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Transfer of a Vehicle - Responsbilility

Description

By transferring a vehicle into your name you become the registered operator.

To become a registered operator you must be one of the following:

  • a person
  • a body corporate such as a company or an incorporated association
  • a government department
  • a government authority.

Different criteria apply to be a registered operator for light and heavy vehicles.

Role of a registered operator

A registered operator is responsible for the vehicle and will be held responsible for its use including:

  • payment of related vehicle fees and charges
  • any related fines and sanctions*, unless, in certain circumstances, the registered operator was not driving the vehicle at the time of the offence
  • ensuring the vehicle is roadworthy
  • notifying the Registrar of Motor Vehicles of any changes to vehicle details
  • From early 2005, if there are joint registered operators, only the designated operator will be responsible

Before accepting responsibility for a vehicle

The prospective registered operator should:

  • ask to see the current certificate of registration - duplicate certificates of registration can be obtained by the current registered operator from Service Tasmania shops
  • on the current registration certificate check details relating to the vehicle and the registration expiry.
  • check the identity of the current registered operator (as shown on the certificate of registration), that they are the person disposing of the vehicle or that they have written permission from the current registered operator check vehicle details, and whether any money is owed on the vehicle, through the online Registration Status Service - this includes whether the vehicle is stolen, wrecked or has a defect notice/discontinuance notice (these details can also be checked by phoning 1300 851 225.

Transferring the vehicle registration

To become the registered operator you must complete and lodge all necessary documentation to a Service Tasmania Shop or via mail to Registrar of Motor Vehicles, GPO Box 1002 Hobart Tas 7001, within 14 days.

Light and heavy vehicles

There are varying eligibility requirements to become a registered operator of a vehicle.

Light vehicles (Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) 4.5 tonnes or less):

  • body corporate (company, incorporated association), or
  • one or two person(s), aged 16 years of age or over.
If two registered operators are recorded, one of the two registered operators MUST be nominated as a designated operator.

Heavy vehicles (GVM over 4.5 tonnes): (GVM over 4.5 tonnes):
  • body corporate (company, incorporated association), or
  • one person , aged 18 years of age or over.

Specifying a registered operator

For transfers, issues and reissues of registration the registered operator (and designated operator if applicable) for that vehicle must be specified.
All application forms and documentation will have provision for specifying the registered operator.

Conditional registration

Information on transferring a conditionally registered vehicle or conditional registration is located at Conditional registration - summary.

Ex-government vehicles

These vehicles are normally sold unregistered and require an AIS inspection prior to registration.
In some situations the following applies:

  • government plated vehicles cannot be transferred and will need to have a vehicle inspection carried out at an Approved Inspection Station (AIS) prior to being re-registered
  • private plated ex-government vehicles which are sold unregistered, without plates, will need to be inspected at an Approved Inspection Station (AIS) prior to being re-registered
  • private plated ex-government vehicles that have been sold registered (with plates) can be transferred to the purchaser without inspection.

Customer provides

The customer needs to undertake the following by post or through Service Tasmania shops:

  • complete the Transfer of Vehicle Registration form (also found on the back of the certificate of registration) and ensure the current registered operator(s) have signed this form provide their current Tasmanian photo licence or Full Evidence of Identity 
  • provide Proof of Entitlement to register the vehicle which includes a completed Notice of Disposal
  • provide a copy of the Family Court Order if the vehicle is part of a property settlement.
  • provide an exemption number (dealers only this is a number issued by the Commissioner of Duties to exempt dealers from duty).
  • provide an exemption certificate from the Commissioner of Duties if applicable
  • satisfy requirements for deceased estates.

If the certificate of registration is not available, a application for transfer of vehicle registration with the notice of disposal can be obtained from Service Tasmania shops or by clicking here

Customer receives

The customer will receive their:

  • certificate of registration incorporating a receipt for fees paid.

Payment

The customer needs to pay:

Some vehicles and/or customers may be eligible for exemptions from duty.
If the vehicle is registered in joint names and is to be transferred to one of the joint registered operator's name or a light vehicle is registered in one name and is to be transferred to 2 names (including current registered operator) then - the duty & full transfer fees are required.

Duty is not payable for the following:

  • a vehicle being transferred as part of a deceased estate to the beneficiary (no transfer fee is required if the beneficiary is a registered operator) a vehicle being transferred as part of a property settlement on production of the Family Court Order
  • agricultural machinery
  • machinery
  • people eligible for the Transport Access Scheme or a TPI pensioner (on one vehicle only)
  • Conditional registration
  • when no change in beneficial ownership. When an exemption number has been issued by the Commissioner of State Revenue or when an exemption authority has been obtained from the Commissioner of State Revenue.