Car swap paperwork checklist for Australia
What to complete when two cars change hands: notices of disposal, transfers, roadworthy requirements and receipts, with pointers to each state's official site.
5 min read
The idea in one sentence
In a swap, each person is selling one car and buying another, so each car needs its own transfer of ownership and each seller needs to tell the registration authority they no longer own their old car.
Documents to have ready
- Photo ID for both people (a driver licence is usual).
- The registration papers or certificate for each car.
- Current registration on both cars. In most states the car must be registered to be transferred.
- A written receipt or agreement for each car, with the date, the price recorded, the odometer reading and both people's details.
- A roadworthy or safety certificate where your state requires one for a transfer.
Notice of disposal
The seller of each car should lodge a notice of disposal (the name differs by state) as soon as the car changes hands. This protects you if the new owner racks up fines or tolls before they transfer the car into their name.
Transfer of ownership
The new owner of each car normally has a set number of days to transfer the registration into their name, and the deadline is not the same in every state. Missing it can mean a fine. Do it as soon as you can, ideally together on the day.
Roadworthy and safety certificates
Requirements vary. Some states need a roadworthy or safety certificate when a car is sold, while others only need the registration to be current. Check which applies to each car before you agree on the swap, because who pays for the certificate and any repairs it needs is something to settle early.
Stamp duty on transfers
Transfer duty is usually charged on the market value of the car, not on what you agreed to pay. In a swap, each person may owe duty on the car they receive. Ask your state authority how a swap is treated so there are no surprises.
Where to check the rules for your state
- New South Wales: Service NSW
- Victoria: VicRoads (Transport Victoria)
- Queensland: Department of Transport and Main Roads
- Western Australia: Department of Transport
- South Australia: Service SA
- Tasmania: Service Tasmania
- Australian Capital Territory: Access Canberra
- Northern Territory: Motor Vehicle Registry
A note on this guide
This is general information only. Fees, deadlines and certificate rules change, so confirm them with your state authority before you swap.
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General information only, not legal advice. Rules differ by state and change over time, so confirm them with your state transport authority.