Introduction
If you sell, gift or dispose of a vehicle, such as a car, motorcycle or trailer, this is what you need to know.
If you sell vehicles as a business, refer to Selling as a motor dealer.
Before you sell
Before you sell your vehicle, you should:
- Decide if you want to sell your vehicle privately or to a motor dealership by considering the benefits and costs of each option.
- Research the market value of your vehicle to help negotiate the best possible price.
- Prepare your vehicle for inspection – wash it, remove any rubbish, paperwork or valuables, and consider getting it professionally detailed.
- Take photos of your vehicle, including any damage or scratches.
- Ensure your vehicle registration, safety checks and compulsory third party (CTP) insurance are up to date.
- Inform the buyer of the date of your last safety inspection report (pink slip).
- Pay any outstanding fines. If your vehicle is under finance, ensure that all financial obligations are met before you sell.
- Gather the documents to prove you are the person responsible for selling the vehicle, such as:
- photo identification (NSW Driver Licence or NSW Photo Card)
- a copy of the vehicle’s Certificate of Registration
- the vehicle’s manual and inspection reports.
- Ensure the buyer is aware of any ongoing fees for personalised or special number plates (if applicable). If you want to keep your special plates, you can reserve and replace them with a set of general number plates. You can also exchange them with another vehicle registered in your name. Plates must be returned to a Service NSW Centre once removed from the vehicle.
After you sell
After you sell, gift or dispose of your vehicle, follow these steps:
- Provide the buyer with a proof of sale, such as a receipt or invoice, and keep a copy for your records. This should include the:
- vehicle’s details (plate number, VIN/chassis number, engine number, colour, make and model)
- date and time of sale
- name, address and signature of both the buyer and seller.
Note: If you sold to a dealership, include the motor dealer's licence number and registered business name (this may differ from their trading name).
- Submit a Notice of Disposal (NOD) as soon as possible, or within 14 days of the sale. A NOD notifies Transport for NSW that the vehicle registration is changing ownership so that:
- you cannot be held responsible for any parking or driving offences by the buyer
- the buyer can transfer the vehicle's registration and avoid paying a late fee.
Note: If you completed 'Part A Notice of Disposal' on the back of your paper Certificate of Registration, make sure to keep a copy for your records.
- Let the buyer know that you have submitted the NOD so they can complete a transfer of registration and you are no longer responsible for the vehicle.
- Update your existing e-toll or pass account(s) by removing any tags or passes from the vehicle and deleting the registration number from your account(s). This will ensure you don’t incur the buyer’s tolls. For more information, refer to Tolls.
- Notify your insurance provider and update your comprehensive insurance (if applicable). Compulsory third party (CTP) insurance will automatically transfer to the buyer.
- Ensure the buyer is aware of any ongoing fees for personalised or special number plates (if applicable). If you decided to keep your special number plates and removed them after selling your vehicle, they must be returned to a service centre as soon as possible.
Specific circumstances
In some circumstances, a Notice of Disposal (NOD) cannot be submitted online and you'll need to submit a paper form either at a service centre or by mail. Other considerations may apply.
Gifting and inheritances
If you’re gifting a vehicle, you must submit a Notice of Disposal (NOD) to notify Transport for NSW that the vehicle registration is changing ownership. The person receiving the vehicle as a gift must then transfer the vehicle registration.
You’ll need to find and provide the current market value of the vehicle so that stamp duty can be correctly calculated and paid. In some circumstances, stamp duty exemptions apply.
Spouses, partners and family members
If you intend to transfer your vehicle to a spouse, partner, or family member, you must submit a Notice of Disposal (NOD) to notify Transport for NSW that the vehicle registration is changing ownership. Your spouse, partner or family member must then transfer the vehicle registration.
You’ll need to find and provide the current market value of the vehicle so that stamp duty can be correctly calculated and paid. A spouse or partner may be exempt from paying stamp duty.
Deceased person/estates
If you need to sell or dispose of a vehicle because the owner is deceased, you'll need to do this in person at a service centre.
For more information, refer to Transfer a vehicle registration due to the death of the registered operator.
Carers and guardians
If you're a carer or guardian and need to sell or dispose of a vehicle on behalf of the registered operator, you'll need to do this in person at a service centre.
For more information, refer to Transfer a vehicle registration as the carer or guardian of a registered operator.
Businesses and organisations
If you're selling or disposing of a vehicle on behalf of a company or an organisation, you’ll need to submit a Notice of Disposal (NOD) in person at a service centre.
Interstate buyers
If you sold your vehicle to a person or dealership located interstate, you’ll need to submit a Notice of Disposal (NOD) in person at a service centre. You’ll need to provide the buyer's:
- driver licence number
- full name as it appears on their driver licence card
- address (including state or territory)
- date of birth
- email or phone number.
For an interstate dealership, you'll need to provide the motor dealer's:
- licence number and registered business name (this may differ from their trading name)
- address (including state and territory)
- email or phone number.
Consignment sales
If you sold your vehicle on consignment, or to a motor dealer to sell on your behalf (as consignor), you'll need to submit a Notice of Disposal (NOD) in person at a service centre.
Written-off vehicles or vehicles sold to a wrecker
If your vehicle has been written-off, you'll need to visit a service centre to cancel the registration and apply for a refund (if applicable). A Notice of Disposal (NOD) is not necessary in this circumstance.
If you sold your vehicle to a wrecker:
- Without number plates, you do not need to submit a NOD. You'll need to cancel the registration and return the plates to a service centre.
- With number plates, you should submit a NOD (the sale price is the amount you received for the vehicle’s parts).
Trailers and caravans
If you’re selling a trailer or caravan, you need to follow the same process as selling a car or motorcycle.
You'll need to submit a Notice of Disposal (NOD) and the buyer will need to transfer the trailer or caravan's registration.
Trailers and caravans are exempt from stamp duty.