When a NSW-registered vehicle changes ownership, Transport for NSW needs to update its records. To do this, it requires:
- The seller to lodge a Notice of Disposal (NOD) of the vehicle.
- The buyer to transfer the vehicle's registration into their name.
The NOD and vehicle registration transfer can be done online. However, in some circumstances, you'll need to visit a Service NSW Centre. Other considerations may apply.
Specific circumstances and vehicle types
Vehicle gifts and inheritances
If you win, inherit or receive a vehicle as a gift, you’ll need to transfer the vehicle registration. The person gifting the vehicle needs to submit a Notice of Disposal (NOD). Alternatively, you can visit a service centre with proof of purchase to transfer the vehicle registration in person.
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 give 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 transfer a vehicle registration to another person because the vehicle owner is deceased, you can 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 transfer the registration of a vehicle on behalf of the registered operator, you can 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.
Interstate registered vehicles
You’ll need to visit a service centre to transfer a vehicle’s registration if you:
- purchased a vehicle registered in another state or territory, including from a motor dealership
- moved to NSW from another state or territory and bring your vehicle with you.
For more information, refer to Transfer or register an interstate vehicle.
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.
Businesses and organisations
If you purchase a vehicle from or on behalf of an organisation or business, you’ll need to transfer the vehicle registration in person at a service centre.
For more information, refer to Transfer a vehicle registration.
If you're 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.
Consignment sales
If you purchase a vehicle on consignment, or from a motor dealer acting for the consignor, you’ll need to transfer the vehicle registration once the Notice of Disposal (NOD) is completed. The NOD can be done by the dealership or consignee, or it can be completed by you in person at a service centre.
If you sold your vehicle on consignment, or to a motor dealer to sell on your behalf (as consignor), a NOD must be submitted within 14 days of the date of sale. They may do this on your behalf, however, to avoid delays, you will need to submit the NOD in person at a service centre.
For more information, refer to 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.
Refer to written-off vehicles, for more information.
Before buying a damaged vehicle, check if the insurer intends to write it off. A decision to write-off a vehicle can be made even after a sale, and notification to Transport for NSW takes time.
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.
Refer to Transfer a vehicle registration for more information.