How Much Does It Cost To Change Car Ownership In Victoria?

Buying a new automobile might make you feel like you’re starting a new chapter in your life, ready to hit the road and see the world in a whole new way. Nevertheless, before that can occur, you must first complete an essential administrative task: shifting registration from the seller to you.

The cost of this procedure is important information for anyone living in or travelling through Victoria who owns or operates a motor vehicle. Today’s post examines the process of transferring car ownership in Victoria, Australia, and the associated fees charged by VicRoads. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about transferring car ownership.

How Can Buyers Transfer Registration in the State of Victoria?

VicRoads requires individuals to transfer a new car’s registration to their name within 14 days of taking possession, whether they received it as a gift or purchased it. 

The transfer can now be completed online through MyVicRoads, eliminating the need to visit a VicRoads CSC in person. 

However, prior to sharing the roadworthy certificate with VicRoads and paying the transfer fees, the seller must first submit a Notice of Disposal using their MyVicRoads account.

In-Person Purchases

You’ll need a few things to complete a vehicle transfer in Victoria.

To begin, you’ll need a signed car transfer form with the seller’s information filled out. The transfer form is structured to lead you through the buying process step-by-step to guarantee accuracy.

Second, you must complete the transfer form with a VicRoads customer number or a Victorian licence. If you don’t have any of these, you can still visit a VicRoads Customer Service Centre and present robust evidence of identity.

To complete a car transfer in Victoria, one must have a valid roadworthy certificate (RWC) issued within the past 30 days. However, certain transfers, such as those between spouses or domestic partners, or when a vehicle is passed on to a surviving partner or authorised representative, do not require an RWC.

Finally, the motor vehicle duty and transfer charge, if any, must be paid.

However, the article goes on to explain that there are several scenarios in which these costs wouldn’t apply.

Finally, it’s important to remember that online registration transfers are only sometimes possible.

If the seller still needs to upload the Notice of Disposal to your VicRoads account, or if you’re purchasing the car for a business, you may run into this problem. A trip to a VicRoads Customer Service Centre will be required in this case.

Purchasing From A Dealer

As per the guidelines provided by VicRoads, the responsibility of transferring vehicle ownership to the buyer’s name lies with the dealer. It means that the buyer needs to complete the transfer paperwork at the dealership and pay the transfer fee and motor vehicle duty, if applicable.

To ensure transparency and maintain a record, VicRoads recommends that buyers keep copies of the finalised transfer form, RWC, and sales contract.

Additionally, it is essential to note that the compulsory third-party (CTP) insurance that comes with a Victorian car registration is also transferred to the new operator during the registration transfer process. It is advisable to compare the available options for full coverage auto insurance and protection using Canstar’s database to make an informed decision.

What Are The Steps To Changing The Ownership Of A Vehicle In Victoria?

Selling Privately

If you sell or give away a Victoria-registered vehicle, the new owner has 14 days to contact VicRoads and arrange for the registration to be transferred into their name. A Roadworthy certificate (RWC) from an authorised vehicle inspection is required for this transaction to go through unless an exemption applies.

The transfer of a vehicle requires the seller’s signature and information as well. In addition, the purchaser needs to provide proof of ownership in the form of a current registration certificate or a renewal copy notification from myVicRoads. The seller may be held liable for the new owner’s traffic infractions if the transfer and payment are not submitted within 14 days.

VicRoads recommends that before selling or donating a car, the owner create a Notice of Disposal in their myVicRoads account.

This notifies VicRoads of the sale and lowers the possible penalties for future traffic offences. Instead, the seller will need to go to a customer service centre with a completed car transfer form and government-issued identity in order to start the transfer procedure after the transaction has been made.

Trying to Sell to a Car Dealer

When you sell your car to a dealership, the registration must be transferred out of your name, per VicRoads regulations. To finalise the transfer, simply sign the form and keep a copy for your files.

Can You Keep Your Specialty or Collector License Plates?

VicRoads suggests notifying them, cancelling the car registration, and removing the custom plates if you wish to maintain your personalised licence plates.

However, before finalising the sale of the registered car, you must go to VicRoads, pay the money to be granted new number plates (currently $38.40), and affix the new plates to the vehicle. If you sell your car with personalised licence plates still on, the new owner will become legally responsible for maintaining the plates.

Conclusion

In this article, we’ll take a look at VicRoads’ car ownership transfer procedures and the fees that must be paid. A VicRoads customer number or a Victorian licence is required, as is a roadworthy certificate (RWC) issued within the past 30 days, and the payment of any applicable motor vehicle duty and transfer charge. 

A VicRoads customer number or a Victorian licence, as well as a valid RWC issued within the past 30 days, are required for in-person purchases.

Vehicle transfer fees and import duties (if applicable) must be paid. To ensure openness and keep a record, VicRoads suggests that purchasers keep copies of the completed transfer form, RWC, and sales contract.

Private sellers have 14 days to contact VicRoads to transfer the registration into the new owner’s name. Buyers are encouraged by VicRoads to investigate and contrast multiple quotes for comprehensive auto insurance. 

A Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) issued by a licenced inspection facility, the seller’s details, and a current registration certificate or renewal copy notification from myVicRoads are all needed to transfer ownership of a vehicle in Victoria. When selling a car to a dealership, the seller must remove their name from the vehicle’s registration. 

The seller must go to VicRoads and pay the fee for new number plates (currently $38.40) if they want to keep their personalised plates.

Content Summary

• Transferring car ownership in Victoria is an essential administrative task when buying or selling a vehicle.
• The cost of transferring car ownership is important information for anyone living or travelling through Victoria.
• VicRoads requires individuals to transfer a new car’s registration to their name within 14 days of taking possession.
• The transfer can now be completed online through MyVicRoads, eliminating the need to visit a VicRoads CSC in person.
• The seller must first submit a Notice of Disposal using their MyVicRoads account before sharing the roadworthy certificate with VicRoads and paying the transfer fees.
• To complete a vehicle transfer in person, a signed car transfer form with the seller’s information filled out is needed.
• One must have a valid roadworthy certificate (RWC) issued within the past 30 days to complete a car transfer in Victoria.
• Certain transfers, such as those between spouses or domestic partners, or when a vehicle is passed on to a surviving partner or authorised representative, do not require an RWC.
• The motor vehicle duty and transfer charge, if any, must be paid to complete the transfer.
• Online registration transfers are only sometimes possible.
• If the seller still needs to upload the Notice of Disposal to your VicRoads account, or if you’re purchasing the car for a business, you may need to visit a VicRoads Customer Service Centre.
• The responsibility of transferring vehicle ownership to the buyer’s name lies with the dealer when purchasing from a dealer.
• VicRoads recommends that buyers keep copies of the finalised transfer form, RWC, and sales contract.
• Compulsory third-party (CTP) insurance that comes with a Victorian car registration is also transferred to the new operator during the registration transfer process.
• It is advisable to compare the available options for full coverage auto insurance and protection using Canstar’s database.
• When selling or giving away a Victoria-registered vehicle, the new owner has 14 days to contact VicRoads and arrange for the registration to be transferred into their name.
• A Roadworthy certificate (RWC) from an authorised vehicle inspection is required for the transaction to go through unless an exemption applies.
• The transfer of a vehicle requires the seller’s signature and information, as well as proof of ownership from the purchaser.
• VicRoads recommends that the seller create a Notice of Disposal in their myVicRoads account before selling or donating a car.
• The owner may be held liable for the new owner’s traffic infractions if the transfer and payment are not submitted within 14 days.
• When selling your car to a dealership, the registration must be transferred out of your name per VicRoads regulations.
• You must go to VicRoads, pay the money to be granted new number plates, and affix the new plates to the vehicle if you wish to maintain your personalised licence plates.
• If you sell your car with personalised licence plates still on, the new owner will become legally responsible for maintaining the plates.
• The compulsory third-party (CTP) insurance that comes with a Victorian car registration is also transferred to the new operator during the registration transfer process.
• It is important to understand the associated fees charged by VicRoads for transferring car ownership in Victoria.
• The transfer form is structured to lead you through the buying process step-by-step to guarantee accuracy.
• It is essential to note that the motor vehicle duty and transfer charge may not apply in certain scenarios.
• Maintaining personalised licence plates requires paying for new number plates and affixing them to the vehicle before finalising the sale of a registered car.

Frequently Asked Questions about Car Ownership

Who Pays Victoria Vehicle Transfer Fee?

The buyer, not the seller, is responsible for paying the vehicle transfer charge in Melbourne, Victoria. In addition, the buyer is responsible for paying any motor vehicle duty and transfer fees. These charges are due within 14 days of the sale to VicRoads, the state’s transportation department.

The seller may be held accountable for the buyer’s traffic fines if the transfer and payment are submitted after 14 days. That’s why it’s so important for the seller to log in to their myVicRoads account and file a Notice of Disposal for the car being sold. By doing so, the seller’s culpability for future traffic violations is reduced, and the sale is reported to VicRoads.

How Much Does It Cost to Transfer Vehicle Ownership in Australia?

In Australia, the fee for transferring vehicle ownership varies by state or territory. Expenses include registration fees and car taxes (also known as stamp duty). Both the transfer fee and the motor vehicle duty are taxes on the sale of the vehicle. The transfer fee covers the administrative costs of transferring the registration from the seller to the buyer. The value of the car being transferred can also affect the transfer fee. The duty charged in most states and territories increases with the car’s value.

Motor vehicle duty, for instance, depends on the car’s fair market value and ranges from $3 to $1,000 in New South Wales. The transfer cost is present $34. The motor vehicle duty in Victoria ranges from $8.40 to $8,750, depending on the car’s market value. The transfer charge is $40.70.

You should contact your state or territory’s transportation department for the most up-to-date information on these charges, as they are subject to change and may vary depending on where you live.

How Can I Change the Title of a Vehicle in Australia to My Name?

In Australia, transferring ownership of a vehicle usually entails the following measures:

• To ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy and meets all legal requirements to be driven on public roads, obtaining a roadworthy certificate (RWC) is necessary. A certified vehicle inspector is the only authorised person to issue this certificate, which is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance.
• The buyer’s section of the car transfer form needs to be completed by signing and dating it. Likewise, the seller details part requires the seller’s signature and relevant information.
• Documentation of identity must be gathered before the transfer form can be completed. A valid Australian driver’s license or VicRoads customer number is required to fill out the form. If neither of these is available, complete proof of identity documents must be presented at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre.
• To transfer the vehicle’s registration, the appropriate state or territory road and traffic authority must receive the transfer fee and any motor vehicle duty payments that are due.

Once you have completed the transfer paperwork and paid the applicable fees, you must submit it to the appropriate road and traffic authorities in your state or territory. Depending on where you live, this may be a mandatory in-person or online procedure.

How Much Is Stamp Duty For A Car In Australia?

Stamp duty for a car in Australia varies depending on the state or territory where the vehicle is registered, as well as the vehicle’s value, age, and other factors. Here are the current stamp duty rates for each state and territory:

 

• New South Wales (NSW): Stamp duty rates for vehicles in NSW are based on the vehicle’s market value. As of March 2023, the rates are as follows:
  • Vehicles valued up to $45,000: 3% of the vehicle’s value
  • Vehicles valued between $45,000 and $134,999: $1,350 plus 5% of the vehicle’s value above $45,000
  • Vehicles valued at $135,000 and above $7,000 plus 7% of the vehicle’s value above $135,000

• Victoria (VIC): Stamp duty rates for vehicles in VIC are also based on the vehicle’s market value. As of March 2023, the rates are as follows:
  • Vehicles valued up to $68,740: 4.2% of the vehicle’s value
  • Vehicles valued between $68,741 and $100,000: $2,877 plus 5.2% of the vehicle’s value above $68,741
  • Vehicles valued at $100,001 and above $5,762 plus 7% of the vehicle’s value above $100,000

• Queensland (QLD): Stamp duty rates for vehicles in QLD are calculated based on a formula that considers the vehicle’s value, age, and other factors. As of March 2023, the rates range from 2% to 4% of the vehicle’s value, with a minimum fee of $21 and a maximum fee of $1,000.

• Western Australia (WA): Stamp duty rates for vehicles in WA are based on the dutiable value of the vehicle, which is usually the purchase price. As of March 2023, the rates are as follows:

• Vehicles valued up to $25,000: 2.75% of the vehicle’s value
• Vehicles valued between $25,001 and $50,000: $687.50 plus 3.5% of the vehicle’s value above $25,000
• Vehicles valued at $50,001 and above $1,312.50 plus 4.75% of the vehicle’s value above $50,000

• South Australia (SA): Stamp duty rates for vehicles in SA are based on the vehicle’s market value. As of March 2023, the rates are as follows:
  • Vehicles valued up to $18,000: $5 per $200 of the vehicle’s value (or part thereof)
  • Vehicles valued between $18,001 and $30,000: $360 plus $6 per $200 of the vehicle’s value above $18,000
  • Vehicles valued at $30,001 and above $1,560 plus $6.50 per $200 of the vehicle’s value above $30,000

• Tasmania (TAS): Stamp duty rates for vehicles in TAS are based on the vehicle’s market value. As of March 2023, the rates are as follows:
  • Vehicles valued up to $6,000: $20.40 per $100 of the vehicle’s value (or part thereof)
  • Vehicles valued between $6,001 and $25,000: $1,224 plus $31.60 per $1,000 of the vehicle’s value above $6,000
  • Vehicles valued at $25,001 and above $8,542 plus $40 per $1,000 of the vehicle’s value above $25,000

Is Selling A Taxable Car Income In Australia?

When to account for GST. You generally have to account for GST when you dispose of a motor vehicle if the disposal is a taxable sale. This applies even if the vehicle was purchased before 1 July 2000 or sold to an individual, not in business (a private sale).