Buying a Used Car in the Northern Territory

The NT at a Glance

How to Check a Car Before Buying in the NT

Start before you go to see the car, once you have its number plate and VIN. See car and vehicle checks before buying for what each one shows.

1. Run the NT Government's free rego check, by number plate. It shows the registration status and expiry, and the inspection date.
2. Run a PPSR check with the VIN, on ppsr.gov.au, for money owing and whether the car has been reported stolen or written off anywhere in Australia.
3. Look up its recalls on the government's vehicle recalls site, and ask the seller for proof any were fixed.
4. Inspect the car yourself with a used car inspection checklist, then test drive it. A car under 7 years old may have no inspection at all, so nobody else has checked it.

The Roadworthy Inspection

Since 9 February 2026, a light vehicle of up to 4.5 tonnes only needs a roadworthy inspection if it's 7 years or older. Transferring ownership is one of the times it applies (NT Government). Newer cars no longer need one for a transfer, so older advice may be out of date.

An authorised inspector does it, such as a local mechanic, not a government inspection centre. It's valid for 6 weeks from the date it's issued, and that covers more than one change of owner in that time (NT Government). Agree with the seller who arranges it, and who pays for any repairs it finds, before you hand over money.

What the Seller Does

The seller must give the Motor Vehicle Registry a notice of disposal within 14 days, signed by both of you. It can be the R06 form or the latest registration certificate, among others, and an incomplete one isn't accepted. Once it's accepted, you're responsible for any traffic infringements from the date of sale (NT Government).

Transferring the Registration

You must apply to transfer the ownership within 14 days of the sale, using the R11 form. You need evidence of your identity, your NT residency and your ownership of the car (NT Government).

Stamp Duty

Stamp duty is $3 per $100, or part of $100, of the dutiable value, so a $15,000 car costs $450. The dutiable value is usually the sale price, but the market value is used where the sale isn't at arm's length, as between family members. The duty calculator works it out for you.

Electric and Plug-In Hybrid Cars

Until 30 June 2027, an eligible plug-in electric or hybrid car gets a stamp duty concession of up to $1,500, applied automatically for a car worth up to $50,000. Above that, you pay 3% on the amount over $50,000 (NT Government).

Before You Pay

Run your own PPSR check on the day you pay, and check the documents. A private sale doesn't come with a dealer's guarantees: see buying from a private seller.

Buying in another state? See Victoria, NSW, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania or the ACT.

Questions Answered