Do you need to transfer vehicle registration to NSW? You must do this within 3 months if you’ve moved here from interstate with an interstate vehicle. If you live in NSW but have just bought a vehicle registered in another state or territory, you need to transfer registration. Find out the simple steps to transfer registration to NSW.
Why do you want to transfer registration to NSW?
There are 2 reasons to transfer vehicle registration to NSW:
- You’ve moved to NSW with an interstate vehicle within the last 3 months and intend to stay.
- You live in NSW but have bought a vehicle registered in another state or territory.
In both cases, this will be the first registration of the vehicle in NSW.
Is the first registration in NSW different?
Yes, you must go in person to a motor registry or Service NSW with the required documents for the first registration. After the first time, you can renew registration of that vehicle by phone or online.
The first registration and green slip must be for 12 months. After that, you can buy a green slip and renew registration of the same vehicle for 6 months.
What are the steps to transfer registration to NSW?
There are 3 steps to transfer registration:
- Organise a blue slip (safety and identity check) for your vehicle at a NSW authorised inspection station.
- Buy a green slip (CTP insurance) – compare the cheapest prices.
- Go in person to a motor registry or Service NSW with documents proving your identity, residential address in NSW and entitlement to register the vehicle. See the checklist below.
What is a blue slip?
A blue slip is an indepth safety and identity check of the vehicle. You need to book a blue slip at an authorised inspection station. Most mechanics are authorised to do this inspection. A blue slip takes longer to carry out than a regular safety check and is valid for only 42 days. Make sure you are ready to register your vehicle within that time.
What is a green slip?
A green slip is the name given in NSW to compulsory third party (CTP) insurance. Your green slip pays compensation to people who are killed or injured in a road accident involving your vehicle. You have a choice of 6 insurers and they all provide the same cover by law. One insurer, NRMA Insurance, offers extra cover for at-fault drivers on top of their green slip.
What do I need to transfer registration?
Once you have bought your blue and green slips, Service NSW receives electronic copies of them. However, you need to take a hard copy of your blue slip. You are then ready to visit Service NSW or motor registry with all the items you need to show.
| Item | What to do |
| Blue slip (safety and identity check) | Book this at an authorised inspection station |
| Green slip (CTP insurance) | Compare prices from each insurer and purchase |
| Application for registration form | Complete this |
| Proof of identity | Show, for example, birth certificate, passport, credit card, utility bill |
| Proof of residential address in NSW | Use, for example, contract of sale or lease agreement |
| Proof of entitlement to register | Show, for example, interstate certificate of registration or motor dealer sales contract |
| Previous number plates | If possible |
| Fees | Pay for registration, stamp duty, number plates |
Cancel previous state or territory registration
Once you fix NSW number plates to your vehicle, you must cancel registration in your previous state or territory. This will cancel that state or territory’s CTP insurance on your vehicle.
Now you are legally ready to drive your vehicle in NSW.
Remember in NSW you always need to buy a green slip separately before you can register or reregister your car.
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