Buying a van in Australia as a foreigner

I'm not 100% sure, but i think there is a major issue with selling vehicles in other states especially WA. Something to do with change of Rego (cost)?
I may be wrong...

Every state has its own vehicle licensing, and they vary. It is hard top sell a vehicle with one state rego in another state.

In WA make sure you buy a vehicle with rego (registration). Since 1st Jan 2010 vehicles no longer have a sticker on the windscreen, in fact you can't tell if a vehicle is registered unless the seller gives you the green registration form, and make sure it has the payment receipt stapled to it. Just the form with no receipt does not mean the vehicle is registered, just means the owner recieved the renewal form.

When you buy the vehicle you have to transfer the rego. You need a WA residential adress to do this (not a PO Box). To transfer go to a licensing centre and take the green rego form and receipt. It costs to transfer based on the sell price of the vehicle.

Now all you have to do is pay the renewal when it is due each year (or six monthly). There is no annual inspection. If you don't renew the registration then you have to get it inspected to get new rego, so make sure you pay the renewal every year.

The rego includes third party insurance against person injury, so you are legal to drive with only the rego on the vehicle. But remember if you have an accident you pay for any property damage. The Insurance with the rego is against injury to people only. It does not cover your vehicle or any other property. If you want insurance many sell it, try RAC first, and join the RAC for free recovery when you breakdown at the same time.

In NSW vehicle must have rego, annual inspection and greenslip - greenslip is compulsary third party insurance, the insurer issues you with a green piece of paper. Only certain companies are authorised to issue NSW greenslips. If you take a vehicle to get the annual inspection the inspection station can also arrange a greenslip, and will get you the best price. Don't bother trying to get it yourself, just go to testing station and get them to do it.

If the vehicle is not due an annual test when you buy it you have to get on the internet on the NSW governmnet site where they will find the best price for you (Google NSW Greenslip Calculator). It is instant and you can then phone the number of the cheapest one and get it instantly. You don't have to wait for the paperwork to be posted, you will be on the computor and all testing stations, police etc. will know you have insurance. Note the insrance again is the minimum third party against personal injury. You can buy additional insurance from same supplier if you want.


Your best bet would be to buy a vehicle in NSW with WA rego (if you can find one) that is current until at least when you arrive in WA. To transfer it though you need a WA address, - but if you get into a WA registered vehicle you are legal to drive it with no other reqiurement to buy insurance etc.

If you get a NSW vehicle and try to sell it in WA good luck. You will have to take a cut in price or go to a WA licensing centre and have the vehicle examined over the pits and then pay to register in WA. Then you return the license plates to NSW and get new ones in WA.

Alternatively hire a van. You may think is costs lots more, but it has no hassle and if it breaksdown you get a new one. Google Thrifty, Avis, Budget for a start.

Or buy a van in NSW and budget on getting $100 at a scrap dealer in WA.