Transfer a vehicle registration

Introduction

When a NSW-registered vehicle changes ownership, Transport for NSW needs to update its records. To do this, it requires: 

1. The previous owner/seller to lodge a notice of disposal.
2. The new owner/buyer to transfer the vehicle's registration (rego) into their name within 14 days of acquiring the vehicle to avoid a late transfer fee.

For more about what you need to do, read the guides:

• buying a vehicle
• selling a vehicle.

The guide on how to Transfer ownership of a NSW-registered vehicle explains what to do if a vehicle has been:

• given to a spouse or family member
• won, inherited or received as a gift
• bought or sold interstate
• bought or sold on consignment
• written-off by an insurer
• when the owner has died.

Eligibility

You can transfer the registration online if:

• you are transferring the ownership of a vehicle registered in NSW
• the previous owner/seller submitted a notice of disposal.

You must visit a Service NSW Centre to transfer the registration if:

• the vehicle’s previous owner has not submitted a notice of disposal
• you’ve bought the vehicle:
  • on behalf of an organisation/business, or
  • from an interstate seller
• you need to transfer the registration due to the death of the owner
• you’re transferring the registration as the carer or guardian of the vehicle’s owner
• the vehicle is a heavy vehicle with a gross vehicle mass of over 4.5 tonnes
• you do not want to keep special or personalised number plates (plates must be returned to a service centre once removed from the vehicle)
  Note: If special or personalised number plates have been transferred with the vehicle you have purchased, you take on all the rights, responsibilities and annual fees that go with those plates.
• the vehicle’s previous NSW registration expired more than 3 months ago
• you’re entitled to a stamp duty exemption.

Follow the instructions for how to transfer the registration if you cannot transfer online.

What you need

To transfer the registration online, you need:

• a MyServiceNSW Account
  • you can create one when you start your application
  • you need the service 'NSW Driver Licence and vehicle registration' added to your account
• your concession details (if applicable)
• the purchase date of the vehicle
• the purchase price or market value of the vehicle (whichever is higher)
• payment for the:
  • transfer fee and registration stamp duty (unless you’re exempt)
  • number plate fees (if applicable)
  • motor vehicle tax which is based on the vehicle usage type and registration duration (eligible pensioners are exempt). It will be payable if the previous owner received a tax concession and you're not entitled to the concession.

How to transfer the registration

1. Check the eligibility requirements.
2. Select the 'Transfer online' button.
3. Log in, or create your MyServiceNSW Account.
4. Follow the prompts to transfer the registration.

If you cannot transfer online

If you're not eligible to transfer the registration online, you need to visit a service centre and take with you:

• the completed PDF form – 'Application for Transfer of Registration'
• your proof of identity
• your concession details (if applicable)
• the vehicle's certificate of registration, completed and signed on the back by the seller, or other proof of registration entitlement
• your fee payment.

Payment methods

More information

• When you buy a vehicle that has a current NSW registration, the compulsory third party (CTP) insurance (green slip) will automatically transfer to you.
• If you are transferring a current NSW registration, you will not need a safety inspection report (pink slip).
• Contact your provider to update your vehicle details if you have an e-toll or toll pass account. You can open an account if you do not already have one.