On this page
Before you sell
  –  Type of sale
  –  Prepare your vehicle for inspection
  –  Finances and paperwork
  –  Licence plates
After you sell
  –  Keep a record of the sale
  –  Transfer ownership
Related information

 

If you sell, gift or dispose of a vehicle, such as a car, motorcycle or trailer, this is what you need to know.

Before you sell

What to do before you sell your vehicle.

Type of sale

Prepare your vehicle for inspection

  • Wash your vehicle, remove any rubbish, paperwork or valuables and consider getting it professionally detailed.
  • Take photos of your vehicle, including any damage or scratches.

Finances and paperwork

Licence plates

You need to make a choice from the following options when you sell your vehicle and transfer the number plates.

  • Replace your personalised or special number plates on the vehicle you are selling with a set of general number plates and keep your special number plates for yourself.
  • Exchange your special number plates with another vehicle registered in your name.
  • Include your special number plates in the sale of your vehicle and tell the buyer about:
    • the number plate transfer fee
    • any ongoing fees
    • conditions that apply.

If you remove number plates from the vehicle, you must return them to a service centre.

After you sell

What to do after you sell, gift or dispose of your vehicle.

Keep a record of the sale

Provide the buyer with proof of sale (bill of sale), such as a receipt or invoice, and keep a copy for your records. This should include the:

  • vehicle 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. 

If you sold to a dealership, include the motor dealer's licence number and registered business name (this may differ from its trading name). To find the motor dealer's details visit Verify NSW.

Transfer ownership

Follow the instructions to:

If the vehicle registration is not transferred within 14 days of the sale late fees apply

Related information

Last updated: 5 December 2025

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