Here's what you need to know if registering an unregistered vehicle in NSW, whether the car was previously registered in NSW or another state.
Ensure that you have a receipt from the seller that states their full name and address, your full name and address and license number, details of the car including year, make, model and VIN number, and the sale price, date of sale and mileage at time of sale. This must be an original signed receipt. You can use download a suitable form here.
You will need to obtain an authorised unregistered vehicle inspection (blue slip) report. Only certain inspection stations are accredited to do these, so the usual place where you get an annual safety check (previously known as a pink slip) may not do blue slips. The current cost of these is $80. You can search for one here - look for the AUVIS accreditation.
You will need to buy a green slip specifically for an unregistered car, based on the VIN number. If you are planning on doing this immediately after purchasing the car note that you will need a physical copy of the green slip, even if you print it out yourself. So if you are out on the road and buy it online you will need a way to print it. If you are far from home you might be able to get it printed at a post office, newsagent or maybe you might find a kind RMS staff member that will print it for you.
Green slip prices can vary a lot, so it's worth using the government price check service to find the best price. Even if you usually find one company cheapest, it's worth checking as prices can vary based on many factors.
Once you have a blue slip and green slip you can visit Service NSW, wait in a queue, and then attempt to register the car. You will need an Application for Registration form which you can prepare in advance or obtain one and fill it out when you are there.
You will need to pay stamp duty based on the price paid or the market value. Some people illegally write down a lower amount on the receipt in an effort to save on this. The amount is $3 per $100 value.
You also need to pay the registration fee which varies based on vehicle weight and whether the vehicle is for private or business use. It ranges from $270 for under 975kg to $1,481 for 4,500kg (private use). Most small to medium cars fall into the 1,155kg to 1,504kg range ($380) or larger cars from 1,505kg to 2,504kg ($579).
Lastly, you need to pay for number plates. Even if the car still has number plates (the seller should have handed them back to the RMS) you must hand in the plates and buy new plates. This seems ridiculous and wasteful but maybe there is a reason. Standard black on yellow plates are $57 or slimline black on white plates are $165. You can also pay more and get different styles and custom plates if you wish to help out the government financially.
You can use the online calculator to work out what the total cost will be including stamp duty, registration cost and number plates.
As an example, a small hatchback I recently registered cost $1,127 all up including all of the above costs and just the basic black on yellow number plates.
• Find a safety inspection provider
• Greenslip price check service
• Application for Registration form
• Vehicle registration calculator
• Sample receipt
Prices correct as of 29 September 2025.
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