Buying a Motor Vehicle Privately

When a registered car is purchased privately, always ask to see a driver's licence; note the name and address, and licence number and crosscheck with the car's present registration details to ensure the seller is the owner of this car. Both purchaser and seller must fill out and sign a Queensland Transport Transfer form.

That form will show from whom the car is being purchased, who the purchaser is, the amount being paid for the car, details of the Safety Certificate and stamp duty.

The transfer form, Safety Certificate, stamp duty and transfer fee should be submitted to Queensland Transport within 14 days after the date of sale. It will be processed, and you will receive a certificate of registration in the purchaser's name. It is the purchaser's responsibility to lodge those document.

If, after 14 days, the seller reasonably believes the purchaser has not submitted the transfer, the seller may lodge the Transfer copy with Queensland Transport to transfer registration.

Buying from a Motor Dealer

The procedure is similar to buying privately. The dealer normally provides and lodges all the documents.

If, after buying your car - either privately or from a motor dealer - you have not received your registration papers within 28 days, you have a further seven days to notify Queensland Transport. They will tell you what to do next.

Buying an Unregistered Car

If you buy an unregistered car, (one without number plates or without a registration label on the windscreen), there are a few things you will need to do before you can have it registered. For that information, contact your nearest Queensland Transport office; or you may telephone 132 380. You should also be aware that you would possibly have to spend a large amount of money to get the vehicle back on the road.

Plates and labels

Your vehicle must be covered by registration when it is used on the roads. There are penalties payable by you if the number plates or registration label are not attached to your vehicle correctly, or if you fail to remove an expired registration label.

Further information can be found on the QLD transport website