When the ownership of a NSW-registered vehicle changes Transport for NSW needs to update its records. To do this, it requires:
- The seller to lodge a notice of disposal of the vehicle.
- The buyer to transfer the vehicle registration into their name.
The notice of disposal and vehicle registration transfer can be done online. However for some vehicle transfers:
- you need to visit a Service NSW Centre
- there may be additional requirements.
Motor vehicle duty (stamp duty)
Vehicle gifts and inheritances
If you win, inherit or receive a vehicle as a gift you need to transfer the vehicle registration.
The person gifting the vehicle needs to submit a notice of disposal:
- online or
- at a service centre with proof of purchase.
Spouses, partners and family members
If you intend to give your vehicle to a spouse, partner or family member you must submit a notice of disposal.
Your spouse, partner or family member must then transfer the vehicle registration.
When a person has died
To transfer a vehicle registration after a vehicle owner has died you can go to a service centre.
Transfer a vehicle registration due to the death of the registered operator
Carers and guardians
If you're a carer or guardian you can go to a service centre to transfer the vehicle registration on behalf of the registered vehicle owner.
Transfer a vehicle registration as the carer or guardian of a registered operator
Interstate registered vehicles
You need to visit a service centre to transfer a vehicle registration if you:
- buy a vehicle registered in another state or territory, including from a motor dealership
- move to NSW from another state or territory and bring your vehicle with you.
Transfer or register an interstate vehicle
If you sell your vehicle to a person or dealership located interstate you need to go to a service centre to submit a notice of disposal.
Businesses and organisations
If you buy or sell a vehicle from or on behalf of a company, organisation or business you need to go to a service centre to:
- transfer the vehicle registration (as the buyer)
- submit a notice of disposal (as the seller).
Consignment sales
If you buy a vehicle on consignment – or from a motor dealer acting for the consignor – you need to transfer the vehicle registration after the notice of disposal is completed by:
- the dealership or consignee or
- by you in person at a service centre.
If you sell your vehicle on consignment – or to a motor dealer to sell on your behalf (as consignor) – a notice of disposal must be submitted within 14 days of the date of sale. They may do this on your behalf or you can go to a service centre to submit the notice of disposal to avoid a late fee.
Transfer a vehicle registration
Written-off or damaged vehicles
You can transfer a written-off vehicle, but it can only be used for parts or scrap metal.
Before buying a damaged vehicle, check if the insurer intends to write it off. A decision to write-off a vehicle can be made after the vehicle is sold and it takes time to notify Transport for NSW.
Trailers and caravans
If you’re transferring the ownership of a trailer or caravan you need to follow the same process as transferring the ownership of a car or motorcycle.
Transfer a vehicle registration