Transfer Rego QLD 2025: Costs, Forms & Step-by-Step Guide

Official transfer form: F3520 ·
Responsible department: Transport and Main Roads (TMR) ·
Buyer transfer deadline: 14 days after purchase

Quick Snapshot

1Seller Steps

• Notify TMR of sale (QLD Government TMR – official transport authority)
• Provide buyer with transfer form (QLD Government TMR – official transport authority)
• Keep proof of notification (QLD Government TMR – official transport authority)

2Buyer Steps

• Complete transfer within 14 days (QLD Government TMR – registration transfer page)
• Submit F3520 form
• Pay transfer fee and stamp duty

3Online Transfer

• Eligible for most passenger vehicles (QLD Government TMR – online transfer eligibility)
• Log in to TMR online account
• Complete and pay electronically

4Required Documents

• Proof of identity
• Registration certificate
• Completed F3520 form (QLD Government TMR – form details)
• Safety certificate (if applicable)

Six key details, one pattern: TMR requires the same core information from both buyer and seller, with the difference being who pays and who initiates. Here’s a concise reference:

Label	Value
Official Form	F3520
Transfer Deadline	14 days for buyer
Online Eligibility	Most passenger vehicles, trailers, caravans
Stamp Duty	Based on vehicle market value
Safety Certificate Needed	Required for some vehicles

Can you transfer rego from one car to another in QLD?

Transferring registration between vehicles is allowed, but it’s not a direct swap. What Queensland calls a “plate transfer” lets you move your personalised or standard plates to a new vehicle, while the old vehicle’s registration may need to be cancelled or transferred separately.

What is plate transfer in QLD?

Plate transfer means keeping your existing registration number and moving it to another vehicle you own. It requires a completed application and payment of a fee. According to TMR’s registration transfer page (Queensland’s transport regulator), you must also update the registration certificate and pay any applicable duty if the vehicle value changes.

• You must own both vehicles.
• The plates must be standard or personalised – some special-issue plates may not be transferable.
• Fees apply (check the latest schedule at TMR).

How to transfer registration plates in QLD?

1. Complete the Vehicle Registration Plate Transfer Application form (available at TMR or online).
2. Provide proof of identity and current registration certificates for both vehicles.
3. Pay the transfer fee – reportedly around $32.55 as of July 2025 (Sell Any Car Fast – Queensland rego transfer guide).
4. Submit at a TMR customer service centre or by post.

The implication: Plate transfers are a separate process from a full registration transfer, so if you’re selling one car and buying another, you’ll need to handle both actions individually.

What does it cost to transfer rego in QLD?

Cost is often the first question. Two main components: the transfer fee and vehicle registration duty (stamp duty). The buyer bears both.

How much is the transfer fee for a car in QLD?

As of July 2025, the standard vehicle registration transfer fee is $32.55 according to a third-party seller guide (Sell Any Car Fast – Queensland). However, a Canstar article (financial comparison service) mentions a rate of $31.50, which may be the previous year’s figure. TMR’s official fee schedule should be consulted for the latest amount.

Are there additional costs like stamp duty?

Yes. Vehicle registration duty (stamp duty) is calculated on the vehicle’s market value, number of cylinders, and whether it’s considered a luxury vehicle. The rate increases for six-cylinder or higher, and for vehicles valued over a certain threshold. According to the same guide (Sell Any Car Fast), a typical passenger car with four cylinders might incur duty of around 3–4% of purchase price, while high-cylinder or luxury cars attract higher percentages.

• Transfer fee: paid to TMR.
• Stamp duty: paid to the Queensland Revenue Office.
• Plate transfer fee (if applicable): separate charge.

The catch: The total can easily exceed $100 once duty is included, especially for newer or more valuable cars. Budget accordingly.

The pattern: total transfer costs can easily exceed $100 when stamp duty is included, so plan ahead.

What documents are needed to transfer rego in QLD?

Both buyer and seller have document responsibilities. Missing one item means a rejected application.

Documents required for buyer

• Proof of identity (Queensland driver licence or photo identification card).
• Vehicle Registration Transfer Application – Part A of form F3520, signed by both buyer and seller.
• Registration certificate from the seller.
• Safety certificate (roadworthy) if the vehicle is over a certain age or being transferred to a new owner – required for online transfers too (QLD Government TMR – online transfer requirements).
• Odometer reading (if vehicle is less than 10 years old) (PDF Guru – F3520 form details).

Documents required for seller

• Proof of identity.
• Registration certificate for the vehicle.
• Completed Part B of F3520 form – seller keeps this until transfer is complete (QLD Government TMR – in-person transfer steps).
• Odometer reading (if applicable).

Why this matters: The F3520 form is the single most important document. It can be signed digitally using Adobe Reader (TMR confirms digital signatures are accepted).

Can I transfer a car rego online in QLD?

Yes, for most standard passenger vehicles, trailers, caravans, and motorcycles. Online transfer is a two-step process: seller starts, buyer finishes.

Eligibility criteria for online transfer

• The seller must first lodge a notification of sale or transfer online (QLD Government TMR – online transfer process).
• The buyer must have a Queensland driver licence number or customer reference number.
• The vehicle must have a current safety certificate if required (e.g., for vehicle transfers).
• The registration must not be under any concessions or special conditions that prevent online transfer.
• Not eligible for deceased estates, some commercial vehicles, or situations where the buyer has an interstate licence.

Step-by-step online transfer process

1. Seller: Log in to TMR’s online portal, provide vehicle details, buyer details (name, date of birth, licence number), and odometer reading. Submit.
2. Buyer: Receives an email or reference number. Logs in, reviews details, uploads safety certificate (if applicable), enters payment information.
3. Payment: Buyer pays the transfer fee and stamp duty online. Available 24/7 (Sell Any Car Fast – online transfer convenience).
4. Completion: TMR updates the register, and the buyer receives a receipt. The new registration certificate is posted or available for download.

The trade-off: Online is faster and avoids queues, but it only works when both parties have QLD licences and the vehicle is eligible. For everything else, you’ll need the paper form.

What is the process to transfer rego in QLD?

The process differs depending on whether you’re the seller, buyer, or transferring to a family member. Here’s a breakdown for each role.

Transfer as seller

Your main job is to notify TMR that you’ve sold the vehicle. If you do it online, you start the transfer. If you do it in person, you provide the buyer with the completed Part A of F3520 and keep Part B. You must notify TMR within 14 days to avoid being held responsible for future fines or tolls. According to TMR’s online transfer guide, the seller pays no fees – the buyer bears all costs.

• Remove plates if you’re keeping them (arrange a plate transfer).
• Provide the buyer with a signed registration certificate.
• Keep a copy of the F3520 Part B as proof of sale.

Transfer as buyer

You have 14 days from the date of purchase to complete the transfer. You’ll need the seller’s signed Part A, your ID, the safety certificate (if required), and payment. You can lodge in person at any TMR centre, QGAP office, Magistrates Court, or police station (TMR – in-person lodgement locations).

• Complete and sign Part A of F3520.
• Pay the transfer fee (e.g., $32.55) and stamp duty.
• If transferred online, ensure the seller has initiated it first.

Transfer to family member

Transferring to a spouse, child, or parent follows the same basic process. The main difference: if the vehicle is gifted, stamp duty may be calculated on the market value rather than a purchase price. According to TMR’s guidelines, family transfers are still subject to fees and duties unless an exemption applies (e.g., transfer between spouses in some circumstances). The safety certificate requirement still stands unless the vehicle is exempt due to age or type.

“You must transfer registration within 14 days of purchase.”

– Queensland Transport and Main Roads, official guideline (source)

“Use the Vehicle Registration Transfer Application (F3520) to transfer registration.”

– QLD Government website, transfer instructions (source)

“Online transfer is available 24/7 via the TMR portal, requiring seller initiation and buyer completion.”

– Sell Any Car Fast, third-party guide

Additional sources

sellanycarfast.com.au, pdfguru.com, qld.gov.au, canstar.com.au, carsguide.com.au, trafficconnect.com.au, service.transport.qld.gov.au

If you’re transferring registration in another state, the process differs slightly; for example, the NSW rego transfer guide outlines the specific fees and deadlines for New South Wales.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I don’t transfer the rego within 14 days?

Late transfers may attract a penalty fee from TMR. The seller remains legally responsible for the vehicle until the transfer is recorded, meaning any fines or tolls incurred after sale could come back to the seller.

Can I transfer rego if I still owe money on the car?

Yes, but the finance company’s interest must be documented. You will need a letter from the financier consenting to the transfer, or the payout must be arranged at settlement. TMR may place a restriction on the registration until the debt is cleared.

Do I need a roadworthy certificate to transfer rego in QLD?

Not all transfers require a safety certificate, but for vehicle transfers between private parties, a current safety certificate (roadworthy) is required if the vehicle was first registered in QLD after a certain date or if it’s a used car sold at retail. Check TMR’s specific vehicle eligibility.

How to transfer rego for a motorcycle in QLD?

Motorcycles follow the same process as standard passenger vehicles. Use F3520 or online transfer if both parties have QLD licences. No safety certificate is required for motorcycles, but a roadworthy may be needed for certain models over a certain age.

Can I transfer rego for a caravan?

Yes, caravans and trailers can be transferred online provided they are eligible (no concessions, valid registration). The process is identical: seller initiates, buyer completes. A safety certificate is generally not required for trailers.

Is stamp duty payable on rego transfer?

Yes, vehicle registration duty (stamp duty) is payable by the buyer on most vehicle transfers. The amount depends on the market value and number of cylinders. Exemptions may apply for transfers between spouses or some benevolent gifts.

What is the difference between registration transfer and plate transfer?

Registration transfer moves the vehicle’s registration to a new owner. Plate transfer moves your existing number plates to another vehicle you own. They are separate applications with separate fees. You can do both at the same time if you’re selling a car and buying a new one.