Owning Your Own Vehicle in Australia: Everything You Need to Know

Valentina Omaña
2 days ago
3 min read

Owning your own vehicle in Australia is a real game-changer. This country is huge, and having your own means of transport not only makes your daily life easier but also expands your opportunities: from finding housing and work to enjoying recreational activities and travelling across the country. It can even become an extra source of income if you decide to work in food delivery, for example.

Before jumping into buying a car, there are two key concepts you need to know:

1. Registration or Rego: This is the validity of the vehicle’s licence plate. Every 6 or 12 months you’ll need to pay a fee to transport authorities to keep your plate number active. This payment ensures that, in the event of an accident, the other party’s health costs are covered. Buying a car without Rego is not an issue, but if you do, you’ll need to arrange new plates before driving it. There is also a special permit that allows you to drive an unregistered car for one day, available here.

2. RWC or Roadworthy Certificate: Before being sold, a car must pass a technical safety inspection called the RWC. Not all mechanics are thorough with this check, so even if a car has an RWC, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee it’s a safe purchase. It’s always recommended to take a second mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection.

Where to look for your vehicle:

Facebook Marketplace: the most widely used platform.

Gumtree: versatile options for vehicles and other products.

Carsales: specialised in the automotive sector.

Dealerships: more expensive, but with warranty and a reliable RWC.

💡 Tip: Check seller reviews and avoid profiles with poor references or those not officially registered to minimise scam risks.

Although Rego includes basic insurance, it doesn’t cover damage to your own vehicle. Getting insurance is optional but highly recommended. Some options:

Comprehensive: full coverage.

Third Party: coverage for others.

Recommended extras: roadside assistance and glass protection, given the long distances and road conditions.

Excess: This is the amount you’d pay first in case of an accident; the insurer covers the rest. The higher the excess, the cheaper the insurance.

Recommended platforms: Suncorp and RACQ (you can sign up in minutes following their step-by-step guides).

What paperwork do you need for buying and selling?

Depending on the state in Australia, the forms and steps vary:

NSW: Application for Transfer of Registration (Service NSW)

VIC: Transfer of Registration Form (VicRoads)

QLD: Vehicle Registration Transfer Application (Transport and Main Roads)

SA: Application for Transfer of Registration (Service SA)

WA: Notification of Change of Ownership Form (Department of Transport)

NT: Application to Transfer Vehicle Registration (Motor Vehicle Registry)

ACT: Application to Transfer Registration (Access Canberra)

TAS: Transfer of Vehicle Registration Form (Transport Tasmania)

Remember: always complete the transfer within 14 days of purchase, check if you need a Safety Certificate (RWC), and pay the applicable stamp duty.

Once all steps are completed, your car will be ready to accompany you in your daily life in Australia—whether for work, study, leisure, or travel. Having your own vehicle makes everything simpler and gives you more independence in such a vast country.

Do you need help with your documents to buy or insure your car in Australia?

If you want your sales contracts, certificates, RWC, or any legal and migration documents properly translated into English or Spanish, Entrelingo Translations can help you. Our professional team ensures that your documents meet all legal and administrative requirements, avoiding mistakes and delays. We also help you build your personalised migration pathway and find the best route based on your profile. Book your free consultation here and take the first step with confidence.

To keep you updated on the latest migration and Skills Assessment news, and to connect with other professionals on the same path, we invite you to join our exclusive WhatsApp group. There, you can share experiences, resolve doubts in real-time, and receive ongoing support from our team and other migrants. You’re not alone on this journey! Join now and become part of a community of professionals committed to their future in Australia. Join our WhatsApp group here.