Moving From VIC to NSW? Transfer Your Rego the Right Way

For over twenty years, I’ve been helping Australians move across state lines. I’m Joaquin Trapero, owner of North Removals, and one crucial part of any interstate move is sorting out your car’s rego. If you’re moving from Melbourne to Sydney, you’ll need to change rego from VIC to NSW to meet your new state’s requirements. It’s a mandatory step, but it doesn’t have to be a headache with a bit of know-how.

I get it — dealing with all the paperwork and inspections in a new state can be intimidating. But as someone who’s guided countless clients through vehicle rego transfers, I can assure you it’s manageable with the right info. In this guide, I’ll share step-by-step advice pulled from my experience helping people navigate the switch from VIC to NSW registration. Save time and focus on important things, like choosing the right interstate removalist.

Buckle up — let’s get ready to make your car’s interstate rego change as straightforward as possible. By leveraging my decades of hands-on know-how and the insights I’ve gathered from countless interstate moves, I’ll make sure you’re prepared to tackle the rego change like a pro. After all, moving should be an exciting fresh start, and I’m here to help you keep it that way, free from any registration headaches.

Transferring Vehicle Registration from VIC to NSW – Step by Step

New South Whales has different requirements that you must meet to avoid legal problems. The following details provide a step-by-step guide for an effective transition:

1. Obtain a Vehicle Safety Check (Blue Slip):

A Blue Slip is necessary for vehicle registration in NSW because it confirms your vehicle satisfies all safety and design standards set by the state. Please note the difference between a Pink Slip (for renewing an already-NSW-registered vehicle) versus a Blue Slip  (for an unregistered or interstate vehicle) in NSW.

If you are transferring from VIC you’ll need the Blue Slip. Here’s how to proceed:

Authorised Inspection Station: Schedule an inspection with an authorised inspection station in NSW. Find an authorised vehicle inspection station.

Inspection Details: During the assessment the inspector will examine brakes alongside tyres, steering system and lights to confirm their compliance with safety standards.

Validity Period: The validity period of Blue Slip extends to 42 days from its issue, so schedule your registration appointment within this time frame.

2. Purchase Compulsory Third Party (CTP) Insurance:

Taking out CTP insurance, also known as a Green Slip, is mandatory before registering your vehicle in NSW. Here’s what you need to know:

Coverage: CTP insurance extends coverage to personal injuries which develop during vehicle accidents.

Approved Insurers: You must obtain a Green Slip from a licensed insurer in NSW. A list of approved insurers can be found on the State Insurance Regulatory Authority.

Cost Factors: Premium rates depend on your vehicle type, together with your driving history and the intended use of your vehicle.

3. Necessary Documentation:

Gathering the following documents will help you register without complications:

Identity Requirement: Present a valid document such as a driver’s licence or passport.

Proof of NSW Residential Address: The proof of domicile in NSW requires documentation, like utility bills or rental agreements.

Documentation of current vehicle registration in Victoria: It is important to have proof of your vehicle’s existing registration in Victoria.

Blue Slip and CTP Insurance Certificate (Green Slip): Present the original certificates from your authorised inspection station, and insurer.

4. Visit a Service NSW Centre:

It’s a good idea to download and fill out the Application for Registration (Form 1009, PDF) before heading to Service NSW. This ensures you have all your details ready and reduces wait times. Once you have prepared all the necessary documentation you should do the following:

Locate a Centre: Find an authorised interstate inspection stations in Victoria

Submit Documentation: Present all gathered documents to the Service NSW officer.

Surrender Victorian Number Plates: You’ll need to hand over your current Victorian plates during the appointment.

Payment of Fees: Pay the applicable registration fees. For an estimate, refer to the Service NSW registration calculator.

Plate Issuance: You will get new NSW license plates upon successful processing.

Additional Considerations:

• Timing: For people moving interstate to NSW, the recommended guideline is usually to complete your vehicle registration within 3 months of becoming a resident.
• Vehicle Standards: Vehicle Standards require all vehicles to satisfy NSW roadworthiness requirements. Some vehicles need particular modifications as well as specific equipment to fulfil these standards.
• Refunds: You have the option to recover unused funds from your Victoria license plate after returning the plates. It is important to contact VicRoads for more information.

Important note on Stamp Duty: If you’re transferring a vehicle interstate without changing ownership (meaning the vehicle is already registered in your name), you do not have to pay Stamp Duty again. Both Victoria and NSW offer a duty exemption for vehicles being transferred interstate by the same owner. Ensure you have your current interstate registration documents showing ownership to qualify for this exemption and significantly reduce your total transfer costs.

Vehicle Registration Transfer Costs From Victoria to NSW

When moving a car from Victoria to NSW, you’ll need to register it in NSW and pay several fees. The total cost will depend on the car’s value (because of stamp duty) but includes an inspection, new registration charges, CTP insurance, number plates, and duty. Below is an approximate cost breakdown by vehicle value tier:

Vehicles Under $20,000

For a vehicle valued under $20,000, expect total transfer costs of roughly $1,500–$1,700. This covers:

• Blue Slip inspection: about $78 for a safety and identity check (NSW requires a “blue slip” for vehicles coming from interstate)​.
• NSW registration fee: approx. $75 (administrative fee for establishing a new registration).
• Annual NSW vehicle tax: around $300 (based on a small car’s weight; NSW charges $255–$1,300+ depending on vehicle weight)​.
• New number plates: about $55 one-off for standard plates (issued in NSW)​.
• CTP insurance (Green Slip): roughly $500 for 12 months (varies by insurer/driver; the NSW average was ~$573 in mid-2024)​.
• Stamp duty: ~3% of the car’s value in NSW. For example, a $20,000 car incurs about $600 in duty​. (NSW charges $3 per $100 of value up to $45,000).

Vehicles $20,000–$60,000

For mid-range vehicles $20k–$60k, total costs are higher – roughly $1,800–$2,500 (around $2.0k for a $30k car, up to $2.5k for a $60k car). The breakdown is similar:

• Blue Slip: $78 inspection fees.
• NSW rego fee: ~$75 admin fee​.
• NSW vehicle tax: about $400–$500 (for a medium-sized car; heavier vehicles incur more annual tax)​.
• Plates: ~$55 for standard new plates​.
• CTP (Green Slip): ~$500 (typical range $450–$600 depending on specifics)​.
• Stamp duty: 3% on the first $45,000, then 5% on any value above $45k​

Vehicles Over $60,000

For higher-end vehicles over $60k, the total transfer cost can be $3,000–$4,500 or more, largely due to stamp duty. Approximate costs include:

• Blue Slip: $78 (required inspection)​.
• NSW rego fee: ~$75 admin charge​.
• NSW vehicle tax: ~$460 (for a typical large car/SUV; may be higher if the vehicle is very heavy)​.
• Plates: $55 (standard plate issue)​.
• CTP insurance: $500–$600 (higher-end cars often fall in a similar CTP range, assuming an experienced driver)​.
• Stamp duty: 3% on the first $45k + 5% on the value above $45k​For example, a $80,000 car owes about $3,100 in NSW duty, and a $100,000 car about $4,100 in duty.

For example, a $80,000 car owes about $3,100 in NSW duty, and a $100,000 car about $4,100 in duty.

Wrapping up, moving a car from Victoria to NSW costs around $1,500–$1,700 for vehicles under $20k, $1,800–$2,500 for cars valued between $20k–$60k, and $3,000–$4,500 or more for vehicles over $60k. Prices include inspection, registration, CTP insurance, number plates, and stamp duty. To have a better understanding of the cost of NSW I invite you to check our Sydney cost of living calculator.

Switching Your Rego from VIC to NSW? We’ll Handle the Move

In the end, transferring your car’s rego between states — the vehicle transfer process — boils down to being prepared and prompt. Gather all the required documents (roadworthy certificate or blue slip, proof of address, etc.) and complete everything within the recommended timeframe (usually within three months of moving). If you follow the steps and stay organised, changing your rego from VIC to NSW can be a surprisingly smooth ride.

I remember one interstate move from Melbourne Northern Suburbs to Parramatta where the family forgot about their rego transfer in the hustle of moving. As we finished unloading, I casually asked if they’d taken care of their rego. That question was a wake-up call — turns out, they hadn’t. I quickly gave them the rundown, and they had their roadworthy inspection and paperwork sorted by the next day, dodging a potential fine and unnecessary stress. 

If you don’t want to face the same kind of problems, I recommend checking out our interstate moving checklist. It covers everything from when to start packing for a move to what to do after moving day. A little planning now can save you a lot of stress on moving day.

I hope my insights have made the rego transfer less intimidating. If you’re planning a move from VIC to NSW, my team at North Removals would love to help. We’ll handle all the heavy lifting — literally — so you can focus on important tasks like updating your vehicle rego. When you’re ready, give us a call to book your move with North Removals, we are the best rated interstate movers. Let’s make your next chapter a stress-free adventure.