Legal & Documents 3 min read

How to Write a Receipt for a Private Car Sale in Australia

A car sale receipt protects both parties. Here's what to include in a proper receipt for a private vehicle sale in Australia.

What to include in a car sale receipt

A proper car sale receipt should include:

  • **Date of sale**
  • **Full name and contact details of seller**
  • **Full name and contact details of buyer**
  • **Vehicle details:** make, model, year, colour, VIN, engine number, odometer reading
  • **Registration number and state**
  • **Agreed sale price** (in full — e.g. '$12,500 AUD')
  • **Payment method** (bank transfer, cash, etc.)
  • **'Sold as-is' disclosure** if applicable
  • **Signatures of both parties**

Two copies should be prepared — one for the buyer, one for the seller.

Sold-as-is vs warranty

Private sales in Australia are generally sold on an 'as-is' basis. Including a clear statement — such as 'This vehicle is sold with no warranty, expressed or implied, and the buyer accepts the vehicle in its current condition' — sets clear expectations.

Note that even with an 'as-is' clause, you cannot legally conceal known defects. Deliberate concealment of defects can expose you to claims under Australian Consumer Law.

Frequently asked questions

Is a verbal agreement enough for a car sale?

Legally, a verbal agreement is binding, but it's very difficult to enforce without written evidence. Always use a written receipt.

Do I need a witness to sign the receipt?

It's not legally required in most Australian states, but having a witness adds evidential weight to the document.

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