When it comes to car ownership, there’s so much more involved than just the vehicle itself and selling a car is the same. Beyond handing over the vehicle to its new owners, you also need to think about transferring registration, not to mention recurring personal costs like insurance or toll payments.
You can’t drive an unregistered car on Queensland roads so this is a crucial part of selling or buying a car new or old. If you sell your car or even gift it on, you’re legally required to transfer the registration with it. Whether you’re the seller or the buyer, both parties are responsible, and liable, for correct and successful registration.
The good news is, managing car registration has never been easier in Queensland. With a few simple steps, you can tick this essential part of the sale off.
What is car registration?
All car owners should be pretty familiar with car registration, but if you’re a first-time buyer, this might be a new process for you. Car registration involves registering your ownership of the car with the state government. This ensures each car on the road is attached to a person, which helps in the case of an accident or illegal driving. Through the initial registration, the car must go through a pre-registration inspection to ensure it’s a road worthy vehicle.
Unregistered cars can be sold and brought in Queensland, but if you intend to drive them on the road, you’ll have to register them yourself.
So, how do you transfer your rego?
Transferring registration can be done either online or in-person.
Online registration transfer:
To transfer online, it can be done via the Queensland TMR website within 14 days of the sale taking place. The seller must begin by lodging the application to transfer and provide the relevant details of both the buyer and seller.
You’ll need:
- driver licence number
- evidence of QLD residential address
- car safety certificate
- car’s dutiable value
- odometer reader
- car’s purpose of use
This process will cost a small fee, which can be paid by either or both parties. Once it’s completed through the TMR website, you’ll receive confirmation.
In-person registration transfer:
The transfer can also be completed at your closest Main Roads office. You’ll need the same documentation and will fill out two sets of forms.
Regardless of how the transfer is made, it’s important to keep track of all documentation and keep a record of the confirmation.
How much does it cost to transfer your rego?
The transfer of your car registration in Queensland will cost just under $30. It’s important when setting up this process that a new credit card is charged with any recurring fees as well. This makes sure the original owner isn’t being charged once the sale has gone through.
Is transferring your car rego the same as changing your car ownership in Queensland?
No it’s not the same because in Queensland, there’s no process for claiming car ownership. Registration lets your vehicle be associated with your address and identity in the government database and serves the same function as car ownership. When you sell or purchase a car, it must be registered to one name, which tells the state who owns this car.
Is there anything else you need to transfer over when selling your car?
At Cars Brisbane, our team is experts in the car selling process and can help take you through the process based on your individual needs. In most cases, selling your car will be convenient, as long as you have the relevant documentation. Learn more about what documentation you need to sell today.
Looking to sell your car?
If you’re looking to sell your car, Cars Brisbane offers a premier and convenient sale experience which includes registration transfer as well. If you’re looking to learn more about transferring registration as a car seller, our friendly team can take you through the process.
