Buying a vehicle

To be eligible to become a registered operator in Tasmania, you need to be a:

• person (over the age of 16 years or 18 years for a heavy vehicle), or
• body corporate such as a company or an incorporated association, or
• government department, or
• government authority; and
• have a Tasmanian garage address.

What to do before buying or transferring a vehicle

1. Make sure the seller is authorised to sell you the vehicle by checking:
   • their details match those on the registration certificate or other documents, or if not
   • they have a signed statutory declaration giving them permission to sell the vehicle.
2. Check the vehicle’s registration status:
   • you can use the online Rego Check service for this
   • if the vehicle is unregistered:
     • for less than three months - you will need to pay the renewal fee backdated to the expiry.
     • for three months or more - have the vehicle inspected at an Approved Inspection Station before having it registered in your name.
3. Make sure the vehicle is not listed as stolen or wrecked (current write-off status):
   • using the online Rego Check Service
   • calling 1300 135 513 during business hours
     • if stolen - report to Tasmania Police
     • if wrecked please check the written-off vehicles register.
4. Check there are no securities lodged against the vehicle:
   • using the Personal Property Register PPSR.
5. Check to see if you satisfy the requirements for any exemptions, concessions or rebates.
6. To find out if a vehicle which is not registered in your name has an active defect notice phone 1300 135 513 or international +61 3 6169 9017 or email tes@stategrowth.tas.gov.au.  Please note, you will only be provided with a yes or a no response.  For further information regarding the active defect you will need to talk to the current registered operator of the vehicle.