What documents do I need for a private car swap in Australia?

By Nicholas Robertson, Founder, SwapU

The documents required for a private car swap in Australia depend on your state, but the core requirements are: a signed vehicle transfer form (from your state's transport authority), proof of identity, a current Safety Certificate if transferring a registered vehicle (required in QLD and VIC; check your state), and a PPSR search result for each vehicle. SwapU also generates a co-signed Swap Agreement and a Bill of Sale for each vehicle, which create a written record of the agreed terms.

Core documents required by law

Each state has its own vehicle transfer form. You must use the form for the state where the vehicle is registered: - **Queensland:** Form 3 (Transfer of Registration) from TMR - **NSW:** Vehicle Transfer form from Service NSW - **Victoria:** Transfer of Registration from VicRoads - **WA, SA, TAS, NT, ACT:** Each state and territory has an equivalent form

In every state, both the seller/transferor and the buyer/transferee must sign the transfer form. In a swap, each party signs two forms: one as transferor for the vehicle they are giving, and one as transferee for the vehicle they are receiving.

Proof of identity

Most states require the transferee to provide a driver licence number on the transfer form. Additional proof of identity may be required at lodgement.

Safety Certificate / Roadworthy

  • **Queensland:** Required for transferring a registered vehicle. Issued by a TMR-authorised inspection station (AIS). Valid for 2 months or 2,000 km.
  • **Victoria:** A Certificate of Roadworthiness is required.
  • **NSW:** A Pink Slip (e-Safety check) is required for vehicles over 5 years old.
  • **WA, SA, TAS, NT, ACT:** Check with your state's transport authority for current requirements.

PPSR search

A PPSR search is not legally required by any state's transport authority, but it is strongly recommended. It confirms that no security interest (finance) is registered against the vehicle you are receiving. Each party should run their own search at ppsr.gov.au ($2 per search).

SwapU-generated documents

These documents are not required by any transport authority but are recommended: - **Swap Agreement:** Records the agreed terms — vehicle details, VINs, odometer readings, any cash adjustment, and handover date. Both parties sign. - **Bill of Sale (one per vehicle):** Documents the agreed value of each vehicle. Used to calculate transfer duty.

Odometer declaration

The vehicle's odometer reading at the date of transfer must be declared on the transfer form. Providing a false declaration is an offence.

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