Car Registration Transfer Fees in NSW

There are three main reasons you’d be processing a rego transfer in NSW: 

1. purchasing a car out of state as a buyer;
2. inheriting a car and needing to put the car in your name, or;
3. as a car seller.

Each process is slightly different, but there are two main ways to process a registration transfer in NSW:

• Online: The ownership transfer can be made online if the previous owner submits the Notice of Disposal.
• NSW service centre: If the previous owner doesn’t submit the Notice of Disposal within 14 days, you can transfer the registration at a service centre and avoid the late fees.

If you’re a NSW resident and purchase a car in another state or territory, you must transfer the registration to NSW within 14 days of taking ownership.  

You can complete the ownership transfer process in three steps:

1. Get a blue slip inspection

Due to the car being registered in another state or territory, Service NSW will see it as unregistered and treat it as such. This means you’ll need to get the vehicle inspected for roadworthiness, identification, and compliance at an Authorised Unregistered Vehicle Inspection Station. Once complete, a soft copy of the blue slip inspection is sent to Service NSW. 

2. Buy the green slip or CTP insurance

Unlike most other states in Australia, you’ll need to purchase Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance or a green slip separately from the rego. You can compare green slip insurers and find the most competitive quote for your vehicle. Once you’ve purchased your green slip, Service NSW will be notified. 

3. Go to the Service NSW in person

You cannot process the registration online with an out-of-state registration transfer in NSW, so you’ll need to attend a Service NSW office or motor registry in person.

While you’re there, you’ll have to pay the registration fees, number plate fees, and stamp duty. You can check an online calculator to estimate how much it costs to transfer registration in NSW.

When visiting the motor registry or Service NSW office, you’ll need to present:

• Application form for registration - downloadable from the Service NSW website
• Proof of identity in the form of your licence
• Proof of you can register the vehicle in NSW, such as a notice of disposal from the seller, proof of purchase or one of the other items listed on the Service NSW website
• Proof of residential address in NSW
• A copy of the blue slip - Service NSW will have a soft copy, but it’s usually worth also taking a hard copy with you
• Green slip insurance - Service NSW can look this up, but it’s often worth having the details on hand
• Vehicle’s previous number plate, if available
• Any concession cards or evidence of eligibility for concession, if applicable
• Details of eligibility if you plan to apply for an exemption from stamp duty

Ensuring you have all the relevant documentation on hand should help process the transfer of registration quickly.

If you hold a NSW license and the vehicle is registered in NSW, you can transfer the ownership online via the MyServiceNSW portal. You just need the previous owner to have submitted the Notice of Disposal, and you can do it all online.

To get the registration transfer completed, you’ll need:

• The NSW registration plate
• Either the purchase price or market value, whichever is higher
• A MyServiceNSW account 
• The date of the vehicle purchase
• Any pensioner details, when applicable
• Process the payment of the transfer fees and other taxes as applicable

You can also transfer the registration in person at a Service NSW office by submitting the following documents:

• A completed Application for Transfer form
• Evidence showing you’re entitled to register the vehicle
• Proof of identity, like your licence
• Transfer fees, stamp duty and personalised plate fee, if applicable

When you transfer the registration of a car purchased in NSW, the CTP insurance remains in place. It is automatically transferred to you once the rego transfer is completed and the car is put in your name.

If you’re selling a car in NSW, there are a couple of things you’re required to do to complete the registration transfer in NSW. 

First, you need to provide the buyer with a document that shows the entitlement to register the vehicle, such as proof of purchase or a previous rego notice. Secondly, you must lodge a Notice of Disposal either online or at a Service NSW office. 

A Notice of Disposal is how you notify the Service NSW that you’re no longer the owner of the vehicle. To lodge the Notice of Disposal; you’ll need the following details:

• Your address, licence number, and signature
• Vehicle registration plate number
• Date of sale
• Vehicle details, such as model, make, VIN number, engine number, and year
• Buyer’s name, address, market or selling price, date of birth, NSW licence number or NSW car dealer’s number 

Once you’ve submitted the Notice of Disposal, it will allow the buyer to transfer the registration, and you’ll no longer be linked to the car.

When you’re processing a transfer of registration in NSW, there are a few different fees you may be required to pay. These fees depend on several factors, and you may be eligible for concessions or waivers. 

Some of the fees often charged when transferring registration in NSW include:

• Registration fees for new and used vehicles or vehicles where registration has expired for over three months, along with the annual renewal fees
• NSW transfer charges, which includes either personalised number plate, standard plates, or custom plate fees, depending on your choice
• Stamp duty  in NSW depends on the vehicle’s value, and some buyers may be eligible for an exemption in some cases.

You can find a full list of fees and charges related to car registration in NSW on the Service NSW website.