How to transfer a vehicle registration in South Australia (SA)

When a vehicle changes hands in South Australia, the job isn’t done the moment money is exchanged. The vehicle registration transfer also needs to switch to the new owner, and fast. If you’re buying a used car privately or selling your car to someone you know, getting this step right will save you time, stress, and avoidable fees.

The vehicle registration transfer to the new owner must be done within 14 days. Miss the deadline, and you could be hit with a late transfer fee of $105, a costly mistake for many buyers of second-hand cars.

Let’s break down the process so you know exactly what to do.

Transfer Vehicle Registration Online

If the vehicle is currently registered, the easiest option is to transfer ownership online.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Number plate (registration) details
• Seller’s SA driver’s licence or client number
• Seller’s last name or organisation name

Log in to your mySAGOV account using a web browser (not the app). Once you’re logged in, select ‘Start now’ and follow the prompts, the system will guide you step by step.

Fees to expect

When transferring a registration in SA, you’ll need to pay:

• Transfer fee: $31
• Stamp duty (calculated based on the value of the vehicle)

Good news: Stamp duty does not apply to trailers or caravans with a GTM of 4.5 tonnes or less.

When you can’t transfer online

Online transfer vehicle registration is not available if:

• The vehicle is unregistered
• It’s registered interstate
• It has conditional registration
• Ownership is being transferred between partners
• It’s part of a deceased estate
• You’re applying a registration concession
• The vehicle has special plates or needs new plates
• A heavy vehicle/trailer is over 3 years old and requires an ownership inspection

If any of these apply, don’t worry, you can still complete the transfer, just not online.

Other ways to transfer a vehicle registration

To transfer vehicle registration using the paper form, you must:

• Hold an SA driver’s licence (or have previously registered a vehicle in your name in SA)
• Be transferring a vehicle already registered in SA

The form is printed on the back of the seller’s vehicle registration certificate. Both buyer and seller must sign it.

If the seller lost the certificate, they can easily download a replacement online.

Where to submit the paper transfer form

You can choose the method for vehicle registration transfer that suits you:

In person

Visit any Service SA centre with:

• Completed transfer form
• Transfer fee + stamp duty (if applicable)

By post

Mail the completed form with a cheque/money order to:

Service SA  
GPO Box 1533  
Adelaide SA 5001

Final Advice

Whether you buy a used car or sell used cars, getting the transfer vehicle registration in South Australia right protects both parties. It ensures the new owner is legally responsible for the vehicle and prevents headaches like unpaid fines or disputes later.

A few minutes of paperwork now can save you hundreds of dollars later, a smart move for anyone dealing with second-hand cars.

FAQs

1. How do I transfer vehicle registration?

Transferring registration in South Australia is a shared responsibility between buyer and seller. The seller’s role is to notify Service SA that ownership has changed, while the buyer completes the registration transfer. The transfer can be done online through mySAGOV or by submitting the paper form, and the buyer pays the transfer fee and stamp duty.

2. Can I transfer vehicle registration online?

Yes. Most transfers can be processed online using mySAGOV as long as both parties are eligible. It won’t work for deceased estates, transfers between partners, conditional vehicles, or vehicles requiring new or special plates, these need manual processing instead.

3.  Can I transfer registration from one vehicle to another?

No. In South Australia, registration isn’t portable, it stays attached to the vehicle itself. If you upgrade or replace your car, you must register the new vehicle separately. The only component that may be transferable is personalised or custom plates, which follow a different application process.

4. How do I transfer vehicle registration in South Australia?

To complete a transfer in SA, the buyer has 14 days from the sale date to put the registration into their name. They’ll need proof of identity, the vehicle’s details, sale price, and payment for the $31 transfer fee and applicable stamp duty. This applies whether you buy used car, sell used car, or trade second-hand cars privately — it ensures legal ownership moves to the right person and prevents future fines or disputes.