The ACT's private sale process has two quirks the rest of the country doesn't: older vehicles generally need an inspection before the transfer goes through, and stamp duty is calculated on the car's emissions performance, not just its price. Here's the full checklist.
Buyer checklist: before you inspect
- Run a rego check via Access Canberra for status and expiry.
- Run a PPSR check for finance owing, stolen status and write-off history — essential given how many NSW-plated cars sell into Canberra.
- Understand the duty before you commit: the ACT calculates it on the vehicle's emissions rating, so a thirsty performance car costs meaningfully more to transfer than an efficient one at the same price. Check Access Canberra's calculator.
At the inspection
- View in daylight at the address on the registration papers.
- Match the VIN on the car to the papers, and the seller's licence to the registered operator.
- Check for accident repair, flood signs, odometer consistency and spare keys; test drive properly.
- An independent pre-purchase inspection is still worth it — the transfer inspection is a roadworthiness check, not a mechanical report.
Doing the deal (buyer)
- Pay by bank transfer or PayID; signed receipt with names, addresses, rego, VIN, price and date.
- Insure it from the moment you drive away.
- Complete the transfer within 14 days via Access Canberra and pay the (emissions-based) duty.
- Older vehicles — generally those more than six years old — need to pass an inspection before the transfer completes. Confirm current requirements with Access Canberra and factor the booking into your timeline.
Seller checklist: getting ready
- If your car is in the inspection-age bracket, consider getting it inspected (or at least pre-checked by your mechanic) before listing — a transfer that stalls on a failed inspection kills deals.
- Gather registration papers, service books and receipts; payout letter if finance is owing.
- Clean, photograph, honest ad.
Meeting buyers and getting paid
- Meet at home or somewhere busy, with someone around; sight the buyer's licence before any test drive and ride along.
- Hand over on cleared funds only; receipt in duplicate.
After the sale (seller)
- Lodge your disposal/transfer notification with Access Canberra immediately — it's your protection from the new owner's fines and demerits.
- Remove tags and linked accounts; wipe paired phones, addresses and garage remotes.
- Cancel or transfer your insurance.
The ACT twist is sequencing: inspection (for older cars) and emissions-based duty both belong in the plan before money moves, not after.