Selling a car privately in Queensland involves paperwork. Miss a document or skip a step, and you could face fines, delays, or ongoing liability for a car you no longer own. This guide covers every document you need to sell a car in QLD – plus a simpler option if you’d rather skip the paperwork entirely.
Essential Documents for Selling a Car in Queensland
If you’re selling a registered vehicle privately in QLD, you’ll need these documents:
1. Safety Certificate (Roadworthy Certificate)
This is the most important document for private sales. In Queensland, you must provide a current Safety Certificate when selling a registered vehicle. The certificate confirms your car meets minimum safety standards.
Must be obtained from an Approved Inspection Station (AIS)
Valid for 2 months or 2,000 kilometres (whichever comes first)
Cost varies but typically ranges from $80 to $150
May require repairs if your car fails inspection
Important: If your car won’t pass a safety inspection due to mechanical issues, repairs can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. This is where many private sales fall apart.
2. Vehicle Registration Transfer Application (Form F3520)
Both buyer and seller must complete this form to transfer ownership. You can download it from the Queensland Government website or collect it from a Transport and Main Roads (TMR) service centre.
Seller completes Part B (Seller’s Copy)
Buyer completes Part A and lodges the transfer
Transfer must be completed within 14 days of sale
Keep your copy as proof of sale
3. Proof of Identity
You’ll need to show photo ID when completing the transfer. Acceptable forms include:
Queensland driver’s licence
Australian passport
Proof of Age card
4. Registration Certificate
While not strictly required, having your registration certificate on hand confirms you’re the legal owner and provides important details like the VIN, registration number, and expiry date. You can download this from the TMR website if you’ve misplaced it.
Additional Documents You May Need
Gas Certificate (LPG/CNG Vehicles)
If your vehicle has an aftermarket gas system, you’ll need a gas inspection certificate less than 3 months old.
Finance Payout Letter
If there’s money owing on the car, you’ll need a payout letter from your lender. The loan must be cleared before or at the time of sale. Buyers can check for encumbrances on the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR).
Service History and Receipts
Not legally required, but service records and receipts for recent work can help justify your asking price and reassure buyers.
The Private Sale Process in QLD
Here’s what selling privately actually involves:
Get a Safety Certificate (book inspection, potentially pay for repairs)
Advertise your car (Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace, Carsales)
Respond to enquiries (often including tyre-kickers and no-shows)
Arrange and supervise test drives
Negotiate price
Complete Form F3520 with the buyer
Receive payment (and verify funds are cleared)
Hand over keys, Safety Certificate, and documents
Lodge your copy of the transfer with TMR (or online)
The buyer then has 14 days to complete the transfer at TMR, paying the transfer fee and stamp duty.
What If Your Car Won’t Pass a Safety Inspection?
This is where many sellers get stuck. Common reasons cars fail safety inspections include:
Worn tyres (replacement cost: $400-$1,000+)
Brake issues (repairs: $200-$800+)
Suspension problems (repairs: $500-$2,000+)
Windscreen chips or cracks
Steering components
Rust is affecting the structural integrity
If repairs cost more than the car is worth, you’re stuck. You can’t sell a registered car privately without a Safety Certificate.
The Easier Option: Sell to a Car Removal Service
Here’s what most people don’t realise: when you sell to a cash for cars service like A2Z Car Removals, you don’t need a Safety Certificate. We buy cars in any condition – running or not, registered or unregistered, roadworthy or not.
What you need to sell to us:
Photo ID (driver’s licence)
Proof of ownership (registration papers or receipt of purchase)
That’s it. We handle the paperwork, provide free removal, and pay you cash on the spot. No Safety Certificate, no Form F3520, no waiting for buyers.
📞 Skip the Paperwork! Call 0435 955 334
Selling an Unregistered Car in QLD
If your car is unregistered, you don’t need a Safety Certificate to sell it – but private buyers often won’t want it without one. They’d need to get the car inspected before they can register it, which adds hassle and risk on their end.
Car removal services like A2Z Car Removals buy unregistered vehicles without any inspection requirements.
What Brisbane Customers Say
Here’s why locals choose A2Z Car Removals:
“Very quick and reliable” – Logan T.
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“Zak came on time to pick up my car and paid me good money for it as well” – Sandy H.
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“Great service, easy and quick to work with, and fair” – Connor K.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Safety Certificate to sell my car?
For private sales of registered vehicles, yes. When selling to a car removal service, no.
What happens if I sell without transferring registration?
You remain legally responsible for the vehicle, including any fines, tolls, or incidents. Always complete the transfer.
Can I sell a car with finance owing?
Yes, but the finance must be paid out at or before the sale. The buyer should check the PPSR before purchasing.
How long is a Safety Certificate valid?
2 months or 2,000 kilometres from the date of issue, whichever comes first.
Ready to Sell Without the Hassle?
Skip the Safety Certificate, skip the forms, skip the waiting. A2Z Car Removals buys cars in any condition with minimal paperwork.
Up to $9,999 cash on the spot
No Safety Certificate required
We handle all paperwork
Free car removal
Same-day service available
Open 6 AM – 8 PM, 7 days
📞 Call Now: 0435 955 334 for your free quote!
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A2Z Car Removals – Brisbane’s trusted car removal service. Quick, easy, fair.
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