How to transfer a vehicle registration in Tasmania

Buying a car in Tasmania? Congratulations! The final, crucial step is to transfer the vehicle registration into your name. This legal step in the process of buying a used car ensures you are the recognised owner and responsible operator. Don’t worry, we’ve broken down everything you need to know to make your vehicle registration transfer in Tasmania quick and easy.

Why must you transfer vehicle registration?

In Tasmania, when you purchase a second-hand car, you must transfer the registration into your name within 14 days. Missing this deadline can result in penalties. If you’re selling your car, you also need to dispose of the registration properly to avoid liability for any future incidents involving the vehicle.

How to transfer vehicle registration?

You can do a vehicle registration transfer online or at a Service Centre in Tasmania.

Transfer vehicle registration online

• Time required: About 10 minutes.
• Eligibility: Both buyer and seller must have a Tasmanian licence. Organisations need a customer identification number.
• Requirements:
  • Vehicle registration number
  • Vehicle identification number (VIN) or chassis number
  • Surnames of both buyer and seller (or organisation name)
  • Date of purchase
  • Purchase price or market value (whichever is higher)
  • Payment

Note: If either party doesn’t have a Tasmanian licence, you must visit a Service Centre outlining the process for any interstate rego transfers.

Transfer vehicle registration at Service Centre Transfer

• Requirements:
  • Completed transfer application form (or reverse of registration certificate) signed by all parties
  • Tasmanian driver licence or other proof of identity
  • Proof of exemption from duty (if applicable)
  • Payment
    
• Additional requirements if registering the purchased vehicle in another person’s or company’s name:
  • Letter of authority and ID of the original owner or company representative

If you’re looking to transfer the vehicle registration in a different state, check out our comprehensive guide for the same.

Who can register a vehicle?

• Light vehicles: Maximum of 2 joint operators, over 16 years old
• Heavy vehicles (over 4.5 tonnes GVM): Only one registered operator, over 18 years old
• Organisations: Must be registered with ASIC and have a Tasmanian garage address

Proving your identity

There are two ways to prove your identity:

1. Tasmanian driver licence (even if expired up to 2 years)
2. Identity documents if there is no licence:
   • One category A + two category B, or
   • Two category A + one category B
   • Must be originals, in English, show current Tasmanian address and signature

If your name or address has changed and does not match the details in the identity documents, bring supporting documents to the .

Costs for Vehicle Registration Transfer

• Transfer fees and stamp duty may apply, based on market value or purchase price
• Duty exemptions exist for some vehicles; approval may be needed from the State Revenue Office
• Online payments: Visa or Mastercard
• Service Centre payments: Cash, cheque, debit/credit card

Important tips for vehicle registration transfer 

• If the vehicle has TasPlates, you must transfer them to the new owner or replace them before selling.
• Some vehicles may not be transferable; check the registration certificate for conditions.
• For interstate or imported vehicles, special registration rules apply.
• Vehicles unregistered for less than 3 months require backdated renewal fees.
• For vehicles with 10+ seats, they must be registered as a large public passenger vehicle, but private buyers may be exempt from extra premiums.

Quick checklist before you transfer vehicle registration

• Verify vehicle registration status online
• Gather required documents (ID, transfer forms, proof of purchase)
• Check if duty applies or if you’re eligible for exemption
• Decide whether to transfer online or at a Service Centre
• Make payment for transfer and any applicable duty

Final thoughts

Always transfer your vehicle registration within 14 days of purchase to avoid penalties. Double-check all documents, verify the vehicle’s registration status, and keep proof of payment. Whether online or at a Service Centre, following the correct process ensures a smooth, legal transfer and protects both buyers and sellers from future disputes or unexpected costs.

FAQs

How do I transfer vehicle registration?

You can transfer vehicle registration by providing proof of identity, purchase details, and payment to your state transport authority. This can be done online or at a service centre, depending on eligibility.

Can I transfer vehicle registration online? 

Yes. Vehicle registration can be transferred online if both the buyer and seller meet the licence requirements set by the transport authority and have the necessary vehicle and purchase details ready.

Can I transfer registration from one vehicle to another?

No. Registration cannot be moved from one vehicle to another. Each vehicle must have its own registration, and any transfer applies only to the change of ownership for that specific vehicle.

How do I transfer vehicle registration in Tasmania?

To transfer vehicle registration in Tasmania, complete the transfer through Transport Services online or at a Service Tasmania Service Centre. You’ll need the registration number, VIN, purchase date, purchase price, identity proof, and payment, within 14 days of buying the vehicle.