Guide To Selling A Car Privately In QLD

Are you selling a car privately in QLD registered or unregistered? Learn if you need a roadworthy or safety certificate and what paperwork is needed.

Do You Need a Roadworthy to Sell a Car in QLD

If the vehicle is currently registered in Queensland, which includes the CTP insurance Queensland certificate, and you wish to dispose of the vehicle while transferring the current registration to the new owner, then you need to obtain a Queensland Safety Certificate, also known as a Roadworthy Certificate. If you live closer to the NSW/QLD border, you will hear both terms used more often. This includes the term “pink slip,” which is the same as a Roadworthy certificate in NSW. If you need to do a rego check online quickly, check out our post for doing a rego check Australia wide.

You Will Need a Roadworthy for the Following Vehicles:

• Cars
• Motorcycles
• Light trucks (up to 4,500kg gross vehicle mass (GVM))

Do You Need a Roadworthy for a Trailer in QLD

Yes, you do. Trailers (including caravans) with an aggregate trailer mass (ATM) between 750kg and 3,500kg

Other Times You Need the Above Certificates Are When:

• A vehicle is unregistered and needs to be re-registered
• Moving to Queensland and transferring a vehicle’s registration from another state or territory

What Does a Roadworthy Inspection Cover

A safety inspection relates to the vehicle passing the minimum safety standard requirements by a basic inspection of specific items including:

• Steering
• Headlights
• Brakes
• Lights
• Tyres
• Suspension
• Body rust
• Windscreen

The vehicle inspection makes sure the car meets a roadworthy standard and is in a safe condition to operate on the road.

Is it Illegal to Remove the Rear Seats?

To ensure compliance with regulations, it is necessary to have the permanent removal of the 3rd row rear seats approved by an authorized individual. Additionally, a modification plate must be installed to indicate the reduced seating capacity. These measures guarantee that all modifications are done safely, within regulatory guidelines and give peace of mind when buying a car from a private seller.

How to Get a Roadworthy Inspection

You can get a safety certificate from an approved inspection station. You can find these at most service stations that offer garage or workshop services or an authorized inspector can come to you.

If you want to save time, money and headaches get a mobile roadworthy service. This makes getting a safety certificate much more convenient for you.

If you are issued a handwritten safety certificate, the hard copy (shown in the picture) must be displayed on the vehicle.

If the safety certificate was issued electronically it does not need to be displayed but shown to the buyer, transport or police officer if requested.

How Long Does a Roadworthy Certificate Last in Queensland

• Private Sellers 2 months or 2,000 km whichever comes first at the time of issue
• Motor Dealer – 3 months or 1,000km whichever comes first at the time of issue

Many car owners selling a registered car were once required by the Queensland Transport Department to obtain a roadworthy certificate immediately at the time or before the vehicle was offered for sale to the public. This used to cause headaches if the vehicle did not sell within the time frame as the certificate would become invalid causing the seller to have to repeat the process at their expense. This is no longer the case. Now you are obligated by law to provide a roadworthy certificate (QLD safety certificate) on disposal so the new owner can transfer the registration into their name or business.

How to Transfer Car Registration in Queensland

Transferring the Registration In-Person

After you have sold the vehicle, the buyer must transfer the vehicle’s registration into their name. To do this, the buyer needs to take the valid safety certificate, receipt and the transfer of registration form (F3520) completed by both seller and buyer to Queensland Transport and Main Roads to transfer a vehicle into their name.

Transferring the Registration Online

To carry out a transfer online, visit the QLD TMR website no later than 14 days after the sale closes. The seller starts the process by sending the transfer request and supporting information.

Also, if the vehicle you’re selling has finance owing on it you will need to get a payout figure and understand the procedure.

Selling a Car in QLD Without RWC

If you are selling a car in QLD without a Queensland Safety Certificate (RWC) and the vehicle is currently registered with the registration plates still attached then you need to remove the registration or number plates. You then need to go to the nearest Department of Transport and Main Roads to hand in the plates along with a Cancellation of Registration Form (F3517) to de-register the vehicle.

What to Do When Selling an Unregistered Car in QLD

To sell a car that is not registered in Queensland (QLD), you need to follow these steps:

1. Remove the license plates from the car and over the plates to the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR). You can do this in person at a TMR customer service centre or by mail.
2. Fill out a Cancellation of Registration Application (F3517) to de-register the vehicle.
3. Provide the buyer with a written sales contract. Receipt that includes the following details:

• Your name and signature
• The buyer’s name and signature
• The vehicles VIN, chassis number or engine number
• The make and model of the vehicle
• The date of the sale

There is no requirement for you to get the vehicle inspected before selling it without registration. However, it is highly advisable to have it inspected to ensure its safety. This will give potential buyers peace of mind and significantly increase their confidence in purchasing the vehicle.

If the buyer intends to register the car in QLD, they will need to have it inspected at an approved inspection station or find a mobile roadworthy operator.

Selling Unregistered Car QLD Receipt Template

Included in the paperwork for selling a car in QLD is a receipt. The private car sale receipt template should include the following:

• Date of sale
• Make, model, and year of the vehicle
• Vehicle identification number
• The name of the seller, buyer, and any other parties who are involved in the transaction.
• A statement that the buyer is purchasing or acquiring vehicle ownership.
• The purchase price or other consideration is given to the seller.
• The signatures of both parties.

Some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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