How do I transfer registration in NSW?

Many people need to transfer registration of their vehicle at some time. Perhaps you want to buy or sell a car. Or you’ve moved to NSW and have to transfer registration from your state or territory. Find out what you need to do to transfer registration in NSW.

Why do I need to transfer registration?

There are 3 main reasons to transfer registration in NSW:

1. You’re buying a NSW-registered car.
2. You’re selling a NSW-registered car.
3. You’ve moved to NSW with an interstate vehicle or are buying an interstate vehicle.

Buying a NSW-registered car – How do I transfer registration?

This is what to do if you’ve just bought a car:

• Register the car in your own name within 14 days or pay a late transfer fee.
• You can register it online as long as the previous owner submits a Notice of Disposal within 14 days.
• You must register the car in person at Service NSW if the previous owner doesn’t submit a Notice of Disposal within 14 days.

Buying a NSW-registered car – What happens to the green slip?

If you buy a registered car, it has a green slip already on it. No vehicle can be registered without a green slip. This means the green slip transfers with the registration to you.

• Once Service NSW knows about the transfer of ownership, it tells the insurer you are the new owner.
• When it’s time to renew registration, the green slip renewal will have your details.

However, if you buy an unregistered car, you need to start a new registration and buy a green slip.

Selling a NSW-registered car – How do I transfer registration?

This is what to do if you have just sold a car:

• Lodge a Notice of Disposal immediately to let Service NSW know you are no longer the owner.
• Show the new owner proof they are entitled to register the car, such as Certificate of Registration, motor dealer warranty or proof of purchase.
• The new owner must register the vehicle in their name (see Buying a car).

Selling a NSW-registered car – What happens to the green slip?

When you sell your car, the green slip remains on the registered car you sold. You can’t get a refund on your green slip.

You can get a refund of any unused green slip only if you cancel registration on the car:

• Show your green slip insurer proof of cancelled registration from Service NSW.
• Your insurer will give a pro rata refund less costs.

Moving from interstate with an interstate car or buying an interstate vehicle – How do I transfer registration to NSW?

After 3 months in NSW, it’s illegal to own a vehicle registered in another state but garaged in NSW. You need to transfer your car’s registration to NSW.

There are 3 steps to transfer registration to NSW:

1. Get a safety and identity check of your vehicle (blue slip) from an authorised mechanic.
2. Buy a green slip (CTP insurance). Compare prices from all insurers at greenslips.com.au.
3. Go in person to Service NSW with documents that prove your identity, residential address in NSW and entitlement to register the vehicle.

1. What is a blue slip?

A blue slip is an in-depth safety and identity check of the vehicle. Most mechanics in NSW are authorised to do this inspection. A blue slip is valid for only 42 days. Make sure you’re ready to register your vehicle within that time.

2. What is a green slip?

A green slip is the name given in NSW to compulsory third party (CTP) insurance. Your green slip pays compensation to people who are killed or injured in a road accident involving your vehicle. You have a choice of 6 insurers and they all provide the same cover by law.

3. Go to Service NSW

When you attend Service NSW, you have to:

• Pay the registration fee, stamp duty and a fee for the number plates
• Show a physical copy of the blue slip (your green slip is sent online).
• Immediately attach the new number plates to your vehicle.

Documents you need to register your vehicle the first time in NSW

Use a registration calculator for a guide to the cost of registration, not including the cost of a green slip or blue slip.

Remember to cancel registration in the previous state or territory. This will also cancel that state or territory’s CTP insurance on the vehicle.

Compare all 6 green slip insurers without commercial bias.