Buying a Used Car in Queensland

Queensland at a Glance

The Safety Certificate

A private seller must get a safety certificate from an approved inspection station before selling a registered car. For private sellers it's valid for 2 months or 2,000 km, whichever comes first. A handwritten certificate must be displayed on the car; an electronic one doesn't have to be, but the seller must show it to you if you ask. Each certificate can only be used for one transfer (Queensland Government).

Check it hasn't expired or gone past 2,000 km. A safety certificate checks safety items at the time of inspection; it isn't a full mechanical inspection, so check the car yourself with a used car inspection checklist.

Transferring the Registration

You and the seller both sign the vehicle registration transfer application, and you lodge it, online or at a transport and motoring service centre, within 14 days. You'll need the current safety certificate and evidence of identity. A handwritten certificate has to be recorded at a service centre before you can transfer online (Queensland Government).

Vehicle Registration Duty

Duty is calculated on the higher of the total sale price or the car's market value, and is paid when you transfer the registration (Queensland Government).

Checks Before You Buy

The Queensland Government recommends a PPSR search, which costs $2, and checking that the number plate, construction date, VIN and engine number on the registration certificate all match the car. Written-off vehicles under 15 years old are listed on the written-off register (Queensland Government).

See buying from a private seller and what documents to check. Buying in another state? See Victoria, NSW, Western Australia or South Australia.