Private Sale Guide · Western Australia

Buying a Car Privately in Western Australia

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 an ordinary private sale/transfer between WA-licensed owners.

Required if the vehicle isn't currently licensed in WA, or the licence has expired for 3+ months - must be inspected at an Authorised Inspection Station (AIS) and a certificate of inspection issued before it can be licensed. All interstate vehicles must be inspected before WA licensing.

Provided byAuthorised Inspection Station (AIS) / Authorised Vehicle Examiner (AVE)

Transferring Registration

Deadline14 daysfrom the sale date
Lodged bybuyer (application to transfer within 14 days); seller has a separate 7-day notification obligation (see noticeOfDisposal)
MethodOnline via a free DoTDirect account, in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services centre/regional agent, or by post (form MR9).
Late feeA late fee applies if you miss the deadline - check the current amount with Western Australia's transport authority.

Stamp Duty & Fees

Stamp duty is based on: Dutiable value = the HIGHER of the actual purchase price or the vehicle's open market value - duty is charged on market value even if sold/gifted below it. It's payable by the buyer.

Use Western Australia'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 Western Australia's transport authority

Possible concessions100% duty exemption for holders of specified Centrelink/DVA pensions at maximum rate (Blind Pension, max-rate Carer Payment/Disability Support Pension and spouse, Veterans' Affairs Pension) for one eligible vehicle.

Selling in Western Australia? Notice of Disposal

If you're selling, you need to lodge a Notice of Disposal within 7 days, via Notification of Change of Ownership (form MR9, seller's blue copy) - online via DoTDirect, in person, or by post.

Lodge within7 days
Why it mattersA penalty applies for failing to notify.

Write-Off Status

Statutory write-off

Damaged so severely it can never be made safe/roadworthy again (defined statutory damage criteria e.g. severe fire, water, structural or stripping damage) - parts/scrap only.

Repairable write-off

Repair cost exceeds market value but doesn't meet the statutory threshold - may be repaired and re-licensed after passing inspection/repair/licensing requirements.

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.