Private Sale Guide · Australian Capital Territory

Buying a Car Privately in Australian Capital Territory

What to check, what it costs, and how it works when finance is involved. Want a checklist tailored to your exact situation instead? Try our free interactive guide.

General guide only. Laws, fees and rules change from time to time and differ between states and territories. Always confirm the current requirements with the relevant state or territory authority before you buy or sell.

Roadworthy & Safety Certificate

Not required for a routine private transfer of an ACT-registered vehicle with current registration between two ACT-based parties.

Required when buying an ACT-registered vehicle that is 6 years or older, or imported, or for establishing new ACT registration on an interstate vehicle.

Valid for1 month from inspection date
Provided byAn Authorised Inspection Station (ACT Authorised Examiner Scheme) or Access Canberra's own Motor Vehicle Inspection Station at Hume.

Transferring Registration

Deadline14 daysfrom the sale date
Lodged bybuyer (Application to Transfer Vehicle Registration); seller separately lodges/gives buyer the Notice of Disposal
MethodIn person at an Access Canberra Service Centre (buyer); seller's Notice of Disposal can be lodged online if both parties hold ACT licences, by post, or in person.
Late feeA late fee applies if you miss the deadline - check the current amount with Australian Capital Territory's transport authority.

Stamp Duty & Fees

Stamp duty is based on: Dutiable value = purchase price OR market value, whichever is GREATER, inclusive of GST and Luxury Car Tax where applicable. It's payable by the buyer.

Use Australian Capital Territory's official duty calculator for an exact figure - our stamp duty estimator gives a rough guide where one's available.

Transfer fee: the current figure on Australian Capital Territory's transport authority

Possible concessionsDeceased-estate transfers under a will/probate/letters of administration, Transfers consequent on marriage/relationship breakdown (Family Law Act s90B/90C/90D financial agreement).

Selling in Australian Capital Territory? Notice of Disposal

If you're selling, you need to lodge a Notice of Disposal, via On the reverse of the registration certificate, or standalone form; online (if both parties hold ACT licences) via accesscanberra.act.gov.au/vehicle-sale, by post, or in person.

Why it mattersSeller remains the registered operator/legally liable (tolls, camera/parking/traffic infringements, offences) until the buyer's transfer is recorded. Explicitly: failing to positively identify the buyer 'may result in you being held liable for traffic infringements or offences committed by the buyer.'

Write-Off Status

Statutory write-off

Cannot be repaired/re-registered anywhere in Australia - scrap/parts only.

Repairable write-off

Termed 'economic repairable write-off' in the ACT - insurer-assessed repair cost exceeds market value, but can be repaired and re-registered if it passes required inspections (and was ACT-registered when written off).

Your PPSR search result will show if the vehicle is on the Written-Off Vehicle Register.

Before You Buy: Universal Checks

  • Run an official PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) vehicle search on ppsr.gov.au using the VIN - it's the only source of truth for money owing, stolen or written-off status. Third-party sites charge a mark-up for the same search; use the official site.
  • Match the VIN on the vehicle itself (compliance plate/windscreen) against the VIN on the registration papers and the PPSR result - they must all match exactly.
  • Meet in person, somewhere safe and public if possible, and check the seller's ID matches the name on the registration papers.
  • Never pay a deposit or balance via PayID, gift cards, or a payment link sent by the seller - use a traceable bank transfer, and confirm the account name matches the person you've verified in person.

Official Sources

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Important

This page provides general information only - it is not credit, legal or tax advice, and doesn't take into account your personal circumstances. State rules, fees and duty rates change and should be confirmed directly with the relevant state or territory authority (linked above) before you act. Arron Oliver is an Authorised Credit Representative (#546869) of Quantum Business Finance Pty Ltd, Australian Credit Licence No. 395230. See our Privacy Policy.