Buying and selling a used vehicle: registration

Introduction

When buying or selling a vehicle, you must follow the proper processes to notify the Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) that the ownership of the vehicle has been changed.

This notification is called a notice of disposal.

The MVR will then update its records to register the new owner of the vehicle.

This ensures that any liabilities - such as traffic fines or offences - are the responsibility of the right person.

The seller will no longer be responsible for any traffic infringement notices that are issued for the vehicle after the sale.

How to update your vehicle's records

Find out what you need to do as the:

For more information, read the notice of disposal information bulletin PDF (593.8 KB).

Learn more about buying a new or used vehicle.


New owner responsibilities: buyer

You must apply to transfer the ownership of a second-hand vehicle within 14 days of the date of the sale.

Before you apply

You must do all of the following:

How to apply

You can apply through any of the options below.

You must also pay the transfer of ownership fee and stamp duty (if applicable).

In person

Submit your completed form and supporting documents at an MVR office.

You can pay the fees by using Visa, Mastercard, BasicsCard, cash or EFTPOS.

Email

Email your completed form and supporting documents to mvr@nt.gov.au.

MVR will contact you about payment. You can pay the fees by Visa or Mastercard.

Mail

Send your completed form, supporting documents and money order to:

Motor Vehicle Registry
GPO Box 530
Darwin NT 0801

You can also pay by Visa or Mastercard by calling MVR once the form and documents are received.

Contact

To find out more, contact the MVR.


Former owner responsibilities: seller

To sell your vehicle, you must follow these steps:

  1. Submit a notice of disposal to the Motor Vehicle Register (MVR) within 14 days of selling a second-hand vehicle.
  2. Supply the new owner with proof of ownership.

1. Submit a notice of disposal to the MVR

You will need a completed notice of disposal clearly written and signed by both you and the new owner (buyer).

Acceptable types of notice of disposal

A notice of disposal can be one of the following:

  • an R06 notice of disposal form PDF (555.6 KB) - signed by both you and the buyer
  • the most recent certificate of registration - signed by both you and the buyer
  • a clearly written document - signed by both you and the buyer
  • an email - see more details below.
If either seller or buyer of the vehicle is not an individual

If vehicle is:

  • jointly owned by 2 individuals - you need signatures from both persons
  • under a business name - you need the signature of the proprietor(s) of the business
  • registered under a company name - you need the signature of an appointed secretary, manager or managing director.

What the notice of disposal must include

Your notice of disposal must include all of the following:

  • the full names and addresses of both the seller and buyer, which may be a body corporate
  • the buyer's date of birth - not required for a body corporate
  • the date the vehicle was sold or disposed of
  • the sale price or market value of the vehicle
  • signatures of both the seller (or agent) and the buyer (or agent)
  • vehicle registration number and all of the following:
    • make or model of the vehicle
    • vehicle identification number (VIN) or chassis number
    • engine number.

How to submit your notice of disposal

Choose one of the following options.

Email

You can email your notice of disposal to mvr@nt.gov.au.

If you're emailing the certificate of registration, you must scan both sides to show the:

  • previous registered owner
  • vehicle details.
Mail

Send it to:

Motor Vehicle Registry
GPO Box 530
Darwin NT 0801

In person

You may also submit it in person at an MVR office.

2. Supply the new owner with proof of ownership

You must provide the buyer with proof of vehicle ownership.


Before you buy a vehicle

Check there are no outstanding loans on the vehicle and that the seller has the right to sell the vehicle - especially if it's registered in a business or company name.

You can check these details at the Personal Properties Securities Register or call 1300 007 777.