In NSW, the buyer must transfer a used vehicle's registration into their name within 14 days of buying it, online through Service NSW or at a service centre. You'll need the plate number, proof of identity and the purchase details. Transfer fees and stamp duty apply, and late transfers can attract a penalty.

Once the car is yours, the registration needs to follow. The process takes four steps.

The steps

Agree the sale and get a written receipt with the date, price, VIN and both parties' details.
The seller notifies Service NSW of the sale.
You apply to transfer the registration within 14 days, online or at a service centre.
Pay the transfer fee and any stamp duty.

What to have ready

✓The vehicle's plate number.

✓Your NSW driver licence or other proof of identity.

✓The purchase date and price.

Before you transfer

Run a PPSR check and have the car inspected before you pay. Once the money has changed hands, it is much harder to fix a problem.

Fees and rules change. Always check the current requirements with Service NSW.

What is a PPSR check? →

SOURCES & FURTHER READINGService NSW ↗

General information only. For advice on a specific vehicle, book an inspection with a licensed mechanic.

Keep reading

Knowledge hub →

ARTICLE What is a PPSR check, and why does it matter? A PPSR check can tell you whether a car has money owing on it, or is recorded as stolen or written off. Skipping it puts your money at risk. GUIDE The used car buying checklist Everything to do before you hand over the money, from the first phone call with the seller to transferring the rego. GUIDE How to test drive a used car A 20-minute drive tells you a lot, if you know what to listen and feel for. This guide covers what to check before, during and after the drive.