Your guide to car registration in Queensland

All cars on Queensland roads need to be registered, so if you’re buying one or bringing one when you move from another state, you’ll want to understand the registration process.

You'll need to apply for a new car registration in Queensland when you: 

• Purchase a new or unregistered vehicle: If you buy a new vehicle or a used vehicle that is not currently registered, you must register it before driving it on Queensland roads. 
• Move from another state or territory to QLD: If you relocate to Queensland from another state or territory and bring your car with you, you must register your vehicle in Queensland. You’re generally required to do this within 14 days, or you may face a fine. 
• Have an expired registration: If your vehicle's registration has been expired for more than three months, you will need to apply for a new vehicle registration in Qld rather than renewing the old one. 

When purchasing a new or used vehicle from a motor dealer, they typically handle the registration and compulsory third party (CTP) insurance for you. But if the dealer does not arrange the registration, or if you purchase the vehicle privately, you’ll need to register it yourself at a nearby QLD transport and motoring service centre. Or, if you’re located in a rural area, you may need to visit a Queensland Government Agent Program (QGAP) office, Magistrates Court, or local police station that offers vehicle registration services. 

Remember that it’s not possible to apply for new vehicle registration in QLD through Transport and Main Roads online services. 

Before you visit a transport and motoring service centre or the relevant registration office, remember to collect the following documents and keep them handy: 

• ID for all the registered operators of the car and the address where it will be kept in Queensland. If you don't have a Queensland driver’s licence or another card issued by the Department of Transport and Main Roads, then carry another ID, such as an Australian passport, birth certificate, credit card or Medicare card. 
•  Contact a compulsory third party insurance provider and get a CTP insurance certificate before applying for registration. This certificate needs to be in  the car when you drive to get your inspections and certificates and go for registration. If you need to drive the car for repairs before it can be  registered, you will need to buy an unregistered vehicle permit. 
• A Queensland safety certificate from an approved inspection station (AIS). This inspection checks that the tyres, brakes, steering, suspension, body rust or damage, windscreen, and lights meet the basic vehicle safety standards. 

In addition to preparing these documents, refer to the Queensland Government's registration checklist and bring all listed items to the customer service centre to apply for your vehicle registration. If you want more information on how to register an unregistered car in Qld, you can visit the Queensland Government website or call 13 23 80. 

If you buy a second-hand car, you must get the registration transferred to your name within 14 days. The seller needs to lodge an application to transfer the registration online or in person, and buyers can complete the transfer of registration into their name online. These services are only available for Queensland registered vehicles and cannot be used to transfer the registration to another state or territory. The buyer must have a Queensland driver’s licence or customer reference number of the QLD Department of Transport and Main Roads. 

Sellers will need to enter details such as the buyer’s driver’s licence number, name and email address, the date of sale, dutiable value and odometer reading. The seller must provide the buyer with a current Queensland safety certificate. If the vehicle is fitted with gas systems, the seller needs to provide a gas inspection certificate not more than three months old. 

On the day of the sale, the seller must complete part B of the vehicle registration transfer application (F3520). The buyer also needs to sign this form. A registration fee will also need to be paid. 

It’s a good idea for sellers to retain the completed transfer application form as proof that they are no longer the owner of the vehicle until the registration transfer is completed.