Six steps to buying a heavy vehicle

When buying a vehicle privately, the RTA recommends that you arrange for an independent evaluation of the vehicle to ensure construction and roadworthiness standards are met. Confirm the vehicle specifications meet your needs. Also contact the manufacturer’s agents to check maximum carrying weight capacity.

If you decide not to have an independent evaluation, you should follow these steps:

Step 1. Check the seller’s paperwork

Ask the seller to show you:

• A current RTA certificate of registration for the vehicle.
• Details of the last vehicle inspection.
• Proof that the person selling the vehicle is also the registered operator, such as a sales receipt and a driver licence in the same name.
• Proof of where the vehicle was purchased eg a receipt. You should also ask how long they have had the vehicle.

Note: The certificate of registration does not prove ownership, but only names the person who is the registered operator of the vehicle. If the seller is not the registered operator, ask the seller to prove that he or she is authorised to sell the vehicle. 

> More information on heavy vehicle inspections

Step 2. Check the vehicle

1. Check that the details on the certificate of registration and the Heavy Vehicle Inspection Report (if provided) match the details on the vehicle itself such as:

   • Vehicle registration number (number plate).
   • Engine number.
   • Vehicle identification number (VIN) or chassis number from the compliance plate.
2. Check for signs of tampering with the engine number, chassis number, vehicle identification number or the compliance plate. These can usually be found on the firewall at the back of the engine compartment, on or under the cab either in the door opening, on the floor panel, or next to or behind the driver’s or passenger’s seat.
3. Look for grind marks, scratches, or numbers that have been over-stamped. If you find any marks like this, the vehicle may be stolen and you should definitely arrange for an independent inspection.

Step 3. Contact the RTA

You should check that the registration details given by the seller are correct. Call 13 22 13 and quote the vehicle registration number and the name on the registration certificate. The operator will tell you if the:

• Vehicle is actually registered in the name you provided.
• Registration is current, cancelled or suspended.
• Ownership is in dispute.
• Registration has expired.
• Vehicle is registered with a concession (for example, if the current registered operator is a primary producer).
• Compulsory Third Party (green slip) insurance company name and code number is current.

Step 4. Check no money is owing on the vehicle

If you buy a vehicle from a private seller who still owes money on it, it could be repossessed and you could lose the vehicle and your money. To find out if money is owing on the vehicle, call the Register of Encumbered Vehicles (REVS) on (02) 9633 6333 (Sydney) or 1800 424 988 (toll free in regional NSW) weekdays from 8.30am-5.30pm, weekends from 9am-5pm or visit the REVS website at www.revs.nsw.gov.au and do the REVS check yourself.

For the REVS check you need:

• Vehicle registration number (number plate).
• VIN or chassis number.
• Engine number.

REVS can also check if the vehicle has been reported to the Police as stolen or if the registration has been cancelled due to fines.

Note: A vehicle could still be stolen even if it has not been reported. If the REVS check shows that there is no money owing on the vehicle, ask to be sent a Search Certificate. This certificate prevents a financier repossessing the vehicle if someone still owes money on it. If REVS shows that money is owed on the vehicle, don’t buy it until you are certain the debt will be repaid.

Step 5. Buying the vehicle

Before buying the vehicle ask the seller to:

• Complete and sign the back of the certificate of registration.
• Give you a receipt that shows:
  • Your name.
  • Amount you paid for it.
  • Vehicle’s current registration number, engine number, VIN or chassis number.
  • Seller’s driver licence or passport number, name, signature, date of sale (check that the signature on the receipt matches the one on the licence or passport).

This receipt is the only proof that you own the vehicle.

Step 6. Transferring the registration

Once you have bought a vehicle, you have 14 days in which to transfer the registration, or you will incur a late transfer fee.

If you fail to transfer the registration, the RTA may cancel it. If you drive an unregistered and uninsured vehicle, you may be fined and you may also be liable for any damage you cause to people or property if you have an accident.

You can be exempted from the late transfer fee for the following:

• If the vehicle is put into the name of a beneficiary of a deceased estate.
• If the vehicle is part of a property settlement through divorce or separation of a husband and wife or de facto partner.

When you attend a motor registry, you need to produce the following documents:

• The certificate of registration for the vehicle, completed and signed on the back by the registered operator or proof of acquisition, eg a receipt for purchase of the vehicle.
• Proof of your identity (eg your driver’s licence) and if necessary, proof of company name and ACN/ARBN.
• Proof of garaging address eg council rate notice, lease agreement or rent book.
• Completed Application for Transfer form (RTA form 1010).
• Completed Description of Heavy Vehicle form (RTA form 1120) to confirm the vehicle configuration you intend to use. (Both application forms can be obtained from any motor registry or downloaded from the box at bottom of this page).

If you intend to use the vehicle with a different configuration than the previous registered operator, an additional charge may apply.

Only one person/corporate body can be recorded as the registered operator of a heavy vehicle.

When transferring the registration, you pay a transfer fee and stamp duty. Stamp duty is levied by the Office of State Revenue when a vehicle is registered in a new name and the RTA collects it on their behalf.

You pay stamp duty on the market value of the vehicle or the price you paid, whichever is higher. Stamp duty is calculated at $3 for every $100 of the market value.