BUYING TIPS
- Stamp duty is payable by everyone who buys a second hand car who is not a car dealer. It is 3% of the purchase price up to $45,000.00 then 5% for every dollar after that. They also hit you up with a $32 fee on top of that – like they’re not getting enough already!
- You have 14 days (not working days) to transfer your car
- The RMS is open on Saturday mornings until noon
- Most of the forms you need are available online – Click Here
- If you buy a car without number plates you are not allowed to drive it unless you are on the way to get a Blue Slip. This slip is also required if the car has run out of rego for more than 3 months
- You can renew all of your registration needs online. As long as you have a current CTP – Compulsory Third Party Green Silp & a NSW Roadworthy certificate which are also online.
- You can now perform a Vehicle History Check via the RMA website or the PPRS web site (Personal Property Security Register). This check will tell you how many owners a car has had, when it changed hands, whether it has been a repairable write off
- You are allowed to let your car run out of rego if you are going overseas or not using it
- You can now register your car for 6 MONTHS
- If you want someone else to go to the RTA for you in most cases you can. Simply download the form & authorise them to do so.
- To download a Statutory Declaration form which are hard to come across click here (PDF)
Vehicle Registration
Registration stickers have been a thing of the past since 2013 – now it’s all managed online. While that makes things easier, it also means it’s up to you to stay on top of your rego.
Be aware that police vehicles use number plate recognition to instantly check if a car is registered and insured. If your rego lapses, you can be hit with serious fines.
As of late 2024, the on-the-spot fines in NSW are:
- $818 for driving or parking an unregistered vehicle
- $818 for driving or parking an uninsured vehicle
That’s a total of $1,636 if you’re caught without both. And if it goes to court, the penalties can be even higher.
Before buying a second-hand car – you can use the free Revs Check service to check if it’s registered and get other useful info
Why it's Smart to Check a Vehicle's History
When you buy from a licensed motor dealer, you’re protected. You’re guaranteed clear title – meaning the car isn’t stolen, written off, or under finance – and you also get peace of mind knowing there are no hidden fines or encumbrances.
Buying privately doesn’t offer those same protections, which is why purchasing through a licensed dealer is the safer choice.
If you’re still curious about a vehicle’s history, the free online rego check through Service NSW is a great tool. All you need is the vehicle’s VIN, chassis or engine number, and the rego number (from any Australian state), and you can access:
- Current registration status
- Any registration restrictions
- If the car has been written off
- Whether it’s eligible for registration in NSW
Important Note: Since 31 October 2010, legislation has prohibited re-registering certain written-off vehicles in NSW. That’s another reason why buying through a licensed dealer ensures you’re not caught out.
Want to check a car now? Click the button below to visit the official Service NSW vehicle check page:
Green Slip Price Check Tool
Use the official Green Slip Price Check tool to quickly compare CTP Green Slip insurance quotes from all licensed insurers in NSW. It’s easy to use and helps you find the best price for your vehicle type.
Insurance Companies
Handy Links
Why buy in NSW vs. Other States?
- In NSW every motor car older than 5 years old from the date of first registration requires a roadworthy certificate.
- In QLD you only need one when you sell your car.
- In VIC you only need one when you sell your car.
- In ACT you only need one when you sell your car.
- This is why we sell roughly 1 in 8 cars interstate.
Buying at an Auction House
- No test drives.
- No inspections.
- No warranty.
- No peace of mind.
- A sure way to keep your mechanic happy.
