To transfer a registered vehicle in Queensland, each party needs: a signed transfer of registration form (Form 3) from TMR, proof of identity, a current Safety Certificate (unless both parties agree to transfer as an unregistered vehicle), and the vehicle's odometer reading. The transfer must be lodged within 3 days of the handover date.
For a swap, each party completes their own transfer form — one for each vehicle exchanged. SwapU also generates a Swap Agreement and a Bill of Sale for each vehicle, which create a written record of the agreed terms even though these documents are not required by TMR.
Until the registration is transferred, the previous owner remains on record as the registered operator. If the incoming owner receives a traffic infringement or is involved in an incident before the transfer is lodged, the registered operator may be held responsible.
Queensland law requires transfer within 3 days. The $60 fee (as of April 2026 — verify the current fee at tmr.qld.gov.au) is paid by the incoming owner at the time of transfer lodgement.
The Queensland vehicle transfer form is available from TMR (Transport and Main Roads) service centres, Australia Post outlets that handle transport transactions, or as a downloadable PDF from the TMR website. Both the seller/transferor and buyer/transferee must sign this form. In a swap, each party completes the form for the vehicle they are transferring.
Source: TMRAccepted identity documents include a current Queensland driver licence, Australian passport, or another government-issued photo ID. The buyer's full name and address must match the details used for registration transfer.
A current Safety Certificate (formerly called a roadworthy) is required when transferring a registered vehicle in Queensland, unless both parties agree to transfer as an unregistered vehicle. Safety Certificates are issued by authorised inspection stations (AIS) and are valid for 2 months or 2,000 km from the inspection date. Budget approximately $150–250 depending on vehicle type and inspector.
Source: TMRNot legally required by TMR, but strongly recommended. The buyer should run a PPSR search on the vehicle they are receiving to confirm no outstanding finance. See our guide on running a PPSR check.
Source: PPSRAs part of the transfer form, you must declare the vehicle's current odometer reading. Providing a false odometer declaration is an offence under Queensland transport legislation.
These documents are not required by TMR but create a written record of the agreed swap terms. SwapU generates them through the platform.
A co-signed Swap Agreement records the agreed terms: both vehicle descriptions, VINs, odometer readings at handover, any cash adjustment agreed by the parties, and the handover date. SwapU generates this document through the platform. It is not required by TMR but creates a clear written record if any dispute arises after the swap.
A Bill of Sale documents the consideration (value) for each vehicle transferred. In a swap, each vehicle has its own Bill of Sale. The sale price reflects the parties' agreed market value and is used to calculate transfer duty. SwapU generates a Bill of Sale for each vehicle through the platform.
This guide covers Queensland requirements. Other states have their own transfer forms, fee structures, and safety inspection requirements:
Duty rates also vary by state. Always verify the applicable rate with your state revenue office.
The transfer of registration form is available from TMR customer service centres, participating Australia Post outlets, and as a PDF download from the TMR website (tmr.qld.gov.au). Search 'transfer of registration' on the TMR website for the current form.
Yes, if the vehicle remains registered. A current Safety Certificate (issued within the past 2 months or 2,000 km) is required. If both parties agree to transfer the vehicle as unregistered, the Safety Certificate is not required — but the incoming owner will need to obtain a certificate before registering the vehicle.
Transfer duty (formerly called stamp duty) applies to each vehicle in the swap as if it were a private sale. The duty rate for passenger vehicles in Queensland is 3% of the dutiable value up to $100,000, and 5% above that, as published by the Queensland Revenue Office. Each party pays duty on the vehicle they are receiving. Verify the current rates at the QLD Revenue Office website before completing your transfer.
In Queensland, the registration transfer must be completed within 3 days of the date of the transfer. Delays can result in fines. TMR recommends completing the transfer on the day of the vehicle handover or the next business day.
As of April 2026, Queensland vehicle transfers can be initiated through the TMR online services portal for eligible vehicles. Check the TMR website for current eligibility requirements, as online transfer availability depends on the vehicle type and registration status.
The Swap Agreement, Bill of Sale, and transfer checklist are built into the SwapU platform. List your vehicle and we'll walk you through every step.
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