How to transfer REGO in NSW?

Buying or selling a car in New South Wales is exciting but navigating through bundles of paperwork is a roadblock. Whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned seller, understanding how to transfer REGO in NSW is essential to avoid late fees and legal headaches.

Service NSW has further streamlined its digital platforms, making it easier than ever to complete a transfer REGO online in NSW. This comprehensive blog breaks down everything you need to know about the Notice of Disposal, NSW fees and step by step process of a  NSW REGO transfer.

The Essentials of Transferring Car Ownership in NSW

When a car changes ownership, the legal responsibility must move from the seller to the buyer (new owner). This process is officially known as a transfer of registration in NSW. This is a two-part process involving both parties.

• The seller’s Responsibility: Lodge a Notice of Disposal, NSW.

• The Buyer’s Responsibility: Complete the REGO transfer of registration in NSW and pay the associated fees.

Failing to complete these steps within 14 days of the sale can result in a late transfer surcharge of $188, whereas the standard fee is $41.

Eligibility to Transfer Registration Online

You can transfer the registration online if:

•  You are transferring the ownership of a vehicle registered in NSW
• The previous owner submitted a Notice of Disposal.

Eligibility to Visit the Service NSW Centre

You will need to visit the Service NSW Centre to transfer the registration if:

• The vehicle’s previous owner has not submitted a NOD.
• You’ve bought the vehicle on behalf of an organisation/business or from an interstate seller.
• You are transferring the registration due to the death of the owner.
• You are transferring the registration as the carer or guardian of the vehicle’s owner.
• The vehicle is a heavy vehicle with a gross vehicle mass of over 4.5 tonnes.
• The vehicle has special or personalised number plates you don’t want to keep.
• The vehicle’s previous NSW registration expired more than 3 months ago.
• You are entitled to a stamp duty exemption.

For Sellers- The Notice of Disposal (NOD)

Before the buyer can even start the transfer REGO NSW process, the seller must notify Transport for NSW that they no longer own the vehicle.

Why the Notice of Disposal is Critical

Submitting a Notice of Disposal NSW immediately after the sale protects you from:

• Parking and speeding fines incurred by the new owner
• Legal liability if the vehicle is involved in an accident
• Tolling charges (You can manually remove the vehicle from your e-tag account)

How to Submit the NOD

The quickest way to do it is through the Service NSW website or app. You will need:

• The vehicle’s registration number
• The date of sale and sale price
• The buyer’s NSW driver’s license number

Once the seller lodges this into the system, it unlocks the vehicle, which allows the buyer to initiate the NSW transfer REGO process.

For Buyers- Completing the NSW REGO Transfer

Once the seller has done their part, it’s your turn to transfer car ownership in NSW. As a buyer, you will have a 14-day window to finish this process.

Eligibility/Requirements for an Online Transfer

You can transfer REGO online in NSW if:

• The vehicle is already registered in NSW (interstate transfers must be done in person).
• The seller has already lodged the Notice of Disposal, NSW.
• You hold a current NSW driver’s licence or a MyServiceNSW account.

Performing an Online REGO Check

Before you hand over any money, it is highly recommended to perform an online REGO Check in NSW. This free service allows you to verify:

• If the registration is currently active.
• The expiry date of the current REGO.
• If there are any restrictions on the vehicle that might change the price of your future renewals.

The Costs Involved in an NSW Transfer REGO

A common question is “How much does it cost to transfer REGO in NSW

Fee Type	Cost
Transfer fee(Within 14 days)	$41
Late transfer fee (after 14 days)	$188
Motor vehicle duty (Stamp duty)	$3 per $100
Stamp duty ($45,000 + value)	$1,350+ $5 per $100 over $45k

Tip: Stamp duty is calculated on either the purchase price or the market value- whichever is higher. Transport for NSW monitors these figures closely, so ensure the market value reported matches reality to avoid penalties.

Step-by-Step Guide to Transfer REGO online in NSW

Follow these steps to complete your NSW REGO transfer from your computer or phone:

1. Log in and access your MyServiceNSW account at https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/
2. Select “Find Services” followed by the “Driving and transport” selection.
3. Choose “Vehicle Registrations” and select “Transfer a vehicle registration.”
4. Enter the plate number and date of purchase.
5. Enter the price you paid and the system will calculate the stamp duty automatically.
6. Use a credit card or BPAY to settle the transfer fee and stamp duty.
7. Save your digital receipt. Your transfer of registration in NSW is now complete.

Transfer Registration at Service Centre

To complete registration at the service centre, you will need:

• The completed registration PDF form
• Your proof of identity
• Your concession details (if applicable)
• The vehicle certificate of registration, completed and signed on the back by the seller or other proof of registration entitlement
• Your payment

What Happens to My CTP Insurance (Green Slip)?

One of the benefits of an NSW transfer REGO is that the Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance or Green Slip is attached to the vehicle, not to the owner. When you transfer car ownership in NSW, the remaining CTP coverage automatically moves to you. You do not need to buy a new Green Slip until the current registration period expires.

Similarly, if the car is more than five years old, the safety check (Pink Slip) remains valid for the duration of the current registration. You will only need a new inspection when it is time for your next online REGO check in NSW and renewal.

Interstate Transfer

If you have moved to NSW from another state/territory or purchased a vehicle from another state, you will need to register your vehicle in NSW. A vehicle without NSW registration is considered unregistered and you will be fined if you drive an unregistered or uninsured vehicle.

If you bought a car from another state, you cannot transfer REGO online in NSW. You must visit a Service NSW centre in person, provide a “Blue Slip” (an unregistered vehicle inspection report) and surrender the interstate plates.

What You Need for Interstate Transfer

As per the official NSW government website, for an interstate transfer, you will need:

• The PDF form- ‘Application for Registration’
• Your proof of identity
• Proof of registration entitlement
• The original hard copy of an Authorised Unregistered Vehicle Inspection Scheme (AUVIS) report (blue slip) or Heavy Vehicle Authorised Inspection Scheme (HVAIS) report, issued no more than 4 days prior
• The original number plates
• Compulsory Third-Party (CTP) insurance
• Vehicle Safety Compliance Certification Scheme (VSCCS) compliance certificate (if the vehicle has been modified)
• Evidence of pensioner or concession entitlement (if applicable)
• Your fee payment

How to Apply for Interstate Transfer

1. Download PDF form  
2. Fill in the form with accurate information
3. Gather the required documents and your old number plate
4. Take the duly filled form, required documents and number plates to a service centre and lodge your application.

Transferring to Spouse or a Family Member

In many cases, a transfer of registration in NSW between spouses or de facto partners is exempt from stamp duty. However, you must still lodge the paperwork and pay the $41 transfer fee.

Conclusion

• 14 Days: This is your magic number. Complete your REGO transfer in NSW within this timeframe to avoid the $188 late fee.
• Notice of Disposal: Sellers must do this first. Don’t leave the buyer’s house without confirming they have the details to lodge the Notice of Disposal, NSW.
• Check Before You Buy: Use the online REGO check NSW tool to ensure the vehicle isn’t stolen, written off or burdened with debt.
• Go Digital: If both parties have a MyService NSW account, the transfer of REGO online, NSW, will take less than 10 minutes.

By following the above steps, you ensure that the NSW transfer REGO is handled professionally and legally. It protects the seller from future fines and gives the buyer peace of mind. Whether you are navigating a REGO transfer in NSW for a small hatchback or heavy duty 4WD, stay updated.