Interstate vehicle transfers
Transferring registration from another state or territory
If you and your vehicle move to Queensland, the vehicle must be registered in Queensland within 14 days of your move and establishment of your new garage address. If you fail to re-register your vehicle in Queensland, you may be fined.
Information about registering an interstate vehicle in Queensland can be found at registering motor vehicles and motorbikes.
When you re-register in Queensland, you can apply for a refund of the unexpired portion of your interstate registration by destroying your windscreen label and handing in your interstate registration number plate(s) to a Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centre. You will be issued a receipt. If the interstate plates are not surrendered to the department, you will be required to surrender the plates to the interstate authority.
Note: the registered operator of an interstate vehicle is responsible for contacting the relevant interstate authority for any refund and cancellation requirements as the requirements may vary from state to state. A copy of the receipt for the plate(s) will be required.
Transferring a Queensland registered vehicle to another state or territory
When transferring a Queensland registered vehicle to another state or territory please contact the relevant transport authority for their requirements.
To obtain a refund of the unexpired portion of Queensland registration plus the Compulsory Third Party (CTP) Insurance component, the registered operator is required to:
- Transfer the vehicle according to that state or territory’s requirements upon taking up residence. At the time of transfer destroy the Queensland registration label, surrender the plate to the local transport authority and obtain a plate surrender receipt.
- Complete a Vehicle/Recreational Ship Cancellation of Registration Application form (F3517) and mail this form with a copy of the plate receipt to:
Department of Transport and Main Roads
Rockhampton Customer Service Centre
PO Box 5096
Central Queensland MC Qld 4701.
Please refer to the cancellation checklist before mailing your request.
Customers who reside interstate, but have purchased a Queensland registered vehicle
To register a vehicle in Queensland, the vehicle must be garaged at a Queensland address. Because of this requirement, a vehicle cannot be transferred to an operator who intends to garage the vehicle interstate.
If you reside interstate and purchase a Queensland registered vehicle, you need to consider any necessary arrangements regarding registration of the vehicle.
As you will not be able to transfer the Queensland registration into your name, you may consider arranging for the seller to attend a Transport and Main Roads Customer Service Centre with you to cancel the vehicle’s registration. You will then be able to apply for an unregistered vehicle permit to enable you to return home with the vehicle.
For more information regarding cancellation of registration and the requirements and costs to obtain an unregistered vehicle permit, please refer to:
