Transferring registration
If you are looking to purchase a second-hand vehicle, motorbike, caravan or trailer it is advisable to do some homework before finalising the sale.
You may access the vehicle information check through Vcheck. Vcheck offers those planning to buy a second-hand vehicle a quick and easy way to obtain important information before purchase. A Vcheck report can be purchased for those vehicles manufactured on or after 1 January 1989.
Then, to transfer the registration to your name you must:
- lodge a completed Transfer of Vehicle Registration Application form (F3520) and certificate of registration at a Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centre or, if you live in a rural area, a Queensland Government Agency Program office or your local police station, within 14 days of purchase. This form must be signed by both the person selling the vehicle and the person buying the vehicle
- supply a current registration certificate
- supply the original copy of a current safety certificate (unless exempt)
- supply a gas certificate if your vehicle runs on gas or is fitted with gas appliances, fittings or systems. The certificate must not be more than three months old and be from an authorised gas installer
Note: an exemption can be obtained from the Department of Mines and Energy if you are unable to obtain a gas certificate because no one is authorised to issue gas inspection certificates within a reasonable distance of your residence. Additional information and exemption forms can be obtained at the Department of Mines and Energy website or contact +61 7 3237 1626z or by email to: gassafe@dme.qld.gov.au. A copy of the exemption issued by the Department of Mines and Energy must be provided to the Department of Transport and Main Roads with an application for transfer. - provide evidence of identity
- provide organisation identification — certificate of incorporation, business registration and so on. To transfer the registration to a business name, the proprietor must also bring their Queensland driver licence as identification
Note: organisation representatives must also bring their own personal identification, such as their Queensland driver licence, and proof that they are acting on behalf of the organisation. - provide proof of garaging address
- pay any pro-rata registration fees if the disposer was granted to concessional registration
- pay a transfer fee
- pay vehicle registration duty (if applicable)
Note: there is a formula for calculating vehicle registration duty (previously called 'stamp duty'). For more information visit the Office of State Revenue website.
If you require the vehicle, motorbike, caravan or trailer to have joint registration, each person must sign the form and provide evidence of identification at the time of transfer. Special conditions apply for transfers that involve personalised plates, recreational vehicles, deceased estates, concessions, taxis and private hire vehicles. For more information call the department on 13 23 80b.
bOperates Monday to Friday 8am-5pm EST (GMT +10) excluding public holidays. Local call charge in Australia. Higher rates apply from mobile phones and payphones. For international callers phone +61 7 3834 2011 this service operates Monday to Friday 8.30am-5pm EST (GMT +10) excluding public holidays.
zLocal call — Higher rates may apply outside local area or from mobile phones.
Last updated 22 July 2009
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