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Car registration in NSW

An easy guide to car registration in NSW

Gary Hunter
Gary Hunter

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Car registration in NSW doesn't need to be complicated. Follow our step-by-step guide to find out what you need to do, how much car registration costs in NSW, transferring your car rego and the process for interstate registration.

Transferring car registration in NSW

Transferring NSW car registration if you're buying

When you buy or are given a new car, you need to register it under your name within 14 days, otherwise you'll receive a late transfer fee. There are two ways to transfer the car into your name:

  • Online. If the previous owner has submitted a Notice of Disposal, then you should be able to register the car in your name online.
  • NSW service centre. If the previous owner doesn't submit the Notice of Disposal within 14 days, you can register the vehicle at a service centre and avoid the late transfer fee.

When you register the vehicle, the vehicle's Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance will automatically transfer over to you, so you shouldn't have to do anything else until the vehicle's registration is due for renewal.

Transferring NSW car registration if you're selling

When you sell or give your car away, it's the new owner's responsibility to register the vehicle in their name. However, you will need to let Transport for NSW know as soon as you are no longer the owner. You can do this by lodging a Notice of Disposal, which can be done in the following ways:

You also need to provide proof that the new owner is entitled to register the car. Proof of registration entitlement can include:

  • A Certificate of Registration, a renewal notice or other registration (NSW, interstate or overseas)
  • A motor dealer warranty form
  • Proof of purchase

    • The cost of car registration in NSW

    The cost of car registration in NSW will differ depending on a number of factors. The charges you will encounter are outlined below:

    1. Registration fee

    If you are registering a new or used vehicle or your registration has expired by more than three months, you will need to pay the new registration fee. You will also need to pay a renewal registration fee annually. This is $67 at the time of writing.

    2. Vehicle type and purpose of use

    Tare weightBusiness usePrivate use
    Up to 975kg$219$356
    976kg to 1,154kg$254$405
    1,155kg to 1,504kg$310$490
    1,505kg to 2,504kg$474$737
    4,065kg to 4,324kg$1,148$1,913 + $275
    4,325kg to 4,500kg$1,221$2,035 + $275

    3. NSW transfer fee

    The table below outlines the type of costs you will incur when transferring the registration of a car into your name in New South Wales.*

    Transfer fee typeTransfer fee
    If paid within 14 days of getting the vehicle $34
    If paid after 14 days of getting the vehicle$155
    Personalised number plates$94
    Custom number plates$203
    Standard platesNo fee

    *Costs taken from NSW Gov on 14 July 2020

    4. NSW stamp duty

    You'll also need to pay stamp duty when you register your vehicle. The amount of stamp duty you will pay depends on the value of your car, so the more expensive your car is, the more stamp duty you will pay. The costs are outlined below:

    Vehicle valueDuty Payable
    Up to $44,999$3 for every $100
    $45,000 or more*$1,350, plus $5 for every $100

    5. CTP insurance

    CTP insurance is compulsory throughout Australia. If you're registering a new vehicle, it should already have CTP insurance (green slip) included and will automatically transfer to you, the new owner, when you register the vehicle.

    However, you will need to pay for CTP insurance when the vehicle's registration is due for renewal. In NSW, there are seven CTP insurance providers to choose from.

    Interstate car registration for NSW

    If you've moved to NSW and plan to stay longer than 90 days, you will need to register your car in the state. Here are the steps to follow:

    Once you've purchased CTP insurance and received your safety inspection, you'll need to visit a service centre in NSW to register your car. You will need the following:

    • An Application for Registration form
    • Proof of identity – either a NSW driver's licence or two other forms of identity, e.g. a passport and a Medicare card
    • Your CTP insurance details
    • Proof of registration entitlement
    • Up-to-date inspection reports and certifications
    • Number plates from the state you came from
    • Card or cash for the registration fee payments

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