Both the buyer and the seller must tell us when they buy or sell a vehicle, to successfully change the vehicle over to the new registered person.
You may have bought the vehicle or received the vehicle in another way (like if someone gave it to you). Here’s what you need to know.
You can insist on a WoF or CoF being less than one month old. This helps protect you against faults that may have developed since the last inspection.
If you don’t insist, you should confirm in writing to the seller you accept the WoF or CoF is more than one month old.
If you buy a vehicle without a current WoF or CoF, you can’t use it on the road except to take it somewhere for repair or inspection.
Warrants and certificates – more information
If you buy a vehicle with an expired rego, you’ll have to pay the licensing fees from the date you bought the vehicle.
Vehicle licensing (rego) – more information
If it’s a RUC vehicle and the RUC is overdue, you may become responsible for the outstanding fees. We suggest you consider any unpaid RUC when agreeing on the sale price. This is between you and the seller – we don’t get involved.
Road user charges – more information
If you buy a vehicle that weighs 6000kg or more, you'll need to have a TSL. Most operators of freight, vehicle recovery, rental and passenger services also need a TSL, even for vehicles under 6000kg.
Transport service licences – more information
If you buy a vehicle with a cancelled registration and you want to use it on the road, you’ll need to take several steps first. This includes inspection, certification, registration, licensing, getting plates and getting labels.
Vehicle registration – more information
If you’re buying a vehicle and its personalised plates, you’ll need to:
Transfer of entitlement of a personalised plate (form)(external link)
Personalised plates – more information
Make sure you’re aware of your rights.
Selling a vehicle ‘as is, where is’ doesn’t remove the seller’s legal requirements under consumer law and transport law.
Consumer rights and responsibilities (Consumer Protection)(external link)
As the registered person, you have other important responsibilities that aren’t directly related to buying a vehicle.
Check the full list to make sure you know what you need to do:
Registered person responsibilities
