Every vehicle on the road in NSW needs to be registered.

This protects everyone against fraud and theft, as well as ensuring that vehicles are insured for any damage they might do to other people in a crash.

You’ll need to get new registration for your car when you buy it new. You’ll also need to get new rego for a second-hand car if it’s unregistered when you buy it, or if your own car’s registration is more than three months out of date.

Registering a new car
If you buy a spanking new car from a dealer, most of them will be able to organise the rego for you. They’ll provide you with the relevant forms and details when you buy the car.

The dealer will ask you to complete the Application for Registration form and provide you with the Certificate of Registration and rego label once registration is completed.

If you haven’t done business with the RTA before, you’ll need to go to a motor registry, provide proof of your identity and be established as an RTA customer.

Registering a used car
If you buy an unregistered used car, or if your own car has been unregistered for more than three months, then you’ll need to go to a motor registry and establish a new registration.

When you sell your car
Transferring rego is the buyer’s responsibility, but as the seller, you need to tell the RTA when you sell your car.

If you don’t, you may be held liable for any fines or traffic offences picked up by the new owner. Don’t rely solely on the new owner (even if they are a dealer) to transfer the registration into their name.

When you buy
The rego of the car that you buy will need to be transferred into your name within 14 days of purchase. If you delay you’ll have to pay a late fee. Most people will need to pay a transfer fee and stamp duty (there are a few exemptions). You may also need to pay additional motor vehicle tax if you have bought your vehicle from someone receiving an RTA concession (such as a pensioner) and you are not eligible for such a concession.

Do I need a REVS check on the vehicle?
If a car is 'encumbered' it means that there is money owing on the car, or the person selling the car does not own it outright - meaning that the car could be repossessed even if the debt is not yours!

If you buy from a car dealer, they must guarantee that the car is not encumbered.

If you are buying privately (including at a car market), contact REVS to check the status of the vehicle. To do this you will need:

• Current registration certificate (with the rego number, engine number and VIN or chassis number)

• A pink slip not older than 42 days

• Proof of identify of seller (e.g. driver's licence) to ensure they are the legal owner

How do I cancel my rego?
You can choose to cancel the registration of your vehicle and claim a refund on the unused part. Obviously, you will no longer be able to drive the vehicle after the rego has been cancelled.