You've handed over the keys and the money is in your account. Job done — or is it? The steps you take in the hours and days after your sale are just as important as the sale itself. Failing to notify the right authorities can leave you liable for fines, tolls, and even accidents involving a car that's no longer yours.
Step 1: Notify Your State Transport Authority Immediately
This is the most important step. As soon as the sale is complete, you must notify your state or territory's transport authority that you have transferred the vehicle. This protects you from liability for anything that happens with the car after the sale — parking fines, speed camera infringements, or worse.
- NSW: Complete the 'Notice of Disposal' online at MyServiceNSW or at a Service NSW centre. Do this before the buyer drives away if possible.
- VIC: Notify VicRoads online or by phone on 13 11 71. You'll need the buyer's name and address.
- QLD: Lodge a 'Transfer of Vehicle Registration' (Form 3025) at a Transport and Main Roads customer service centre. Both buyer and seller sign.
- WA: Complete online via MyDOT or at a DoT licensing centre. You must notify within 5 business days.
- SA: Lodge notice via the Service SA online portal or at a Service SA centre.
- TAS: Notify via the Service Tasmania online portal.
- ACT: Complete the vehicle disposal notification at Access Canberra online or in person.
- NT: Notify Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) by phone or in person.
Step 2: Cancel or Transfer Your Insurance
Your comprehensive car insurance covers your car — once the title has transferred, the new owner needs their own policy. Contact your insurer as soon as the sale is complete.
- Cancel if you no longer own a car: You may be entitled to a pro-rata refund for unused months of your annual policy.
- Transfer to a new vehicle: If you're buying a replacement car, most insurers allow you to transfer the policy to the new vehicle — sometimes without additional cost.
- CTP (Compulsory Third Party) insurance: CTP is typically linked to the vehicle's registration, not the owner. When you sell the car, the CTP moves with it for the remaining registration period. Check with your state's CTP provider if you're unsure.
Step 3: Deal with Toll Accounts and E-Tags
If your e-tag or toll account is linked to the vehicle's number plate, update it immediately. Tolls incurred by the new owner could otherwise be charged to your account.
- Remove the vehicle from your toll account (Linkt, E-Toll, EastLink, etc.) using the provider's app or website.
- Return or deactivate your e-tag if it was a physical device in the vehicle — or ensure you have physically retrieved it before the buyer drove away.
Step 4: Keep a Copy of Everything
File a copy of the signed sale receipt, the PPSR certificate, and your notification to the transport authority. Keep these for at least two years. If a dispute arises — an accident, an unpaid fine, or a claim about the car's condition — these documents are your evidence.
- Keep a signed sale receipt showing date, car details, price, and both parties' names and contact information.
- Keep a record of the date and method of your transport authority notification.
- If you sold with a Roadworthy or Safety Certificate, keep a copy of that too.
Step 5: Check for Outstanding Fines
Once you've notified the transport authority, any new infringements will be directed to the new owner. However, any fines incurred before the transfer notification remain your responsibility. Check your state's fine management portal if you have any outstanding notices.
