How to transfer a vehicle registration in Queensland?

If you need to transfer vehicle registration in Queensland, whether you’re moving to the state, buying a used car interstate, inheriting a vehicle, or dealing with a deregistered company, this guide explains everything clearly. Transferring vehicle registration means updating the legal record for a vehicle so that the registered operator and garaging address reflect current ownership and location. In Queensland (QLD), the process depends on where you live, where the vehicle is garaged, and whether you’re transferring from an individual, a deceased estate or a non-legal entity. 

Read more: What car papers are required to transfer a car in Australia?

When would you need to transfer vehicle registration?

Here are the common situations where you must transfer your vehicle registration:

• You move to Queensland and bring a vehicle with you.
• You buy a vehicle registered in another state and plan to garage it in QLD.
• You move from Queensland to another state with your vehicle.
• You buy a Queensland-registered vehicle while living interstate.
• The registered operator has died, and you’re the beneficiary or surviving joint owner.
• The registered owner was an organisation that had ceased to be a legal entity.

How to transfer Vehicle Registration in Queensland?

Transfer Vehicle Registration in QLD in person

If a second-hand car changes hands in Queensland, the registration must be transferred within 14 days. The buyer lodges the transfer in person, and both buyer and seller must complete and sign the Vehicle Registration Transfer Application (Form F3520).

Where to lodge the transfer

The buyer can submit Form F3520 at any of the following:

• Transport and Motoring Customer Service Centre
• QGAP office, Magistrates Court or police station that provides vehicle registration services

Queensland registrations cannot be transferred to another state, nor can registrations from another state be transferred to Queensland. Interstate cars must be newly registered in QLD instead.

What should the seller do?

Sellers do not pay any fees. They must provide the buyer with:

• Current QLD safety certificate or certificate of inspection
• Gas inspection certificate (if the car is gas-equipped)
• Completed Part B of Form F3520, signed by both parties

Sellers should keep Part B until the transfer is finalised because they may remain liable for any fines or offences until the registration officially leaves their name.

Additional seller reminders:

• Remove toll tags and update Linkt
• Cancel direct-debit registration payments (if active)
• SPER enforcement actions will prevent transfer

Read more: How to transfer a vehicle registration in VIC?

What should the buyer do?

The buyer must lodge the transfer and pay:

• Registration transfer fee (exemptions apply in some cases)
• Vehicle registration duty, based on sale price or market value (whichever is higher)

Documents the buyer must bring:

• Part A of Form F3520, signed by buyer and seller
• Safety certificate/certificate of inspection
• Proof of identity (and proof of address if the garaging address is different)

If the car is being registered under an organisation, the buyer must also provide:

• Driver licence (personal ID)
• Organisation identification, e.g. ASIC or Office of Fair Trading certificate

For modified cars purchased for a person with a disability, the buyer may submit a modified-vehicle statutory declaration to claim eligible concessions.

Selling or buying a heavy vehicle

If the car is a heavy vehicle previously under the NHVAS maintenance module and will not remain in the scheme, a certificate of inspection is required before transfer.

Domestic and family violence assistance

If registration needs to be changed due to domestic or family violence, confidential advice is available via 13 23 80.

Read more: How to transfer a vehicle registration in NSW?

Transfer Vehicle Registration in QLD  online

You can transfer a Queensland-registered car online using the Department of Transport and Main Roads services. Not all car registrations are eligible, so it’s important to check before starting.

Online transfer process

Transferring a car registration online is a two-step process:

1. Seller transfers the registration out of their name.
2. Buyer finalises the transfer and pays any applicable fees and vehicle registration duty.

The seller must complete their part first. Queensland car registrations cannot be transferred to another state or territory.

Eligibility for sellers

You can transfer a car registration online if it’s being transferred to one person with a Queensland driver’s licence or customer reference number.

You cannot transfer online if the registration:

• Has personalised or customised plates
• Belongs to an organisation (with an ACN)
• Is being transferred to more than one person or an organisation

Online transfer is also not available for:

• Motorised mobility devices (wheelchairs/scooters)
• Buses or minibuses
• Cars under a Number Plate Confiscation Notice by QPS
• Special interest or conditionally registered cars

What do sellers need?

To complete an online transfer, sellers must provide:

• Buyer’s details (driver licence number, name, email)
• Vehicle details (date of sale, odometer reading, dutiable value)
• A current safety certificate or certificate of inspection

After the transfer, a confirmation email is sent to the seller.

Eligibility for buyers

Buyers can complete an online car registration transfer if:

• The seller has lodged the application online or in person
• The car registration will be in the name of one person only
• The buyer has a Queensland driver’s licence or customer reference number and has provided proof of address

Online transfer is not available if the car registration:

• Has personalised or customised plates
• Is being transferred to multiple people or an organisation
• Requires concessions or exemptions other than a family gift

What buyers need

To finalise the online transfer, buyers must provide:

• Queensland driver’s licence number or customer reference number
• Vehicle purpose, odometer reading, and sale value
• Payment for transfer fees and vehicle registration duty (if applicable)
• Renewal fees if registration has expired

Family gift duty exemptions can be declared online.

Completing an online transfer in person

If the seller lodged the transfer online, the buyer can still complete it in person at:

• Transport and Motoring Customer Service Centres
• QGAP offices, Magistrates Courts, or police stations providing vehicle registration services

Transfer Vehicle Registration in QLD when moving to or from the state

If you need to transfer vehicle registration in QLD, it’s important to act within 14 days when buying, selling, or moving a car. Whether you’re buying a car from another state or moving your Queensland-registered vehicle interstate, you must ensure the vehicle registration transfer is completed with the Department of Transport and Main Roads. 

Cars must be registered where they are primarily garaged, and you’ll need a valid safety certificate and to surrender any old number plates. If you’re leaving Queensland permanently, you can cancel your registration and claim a refund for the unexpired registration. Australian Defence Force members and their immediate family may continue using interstate registration until it expires, but after that, they must register their vehicle in the correct state. 

Always ensure the registration transfer process is lodged correctly to avoid fines, and remember that personalised or customised plates may have special requirements.

Transfer Vehicle Registration in QLD from a deceased registered operator

When a registered vehicle owner passes away, the vehicle registration must be transferred to a legal entity, such as a surviving joint owner or the deceased’s estate. If a vehicle was registered in two names, it can usually be transferred free of charge to the surviving operator with proof of death and identification; no extra forms are needed.

Beneficiaries generally must survive the deceased by 30 days to receive vehicles under a will, unless the will specifically states otherwise or the registration is being transferred to the estate. Until the transfer is completed, a restriction is placed on the vehicle, preventing renewal or other registration changes. Completing the vehicle registration transfer ensures the new owner is legally responsible for the vehicle, its safety, and any fees.

Final advice

Both the buyer and seller are responsible for ensuring the vehicle registration transfer is completed correctly and on time. Sellers should lodge the transfer or provide all required documents promptly, while buyers must finalise the registration within 14 days to avoid fines or late fees. Always check whether your vehicle is eligible for online transfer, and ensure all safety certificates, inspections, and identity documents are in order. For deceased estates or moving vehicles interstate, follow the special requirements to avoid complications.

Completing the transfer properly keeps your car legal, protects against fines, and ensures that your responsibilities for tolls, CTP insurance, and personalised plates are updated.

FAQs

How do I transfer vehicle registration?

To transfer a vehicle registration in Queensland, the seller must provide proof of sale, and the buyer needs to submit the required forms to the Department of Transport and Main Roads. You’ll typically need to show proof of identity, present the vehicle’s registration documents, and pay any applicable registration transfer fees and vehicle registration duty. The process may vary slightly depending on whether the transfer is done online or in person.

Can I transfer a vehicle registration online?

Yes, you can transfer a Queensland vehicle registration online if both the buyer and seller meet the eligibility criteria. Requirements usually include proof of identity, completed forms, and payment of transfer fees and any applicable vehicle registration duty. Not all vehicles are eligible for online transfer, so it’s essential to check before starting.

Can I transfer registration from one vehicle to another? 

No, you cannot directly transfer a Queensland vehicle registration from one car to another, as each vehicle has its own registration. However, in some cases, you may be able to transfer personalised or customised number plates to a different vehicle, subject to the rules set by the transport authority.

How to transfer vehicle registration in QLD?

To transfer vehicle registration in Queensland, the seller provides proof of sale and the buyer submits the transfer application to the Department of Transport and Main Roads, either online or in person. You’ll need proof of identity, a safety certificate, and payment for transfer fees and any applicable vehicle registration duty. The transfer must be completed within 14 days of sale.