Who's responsible for transferring registration when you sell a car? This guide explains the process in NSW, QLD and ACT — and why selling to Sold Fast means we handle it all for you.
In Australia, both the seller and buyer share responsibility when a vehicle changes hands — but the duties are different.
**The seller's obligations:**
**The buyer's obligations:**
Important: If the buyer fails to transfer the registration and the car is later involved in an incident, the seller may receive the fine or notice. Always keep your 'notice of disposal' as proof that you notified the authority on time.
In New South Wales, when you sell a private vehicle you must lodge a 'Notice of Disposal' with Service NSW. This can be done:
You'll need the vehicle's VIN/chassis number, the date of sale, and the buyer's name and contact details. Once lodged, you receive a reference number confirming you've notified the RMS.
The buyer then has 14 days to transfer the registration into their name online or in person, and pay stamp duty calculated on the vehicle's market value.
In Queensland, when you sell a vehicle you must notify the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) that you've disposed of the vehicle. This is called a 'Notice of Disposal' and can be completed:
The buyer must transfer the registration within 3 business days in QLD — one of the shortest windows in Australia. Transfer fees and stamp duty apply based on the vehicle's value.
Note: QLD also requires a Safety Certificate (roadworthy) for a private sale unless the vehicle is sold unregistered. Sold Fast handles this as part of the purchase process.
In the ACT, when you sell a vehicle you must notify Access Canberra. This can be done:
The buyer has 14 days to complete the transfer. ACT stamp duty is calculated on the vehicle's dutiable value, which is the higher of the sale price and the market value as determined by the ACT Revenue Office.
ACT also requires a Vehicle Inspection Report (roadworthy) for vehicles over 5 years old transferring registration.
When you sell your vehicle to Sold Fast, we handle the registration transfer entirely. This includes:
You don't need to visit a Service NSW or TMR office, lodge anything online, or worry about deadlines. We do it all — it's part of the service.
If you fail to notify the relevant authority that you've sold the vehicle, you may continue to receive tolls, fines, and registration renewal notices associated with the car. In some states, there's a small penalty for late lodgement. Always lodge your notice on the day of sale.
No — you don't need to cancel registration when selling. The registration transfers to the new owner. You only cancel registration if the vehicle is being taken off the road entirely (e.g. if it's being scrapped or exported).
Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance is registered to the vehicle, not the owner. When you sell, the CTP policy travels with the vehicle to the new owner until the registration expires or is transferred. You may be entitled to a partial refund on any remaining paid CTP if the buyer transfers the registration early.
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