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Buying a Car

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Buying a car and driving in Australia: IMPORTANT INFORMATION

 

TALK TO WTC STAFF ABOUT TOLL ROADS, DRIVING CONDITIONS, SAFE DRIVING AND SPEED LIMITS.

 

When does the car registration expire?
If the registration on the car is expiring soon, you will need to register the car which can cost more than $1000 for a year and involves a few steps. It is also a lot easier to sell a car that has a lot of registration remaining, so do keep this in mind.

What state is the car registered in?
Each state in Australia has different laws and regulations for registering a car and transferring the ownership of a vehicle. It can be quite complicated as most states require you to be in the state of registration to ownership. It is a lot easier to buy and sell a car in the state that the car is registered in (except W.A which can be done by post).

How many the kilometers has the car done?
Australia is a big country and chances are you’ll be driving long distances. Try to avoid vehicles that have done in excess of 250,000 to 300,000 km.

What condition is the car in?
Is there any damage to the car? It is strongly re commended to have the car checked by a mechanic prior to purchasing. For around $130, you can easily get a thorough inspection of the important aspects of the car.

Are there any fines or penalties owing on the car?
By completing a REVS check to see if there are any outstanding fines or penalties that may apply to the vehicle.

Car insurance and road side assistance?
It is extremely important when buying a car to insure the vehicle. There are several different types of insurance, including Compulsory Third Party, Comprehensive and Third Party Property Damage. Please see staff from the information team for further assistance.
– Ensure that you have the CORRECT DOCUMENTS when buying/selling a car – please come and see us first.
– If you do not have an INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS LICENSE you must have a certified translation to legally drive in Australia

 

Useful websites for searching for a car
www.gumtree.com.au
www.carsales.com.au
www.drive.com.au
www.carpoint.com.au
www.tradingpost.com.au

 

Checklist
– Registration
– Mechanical check
– Kilometers
– Adequate drivers license
– insurance
– Revs check

 

BUYING A CAR

Each state in Australia has different rules and regulations; generally you must be in the same state the car is registered in to buy and sell the car as well as put more registration on it.

Driving around Australia

Driving around Australia is a great way to see the country providing the car is reliable and all paper work is in order. Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as paying money for a car and now you are the legal owner. If you are thinking of buying a car in Australia there are a couple of things you need to know.  We want you to be fully informed so you can have a fun, safe road trip throughout Australia! Remember if your license is not in English you will need an International Drivers License or a certified translation. Contact the Work and Travel team if you need advice on how to do this.

Buying a car Privately

Buying a car privately is usually cheaper than buying from a dealer. However, you have to be very careful because you won’t get a warranty (unless the car has a manufacturer’s warranty which is transferable). Before you buy a used car it is important to inspect the car very well. An inspection can tell you if there is anything wrong with the car. It helps you decide whether or not the price they want for the car is fair and can help you negotiate the best price with the seller. You should ask the seller if you can take the car for a test drive before you buy it and it is normal to take the car to a qualified mechanics during the test drive for further inspection for which you may be charger $50-$100.
This is an important step to check that there is nothing seriously wrong with the car. It is worth paying for an inspection because when you buy the car privately there is usually no warranty. Remember, if the seller wants to sell the car bad enough they will normally bring it to you.

 

You can find a vehicle inspection checklist at:
www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.as/consumer/motor_vehicles.html in the motor vehicle section.

 

Another important before you buy a car is the REVS check:
The registers of encumbered vehicles (REVS) check helps you take the risk out of buying a used car. You can find out very quickly if a used car has any money owing on it such as fines, penalties, money owing to the bank, stolen etc. (One in five cars still has money owing on it.)

 

To do a Revs check you will need to get these numbers from the car:

  • Vehicle identifications number (VIN) or chassis number.
  • Engine Number
  • Registration number

 

Make sure you get them from the car itself and write them down carefully, as you must get the correct details. You should check that they match the details on the car’s registration papers. You can do your own REVS enquiry online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at www.ppsr.gov.au and it costs under $5, so definitely worth it.

What if REVS show that there is money owing on the vehicle?
Do not proceed with buying the car until a clear REVS certificate is issued.

 

For Privately advertised cars:

 

Buying a car from a dealer
Buying a car from a licensed dealer is usually more expensive than buying a car privately. However, there are advantages. Licensed car dealers can only sell cars that have no money owing on them. A car that is less than 10 years old, has done less than 160,000 km will have a three month /5,000 statutory Warranty. (This doesn’t apply to commercial vehicles). Some used car dealerships offer extended warranties at an extra cost. Make sure you read the warranty details carefully so that you understand what a warranty will cover. If a car is more than 10 years old or has done more 160,000km there is no warranty so the dealer only has to give you a pink slip (roadworthy certificate).

 

For car dealers:

*** Mention that you are a Work and Travel member at Travellers Auto Barn for priority service, discounts and special deals***

 

Registering your car in NSW:
If the car is not registered you can’t drive it. You will need to ring the Road and Traffic Authority (RTA) on 1322 13 to get an unregistered vehicle permit (UVP) valid for 28 days in all states and territories except Western Australia. Then take the car to an authorized Unregistered Vehicle Inspection station (AUVIS) to have an inspection check done to prove that the car is roadworthy.

When you go to the RTA to register the car, you will need to show proof of identity to prove that you own the car and the inspection report from AUVIS. Private sellers must give the buyer a pink slip that’s not more than 42 days old.  Don’t sign anything until you are completely happy with the car and the price. Don’t let the seller pressure you into buying a car if you’re not ready. It’s easy to feel like you don’t want to miss out on the car. It’s easy to “fall in Love” with a car but remember, there are many more to choose from.

Once you’ve bought the car, arrange insurance before you drive anywhere. Contact a member of the WTC team for information on how to do this. It is important that you get the right insurance as many companies (although they will sell you the insurance) won’t actually pay out to Backpackers!

Transfer the registration to your name through the RTA. You have to do this within 14 days of buying the car. For most states, you will need: Proof of your address in that state (available from the WTC team), your passport and driving license.

 

Registering Vehicles in the other states:
Each state in Australia has a different department that governs road and safety rules (such as registration etc). For example in NSW it’s the RTA, which stands for roads and Traffic Authority, who has offices throughout NSW. Other states may have different rules and regulations regarding registering vehicles. This can be very complicated particularly when needing to transfer and renew registrations as most states require you to be in the state where the car is registered for this to happen. Don’t forget that you have to think about selling the car and often this is the easiest to do in the state where the car is registered.

 

Please call the Work and Travel team for advice on states/Rego etc. BEFORE buying a car!
WTC Phone Number: 02 8987 3700

Below is a list of websites for the different departments throughout Australia:

 

Here are some useful websites/references for car issues:

 

Transferring registration for a NSW registered car:

 

When you buy a vehicle:
Before you buy a vehicle, you should check the registration and CTP insurance details of the vehicle via myRTA (www.rta.nsw.gov.au) or phone the RTA contact centre on 13 22 13. You must transfer the registration into your name within 14 days of the vehicle coming into your possessions or management.

You’ll need to visit a motor registry with:

  • Proof of identity, this must include a valid residential home address in NSW. A receipt from the previous night’s stay at a youth hostel is generally acceptable.
  • Proof of entitlement to register the vehicle. (completed and signed registration papers). If the vehicle is to be registered in another person’s name, a letter of authorization must be provided detailing the name and address of the person to be recorded as the registered operator. A registered operator may or may not be the owner of the vehicle.
  • A completed Application for Transfer form.
  • Proof of residential address.

For Transfer of registration you may need to pay:

  • A transfer fee
  • Additional motor vehicle tax (or national heavy vehicle charges) if you have bought your vehicle from someone receiving an RTA concession (such as a pensioner) and you are not eligible for that concession.
  • Late transfer surcharge. A surcharge will be applied to customers who fail to transfer the registration within the date of acquisition.

 

Transferring and Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance
A vehicle existing CTP insurance will be automatically transferred when the registration is transferred. You don’t need to do anything about CTP insurance until the registration is due for renewal.

Car Insurance:
It is very important  when buying a car to insure the vehicle. There are different types of insurance depending on the cover you would like, such as:

Comprehensive insurance:
This means that not only is the other vehicle covered but so is yours. For example if you have a car accident which is your fault, your insurance will cover you for the repairs to the other person’s car AS WELL as your own.

Third Party Property Damage:
This covers you for damage caused by your car to property owned by a third party in the event of an accident. That means you’re covered for any damage you may accidently cause to someone else’s property. However any damage done to your own property won’t be covered. When choosing Third Party Property Damage insurance there are also additional extras you can choose for an extra cost such as:

Fire and Theft:
Fire and theft covers vehicles which are stolen and then burnt out. For example, if you were to have JUST Third Party Property Damage and your car was stolen your vehicle WOULD NOT be covered by insurance, However if you have third party property damage fire and theft, and your vehicle was stolen, insurance would cover you.

It is strongly recommended that you at least have Third Party Property damage in the event of an accident. For a small additional cost it is also recommended that when purchasing third party property insurance you choose the additional fire and theft.

Many insurance companies will let you pay by the month. This means instead of paying for your insurance for the whole year up front in one go you can have per month payments automatically deducted from your bank account every month. Once you sell the vehicle you can call the insurance company and cancel the insurance policy for no extra cost.

Make sure you insure your vehicle before you drive it. Your vehicle is only covered once the insurance has been organized and paid for.

Not many insurance companies will cover backpackers (even though they are happy to sell the policy) so talk to the WTC team for information of your local insurer.

Road side Assistance:

For a small fee, state-based motoring organizations provide roadside service assistance throughout Australia. However, be aware that many road side assistance companies will only cover you within a certain distance of a city or your home. So read all the conditions carefully – you will have to pay more to get coverage in the bush – but it is definitely worth it.

Below is a list of road assistance companies, remember that they do not cover all states:

For Australia-wide road side assistance see:
www.247roadservices.com.au or 1300 550 279

 

 

*** All websites and businesses are for reference purposes only, and the companies listed are not affiliated with Work and Travel Company in any way. Work and Travel Company is not responsible or liable for any incidents arising from dealing with these companies***[/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”normal” up=”10″ down=”10″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” anchor=”cklst11″ in_content_menu=”in_content_menu” content_menu_title=”Checklist” content_menu_icon=”fa-adjust” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Buyers Checklist

 

Helping you get the best deal when buying a car

This checklist is a guide to help you decide whether or not a car is worth buying. If you find yourself answering YES to a lot of these questions in one or more sections, it may be best to walk away. If you don’t feel confident about carrying out these checks yourself, get an experts opinion.

 

The cars condition

  • Are sills, wheel arches and door bottoms rusty?
  • Is paintwork failing?
  • Are there oil leaks or damaged hoses/drive belts under the bonnet?
  • Are tires damaged or worn?
  • Are seat belts worn out? Do they have faulty mountings? Do door and window seals show signs of leaking?
  • Are electrics faulty (lights, dashboard warnings lights)?

Has it been in an accident?

  • Have body panels been repaired?
  • Is colour/texture of paintwork patchy?
  • Has welding been carried out on the engine/boot?
  • Have repairs been carried out on the boot? (Check under carpet)

Has the cars identity been changed

  • Has VIN number been tampered with?
  • Have areas of glass been scratched off the windows, head lights, tail lights, sun roof?
  • Are windows etched with incorrect VIN?
  • Do stickers conceal altered etching?

Test Drive
(Make sure you are insured to test drive)

  • Are brake lights defective?
  • Does car pull to one side when you brakes?
  • Do brakes squeal?
  • Are there other unusual noises?
  • Is hand break defective?
  • Does steering wheel shake/vibrate?
  • Does car pull to one side?
  • Is changing gear difficult?
  • Does gear lever skip when you brake or accelerate?
  • Does the clutch grab or slip?
  • Does the engine sound different is clutch is pressed when car is idling?
  • Is there a strong smell of petrol or oil?

After the test drive
(open the bonnet and let the engine idle)

  • Does the engine rattle or make other noises?
  • Are there water or oil leaks?
  • Blue or black smoke from exhaust? (indicates badly-worn engine)
  • Grey smoke from exhaust? indicated water leaking into engine

Has the car been clocked?

  • Are mileometer numbers out of line?
  • Is wear and tear heavy, given mileage?
  • Have pedal rubbers/gear knob/steering wheel been changed?
  • Does mileage on last MOT certificate contradict mileometer reading?
  • Does mileage on service documentation contradict mileometer reading?
  • Does mileage when the car was last sold contradict mileometer reading? (check with previous owner(s))

Is the car stolen?

  • Does seller say registration document (V5) is at DVLA?
  • Are there spelling mistakes or alterations to V5?
  • Is watermark missing from V5?
  • Is sellers name and address different from V5?
  • Is number plate different from V5?
  • Is the engine number different from V5?
  • Is vehicle identification number (VIN) different from V5?
  • (Check VIN plate, and under both bonnet and driver sseat.)
  • Seller should have Green slip if the car was bought very recently and V5 is the DVLA for change of ownership to be recorded. Applies to new V5s only, introduced in March 1997

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Buying from a private seller

 

Check the paperwork carefully
Ask the seller to show you:

  • A current certificate of registration
  • A safety check report (pink slip*) that is not more than one month old
  • Proof that the person selling the car is the owner – such as a driving license and sales receipt .

Check that the information on the certificate of registration and safety check report matches the details of the vehicle.
You will need to examine the vehicle and write down the:

  • Vehicle registrations number
  • The engine number
  • The vehicle identification number (VIN) or chassis number

 

CHECK THERE IS NO MONEY OWING ON THE VEHICLE
If you purchase a car from a private seller who has an outstanding loan on the vehicle (this is called an encumbrance), the vehicle could be repossessed and you could lose your money.
You can check REVS (register of encumbered vehicles) on this website to determine if the vehicle is encumbered or has been reported to the police as stolen.**

If the vehicle is not encumbered, call REVS on 02 9633 6333 or 1800 424 988 (toll free in regional NSW) 8:30am to 5:30pm weekdays and 9am to 5pm weekends and public holidays to purchase a search certificate. The certificate costs just $12 and is the simplest way to prevent repossession by a financier if someone still owes money on the vehicle. The certificate will protect you from repossession as long as you own the vehicle.
Is the vehicle is encumbered, you should not purchase it until you are satisfied with the arrangements made by the current owner to repay the debt.
You will need to be sure that the registration, engine and vehicle identification number (VIN) on the registration papers are identical to those on the vehicle. If there are any discrepancies, it would be wise to seek an identification check at an authorized unregistered vehicle inspection station (AUVIS), available for a small fee.

 

Buying from Licensed Dealer

 

Shop for finance before you shop for a vehicle

You don’t have to use the dealers finance or insurance. Before you talk to your dealer, check out the rates that banks, credit unions and finance companies are offering – you could end up saving a great deal of money. If you add your vehicle insurance to your loan be aware that you will be paying interest on your insurance costs as well.

Check your paperwork carefully

Used car dealers must put a vehicle description form on the windscreen of every used car. The form will show the dealer’s name, the cash price and other details such as the engine number, odometer reading and if a warranty applies.

  • A Form 4 indicates the car has a standard used car warranty.
  • A Form 8 means there is no statutory warranty.
  • Occasionally there may be Form 6. This means a standard used car warranty applies but the dealer is not going to repair certain items that don’t affect safety, such as air conditioning.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: card displaying a Form 6 or 8 must be sold with a safety check report stating that the vehicle is fit for registration if number plates are attached.

 

UNDERSTANDING YOUR STATUTORY WARRANTY RIGHTS

All used vehicles purchased from licensed dealers are covered by a 3 month or 5,000km statutory warranty providing:

  • The vehicle is not more than 10 years old and has not travelled more than 160,000km
  • The purchase price does not exceed the luxury vehicle depreciation limit ($52,912 as of 1 January 1996). This amount varies at each annual Federal budget and applies from 1 January each year.
  • It is not a commercial vehicle.

*a white slip is issued if there are repairs needed, this means the vehicle is not fit for registration

**No liability can be accepted on the accuracy of police stolen vehicle information

 

CHECK THE REGISTRATION

To check the registration is still valid, Call the RTA in Sydney and Wollongong on 13 22 13, or the local motor registry.
Registration requirements may differ between States and Territories. If you are thinking of buying an unregistered or interstate registered vehicle that has been significantly modified or is a specialized vehicle, such as a high performance vehicle, you should check with the RTA as to NSW registration requirements.

 

CHECK THE VEHICLE

Check there is no statutory warranty when you purchase a vehicle from a private seller. It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to check the vehicle thoroughly for any mechanical, exterior or interior damage or defects. If you are not an expert, you should seriously consider having your vehicle inspected by an independent mechanic or inspection service.

 

TEST DRIVE

A test drive is important, but BE WARNED, you run the risk of substantial claims being made against you if you have an accident. Check to see if the vehicle is covered by comprehensive insurance before you go for a test drive.

 

PROOF OF PURCHASE

Check the registration papers relate to the person selling the vehicle and the selling address.
If you do purchase the vehicle ask for a receipt.

 

TRANSFER THE REGISTRATION

After you purchase the vehicle, you must visit a Motor registry within 14 days to transfer ownership of the vehicle to your name. You will need:

  • Your proof of purchase
  • At least two forms of identification
  • And money to pay the stamp duty and transfer fee.

More information is available from the RTA’s customer Service line on 13 2213, In Sydney or Wollongong, or from your local Motor Registry.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”normal” up=”10″ down=”10″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” anchor=”nsw” in_content_menu=”in_content_menu” content_menu_title=”Buying in NSW” content_menu_icon=”fa-adjust” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Buying and selling a car state by state

For all states – Your residential and garaging address must be in that state, a hostel address is fine to use. Make sure you put the WTC address as your postal address otherwise you won’t receive any mail!

 

Beware

If you buy a car registered to a certain state and can’t go there to transfer the car into your name you can cancel that registration and get the car registered to a different state, However it can cost up to $1500.

  • You will need to cancel the previous registration
  • Take the plates off and hand them into a department of transport
  • Buy new plates
  • Pay to get the car onto the road in a different state (quite Pricey)
  • Buy more registration

 

Cars registered to NSW

 

Buying a NSW Registered car

When you buy a car with registration, the compulsory Third Party Insurance (CTP or Green Slip) is included as well as the mechanic check (pink slip), so all you have to do is transfer the car into your name.

  • You MUST be in NSW to transfer the car into your name
  • When you buy the car, ensure you have the signed registration papers and check that the sellers identification matches the name on the paper.
  • After you have bought the car you will need to go to the RTA in NSW (YOU CAN’T TARNSFER THE CAR INTO YOUR NAME IN ANY OTHER STATE) with the following documents to transfer the car into your name or you will incur a $100 fine:
    – Completed and signed registrations papers
    – Driving license and Passport
    – Proof of residential address in NSW (Hostel receipt, lease or letter from bank)
    – Completed transfer of ownership form (please see the example at the back of this folder)
    rta.nsw.gov.au/publicationstatisticsforms/downloads/45070107.pdf
    – You will need to pay 3% of the sale price to transfer the car into your name
    – Ensure there is enough registration on your car to cover your travels as you MUST be in NSW to put more registration on your car.

 

Buying an unregistered car in NSW

If you buy an unregistered car in NSW you cannot drive it until you put registration on it unless you get an unregistered vehicle permit (UVP) from the RTA (valid for up to 28 days).

Please Note:  if your car has been unregistered for a period of time (for example 2 months) and you buy 12 months registration – you will only get 10 months – as you have to pay for the time it was not registered.

Putting registration on a car will cost approximately $1000 for a year in NSW

  • You will first need to get a COMPREHENSIVE mechanic check (Blue Slip)
  • Purchase CPT (A Green Slip) – You can shop around online from various insurers.
  • Go to the RTA with your Blue Slip and Green Slip and transfer the car into your name with the same documents as above.

 

Re-registering a car in NSW

To put more registration on your NSW registered car – you must be in NSW!

  • You will need to have a basic mechanic check done (Pink Slip) – Only Available in NSW
  • Purchase CTP insurance (Green Slip)
  • Re-register your car either on line or at your local RTA

 

Selling a NSW registered car

You are more likely to get more money for your NSW registered can if you sell it in NSW, as the purchaser will have to take the car to NSW when they transfer it into their name.

When you sell the car – all you will need is the original registration papers (see picture above).

You will need to complete and hand these over to the buyer – make sure you check their identity and driving license number/passport number.

It is the buyers responsibility to transfer the car into their name – However, it is a good idea for you to complete a notice of disposal form and post or take it into the RTA.

This tells them who you have sold the car too. If you do not complete this, and the buyer does not transfer the car into their name – you will be responsible for any fines or penalties they incur.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”normal” up=”10″ down=”10″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” anchor=”qld” in_content_menu=”in_content_menu” content_menu_title=”Buying in QLD” content_menu_icon=”fa-adjust” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Cars registered in QLD

 

Buying a QLD registered car

When you buy a car registered in Queensland you will have 14 days to transfer the car into your name otherwise you will be fined. The car MUST be transferred into your name in QLD.

Make sure that the car you are buying has an original copy of a current Queensland safety certificate (unless exempt). DO NOT buy a car without this. The seller must complete and display this certificate from the moment they advertise their car for sale.

  • When you buy the car, ensure you have signed the current registration papers and check that the sellers identification matches the name on the papers.
  • A completed Transfer of vehicle Registration Application form(F3520)
    support.trandsport.qld.gov.au/qt/formsdat.nsf/forms/DF3520/$file/F3520_ES.pdf
    This must be completed by both parties as the sale of the car – there is a buyers and sellers copy.
  • An original copy of a current Queensland safety certificate (unless exempt)

After you have bought the car you will need to go to the QLD transport (YOU CAN’T TRANSFER THE CAR INTO YOUR NAME IN ANY OTHER STATE) with the following documents to transfer the car into your name or you will incur a $100 fine:
– Completed and signed registration papers
– Driving license and Passport
-Proof of residential address in QLD (Hostel receipt, Lease or letter from the bank)
– Completed transfer of ownership form F3520

www.support.transport.qld.gov.au/qt/formsdat.nsf/forms/QF3520/$file/F3520_ES.pdf

– Completed new customer application form (F3503) as you do not have a QLD driving license number
– Current Vehicle safety certificate
– You will need to pay approximately $25 to transfer the car into you name
– Ensure there is enough registration on your car to cover your travels as you MUST be in QLD to put more registration on your car.

 

Buying an unregistered car in QLD

If you buy an unregistered car in QLD you can’t drive it until you have a permit (F3523)
www.support.transport.qld.gov.au/qt/formsdat.nsf/forms/QF3523/

To register a second vehicle in Queensland you must legally move the vehicle to obtain a safety certificate. This ensures all vehicles registered in Queensland meet the safety requirements for operation on Queensland roads.

Before you can move your vehicle from its place of purchase or from where it is currently garaged, you must:

  • Complete a vehicle registration application form (F3518). This form is available at the Local Department of Transport and Main Road customer service centre
  • Organise a CTP insurance certificate, for six or twelve month registration period if the vehicle, through a licensed insurer.
  • Ensure the plate(s) and label have been removed from the vehicle. Standard Queensland plate(s) must be surrendered to the department of their agent.

Carry a completed form F3518 and your CTP insurance certificate with you to allow you to legally travel in your vehicle on the shortest and most direct route to:
– An approved Inspection Station (AIS) to obtain a safety certificate
– An authorized gas installer to obtain a gas certificate (if applicable)

Note: if your vehicle does not pass a safety certificate, and the work cannot be done at the AIS, you will need to obtain an unregistered vehicle permit if the vehicle is considered to be in a safe condition. Otherwise the vehicle must be transported.

Once you have obtained a safety certificate and a gas certificate (if applicable) you are permitted to travel directly to a department to transport and main roads customer service centre to apply for vehicle registration.

Please refer to the Pre registration checklist before applying for vehicle registration.

 

Renewing Registration on a QLD registered car

You can renew your registration online if your car is registered in QLD – A renewal notice will be sent to you in the mail about five weeks before you registration expiry date. The registered operator should renew the vehicle’s registration before it expires to ensure that the vehicle may legally be used on a road or road related area and is covered by compulsory third party insurance in the event of an accident. If the registration payment is not received by the department on or before the expiry date, a registration renewal reinstatement fee may be incurred.

This is the link to renew rego in QLD
www.service.transport.qld.gov.au/registartiononlineQt/IdentifyRegistrationRenewal.jsp

 

Selling a QLD registered car

You are more likely to get more money for your QLD registered car if you sell it in QLD, as the buyer will have to move it to QLD when they transfer it into their name.

You must obtain a vehicle safety certificate from an authorized outlet BEFORE you advertise your car for sale

When you sell the car you will need the original registration papers – you will need to complete and hand these over to the buyer – make sure you check their identity and driving license number/passport.

Make sure:

  • You have provided a registration certificate in the seller’s name
  • You have obtained a Queensland safety certificate or certificate of inspection (coi)
  • The Queensland safety certificate or certificate of inspection has not expired
  • The Queensland safety certificate or certificate of inspection identifies the issuing approved inspection station
  • The Queensland safety certificate or certificate of inspection is attached to a conspicuous part of the vehicle when it is offered for sale
  • If the vehicle runs on gas or is fitted with gas appliances, fittings or systems the vehicle may require a gas certificate. The certificate must not be more than three months old and be from an authorized gas installer
  • Both sections of the transfer of vehicle registration application (form F3520) have been completed and signed by both the person selling the car and the person buying the car
  • You (the seller) keep part b (proof of transfer/notice of disposal) of the transfer of vehicle registration application form.
  • You keep the yellow copy of the Queensland safety certificate
  • You keep the above documents as proof of transfer until the vehicle is transferred out of your name
  • If you (the seller) reasonably believe the buyer has not applied for transfer of the vehicle’s registration within 14 days, you must lodge part b (proof of transfer/notice of disposal) at a department of transport and man roads customer service centre together with a copy of the Queensland safety certificate/certificate of inspection.

This tells them who you have sold the car to. If you do not complete this, and the buyer does not transfer the car into their name – you will be responsible for any fines or penalties they incur.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”normal” up=”10″ down=”10″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” anchor=”sabuy” in_content_menu=”in_content_menu” content_menu_title=”Buying in SA” content_menu_icon=”fa-adjust” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Cars registered to South Australia

 

Buying and selling a car registered in South Australia

When you buy a car in SA you must transfer it into you name within= 14 days or purchase, otherwise you will incur a fine.

When you buy a motor vehicle you are required to register it, or ensure it is currently registered before driving it on the road.

When you buy a vehicle that is registered in South Australia, you must complete and lodge an application for transfer of registration within 14 days.

 

Step 1:

You (the buyer) and the person selling the vehicle must complete and sign the application for transfer of registration which is located on the reverse side of the current certificate of registration.

If the seller does not have a current certificate of registration, they should apply for a replacement at any service SA customer service centre before you finalise the purchase.

If the seller cannot produce a current certificate of registration it may indicate that they are not the registered owner or that they may be going to cancel the registration once the vehicle is sold.

Step 2:

The buyer must lodge the application for transfer within 14 days of the purchase at a service Sa customer service centre.

You need to lodge the application for transfer of registration. The person selling you the car must also lodge the notice of disposal.

Note: It is in your best interest to obtain a receipt from the person you are purchasing the vehicle from.

When you buy the car you will need to take the above documents along with proof of identity (passport and driving license) and proof of residential address in SA (bank statement, hostel receipt, lease) to a SA customer service centre.

 

Buying an unregistered vehicle in SA

When you buy a motor vehicle you are required to register is, or ensure it is currently registered before driving it on the road.

If you buy a South Australian vehicle that is not registered and you wish to drive the vehicle, you must complete an application for registration and Third Party insurance and return it to your nearest Service SA customer service centre.

If there are no other requirements, after you pay the fee, a certificate of registration and label will be issued to you.

 

Renewing registration in SA

You can renew your SA registered car’s rego online:

Renew online:

You can renew your vehicle registration online at EzyReg by using Mastercard, Visa, Credit card of BPay view.

You will need to enter your 9-digit payment number that appears at the top right hand side of your renewal notice. If you do not have the notice you will need to enter the following”

  • Your License or client number
  • Number plate type and number – this information can be found on a previous renewal notice.

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Cars registered in Western Australia

 

Buying and selling a car registered in WA

Cars registered in WA are great because you can buy or sell them from anywhere in Australia. Transfer of ownership is all done by post.

Here are some useful links to forms which you will need when transferring the car into your name, you must send:

  • The notification of change of ownership
  • The proof of identity form
  • Certified copies of your driving license and passport.

Proof of identity form which must go with notification of change of ownership form for western Australia (certified copies of passport and driving license needed)
www.transport.wa.gov.as/mediaFiles/LBU_F_VL_MR9_vehicleTransformer.pdf (please note: car must be fitted with immobilizer) example at back of folder.

Both the buyer and seller must complete and send their sections of the transfer of ownership form to WA transport within 7 days of purchase.

When completing the notification of change of ownership form put your residential address as Western Australia (you can simply put Perth YHA Hostel: 300 Wellington Street Perth 6000), put your postal address as you WTC mailbox.

Your car must be fitted with an immobilizer so the answer to both of the following Questions on the change of ownership for must be YES. (see below)

  • Will the vehicle be kept primarily in WA (see “garaging address” on back of form of explanation?
  • Is a factory fitted or government approved immobilizer fitted to this vehicle and fully operational?

 

Buying an unregistered vehicle in WA

 

(Vehicle registration is known as “vehicle license” in WA)

***DO NOT BUY A CAR THAT IS MORE THAN 3 MONTHS OUT OF WA REGO!***

Because… if the car has been out of rego for more than 3 months you will need to get your vehicle examined, and to do this you will need a permit to move the car – however – you can’t get this without a WA driving license!

 

Expired vehicle license

Up to 3 Months Late

You cannot drive your vehicle on the road: however you have three months from the expiry date to renew your vehicle license without the need to have the vehicle examined. The renewal period will be calculated from the previous expiry date where the fees are paid within this 3 month period.

Over 3 Months Late

You cannot drive your vehicle on the road and you are required to return the number plates to us in order to avoid a penalty being issued. To re-license your vehicle you will need to get your vehicle examined.

 

Renewing a WA vehicle License

Cars registered to WA can have their vehicle renewed online provided it has not been out of registration for more than 3 months.

 

Beware

If you buy a car registered to a certain state and can’t go there to transfer the car into your name you can cancel that registration and get the car registered to a different state, However it can cost up to $1500.

  • You will need to cancel the previous registration
  • Take the plates off and hand them into a department of transport
  • Buy new plates
  • Pay to get the car onto the road in a different state (quite Pricey)
  • Buy more registration

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