Transfer vehicle ownership

Buying or selling a vehicle? Find out what you need to do to transfer vehicle ownership in Western Australia, including ensuring an approved immobiliser is fitted and how to check if a vehicle has money owing on it.

Index



Information for the seller

If you sell a vehicle you must advise us within seven (7) days of the sale by completing the Notification of change of ownership (MR9) form.
Notification of change of vehicle ownership (Form MR9) KB
Transferring a vehicle licence (brochure) KB

Restrictions on transfers

Unpaid infringement notices or court fines may cause a licence suspension or prevent the grant, renewal or transfer of a vehicle licence. Further details or enquires in relation to these matters can be obtained by contacting the Fines Enforcement Registry on 1300 650 325.

A person can place a restriction on their vehicle's licence to prevent another person from transferring it. To place a restriction on a licence the customer must provide a Court Order to a Driver and Vehicle Services centre or regional Agent.

A transfer cannot occur unless the restriction is removed by the presentation of another Court Order to a Driver and Vehicle Services centre or regional Agent.

Public passenger vehicle licences (i.e. taxis, small charter vehicles, hire and drive, or omnibuses licensed under the Transport Coordination Act 1966) can only be transferred if the operator provides a written authority from Passenger Services at the Department of Transport. If the vehicle is no longer to be used as a passenger vehicle, this authority is not required. However, any special identification plates (i.e. taxi plates) must be returned and a general series plate issued before the transfer can proceed.

The following outlines the steps required to transfer vehicle ownership. More detailed information is provided in the vehicle licence transfer form.



Seller - step 1: Obtain a copy of the vehicle licence transfer form

The Notification of change of ownership (MR9) form can be downloaded below or you can collect one from a Driver and Vehicle Services Centre or regional Agent.
Notification of change of vehicle ownership (Form MR9) KB

Seller - step 2: Complete the vehicle licence transfer form

Complete the form with the purchaser (buyer) if possible as it needs to be completed by both the seller and the purchaser.

Make sure that you complete all of the information required of the 'seller' on the form, including the declaration at the foot of the form.

Important note:

If you choose to download a copy of the vehicle transfer form it will not be carbonated. The 'sellers copy' and the 'purchasers copy’ must both be completed and signed by you and the purchaser.

From 1 July 2008, the section of the Stamp Act 1921 dealing with vehicle licence duty was replaced by the Duties Act 2008. Some commonly used terms have also changed.

  • Market value (for vehicles) will now be known as 'dutiable value'.
  • Stamp duty (for vehicles) will now be known as 'vehicle licence duty'.

The definition of dutiable value for a new vehicle can now mean the retail selling price published in an advertisement or detailed in a temporary pricing bulletin provided the manufacturer, importer or principal distributor has fixed the price for that particular promotional period. Dutiable value for all other vehicles, such as new or used heavy vehicles, caravans, trailers or all used motor vehicles, is defined as the amount for which the vehicle might reasonably be sold, free of encumbrances in the open market



Seller - step 3: Give the buyer the 'Purchaser's copy' (pink) and other documents

You will need to keep the 'Seller's copy' (green) and give the 'Purchaser's copy' (pink) to the buyer.

Make sure you give the licence papers and any other applicable documentation to the buyer also.

The purchaser is responsible for completing the transfer of the vehicle and to ensure a Government approved immobiliser is fitted (if required). As a courtesy, please supply any information regarding the immobiliser to the buyer.

If the vehicle being sold is subject to a concession, you should advise the buyer of the concession.



Seller - step 4: Mail the 'Seller's copy' to DOT

You will need to mail the 'seller's copy' to the Department of Transport within 7 days from sale of the vehicle. The address is provided on the form. We recommend you keep a copy of the form for your records.

Information for purchaser (buyer)

When purchasing a licensed vehicle you must complete the vehicle licence transfer form with the seller and submit the 'purchaser's copy' within 14 days of purchasing the vehicle. Failing to do so may result in a penalty. Failure to pay the vehicle licence duty and transfer fee within 28 days of the invoice being issued will result in an infringement.

The following outlines the steps required to transfer vehicle ownership. More detailed information is provided in the vehicle licence transfer form.

Important notes:

  • If a transfer invoice has been issued in an incorrect name (excluding a spelling error), you must contact the seller and request a replacement transfer notice or written notification that an error has been made.
  • If you are unable to contact the seller to obtain a replacement Transfer Notice, a Statutory Declaration advising that the original documentation was completed incorrectly will be accepted as an alternative. Proof of identification will be required to effect the changes.
  • If the seller cannot be located, you can complete the ‘Transfer of Vehicle Ownership by Statutory Declaration’.
  • When we have conducted the relevant vehicle checks, we will contact you within 21 days to advise you of the result. If the transfer is approved, you will be sent an invoice for the vehicle licence duty and transfer fee.
  • If the vehicle being transferred is a farm tractor or tractor plant, the Application to licence a farm vehicle concession (Form MR39) This form includes a declaration of vehicle ownership. No further declarations or checks are required.
  • A completed ‘Dealer's Acquisition - Vehicle Transfer’ form is acceptable as Proof of Ownership for a registered motor vehicle dealer.

Application to license a farm vehicle, concession (Form MR39) KB
Notification of change of vehicle ownership (Form MR9) KB
Proof of identity - nominated owner/vehicle licence holder (Form MR186) KB
Proof of identity for your initial WA driver’s licence application KB
Statutory declaration - vehicle ownership (Form MR50) KB
Vehicle licence and examination fees (includes permits) KB
External LinkYellow Pages

Fees and charges associated with a change of ownership

Vehicle licence duty is a tax paid to the Office of State Revenue on establishing or transferring a vehicle licence. It is charged at a percentage rate of the dutiable value of a vehicle. Driver and Vehicle Services and associated regional Agents act as an agent for the Office of State Revenue when collecting this tax.

Transfer Fee is a fee that represents a cost recovery for the administration of the licensing system when a change of ownership is processed.

Some clients and vehicles may be exempt from some or all of these charges.



Purchaser - step 1: Complete the vehicle licence transfer form with the seller

You will need to complete a Notification of change of ownership (MR9) form with the seller as you both need to sign the form.

The seller is required to submit the 'seller's copy' (green) to us within 7 days and give the 'Purchaser's copy' (pink) to you.

Important note:

If you choose to download a copy of the vehicle transfer form it will not be carbonated. The 'sellers copy' and the 'purchasers copy’ must both be completed and signed by you and the seller.


Notification of change of vehicle ownership (Form MR9) KB

Purchaser - step 2: Obtain licence papers and immobiliser information

You (the purchaser) are responsible for ensuring that a Government approved immobiliser is fitted to the vehicle. We therefore recommend you ask the seller if an immobiliser is fitted and if so obtain as many details as you can (e.g. type, date fitted).

Please refer to our web page on immobilisers for detailed information on what vehicles require an immobiliser, exemptions, 'approved' immobilisers and how to get one fitted.



Purchaser - step 3: Complete the 'fitment of immobiliser' declaration form (if not exempt)

As discussed above, you are responsible for ensuring a Government approved immobiliser is fitted to the vehicle (if not exempt).

If an approved immobiliser has been fitted

You must complete the 'Fitment of immobiliser' declaration form below and submit it with your vehicle licence transfer form.

If an approved immobiliser is not fitted, or you are not sure

You must have an approved immobiliser fitted before you can transfer the vehicle (unless the vehicle is exempt).

If you are unsure if the vehicle is fitted with an immobiliser we recommend you take the vehicle to an auto electrician or mechanic. Refer to Yellow Pages (see below, search keyword 'immobilisers').

For more information refer to our web page on immobilisers.


Fitment of immobiliser (Form MR191) KB

Purchaser - step 4: Submit forms and proof of identification

To save time in lengthy queues we recommend you post the forms and supporting documents to us. If required you can attend a Driver and Vehicle Services Centre or regional Agent.

You will need to submit the following documents:

  • 'Purchaser's copy' of the vehicle transfer form (MR9)
  • 'Fitment of immobiliser' declaration form (if possible)
  • Proof of identification and age - a fact sheet on accepted proof of identity documents is provided below (relevant to individuals only).

Important note:

If the vehicle purchased will be jointly owned, one of the owners will need to be nominated as the licence holder. Please complete the ‘Proof of Identity - Nominated Owner/Vehicle Licence Holder’ form MR186 (provided below) and send it with your application to transfer vehicle ownership.



Purchaser - step 5: Pay vehicle licence duty and transfer fee

Upon receipt of the vehicle transfer form and declaration from you that an approved immobiliser has been fitted to the vehicle (if not exempt), we will invoice you for the vehicle licence duty and transfer fee, plus any upgrade of the licence fee (if a concession was previously applied).

You must pay the invoice within 28 days of it being issued or a penalty will apply. View your payment options.



Vehicle licence duty calculator

Driver and Vehicle Services is required by the Duties Act 2008 to collect vehicle licence duty when a vehicle is licensed or its licence is transferred.

Applicable as of 1 July 2012.

To determine the total vehicle licence duty payable for a particular type of vehicle:

  • Step 1: select classification of vehicle (light vehicle, used/new, OR heavy vehicle, used/new),
  • Step 2: enter the "Dutiable value" of the vehicle (rounded up to the nearest dollar) in the field below, and
  • Step 3: click on the "Calculate Fee Payable" button. The total fee payable will be displayed below.
Light vehicles - Gross Vehicle Mass (GMV) less than or equal to 4.5 tonnes
Used Light Vehicle
New Light Vehicle
Heavy vehicles - Gross Vehicle Mass (GMV) greater than 4.5 tonnes
Used Heavy Vehicle
New Heavy Vehicle
Calculate the total fee payable
Dutiable value ($)         
Dutiable value rate        %
Vehicle Licence duty fee   $ 
Transfer fee   $ 
Total fee payable   $ 


Vehicles with a concession

If you acquire a vehicle that is licensed with a concession and that concession does not apply to you, you must advise us. A vehicle licence may be considered to be invalid if the correct licence fees are not paid.

To find out the licence duty payable use our online vehicle licence duty calculator.

Fees for vehicle transfers and licences is provided in the schedule of licensing fees below.

Important note: If you disagree with the duty fee payable you can lodge an objection (see below).



Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR)

To find out if your vehicle is listed on the Written-Off Vehicle Register or if the car you are buying has money owing on it, check out PPSR online.

To make a PPSR enquiry, you will only need to provide the chassis or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Note that there will be no provision for searching or registering an interest by plate or engine number on the PPS Register.

  • PPSR online 
  • Telephone PPSR on 1300 007 777
  • PPSR online is administered by the Registrar of Personal Property Securities

PPSR can tell you whether a vehicle, boat or farm machinery has money owing on it (encumbered) before making a purchase. This is important because a third party (e.g. a bank or finance company) may be able to repossess the vehicle you have purchased due to an encumbrance.

A search of the PPS Register will also create a request for vehicle information from the National Exchange of Vehicle and Driver Information System - NEVDIS.  Depending on the information NEVDIS holds, this will include written off and stolen status information (if applicable) in addition to make, model, colour and other information.


External LinkPersonal Property Securities Register (PPSR)

Transfer between spouses

The Department of Finance has amended the Duties Act 2008 to introduce an exemption from vehicle licence duty upon the transfer of a vehicle licence between spouses or de facto partners of at least two years (including same-sex de facto partners).

Eligibility for an exemption from the payment of vehicle licence duty is available in the following circumstances:

  • The transfer of the vehicle licence must be between persons who are married to each other or who are de facto partners of two years.
  • Neither person can hold the vehicle as a trustee of a trust. 
  • The transfer of the licence must be for a vehicle used for private purposes. This is determined by whether the vehicle is eligible to have a reduced rate of licence fees (Private rate option) on your vehicle renewal. 
  • The vehicle can not be a heavy vehicle and the tare weight of the vehicle must not exceed 3,000 kg.
  • The vehicle must not be used for carrying passengers or goods for hire or reward or in any business, trade or profession.

Process

An application for a spousal/de facto vehicle licence duty exemption must be completed by both parties on a Department of Finance ‘Application for an exemption from duty for the transfer of a vehicle licence between spouses or de facto partners’ form, along with a Notification of Change of Ownership form (MR9).

The transfer of the vehicle licence cannot be processed unless the forms have been signed by both the current licence holder (transferor) and the proposed licence holder (transferee).
Important note: Although the transferee will be exempt from paying the vehicle licence duty, a transfer fee is still payable.


Notification of change of vehicle ownership (Form MR9) KB
External LinkDepartment of Finance - Vehicle Licence Duty Forms

Vehicles with optional or personalised plates fitted

If the vehicle is fitted with personalised/special series plates and they are being sold with the vehicle, the purchaser and seller must each complete and submit a 'Transfer of rights to display special plates' (Form MR176). The form is available below.

The purchaser will then have to pay the applicable plate transfer fee (see schedule of licensing fees above).

Important note to purchaser: If you do not want to keep the plates, return them to a Driver and Vehicle Services Centre to receive a set of ordinary state plates. Please note a fee applies.

Important note to seller: If you do not intend to sell the plates, return them to a Driver and Vehicle Services Centre for retention and receive a set of ordinary state plates for the vehicle you are selling. Please note a fee applies (see licensing fees above).


Transfer of right to display optional plates (Form MR176) KB

Vehicle licence duty payable objection

If you consider the vehicle licence duty determined by us too high, you can lodge an objection against the value with the Commissioner of State Revenue.

For more information, or to make an objection, visit the Department of Treasury and Finance’s Office of State Revenue.


External LinkOffice of State Revenue

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