Buying a vehicle is one of the most expensive purchases you will make so it’s a good idea to get all the information you can.
On this page:
Before you buy
Buying a safer car
Buying a vehicle that is registered in South Australia
Buying an unregistered vehicle
Before you buy
To check if the vehicle is recorded as stolen, written-off or defected phone 13 10 84 and ask:
Is the vehicle recorded as stolen?
Has the vehicle been recorded as written-off?
Is the vehicle recorded as defected?
To check if the vehicle has any financial interests recorded against it you can check online via the Personal Property Security Register or phone 1300 007 777.
You will need to provide the vehicle's VIN or chassis number to search this register.
View the advice about buying a car on the Consumer and Business Services website.
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Buying a safer car
Buying a safer car may be one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Whether you are purchasing a new or used car, this road safety information will assist you.
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Buying a vehicle that is registered in South Australia
When you buy a motor vehicle you are required to register it, or ensure it is currently registered before driving it on the road.
When buying a vehicle that is registered in South Australia, you must complete and lodge an application for transfer of registration within 14 days.
Step 1:
You (the buyer) and the person selling the vehicle must complete and sign the application for transfer of registration which is located on the reverse side of the current certificate of registration.
If the seller does not have a current certificate of registration, they should apply for a replacement at any Service SA
customer service centre before you finalise the purchase.
If the seller cannot produce a current certificate of registration it may indicate they are not the registered owner or that they may be going to cancel the registration once the vehicle is sold.
Step 2:
The buyer must lodge the application for transfer within 14 days of purchase at a Service SA
customer service centre.
You need to lodge the application for transfer of registration. The person selling you the car must also lodge the notice of disposal.
Note: It is in your best interest to obtain a receipt from the person you are purchasing the vehicle from.
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Buying an unregistered vehicle
When you buy a motor vehicle you are required to register it, or ensure it is currently registered before driving it on the road.
If you buy a South Australian vehicle that is not registered and you wish to drive the vehicle, you must complete an application for registration and third party insurance and return it to your nearest Service SA customer service centre.
If there are no other requirements, after you pay the fee, a certificate of registration and label will be issued to you.
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More information
On this site
Registering an unregistered vehicleWritten-off vehicles inspection requirements
Government car auctions