Buying a vehicle
When buying or acquiring a vehicle, it is recommended you complete some checks and ensure you are eligible to become the registered operator of the vehicle.
To be eligible to become a registered operator in Tasmania, you need to be a:
- person (over the age of 16 years or 18 years for a heavy vehicle), or
- body corporate such as a company or an incorporated association, or
- government department, or
- government authority; and
- have a Tasmanian garage address.
What to do before buying or transferring a vehicle
- Make sure the seller is authorised to sell you the vehicle by checking:
- their details match those on the registration certificate or other documents, or if not
- they have a signed statutory declaration giving them permission to sell the vehicle.
- Check the vehicle's registration status:
- you can use the online Rego Check service for this
- if the vehicle is unregistered:
- for less than three months - you will need to pay the renewal fee backdated to the expiry.
- for three months or more - have the vehicle inspected at an Approved Inspection Station before having it registered in your name.
- Make sure the vehicle is not listed as stolen or wrecked (current write-off status):
- using the online Rego Check Service
- calling 1300 135 513 during business hours
- if stolen - report to Tasmania Police
- if wrecked please check the written-off vehicles register.
- Check there are no securities lodged against the vehicle:
- using the Personal Property Register PPSR.
- Check to see if you satisfy the requirements for any exemptions, concessions or rebates.
- To find out if a vehicle which is not registered in your name has an active defect notice phone 1300 135 513 or international +61 3 6169 9017 or email tes@stategrowth.tas.gov.au. Please note, you will only be provided with a yes or a no response. For further information regarding the active defect you will need to talk to the current registered operator of the vehicle.
I purchased a vehicle at an Auction, how do I register the vehicle?
Most auctioned vehicles are sold without plates or unregistered.
If you have purchased a vehicle from an auction that is:
- unregistered, cancelled or without registration number plates,
the registration will need to be established. Please see ‘Vehicle Registration and Options’.
You must provide an invoice from the auction house, auction group, or auto-wholesaler. It must include the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or Chassis Number. If the vehicle was sold with or without plates, a statutory declaration can be completed. if the vehicle was sold in a damaged condition or as a total loss.
If the vehicle is a repairable write-off, see the 'Written-off vehicle register FAQs'.