Information for new traders of motor vehicles

This page has information about:

• Vehicle registered in error
• Continuous vehicle licensing
• About Motochek
• About road user charges (RUC)
• Diagram of the change of ownership process.

Vehicle registered in error

Only use an Application to reverse registration (form MR2D) if you have registered a vehicle and the customer did not take possession of the vehicle. An MR2D should be lodged:

• within 28 days of the registration date
• with the registration plates, having not been used on the road, and the licence label in mint condition
• with a written request from the trader outlining why the reversal is required
• with a written disclaimer from the identity registered as the owner, advising that they did not take possession of the vehicle
• with the original receipt copy of the MR2A/B.

Note: A handling fee of $56.25 and the administration fee from the licence portion of the original transaction ($7.30) will be deducted from the refund. As the plate(s) and label are not reusable, the fee for these is also deducted from the refund.

If the vehicle has been registered for more than 28 days, then you need to do one of the following:

• Lodge an MR13B into your name. (Note that the ownership history will still record the first identity registered as the owner)
• Lodge an Application to cancel registration (form MR15) if the vehicle is reregistered (Note that the ownership history will still record the first identity registered as the owner)
• Request the identity registered as the owner be changed to the name of the trader who made the error. To do this, you'll need to contact the TRC.

Continuous vehicle licensing

Under the continuous vehicle licensing (CVL) requirements, most vehicles must be licensed continuously. If they are not, outstanding licensing fees accrue. If these fees remain unpaid they can be referred to a debt collection agency.

It is important when purchasing vehicles, therefore, that you put the vehicle in the trader network. If you are on-selling the vehicle within one week of purchasing it, you need to ensure that you lodge the appropriate MR13B in the new owner's name. If you delay these transactions, the customer from whom you purchased the vehicle will incur outstanding licensing fees. (These outstanding licensing fees need to be settled between the customer and you. The TRC does not get involved in these disputes.)

However, vehicles in the trader network (vehicles for which an MR13C has been processed) are not subject to the continuous vehicle licensing requirements. While in the trader network, the vehicle can remain unlicensed for up to two years from the previous licence/exemption expiry date before the registration is cancelled. If the vehicle isn't sold within this two-year period, you'll need to apply for an exemption from licensing before the vehicle's registration is cancelled by the Registrar.

If you're selling a vehicle within seven days that has already accrued outstanding licensing fees and you wish to pay them as part of the sale of the vehicle, you'll need to do one of the following:

• Lodge an MR24 then an MR13B
• Lodge an MR1B then an MR13B.

Note: The transactions must be processed in the above order to ensure the previous owner does not receive a payment demand for the outstanding licensing fees.

Motochek

Motochek is a software package that can be used to access vehicle and owner details. Motochek will tell you:

• if a vehicle is recorded as 'reported stolen'
• ownership status:
  • Complete - ID has been presented
  • Incomplete - ID has not been completed (only applies to transactions processed before 1 July 04)
  • Unconfirmed - MR13A has been entered
• expiry date of the inspection (warrant of fitness or certificate of fitness)
• country of origin
• date of first registration
• licence expiry date
• status of the registration (active, cancelled, etc.)
• whether or not the vehicle is subject to road user charges.

Motochek can also assist traders with SIN card requirements.

• Visit the Motochek website.

Road user charges (RUC)

A vehicle is subject to RUC if it:

• is diesel powered, or
• has a manufacturer's gross vehicle mass (GVM) of more than 3.5 tonnes (3,500 kg), or
• is powered by a fuel source that is not otherwise taxed.

Where the manufacturer's GVM is more that 3.5 tonnes (3,500 kg), an approved hubodometer must be fitted to a non-lifting axle on the left-hand side of the vehicle.

If you're selling a vehicle that is subject to RUC, remember that you are required by law to ensure that the vehicle has a current RUC licence label in the window.

Diagram: Change of ownership process

Where you can find out more

Phone our Motor Registration Contact Centre on (freephone) 0800 108 809.

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Page updated: 7 April 2009