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Buyers' and sellers' checklists

Print these checklists and use them when buying or selling a used vehicle.

Buyers' checklist

Check that:

  • the registration certificate is in the seller's name – although this is not proof of ownership
  • the vehicle has a Queensland safety certificate or certificate of inspection (COI)
  • the Queensland safety certificate or certificate of inspection has not expired
  • the Queensland safety certificate or certificate of inspection is displayed on the vehicle
  • the Queensland safety certificate or certificate of inspection identifies the issuing approved inspection station
  • the vehicle has been inspected by an independent mechanic
  • if the vehicle runs on gas or is fitted with gas appliances, fittings or systems the vehicle may require a gas certificate. The certificate must not be more than three months old and must be from an authorised gas installer
  • both sections of the Transfer of Vehicle Registration Application (form F3520) have been completed and signed by both the person selling the vehicle and the person buying the vehicle 
  • you (the buyer) must lodge part A (Transfer Application) of the Transfer of Vehicle Registration Application form at a Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centre within 14 days of purchase.

You should use the search function on the Personal Property Securities Register, by visiting www.ppsr.gov.au or by calling 1300 007 777, to make sure that the vehicle you are buying does not have a security interest over it. For example, if you buy a vehicle that still has money owing on it, the vehicle could be repossessed by the person who lent money against it. Note: This search will also advise whether the vehicle has been reported as stolen or written-off.

If you buy a vehicle from a motor dealer, they must supply a vehicle search certificate from the PPS Register.

Sellers' checklist

Make sure:

  • you have provided a registration certificate in the seller's name – although this is not proof of ownership
  • you have obtained a Queensland safety certificate or certificate of inspection (COI)
  • the Queensland safety certificate or certificate of inspection has not expired
  • the Queensland safety certificate or certificate of inspection identifies the issuing approved inspection station
  • the Queensland safety certificate or certificate of inspection is attached to a conspicuous part of the vehicle when it is offered for sale 
  • if the vehicle runs on gas or is fitted with gas appliances, fittings or systems the vehicle may require a gas certificate. The certificate must not be more than three months old and be from an authorised gas installer
  • both sections of the Transfer of Vehicle Registration Application (form F3520) have been completed and signed by both the person selling the vehicle and the person buying the vehicle 
  • you (the seller) keep Part B (Proof of Transfer/Notice of Disposal) of the Transfer of Vehicle Registration Application form
  • you keep the yellow copy of the Queensland safety certificate
  • you keep the above documents as proof of transfer until the vehicle is transferred out of your name
  • if you (the seller) reasonably believe the buyer has not applied for transfer of the vehicle's registration within 14 days, you may lodge Part B (Proof of Transfer/Notice of Disposal) at a Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centre together with a copy of the Queensland safety certificate/certificate of inspection.

Last updated: 23 February 2012