Transfer a vehicle licence

Spouse or de facto partner

If you need to transfer a vehicle licence to a spouse or de facto partner, you can do this in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services centre. 

For more information refer to Transfer a vehicle licence between married or de facto partners.

Family members

If you need to transfer a vehicle licence to a family member, including gifting a vehicle, you will need to follow the same process for selling and buying a vehicle.

Deceased persons or estates

If you need to transfer a vehicle licence from a deceased estate, you can do this in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services centre.

For more information refer to Transfer a vehicle licence from a deceased estate.

Transfer a vessel

If you need to transfer a vessel (boat) licence, there are different steps for buyers and sellers.

For more information, refer to Transfer a vessel.

The vehicle must not have any encumbrances

Both the seller and buyer should make sure the vehicle licence is free of any encumbrances (such as an outstanding debt). You can check the vehicle’s licence status online.

The vehicle must be currently licensed

Only currently licensed vehicles can be transferred. If a vehicle licence has expired by more than 15 days then it will be deemed unlicensed. The new owner will need to have the vehicle inspected and apply for a new vehicle licence.

Court orders

If a court order has been placed on the vehicle then a transfer cannot take place until the court order is lifted and evidence presented at a Driver and Vehicle Services centre, DoT regional office or agent.

Joint ownership

If your vehicle is to be jointly owned, only one owner can be nominated as the vehicle licence holder. For more information refer to Vehicle owner responsibilities.

Vehicle dealers

If you are engaged in the business of buying or selling vehicles, you need to have a dealer’s licence.
For more information refer to Consumer Protection’s What is a motor vehicle dealer.

Enduring power of attorney

Where the owner is unable to sell the vehicle themselves, by being physically or mentally incapable of attending to their personal financial matters, the holder of an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) over financial affairs can sell the vehicle. They will need to provide certified copies of the EPA with the Notification of change of ownership – Vehicle Licence Transfer (MR9) form.

You can download the MR9 form from the Sell and transfer a vehicle licence page.

Find out what you need to do if there is a dispute related to the ownership of a vehicle.

If you have any questions you can call our Customer Contact Centre on 13 11 56.