Renting or buying a car in Australia

What to check when you hire a car, how to check a used car, registration and CTP insurance, and transfer rules in each state.

In short

Every car on the road must be registered with the state, called rego. Registration includes compulsory third party (CTP) insurance everywhere except NSW, where it is bought separately. CTP covers injuries to other people, not damage to cars, so many owners add more cover.

What to do

A recent arrival's suggestion: hire a car for a while, then buy once you know what you need. Either way, read the contract and check the car before you pay.

Rent while you settle

Car hire: what to check (ACCC) ↗

The ACCC says to shop around and read the hire contract carefully before signing. It sets out the cost, who can drive, what happens in a collision or breakdown, and which damage you are not covered for. Ask for the total cost including liability cover and all extras, whether there is a deposit, and when the company can charge your card.

Dealer, private sale or auction

Buying and running a car (Moneysmart) ↗

Moneysmart says buying through a licensed dealer gives you rights that are easier to enforce. A private sale can be cheaper, but there is no warranty and no cooling-off period. At auction there is usually no warranty or test drive, and a winning bid cannot be cancelled.

Check a used car before you pay

PPSR used car search ↗

Get the car's VIN and search the Personal Property Securities Register. Moneysmart says a report costs $2 and shows whether money is owing on the car or it has been reported stolen or written off. It also says a mechanic's inspection is the safest option.

Before you pay: safety checks

Hire car: some contracts have you agree to unlimited charges on your credit card, so find out when that can happen and how much
Hire car: single-car accidents are sometimes not covered. Some travel insurance and credit cards include hire car excess cover
Used car: if money is owing on it, make sure the debt is paid and the security interest removed before you complete the purchase
Car loan: compare the dealer's finance with other lenders such as your bank

What you need to know

A licence you can legally drive on here: see the driver's licence step
Hire car: inspect it with a staff member, photograph it inside and out at pick-up and again at return, and have any existing damage written into the contract
Used car: check for rust or damage, that lights and windows work, tyre tread, leaks underneath, the service history and logbook, and that the VIN matches the paperwork
Budget for running costs before you buy, including yearly registration and insurance
CTP insurance is the minimum needed to register and drive. Moneysmart says it is included in registration everywhere except NSW. Third party property and comprehensive cover are separate

Not checked here: whether a hire company will accept your overseas licence, so ask before you book. This site does not recommend any hire company, dealer or lender.

Details for your state or territory

Tap your state to see its rules.

South Australia

What you need to know

In SA you must transfer the registration into your name within 14 days of buying a registered vehicle. The fee is $33 plus stamp duty, and a late transfer may cost another $108

Transfer a vehicle registration (SA Government) ↗

Last checked 8 Oct 2026.

New South Wales

What you need to know

In NSW you must transfer the registration into your name within 14 days of buying, or a late fee may apply. You pay a transfer fee and usually stamp duty
You can transfer online only after the seller has lodged a notice of disposal. A current NSW registration carries its CTP insurance (green slip) across to you

Transfer ownership of a NSW-registered vehicle (Service NSW) ↗

Last checked 12 Oct 2026.

Victoria

What you need to know

In Victoria the buyer must tell VicRoads within 14 days of buying a registered vehicle, and pay a transfer fee and motor vehicle duty
The seller should give you a roadworthy certificate issued within the 30 days before the sale. It is a safety check, not a guarantee the car is reliable

Buying a used vehicle (VicRoads) ↗

Last checked 12 Oct 2026.

Queensland

What you need to know

In Queensland the buyer must transfer the registration within 14 days. You pay a transfer fee and vehicle registration duty
The seller must give you a current safety certificate, and you cannot complete the transfer without it. It is not a full mechanical inspection

Registration transfer (Queensland Government) ↗

Last checked 12 Oct 2026.

Western Australia

What you need to know

In WA the buyer must tell the Department of Transport within 14 days, or penalties may apply. You pay a $20.50 transfer fee and vehicle licence duty
If you buy from a dealer, the dealer transfers the licence into your name, and you still pay the fee and duty

Buy a vehicle and transfer a vehicle licence (WA) ↗

Last checked 12 Oct 2026.

Tasmania

What you need to know

In Tasmania the buyer must lodge the registration transfer within 14 days of buying, or penalties may apply
You pay a transfer fee and may also pay duty on the price paid or the market value, whichever is higher

Transfer a vehicle registration (Service Tasmania) ↗

Last checked 12 Oct 2026.

Australian Capital Territory

What you need to know

In the ACT the buyer must transfer the registration and pay duty within 14 days. The fee schedule read lists a $51.70 transfer fee and a $139.50 late fee
Duty is based on the purchase price or the market value, whichever is higher, and is paid at Access Canberra

Transferring vehicle registration fees (Access Canberra) ↗

Last checked 12 Oct 2026.

Northern Territory

What you need to know

In the NT the buyer must apply to transfer ownership within 14 days of the sale, and pay the transfer fee and any stamp duty
A late transfer can attract interest and penalty tax on the duty

New owner responsibilities: buyer (NT Government) ↗

Last checked 12 Oct 2026.