How to transfer a vehicle registration in Western Australia (WA)

Whether you’re buying a used car or selling a used car in Western Australia, transferring the vehicle registration (also known as a vehicle licence in WA) is a legal must. Missing the deadline to complete the transfer can lead to penalties, so here’s the simplest way to get it right.

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

If you’re the buyer

You have 14 days from the date of purchase or gift to notify the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI) and complete the transfer.

Transfer online (fastest option)

You’ll need the following documents and details for an online vehicle registration transfer in WA:

• A DoTDirect account
• Date of sale, selling price and dutiable value
• Plate number
• Seller’s name

Simply log into DoTDirect and follow the prompts.

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

Transfer in-person or by mail (if online isn’t allowed)

Not all vehicle registration transfers can be done online. The step must be done in-person at the transport office or by mail under the following circumstances:

• Joint ownership of vehicle
• Transfer between spouses/de facto partners
• Vehicle has optional plates
• Heavy vehicles
• Company-related transfers
• Deceased estate/court order
• Details don’t match DTMI records

Steps for offline registration transfer

1. Complete the MR9 form with the seller. Seller keeps and submits the blue copy; you receive the red copy.
2. Submit the red copy at a DTMI service centre/ regional agent or post it to: Driver and Vehicle Services, GPO Box R1290, Perth WA 6844
3. If you don’t hold a WA driver’s licence, supply certified proof of identity.

Is it paid or is it free?

Expect an invoice after lodgement for:

• Vehicle licence transfer fee
• Vehicle licence duty (use an online calculator to estimate)
• Adjustment debt if the vehicle previously had a concession you’re not eligible for

If no invoice or communication arrives within 21 days, contact DTMI.

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

If you’re the seller

You must notify DTMI within 7 days that you are no longer the owner, otherwise, penalties may apply.

Transfer online (DoTDirect)

You’ll need the following details for the online vehicle license transfer:

• Date of sale, selling price and dutiable value
• Plate number
• Buyer’s name and address

Steps to transfer by MR9 form

1. Complete and submit the seller’s (blue) copy within 7 days.
2. Give the buyer:
   • The purchaser’s (red) copy
   • Vehicle licence document + any relevant paperwork

What about the number plates?

• If sold with the vehicle, buyer must transfer them and pay the plate transfer fee.
• If you want to keep them, return/exchange plates at a DTMI service centre before selling.
• If not selling plates, replace them with standard plates before selling.

Selling to an interstate buyer

A used car with a valid/active Western Australian vehicle licence cannot be transferred to a non-WA resident. You must complete the following steps to sell your car interstate:

• Return WA plates to DTMI before sale
• Sell the vehicle unlicensed
• You may be eligible for a registration refund, effective from the date the plates are returned

Read more: How to transfer a vehicle registration in QLD.

Buy or sell a vehicle in Western Australia 

When a WA-licensed vehicle (car, caravan, motorcycle or trailer) changes hands, the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI) must be notified:

Role	Time limit	Penalty risk
Seller	Within 7 days	No penalty (but delays may cause issues for the buyer)
Buyer	Within 14 days	Penalties apply if late

Other transfer situations

• Vehicle transferred from interstate: requires inspection at an Authorised Inspection Station + certificate of inspection
• Vessel (boat) transfers: handled through a separate vessel transfer process

Restrictions on transfer of vehicle registration

A transfer cannot go ahead unless:

• The vehicle has no encumbrances, such as outstanding finance (both parties should check the licence status online)
• The vehicle is currently licensed. If the licence expired 15+ days ago, it is no longer authorised. The new owner must get the vehicle inspected and apply for a new licence rather than a transfer
• There are no court orders on the vehicle. If one exists, the transfer is blocked until the court order is lifted and evidence is shown to DTMI.

Other important conditions

• For joint ownership, only one individual can be listed as the vehicle licence holder
• Motor vehicle dealers must hold a dealer’s licence
• An Enduring Power of Attorney holder can sell on behalf of the owner with certified EPA copies + MR9 form
• Disputes over ownership follow the competing claims process

Final advice

Transferring a vehicle registration in Western Australia is straightforward as long as each party completes their part on time. Buyers have 14 days, and sellers have 7 days; notifying DTMI protects both sides from penalties, fines, unexpected toll charges, and ownership disputes. The safest approach is to complete the transfer immediately on DoTDirect or lodge the MR9 form without delay if online transfer isn’t allowed.

Before money or keys change hands, both parties should confirm the vehicle is currently licensed, free of finance and not subject to a court order. Don’t rely on the other party to lodge the paperwork; keep proof of your submission and follow up if you don’t receive confirmation or an invoice. Acting quickly and keeping records makes the entire transfer stress-free and straightforward.

FAQs

1. How do I transfer vehicle registration?

To transfer a vehicle registration in Western Australia, the seller must notify the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI) of the sale and provide the buyer with proof of sale. The buyer then completes the transfer either online through DoTDirect or in person using the MR9 form. You’ll need proof of identity, vehicle and sale details, and payment for the transfer fee and vehicle licence duty.

2. Can I transfer vehicle registration online?

Yes. In WA, most vehicle registration (vehicle licence) transfers can be completed online through DoTDirect, provided both the buyer and seller meet the eligibility criteria, and there are no special conditions such as deceased estates, joint ownership changes, optional number plates or court orders.

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

No. Vehicle registration cannot be transferred between vehicles in WA because each car has its own registration (vehicle licence). Special or personalised plates can sometimes be transferred separately through the WA plate transfer rules.

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

To transfer a vehicle registration (vehicle licence) in WA, the seller must notify the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI) of the sale, and the buyer completes the transfer either online through DoTDirect or in person using the MR9 form. The buyer will need proof of identity, the vehicle’s details, the date and price of sale, and must pay the vehicle licence transfer fee and vehicle licence duty.