.

Step 5: Update Insurance and Roadside Assistance

Once the car is officially in the new owner’s name, it’s a good idea to update the insurance policy and roadside assistance membership (if applicable). If the car was covered by an existing plan, ownership details may need to be changed or a new policy arranged.

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State-Specific Transfer Processes

Here, we’ll go over how registration transfers work in each Australian state.

How to Transfer Registration in Victoria (VIC)

Process via VicRoads:

For Sellers:

• Certificate of Roadworthiness (RWC): Obtain a current RWC from a licensed vehicle tester if required.​
• Notice of Disposal: Notify VicRoads of the sale within 14 days by:​

1. 1. • Logging into your myVicRoads account and completing the notice of disposal online.​
      • If the buyer doesn’t have a myVicRoads account, complete a vehicle transfer form and submit it to a VicRoads Customer Service Centre.​

• Provide Documentation to the Buyer: Give the buyer the completed transfer form and the current RWC (if required).​

For Buyers:

• Ensure you have a myVicRoads account to facilitate the online transfer.​
• Complete the transfer within 14 days of purchase by:​

1. 1. • Accepting the transfer through your myVicRoads account if the seller initiated it online.​
      • If the seller didn’t initiate the transfer online, submit the completed form to a VicRoads Customer Service Centre.​

• Next, pay the transfer fee and motor vehicle duty calculated based on the vehicle’s market value.​

Documentation Required:

• Completed transfer form (if not transferring online).
• Certificate of Roadworthiness (if required).
• Proof of identity (e.g., Victorian driver’s license).
• Payment for fees and duties.

How to Transfer Registration in New South Wales (NSW)

Process via Service NSW:

For Sellers:

• Notice of Disposal (NOD): Submit a NOD within 14 days of sale via:​

1. 1. • The Service NSW website.​
      • The Service NSW app.​
      • A Service NSW Centre.​

• Provide Documentation to Buyer: Give the buyer the completed ‘Application for Transfer of Registration’ form and the current registration certificate.​

For Buyers:

• Transfer Registration: Complete the transfer within 14 days of purchase –​

1. 1. • Online through the Service NSW website (if eligible).​
      • In-person at a Service NSW Centre.​

• Fees and Duties: Pay the transfer fee and motor vehicle duty, calculated based on the vehicle’s market value.​

Documentation Required:

• Completed ‘Application for Transfer of Registration’ form.​
• Proof of identity (e.g., NSW driver’s license).​
• Payment for fees and duties.​

How to Transfer Registration in Queensland (QLD)

Process via Transport and Main Roads (TMR):

For Sellers:

• Initiate Transfer: Within 14 days of the sale, use TMR’s online services to transfer the registration from your name.

• Provide Documentation to Buyer: Provide the buyer with the vehicle’s details, including the registration certificate and any safety certificates.​

For Buyers:

• Complete Transfer: Within 14 days of purchase, complete the transfer by:​

1. • Finalising the transfer online through TMR’s services.​
   • Completing the F3520 transfer form, which must be submitted as part of the transfer process.

If Not Completing Online:

• Visit a TMR customer service centre in person.
• Bring the completed F3520 transfer form along with the required documents.
• Submit the form and payment at the counter to complete the transfer process.

• Fees and Duties: Pay the transfer fee and vehicle registration duty, calculated based on the vehicle’s dutiable value.​

Documentation Required:

• Vehicle details, including registration certificate.​
• Proof of identity (e.g., Queensland driver’s license).​
• Payment for fees and duties.​
• Completed F3520 transfer form.

How to Transfer Registration in South Australia (SA)

Process via mySA GOV:

For Sellers:

• Notice of Disposal (NOD): Notify Service SA of the sale within 14 days by submitting a NOD:

1. 1. •  Online through your mySA GOV account, or
      • In-person at a Service SA centre, or
      • By mail to Service SA, GPO Box 1533, Adelaide SA 5001.

• Provide Documentation to Buyer: Provide the buyer with the current registration certificate and a detailed receipt as proof of purchase, including:​

1. • Your name, address, and signature
   • The buyer’s name, address, and signature.
   • Vehicle details (plate number, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), engine number, make, and model).
   • Details of the sale (date and price paid)

For Buyers:

• Transfer Registration: Complete the transfer within 14 days of purchase by:​

1. 1. • Transferring the registration online through your mySA GOV account, requiring:
        • The plate number.
        • The seller’s SA driver’s licence or client number.
        • The seller’s name.
      • If the online transfer isn’t possible (e.g., the vehicle is unregistered, from interstate, or for other specified reasons), completing the application and submitting it:​
        • In person at a Service SA centre.
        • By mail to Service SA, GPO Box 1533, Adelaide SA 5001 (include payment details).

• Fees and Duties: Pay the transfer fee of $31 and stamp duty, calculated based on the vehicle’s value.

Documentation Required:

• Completed transfer form.
• Proof of identity (SA driver’s licence or full evidence of identity).
• Current registration certificate.
• Identity inspection certificate (if required).

How to Transfer Registration in Western Australia (WA)

Process via Department of Transport (DoT):

For Sellers:

• Notify the Department of Transport (DoT): Inform DoT within 7 days of the sale by:​

1. 1. • Submitting a Notice of Disposal online through your DoT Direct account.​
      • Completing the ‘Notification of Change of Ownership’ form (MR9) and submitting it:​
        • By mail to Driver and Vehicle Services, GPO Box R1290, Perth WA 6844.
        • In person at a Driver and Vehicle Services Centre, DoT regional office, or agent.

• Provide Documentation to Buyer: Provide the buyer with the purchaser’s copy (red) of the ‘Notification of Change of Ownership’ form (MR9) and the current vehicle licence papers.​

For Buyers:

• Transfer the Vehicle Licence: Complete the transfer within 14 days of purchase to avoid penalties by:​

1. 1. • Transferring the vehicle licence online through your DoTDirect account requiring:​
        • The vehicle plate number
        • The seller’s name
        • Details of the sale (date of sale, selling price, and dutiable value)
      • If an online transfer isn’t possible (e.g., the vehicle is part of a court order or deceased estate, jointly owned, heavy vehicles, etc.), completing the ‘Notification of Change of Ownership’ form (MR9) and submitting it:​
        • By mail to Driver and Vehicle Services, GPO Box R1290, Perth WA 6844.
        • In person at a Driver and Vehicle Services Centre, DoT regional office, or agent.​

• Fees and Duties: Pay the required fees:​

1. • Transfer Fee: $20.60 (as of the latest update).​
   • Stamp Duty: Ranges from 2.75% to 6.5% of the vehicle’s dutiable value. You can calculate the stamp duty using the DoT stamp duty calculator.​

Documentation Required:

• Filled ‘Notification of Change of Ownership’ form (MR9).
• Proof of identity (WA driver’s licence or a combination of documents).
• Current vehicle licence papers.
• Vehicle inspection certificate (if applicable).
• Payment for fees and stamp duty.

Note: Always verify the most current procedures and fees with the respective state’s transport authority, as regulations and processes can change.

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Interstate Registration Transfers

If you’re moving to a new state, you’ll need to transfer your car registration to comply with local regulations. The process varies by state but generally involves:

• Cancelling your old registration — Some states require you to cancel your previous registration before applying for a new one. You may be eligible for a refund for any remaining registration period.

• Vehicle inspections — Many states require an inspection to verify the car’s identity and roadworthiness before registration.

• Registering with the new transport authority — You’ll need to complete the necessary paperwork, pay any applicable fees, and obtain new plates.

State-Specific Requirements:

Victoria and NSW require a thorough vehicle identity check, with additional inspections for written-off vehicles.

Queensland needs a safety certificate before registration and requires you to select a CTP insurance provider.

South Australia requires only a roadworthy certificate if the vehicle was previously written off.

Western Australia typically mandates a complete vehicle examination and new plates.

Costs and Fees for Car Registration Transfer

Knowing how much it costs to transfer a car’s registration can help you plan ahead. Fees vary by state and depend on factors like vehicle type, value, and intended use.

Transfer Fee Breakdown by State

State	Basic Transfer Fee	Processing Timeframe
VIC	$44.90	1-5 business days
NSW	$34	1-3 business days
QLD	$31.50	1-2 business days
SA	$31	1-3 business days
WA	$20.60	1-5 business days
TAS	$31.37	1-3 business days
NT	$27	1-5 business days
ACT	$43.40	1-3 business days

Stamp Duty and Additional Fees

Stamp duty represents the most significant cost when transferring registration and varies based on vehicle value and state requirements.

Stamp Duty Rates by State

Victoria

• $8.40 per $200 or part thereof for passenger vehicles
• Luxury car tax may apply for vehicles valued over $68,740

New South Wales

• 3% of market value for vehicles up to $45,000
• 5% of market value for vehicles over $45,000
• Green vehicles (low emissions) receive a 25% discount

Queensland

• 2% for vehicles valued under $100,000
• 4% for vehicles valued over $100,000
• 1% for hybrid vehicles; electric vehicles exempt

South Australia

• $1 per $100 or part thereof up to $3,000
• $3 per $100 or part thereof from $3,001 to $6,000
• $4 per $100 or part thereof over $6,000

Western Australia

• 2.75% for vehicles valued up to $25,000
• 2.75-6.5% on a sliding scale for vehicles valued between $25,000-$50,000
• 6.5% for vehicles valued over $50,000

Additional Potential Costs

• Number plate fees: $40-$160 depending on state and plate type
• Vehicle inspection fees: $50-$250 depending on state and inspection type
• Interstate transfer fees: Additional $10-$30 on top of standard fees
• Roadworthy certificate costs: $80-$200 from private inspectors
• Late transfer penalties: $50-$1,000 depending on state and delay length

Note: Most state transport authorities offer online calculators to help estimate your total costs.

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Conclusion

Transferring a car registration in Australia is a straightforward but essential process that ensures legal ownership and avoids unnecessary fines. Whether transferring within the same state or across borders, understanding the specific requirements and deadlines can save time and money.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit your state’s transport authority website:

VicRoads (VIC): www.vicroads.vic.gov.au 

TMR Queensland (QLD): www.qld.gov.au/transport 

Service NSW (NSW): www.service.nsw.gov.au 

SA Gov (SA): www.sa.gov.au 

Western Australia (WA): www.transport.wa.gov.au

How CarBuyers Can Help

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Frequently Asked Questions 

How long does it take to transfer car registration?

Processing times depend on the state and method of transfer. Online transfers are often completed instantly or within a few business days, while in-person transfers may take longer. Delays can occur if inspections or extra documents are required.

Can I transfer a car registration online in Australia?

Yes, most states offer online transfer services through their transport departments. Both buyers and sellers must meet specific requirements, such as identity verification and document submission. Online transfers are usually faster and more convenient than in-person options.

Do both buyers and sellers need to be present for the registration transfer?

No, both parties don’t need to be there in person, but each must complete their part of the process. Sellers usually need to submit a notice of disposal, while buyers must accept the transfer and pay any required fees.

What happens if I don’t transfer car registration in time?

Missing the deadline can lead to fines, penalties, or legal issues. The previous owner might still be responsible for tolls or fines incurred by the new owner. Each state has different timeframes, so it’s best to check with your transport authority.

What documents do I need to transfer a car registration?

The exact documents vary by state, but you’ll typically need:

• Proof of purchase (receipt or transfer form)
• Valid ID (driver’s licence or proof of identity)
• Roadworthy certificate (if required)
• Completed transfer application form
• Payment for any fees or duties

How do I check if a car registration transfer is complete?

Most states offer online tracking services, and confirmation is usually sent via email or mail once the transfer is finalised. If you’re unsure, contact your state’s transport authority for an update.

Can I transfer a car registration to a family member for free?

Some states offer reduced fees or stamp duty exemptions for family transfers. Eligibility rules vary, and you may need to provide proof of relationship. Checking with your transport authority will confirm any available exemptions.

What are the penalties for a late car registration transfer?

Penalties differ by state but may include:

• Fines for not submitting a transfer or notice of disposal on time
• Additional late fees
• Potential suspension of registration if not updated within a certain period

Since rules vary, it’s always best to check with your state’s transport authority to avoid any issues.