Buying a Used Car in NSW

NSW at a Glance

Do You Need a Pink Slip?

Not to transfer a current NSW registration. You'll need safety inspections if the car is unregistered or registered interstate. Most light vehicles more than 5 years old need a pink slip each year to renew their registration, and a report is valid for 6 months (NSW Government), so ask the seller when the last one was done and when the registration is due.

A pink slip checks safety items at the time of inspection. It isn't a check of the car's overall condition.

Transferring the Registration

The seller lodges a notice of disposal, and you transfer the registration into your name within 14 days to avoid a late fee and fines. To do it online you need a MyServiceNSW account, the purchase date and the price or market value. The compulsory third party (CTP) green slip transfers automatically with the registration (NSW Government).

Stamp Duty

You pay motor vehicle duty when you transfer the registration, on the market value of the car or the price you paid, whichever is higher (Revenue NSW).

Checks Before You Buy

NSW Fair Trading recommends a free registration check (expiry date, whether it's suspended or cancelled, any restrictions and recorded odometer readings), a PPSR search, a check of the vehicle recalls database and an inspection by a licensed mechanic (NSW Government). Inspect the car yourself first with a used car inspection checklist.

A private sale isn't covered by the Australian Consumer Law or dealer guarantees: see buying from a private seller and what documents to check.

Buying in another state? See Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia or South Australia.