Transfers Move Fast When You’re Prepared
It’s not about rushing the paperwork, it’s about knowing exactly what’s required by your state and having it ready upfront.
Each state and territory in Australia has its own rules, forms and authorities. Some allow online submissions. Others require physical documents and in-person visits.
What matters most is this: If both buyer and seller have the right paperwork in hand from the start, the process moves quickly.
What You Need to Prepare
Before listing, or buying, a plate, make sure you’ve:
- Read the transfer requirements for your state
- Confirmed the plate is legally transferable
- Gathered the right documents e.g. proof of ownership, signed transfer forms, hold confirmations, or auction release certificates
This is especially important for:
- Heritage and numeric plates
- Plates currently on a vehicle
- Plates held in storage or on hold
- Plates purchased across state lines
What Happens After You Buy
1. Payment is secured via Escrow.com
Funds are held securely and not released to the seller until the transfer is complete and confirmed.
2. The seller initiates the legal reassignment
The seller starts the transfer through their state’s authority to reassign the right to display the plate.
3. Buyer and seller follow state-based steps
Both parties complete the specific steps required by the issuing state to finalise legal reassignment.
4. Funds are released
Once the transfer is confirmed, payment is released to the seller.
Not Sure What Your State Requires?
We’ve built detailed State Transfer Guides covering:
- Required documents
- Submission methods
- Timing and known delays
- Special conditions for hold, reissue or cross-state transfers
Create a free Marketplates account to access all state transfer guides.
Pit Crew Tip
Most transfers take about two weeks. The more you prepare, the faster it goes.
