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Car registration in Queensland

Your guide to car registration in Queensland

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Gary Hunter
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There are several steps to registering your car in Queensland. This article breaks down everything you need to know about the costs of Queensland car registration plus vehicle transfer fees you're likely to encounter.

How much does car registration cost in Queensland?

The registration cost you pay is generally made up of three parts: the registration fee, traffic improvement fee and Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance premium. The table below outlines the costs as of 1 July 2020.

1, 2 or 3 cylinders, electric or steam4 cylinders5 or 6 cylinders7 or 8 cylinders
Registration fee$263.05$334.50$529.65$741.75
Traffic improvement fee$58.35$58.35$58.35$58.35
CTP$351.60$351.60$351.60$351.60
Total$673.00$744.45$939.60$1,151.70

Keep in mind that prices generally increase each year and there's a chance you'll have to pay other fees, like vehicle registration duty. Concession card holders in Queensland may be eligible for a discount.

How to transfer car registration in Queensland

Make sure that you transfer the vehicle registration into your name within 14 days of becoming the owner. You can register online or in person. You will need the buyer's details, such as their driver's licence number, name and email address. Other information you may need can include the dutiable value, odometer reading and date of sale. If you are selling, you will need to give the buyer:

The transfer fee costs are outlined below.

Transfer fees QueenslandCost
Queensland vehicle registration transfer fee$29.20
Personalised number plate transfer fee$105.95

Queensland car registration fees

The cost of car registration in Queensland can differ depending on the registration fees you need to pay. The different Queensland car registration fees you may encounter are outlined below:

New registration

You will need to get a new registration if you:

  • Buy a new unregistered vehicle
  • Buy a used unregistered vehicle
  • Are moving to Queensland from a different state
  • Fail to renew your vehicle registration for more than 3 months

Renewing registration

You should receive a registration notice from the Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) four weeks prior to your registration expiry date. It will outline how much it will cost, how to pay and when you need to register by to avoid a late fee.

Vehicle type and what you are using it for

Generally, the lighter the vehicle, the cheaper your registration fee. However, the power of the engine will also be taken into account and you'll be asked how many cylinders your vehicle has. Fuel type is another factor; electric cars tend to be cheapest. Also, if you plan to use it for commercial purposes, such as a taxi or rental car, you can expect to pay more.

Vehicle registration duty

In Queensland, you will also need to pay vehicle registration duty. This is based on your vehicle's list price or market value. It's worked out using the rates of duty and will likely be more expensive the higher the value of your vehicle. Registration duty doesn't apply to caravans, trailers or boats, or if you are just renewing your vehicle.

CTP insurance

All vehicles require Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance cover in Queensland, as they do elsewhere in Australia. In most states, CTP is automatically included when you register your car, but in Queensland you can pick the insurer yourself.

Traffic improvement fee

As part of your registration, you will need to pay a traffic improvement fee. According to the Queensland government, this money goes towards maintaining and improving the roads. At the time of writing, it's $58.35.

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