Transfer number plates

Introduction

Transferring number plates can refer to:

the physical transfer of general issue number plates from one vehicle to another (such as an exchange of plates)
the physical transfer of special number plates (SNPs) or personalised number plates from one vehicle to another (such as using the plate to establish registration)
the transfer of the 'right to display' SNPs or general issue plates, from one person to another when the number plate is reserved, or the registration is being transferred.

A plate transfer does not transfer registration or change the registered operator of the vehicle.

You’ll need to visit a Service NSW Centre to apply to transfer or exchange number plates.

Notes:

Reserved plates cannot be exchanged. The plates must be issued to a vehicle before they can be exchanged.
There may be some instances where plates are not eligible for exchange or transfer. Contact us on 13 77 88 to confirm that your plates are eligible for exchange or transfer.

the PDF form – 'Exchange/Transfer Number Plates' (including details of both parties)
your proof of identity
the registration certificates for both vehicles (if possible)
your fee payment (if applicable)
a letter of authorisation from a company (if a company and an employee are swapping)
a letter of authorisation from each company (if 2 companies are swapping)
a copy of a court order or will (if the swap involves a deceased estate).

You do not own the number plates – they always remain the property of Transport for NSW.
Conditions apply if you want to transfer special number plates (SNPs), numeral-only, or personalised plates.
All rights and obligations of the SNPs agreement are transferred to the recipient of the SNPs. This may include the activation of an annual fee for personalised plates bought prior to September 2003 that do not currently attract an annual fee.
An additional annual fee (calculated on a pro-rata basis) may be required depending on the registration expiry dates of the vehicles involved.

You can review transaction payment options on our payment methods page.