Buying a Used Car in Western Australia

Western Australia at a Glance

Registration Is Called a Vehicle Licence

In WA, what other states call registration is the vehicle licence, so you transfer the licence rather than the rego. Same idea, different name: you'll see it on the forms and the Department of Transport website.

Filling in the Transfer Form

You and the seller complete the Notification of Change of Ownership – Vehicle Licence Transfer form (MR9) together. The seller keeps the blue copy and must lodge it within 7 days; you get the red purchaser's copy and must lodge it within 14 days of buying the car, or a penalty applies (Department of Transport).

Once your copy is in, you're sent an invoice for the transfer fee and duty. Pay it by the due date on the invoice.

No Inspection, So Check It Yourself

WA doesn't require an inspection to transfer a car that's already licensed there; only cars coming from interstate are inspected (Department of Transport). That puts the job of spotting problems on you, so work through a used car inspection checklist at the viewing. Consumer Protection WA recommends a mechanic's pre-purchase inspection and a PPSR check before you buy (Consumer Protection WA).

Vehicle Licence Duty

Duty is charged on the car's dutiable value: usually the price you paid, but the market value if that's higher, with industry guides used to judge market value (WA Government).

Buying Privately in WA

Cars sold privately aren't covered by the statutory warranties dealers give or by Australian Consumer Law guarantees (Consumer Protection WA). Ask whether any of the original manufacturer's warranty remains, and if it does, arrange to have it transferred to you.

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