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Buyers' and sellers' checklists
Print these checklists and use them when buying or selling a used vehicle.
Buyers' checklist
Check that:
- the registration certificate is in the seller's name — although this is not proof of ownership
- the vehicle has a Queensland safety certificate or certificate of inspection (COI)
- the Queensland safety certificate or certificate of inspection has not expired
- the Queensland safety certificate or certificate of inspection is displayed on the vehicle
- the Queensland safety certificate or certificate of inspection identifies the issuing approved inspection station
- the vehicle has been inspected by an independent mechanic
- if the vehicle runs on gas or is fitted with gas appliances, fittings or systems the vehicle may require a gas certificate. The certificate must not be more than three months old and must be from an authorised gas installer
- both sections of the Transfer of Vehicle Registration Application form (F3520) have been completed and signed by both the person selling the vehicle and the person buying the vehicle
- you (the buyer) must lodge part A (Transfer Application) of the Transfer of Vehicle Registration Application form at a Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centre within 14 days of purchase.
You are also advised to do a Vcheck to ensure that the vehicle is not:
- financially encumbered — this could result in the vehicle being legally repossessed
- written off
- stolen.
If you buy a vehicle from a motor dealer, they must supply a Register of Encumbered Vehicles (REVS) check.
Sellers' checklist
Make sure:
- you have provided a registration certificate in the seller's name — although this is not proof of ownership
- you have obtained a Queensland safety certificate or certificate of inspection (COI)
- the Queensland safety certificate or certificate of inspection has not expired
- the Queensland safety certificate or certificate of inspection identifies the issuing approved inspection station
- the Queensland safety certificate or certificate of inspection is attached to a conspicuous part of the vehicle when it is offered for sale
- if the vehicle runs on gas or is fitted with gas appliances, fittings or systems the vehicle may require a gas certificate. The certificate must not be more than three months old and be from an authorised gas installer
- both sections of the Transfer of Vehicle Registration Application form (F3520) have been completed and signed by both the person selling the vehicle and the person buying the vehicle
- you (the seller) keep Part B (Proof of Transfer/Notice of Disposal) of the Transfer of Vehicle Registration Application form
- you keep the yellow copy of the Queensland safety certificate
- you keep the above documents as proof of transfer until the vehicle is transferred out of your name
- if you (the seller) reasonably believe the buyer has not applied for transfer of the vehicle's registration within 14 days, you may lodge Part B (Proof of Transfer/Notice of Disposal) at a Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centre together with a copy of the Queensland safety certificate/certificate of inspection.
Last updated 06 November 2009
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