Transferring a Used Truck: Inspections, Registration and Duty in NSW, VIC and QLD

Key takeaways

• A truck over 4.5t GVM is a heavy vehicle for registration, so the inspection rules differ from those for cars and light trucks.

• Queensland: trucks over 4.5t GVM generally require a current Certificate of Inspection (COI) when transferring registration, unless an exemption applies. Trucks at 4.5t or less need a safety certificate.

• Victoria: a roadworthy certificate is needed to transfer any registered vehicle, heavy vehicles included, unless an exemption applies. You pay a transfer fee and motor vehicle duty.

• NSW: heavy vehicle inspections are tied to registration renewal. Most trucks from 4.5t to 12t GVM are inspected at an authorised heavy vehicle station.

• Budget for duty: NSW charges $3 per $100 of value on trucks, so $1,800 on a $60,000 truck. Transfers are generally due within 14 days of sale.

These rules are current as of October 2026 and change from time to time. Confirm with your state transport authority before you settle.

What counts as a heavy vehicle?

For registration, a heavy vehicle is a truck with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) over 4.5 tonnes. Heavy vehicles have their own inspection schemes, registration charges and, in some states, number plates.

Trucks at 4.5t GVM or less are generally treated as light vehicles for registration purposes, although inspection and transfer requirements still vary by state.

What does each state require to transfer a used truck?

Queensland: Certificate of Inspection for heavy trucks

In Queensland, a vehicle over 4.5t GVM generally needs a current Queensland Certificate of Inspection (COI) to transfer registration, unless an exemption applies. Lighter vehicles need a safety certificate instead.

A few practical points:

• Who provides it: for a vehicle needing a safety certificate, the seller must obtain it before disposing of the vehicle. The fine for not having one is over $700.

• Dealer exception: a safety certificate is not needed when you sell or trade a vehicle to a licensed motor dealer.

• One use only: a safety certificate covers one transfer.

• NHVAS exemption: heavy vehicles that are in, and will remain in, the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme maintenance module can be exempt from the COI on transfer.

Duty is payable on the transfer unless an exemption applies.

Victoria: roadworthy certificate, duty and transfer fee

In Victoria, transferring any registered vehicle needs a roadworthy certificate (RWC), unless the transfer type or vehicle is exempt. This applies to heavy vehicles as well as cars. The buyer also pays motor vehicle duty and a transfer fee.

The transfer must be completed within 14 days of the sale. If a dealer is involved, the dealer manages the transfer.

Buying a truck registered in another state? To register it in Victoria, you need a Victorian roadworthy issued within 30 days of your registration appointment. Heavy vehicles with current interstate registration and National Heavy Vehicle plates can keep those plates.

NSW: inspections at registration renewal

NSW links heavy vehicle inspections to registration renewal, and your renewal notice tells you which inspection the truck needs. Most trucks over 4.5t and up to 12t GVM are inspected at a Heavy Vehicle Authorised Inspection Station (HVAIS). Two-axle rigid trucks over 12t also go to an HVAIS, while some older trucks with three or more axles need a Transport for NSW inspection.

If you are buying an unregistered heavy truck, you need an HVAIS inspection to establish registration.

Before you buy, check when the registration expires and which inspection the next renewal will need. A truck due for renewal soon may need repairs to pass.

Duty in NSW is $3 per $100 of the truck's value for non-passenger vehicles.

How much will the transfer cost?

Duty is usually the largest cost. On a used truck valued at $60,000:

Add the transfer fee, the inspection or roadworthy cost and any repairs needed to pass. If registration is close to expiry, also budget for renewal.

Transfer checklist for used truck buyers

1. Check the registration is current, and when it expires.

2. Confirm which inspection your state requires, and who pays for it.

3. Run a PPSR search for registered security interests, write-off or theft records.

4. Check the GVM on the compliance plate matches the registration, especially for dual-rated trucks.

5. Lodge the transfer within 14 days, with duty and fees.

For more on choosing between dealer, auction and private sellers, see our guide to buying a used truck at auction, from a dealer or privately. You can also compare used truck quotes on IndustrySearch, where a dealer will usually handle the transfer for you.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a roadworthy to buy a used truck?

It depends on the state. Victoria requires a roadworthy certificate to transfer most registered vehicles, including heavy trucks. Queensland generally requires a Certificate of Inspection for trucks over 4.5t, unless an exemption applies. NSW ties heavy vehicle inspections to registration renewal.

Who pays for the inspection?

In Queensland, the seller must provide the safety certificate for vehicles that need one. Otherwise, agree on it in writing before the sale.

Can I drive a truck home from another state?

Only if it is registered. You then need to register it in your home state, which can require an inspection.

Is GST charged on top of duty?

Dealer prices usually include GST. Duty is calculated on the vehicle's value, so check the exact basis with your state revenue office.

Sources

• Registration transfer application and COI requirements, Queensland Transport

• Safety certificates, Queensland Government

• Transfer fees and roadworthy exemptions, VicRoads and transfer fee schedule

• Register an interstate vehicle, VicRoads

• Heavy Vehicle Authorised Inspection Scheme, Transport for NSW

• Apply for heavy vehicle registration, Service NSW

• NSW vehicle duty rates, austax.tools

• Vehicle stamp duty by state, InfoChoice