Stamp duty, rego and transfer costs — the real cost of a used car in NSW
The advertised price is rarely the all-in price. Here's what you'll actually pay in stamp duty, transfer fee and CTP when you buy used in NSW.
A $30,000 used car in NSW will cost you about $31,500 to drive home. The extras — stamp duty, transfer fee, CTP, sometimes new rego — are not optional. Here's what to budget for in 2026.
NSW stamp duty rates (2026)
| Vehicle value | Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 - $44,999 (passenger) | 3% of market value ($3 per $100) |
| $45,000 and over (passenger) | $1,350 + 5% on amount over $45,000 |
| EVs (battery & hydrogen) | Full stamp duty applies — the NSW EV exemption ended 1 January 2024 |
Stamp duty is charged on the market value (Glass's Guide retail) or the sale price — whichever is higher. You cannot reduce it by under-declaring the sale price; Service NSW cross-checks.
Transfer fee
Around $39 (2026, indexed annually). Paid at the time you lodge transfer with Service NSW — either online (within 14 days) or in person at a Service NSW centre. The seller is also required to lodge a notice of disposal.
CTP green slip
Compulsory Third Party (CTP) is required before you can register. For a passenger car in Sydney metro (2026), expect:
- Driver 35+, clean record, sedan: $470-540 per year
- Driver under 25, clean record: $640-780
- Driver under 25, any demerits: $800-950+
Use sira.nsw.gov.au/green-slip-calculator before you buy — shop all 6 insurers, NRMA isn't always cheapest.
Registration
If existing rego is valid, it transfers with the car — you don't pay again until the next renewal. If rego has expired, you'll need to pay full 12-month rego ($330-400 for a passenger car) AND an inspection (eSafety ~$45 or blue slip $164-220).
Worked example — $30,000 used Camry
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Vehicle purchase | $30,000 |
| Stamp duty (3%) | $900 |
| Transfer fee | $39 |
| CTP (driver 35+) | $480 |
| PPSR check | Small fee |
| Pre-purchase inspection | $295 |
| TOTAL | ~$31,714 |
Common questions
Can I pay stamp duty later?
No. Stamp duty is paid at the time of transfer at Service NSW. Late transfer attracts a penalty — currently around $194 — plus interest on the duty owed.
What if I buy from interstate?
You still pay NSW stamp duty when you transfer to NSW rego, regardless of where you bought it. Inter-state purchase doesn't save tax.
Lock in your inspection
Book a mobile pre-purchase inspection at the seller's address. Same-day slots across Sydney from $199, with a written repair cover on Elite (30 days / up to $3,000).
Mobile inspections near you