How do I prove ownership of a car in Australia?

Proving ownership of a vehicle is an important step when registering or transferring registration of a car in Australia. Here are the main ways to prove ownership of a car in Australia:

Registration Certificate

The most straightforward proof of ownership is the vehicle’s current registration certificate. This document lists the registered owner of the vehicle. When selling or transferring ownership, the seller should sign the back of the registration certificate and provide it to the buyer.

Bill of Sale

A bill of sale is a necessary document when purchasing a used vehicle from a private seller. It includes details like the vehicle’s make, model, VIN, selling price, and information about the buyer and seller. Both parties should sign and date the bill of sale during the transaction.

Auction Purchase Receipt

For vehicles purchased at auction, the auction house will provide an invoice or receipt with details of the sale including the VIN, purchase price, buyer and seller information. This serves as proof you purchased the vehicle through a legitimate auction.

Court Documents

In some cases, court documents like divorce decrees, estate distributions, repossession orders, or insurance payouts may allocate legal ownership of a vehicle. These court-issued documents can serve as proof of ownership.

Statutory Declaration

For unique cases like homemade vehicles, you may need to provide a statutory declaration stating you built the vehicle yourself and have rightful ownership. This should detail the make, VIN, engine number and other identifying details.

Deceased Estates

Transferring a deceased person’s vehicle requires providing a death certificate plus any will or estate administration documents showing you have legal right to the vehicle.

To register a used car in your name, present your proof of ownership document along with a completed application for transfer and payment of registration fees. Some states require a roadworthiness inspection before transferring registration. Verify the requirements in your state.

How do you find out the last owner or prior owner of a vehicle? | AFX

FAQ

How can I find out who owns a car in Australia?

In Australia, you can find some information about the car’s owner through a vehicle history report, state motor registries, or the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR).

Do cars in Australia have titles?

When you buy a used vehicle privately, there is no guarantee that the vehicle is clear title. The seller does not have to give you a Personal Property Securities Register certificate. You should look up the vehicle and view the Personal Property Securities Register certificate before you buy it.

What is a vehicle registration certificate Australia?

Car rego shows who owns the vehicle and as we mentioned it’s a bit like your car’s ID document. This is different to a roadworthy certificate (RWC). Every state and territory has its own rules with a RWC but for older cars you’re required to get the certificate annually (same as getting CTP and other car insurance).

How can I check a car’s history for free in Australia?

Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) The PPSR is an Australian Government register designed to help protect consumers who buy personal property such as cars. By searching the online register, you can find out whether a second-hand car you’re buying has any money owing on it (among other things).