Private Sale Guide · New South Wales

Buying a Car Privately in New South Wales

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 to transfer registration on a currently-registered vehicle - it is tied to registration RENEWAL, not the sale/transfer transaction.

Valid for6 months from issue
Provided byLicensed Authorised Inspection Station (AIS)

Transferring Registration

Deadline14 daysfrom the sale date
Lodged byBuyer
MethodOnline via Service NSW (only if the seller has already lodged a Notice of Disposal), otherwise in person at a Service NSW Centre.
Late feeA late fee applies if you miss the deadline - check the current amount with New South Wales's transport authority.

Stamp Duty & Fees

Stamp duty is based on: Purchase price OR market value, whichever is GREATER. It's payable by the buyer.

Use New South Wales'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 New South Wales's transport authority

Possible concessionsDeceased-estate transfers (inherited under a will), Spouse-to-spouse transfers (conditions apply), Eligible primary producers (requires Declaration of Eligibility), Charitable/non-profit organisations, Crown bodies, Disability-modified vehicles (reduced dutiable value), Eligible war veterans.

Selling in New South Wales? Notice of Disposal

If you're selling, you need to lodge a Notice of Disposal, online or on paper at a Service NSW Centre / by mail.

Why it mattersSeller can remain liable for tolls, parking/driving fines and offences incurred by the buyer, and the vehicle stays associated with the seller's name.

Write-Off Status

Statutory write-off

Cannot be re-registered anywhere in Australia; sold only for parts/scrap.

Repairable write-off

Total loss but may be repaired and re-registered, subject to Transport for NSW 'Authorisation to Repair' and inspection.

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

More From the Private Sale Guide

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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.