.svg)
How to transfer your car registration in Queensland
How to transfer your car registration in Queensland
Written by
Kervin Mathew
Edited by
Ellie Garran
Reviewed by
Adrian BennettCompare car insurance policies the easy way
Save time and effort by comparing a range of car insurance quotes with iSelect
What’s a vehicle registration?
Long story short
A vehicle registration proves your vehicle is legal to drive on public roads
Having a car registered in your name recognises you as the registered operator – but not the owner.
Rego transfers are required when the car’s registered operator changes
Buying, selling, or moving a vehicle interstate typically requires a rego transfer within 14 days to avoid fines.
Typical transfer costs include a fixed transfer fee plus registration duty
Buyers generally pay a $32.55 transfer fee, plus duty based on the car’s purchase price or market value and its motor type.
What’s a vehicle registration?
A vehicle registration is an official stamp of approval from a state government confirming that your car is legal to drive on public roads across Australia and that you’re the registered operator of the vehicle. In Queensland, vehicle registrations are managed by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR).
A registration is necessary for cars, utes and motorcycles, as well as for caravans, trailers, heavy or specialised vehicles and mobility devices such as motorised wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
Heads up – A registration certificate doesn’t prove that you own a vehicle. It just proves that you’re the vehicle’s registered operator.
When would I need to transfer car rego in Queensland (Qld)?
You’ll need to transfer registrations when you buy or sell a car, or when you receive a car by other means, such as through a deceased estate or as a gift. You’ll also need to transfer registrations for cars that are moved interstate – whether that’s into or out of Qld.
When you buy or sell a used car privately
If you buy or sell a used or second-hand car in a private sale, you must ensure that the car’s rego is transferred to the new owner or operator – this involves some paperwork on both the buyer’s and seller’s part, so buckle up for the ride! And bear in mind, whichever side of the sale you’re on, the registration transfer process must be completed within 14 days.
When you receive a car from a family member
If a car’s ownership changes hands between family members or spouses (including de facto spouses and registered partners), or through a deceased estate, the car’s rego must be transferred to the person receiving the vehicle. Family members means a person’s or their spouse’s parents, grandparents, children, stepchildren, or grandchildren, plus any of those people’s spouses.
When you buy or own an interstate registered car
If you buy a car that’s registered to another state or territory and bring it into Queensland (Qld) or you’re moving to the Sunshine State with your car, you have 14 days to register the car in Qld or risk facing fines. Similarly, if you live interstate and buy a Qld-registered car, the seller must cancel the car’s rego before you register the car with your state’s or territory’s transport authority.
If you buy or sell a used car through a motor dealership, it’s a good idea to stay on top of things and see the transfer across the finish line – even if the dealer offers to take care of the rego transfer.
Can I transfer car registration online in Queensland (Qld)?
You can usually transfer car registration via the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR)’s online services, provided the rego is transferring to someone who has a customer reference number with the TMR or a Qld driver’s licence.
You won’t be able to transfer a car’s rego online if the car:
- has customised or personalised plates
- is registered under an Australian Company Number
- is being transferred to more than one person
- is conditionally registered
- is a special-interest vehicle
- runs on gas
- is registered for a purpose other than private or commercial use
- is eligible for exemptions or concessions.
You can’t apply for a new registration online. If you’re registering a car that was previously registered outside Qld, that also counts as a new registration.
Helpful tip
If you’re selling your car, you may want to cancel your insurance policy at the appropriate time as car insurance doesn’t transfer along with the rego. You might be able to get a refund for any unused premium, depending on your insurer.
Adrian Bennett
General Manager for General Insurance
How to transfer car registration in Queensland (Qld)
In Qld, you can usually transfer a car registration online or in person, though in some instances you need to do it in person. In either case, you’ll need a current Qld safety certificate or a certificate of inspection (if the vehicle is more than 4.5 tonnes). If the vehicle runs on gas or has gas fittings, you’ll also need a gas inspection certificate.
Transferring car rego online
If you’re eligible for an online rego transfer, the process begins with the seller transferring the car’s rego out of their name and ends with the buyer completing the transfer and paying the required fees and duty.
When you’re the seller
If you’re selling or giving your car to someone, you can usually do your part of the rego transfer online. Before you begin the transfer, remember to remove any direct debits you’ve put in place for rego renewals. If you have a handwritten (not electronic) safety certificate, you’ll need to submit it in person at a customer service centre before starting the online rego transfer.
When you’re ready, here are the steps to begin the rego transfer online:
- Visit the Queensland Government’s Transfer registration as seller online service.
- Enter your driver’s licence number or customer reference number and confirm your identity.
- Select the registration to transfer.
- Enter the buyer’s driver’s licence number or customer reference number, name and email address.
- Enter the date of sale, the vehicle’s value and the odometer reading at the time of sale.
- Confirm your details and submit the transfer application.
When you’re the buyer
If you’ve bought or received a registered vehicle from someone, and the seller has completed their rego transfer application, you’ll receive an email from the Department of Transport and Main Roads telling you how to complete the transfer. You’ll also need to pay the registration transfer fees and vehicle registration duty unless you’re claiming a family gift duty exemption.
Here’s how to complete the rego transfer online:
- Visit the Queensland Government’s Transfer registration as buyer online service.
- Enter your driver’s licence number or customer reference number and confirm your identity and address.
- Select the registration to transfer and confirm the details of the sale.
- Enter the car’s purpose of use, the vehicle’s value, the odometer reading at the time of sale, and the duty exemption, if you’re eligible.
- Confirm the transfer details and pay the transfer fees.
Transferring car rego in person
Transferring registration in person is similar to doing it online. Still, it can be a bit more hands-on, with the buyer and seller needing to fill out and sign transfer forms and the buyer (or both) visiting a customer service centre. If the seller lodged their transfer application online, a buyer can complete the rego transfer online or in person.
Typically, you’d transfer your rego in person at a transport and motoring customer service centre, but it can also be done at a Queensland Government Agent Program office, Magistrates Court or police station that offers vehicle registration services.
When you’re the seller
If you’re selling your car or giving it to someone, you’ll also need to give them a current safety certificate or certificate of inspection and a gas inspection certificate from within the past 3 months, if applicable.
Here’s how to transfer a Queensland rego out of your name in person:
- Complete and sign (and have the buyer sign) Part B of the vehicle registration transfer application (F3520) form.
- Cancel any direct debits attached to the car’s registration.
Generally, it’s a good idea to hold on Part B of the transfer form until you can confirm that the car is no longer registered to your name.
When you’re the buyer
Before you complete the transfer process, ensure that the seller has given you a current safety certificate or certificate of inspection and a gas inspection certificate from within the past 3 months, if applicable.
When you’re ready, here’s how you complete the rego transfer:
- Complete and sign (and have the seller sign) Part A of the vehicle registration transfer application (F3520) form.
- Take Part A of the form and the safety or inspection certificate to a transport and motoring customer service centre, Queensland Government Agent Program office, Magistrates Court, or police station that offers vehicle registration services.
- If you’re a new customer, you’ll need to submit a new customer application.
- Submit your form along with the necessary proofs of identity and address.
Note: If you’re transferring the rego of a vehicle modified to suit a person living with a disability, you’ll also need to complete and submit a modified vehicle statutory declaration.
How much does it cost to transfer car rego in Queensland (Qld)?
According to the Queensland Government, the cost of transferring a vehicle registration is $32.55 (as of 1 July 2025) – and if you’re transferring personalised number plates, the fee is $118.10. You’ll also need to pay vehicle registration duty. This is calculated based on the car’s motor type (hybrid, electric, or number of cylinders) and its dutiable value, which is the total amount paid by the purchaser or the car’s market value – whichever is higher.
As the recipient of a vehicle, you might be able to apply for duty exemption for cars that:
- were previously registered interstate or in Qld
- are being registered under a business name
- were received as a gift from a family member or from a deceased estate
- are being registered as part of a matrimonial matter or a small business restructure (sole traders, partnerships, or trusts)
- are used for primary production or charities
- are being registered by ex-service persons or someone who has lost use of either leg.
Qld car registration costs are shared by the buyer and seller. The buyer pays the transfer fee and vehicle registration duty. The seller needs to provide the buyer with safety certificates, which cost $99.35 for most cars, vans and utes.
How does car insurance work for registration transfers?
Car insurance doesn’t transfer along with registration. That means as a buyer, you’ll need to get your own car insurance policy for your new vehicle. As a seller, you’ll need to get in touch with your current insurance provider and cancel your car insurance. Depending on your insurer, you may be able to get a refund of any unused premium.
Are you thinking, ‘What about compulsory third-party insurance?’ No dramas there – when car rego changes hands in Queensland, the CTP insurance goes along with it. If you want to, you can switch CTP providers any time; this will take effect when your registration renews.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a roadworthy certificate to transfer car rego in Queensland?
Yes. The seller needs to provide a current safety certificate or certificate of inspection to the buyer, so the buyer can complete the registration transfer process.
How do I transfer the ownership of an unregistered vehicle?
To transfer an unregistered vehicle into your name, you’ll need take the vehicle to a transport and motoring customer service centre, as it might need a pre-registration inspection. If a car’s been unregistered for more than 3 months, it has to be treated as a new registration.
If you need to drive the vehicle to the inspection, you may need to get an unregistered vehicle permit and compulsory third-party insurance.
Do I have to change my driver’s licence if I move to Queensland (Qld)?
You must apply for a Qld-issued driver’s licence if you’ve been living in Qld for at least 3 months and you’re an Australian citizen or permanent or special category visa holder.
How do I get car insurance after buying a car?
Getting car insurance after you’ve bought a new set of wheels can be cinch, especially after you’ve jumped through the hoops of transferring regos and whatnot! Simply use the iSelect comparison tool to find car insurance policies from a range of well-known car insurance brands in Australia. After pitting policies and their premiums against each other, you can go with the one you prefer – all in a matter of minutes!
Get started on comparing car insurance policies!
Save time and effort by comparing a range of car insurance quotes with iSelect
iSelect General Pty Ltd (ABN 90 131 798 126. AFSL 334115) has partnered with Compare the Market (ABN 83 117 323 378. AFSL 422926) to compare a range of car insurers and policies. Not all providers in the market or all policies offered by the partners are compared and not all policies or special offers are available to all customers.
A number of our participating general insurance brands are arranged by Auto & General Services Pty Ltd ACN 003 617 909 on behalf of Auto & General Insurance Company Limited 111 586 353, both of which are related entities of iSelect Limited. Our relationship with those companies does not impact the integrity of our comparison service. Click here to view iSelect’s range of providers.
Any advice provided by iSelect is of a general nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You need to consider the appropriateness of any information or general advice iSelect gives you, having regard to your personal situation, before acting on iSelect’s advice or purchasing any policy. You should consider iSelect’s Financial Services Guide which provides information about our services and your rights as a client of iSelect. iSelect receives commission for each policy sold that is a percentage of the premium or a flat fee. Ask us for more details before we provide you with any services.