The safest way to buy & sell plates.

We partner with Escrow.com to ensure that plates and funds only move once the process is complete — no early payouts, no surprises.

The purchase process.

Escrow.com reduces the risk of fraud by acting as a trusted third-party that collects, holds, and only disburses funds when both the buyer and seller are satisfied.  To transact on Marketplates.com, buyers and sellers will be required to set up an escrow account.

  1. 1

    Identity verification

    Seller identity and plate ownership are verified before funds move.

  2. 2

    Offer made & accepted

    Buyer submits an offer. Seller accepts and agrees to the terms.

  3. 3

    Accounts set up

    Both parties create secure payment profiles (via Escrow.com) before any money changes hands.

  4. 4

    Payment held securely

    Buyer pays through Escrow.com. Funds are held safely while the plate transfer occurs.

  5. 5

    Plates shipped or handed over*

    Seller delivers plates using tracked shipping or a pre-arranged pickup.

  6. 6

    Transfer paperwork completed

    Both parties complete their state’s required forms to finalise the transfer.

  7. 7

    Funds released to the seller

    Once the buyer confirms receipt and transfer, payment is released.

* Not all sales include physical plates.

What is escrow & why we use Escrow.com

Escrow protects both sides. A trusted third party holds the money and only releases it after the plate transfer is complete. With Escrow.com, sellers know funds are secured; buyers only pay out once they’ve received and accepted the plates.

Escrow FAQs

Escrow.com help verify the Buyer’s identity and verify the funding during the transaction.

After the funds are secured, they will notify you when you can ship the item to the Buyer. During this process, you are required to provide tracking information. Escrow.com use this information to make sure the Buyer receives their item and can’t claim otherwise.

After the Buyer receives and accepts the plates and processes the transfer, Escrow.com releases the funds to you.

If there is a disagreement during the transaction, Escrow.com will freeze the funds and the parties involved in the transaction will enter into a Dispute Process. To learn more about how escrow.com protect you from fraud when making high-value sales, please check their Seller Protection Page.

Escrow.com offers the peace of mind needed to make any purchase. They will not release the funds to the Seller until you have received the item and are satisfied with the transaction. They also make sure the Seller provides tracking information, when applicable, for the transaction.

Escrow.com protects you against fraudulent users. If there is a disagreement during the transaction, Escrow.com will freeze the funds and the parties involved in the transaction will enter into a Dispute Process. Discover exactly how we protect you when you make high-value purchases online by checking out the Buyer Protection Page.

Once your offer has been approved and you have created your Escrow.com account, created your transaction, and the Seller has accepted the transaction, you’ll be able to select your payment method.

Buyers can pay with the following methods:  Transfers, PayPal, Credit/Debit Card. For more details on escrow.com payment options visit here.

nb. Escrow.com supports bank transfers at no charge. PayPal and Credit card payments are subject to an additional Payment Processing Fee of 3.05% and approval (maximum amount of 5,000.00 USD/AUD/EUR/GBP). For international transfers an international wire transfer of $25 is payable by the buyer.

Disbursement options and estimated processing times are listed on the escrow.com and range between 3-5 business days after the transaction is completed.

During the agreement of terms, the buyer and seller agree as to who will pay for shipping. The shipping cost does not need to be added to the transaction.

The Inspection Period is the length of time agreed by both parties in which the buyer receives the transfer forms, examines the plates and processes the transfer. The Buyer has the option to “Accept” or “Reject” the goods within this period.  Inspection Periods are 1 - 14 calendar days and agreed upon by all parties at the initiation of the transaction. The Inspection Period should be adequate time for any review process and lodgement of transfer application documents with the relevant state registry / transport department.

Start of Inspection Period. The Inspection Period begins when the buyer marks the plates as ‘received’ in Escrow.com. The Inspection Period ends when the buyer either accepts the plates, rejects the plates, or the Inspection Period expires. The Buyer has the option to “Accept” or “Reject” the merchandise during their Inspection Period.

However, if the Buyer has neglected to “Accept” or “Reject” the merchandise, Escrow.com will release funds to the Seller at the end of the Inspection Period, as long as Escrow.com can verify that the Buyer has received their plates. Please note that Escrow.com does reserve the right to send a 24 hour notice if the Inspection Period is started and ended without the Buyer's participation.

If the Seller fails to ship the plates within ten days of payment being approved, the Buyer can request cancellation and will be refunded minus the Escrow Fee.

Your funds will not be released to the Seller until you have received and accepted the items you are purchasing.

If the Buyer rejects the plates, the Inspection Period will end.

The Buyer will be expected to return the plates and the Buyer will have 10 calendar days to confirm shipment of the returned merchandise. Afterwards, the Seller will be provided a 5-day Inspection Period to re-examine the returned plates.

If the transaction is cancelled after the funds have been approved by Escrow.com, or if the plates are rejected by the Buyer, the Buyer is responsible for 100% of the Escrow Fee and return shipping fees. Escrow.com deducts the Escrow Fee when returning the original payment to the Buyer.

Transfers

Transfers Move Fast When You’re Prepared

Once a sale is agreed and payment is secured, the plate must be legally transferred via the issuing state or territory’s transport authority. Every state is different—some accept online submissions, others need in-person paperwork. Know what your state requires and have it ready up-front.

Preparation is key

To avoid delays, buyers and sellers should review local requirements before listing or purchasing to confirm the plate is legally transferable (especially Heritage/numeric plates, plates on-vehicle, plates in storage/hold, or cross-state sales).

What you need

  • Download the correct Transfer of Ownership form or open our State Transfer Guides.
  • Gather proof of ownership, signed transfer forms, hold confirmations, or auction release certificates.
  • Complete and sign all required forms.
  • Submit documents to your state/territory authority (in-person for most; some accept digital/email).
  • Both parties may attend together, or the buyer can lodge with a signed seller declaration.
  • Payment settles in Escrow.com.

Not sure what your state requires?

We’ve built detailed State Transfer Guides covering documents, submission methods, timelines, and special conditions for hold, reissue, or cross-state transfers.

Transfers Move Fast When You’re Prepared

Once a sale is agreed and payment is secured, the plate must be legally transferred via the issuing state or territory’s transport authority. Every state is different—some accept online submissions, others need in-person paperwork. Know what your state requires and have it ready up-front.

Preparation is key

To avoid delays, buyers and sellers should review local requirements before listing or purchasing to confirm the plate is legally transferable (especially Heritage/numeric plates, plates on-vehicle, plates in storage/hold, or cross-state sales).

What you need

  • Download the correct Transfer of Ownership form or open our State Transfer Guides.
  • Gather proof of ownership, signed transfer forms, hold confirmations, or auction release certificates.
  • Complete and sign all required forms.
  • Submit documents to your state/territory authority (in-person for most; some accept digital/email).
  • Both parties may attend together, or the buyer can lodge with a signed seller declaration.
  • Payment settles in Escrow.com.

Not sure what your state requires?

We’ve built detailed State Transfer Guides covering documents, submission methods, timelines, and special conditions for hold, reissue, or cross-state transfers.

Transfer FAQs

Payments & Transfers | Marketplates

Safe & Secure Payments

On Marketplates.com, your money is protected until the plate transfer is complete.

Step-by-step

How Payments Work

Seven simple steps that keep buyers and sellers safe.

Identity verification

Seller identity and plate ownership are verified before funds move.

Offer made & accepted

Buyer submits an offer. Seller accepts and agrees to the terms.

Accounts set up

Both parties create secure payment profiles (via Escrow.com) before any money changes hands.

Payment held securely

Buyer pays through Escrow.com. Funds are held safely while the plate transfer occurs.

Plates shipped or handed over

Seller delivers the plates using tracked shipping or a pre-arranged pickup.

Transfer paperwork completed

Both parties complete their state’s required forms to finalise the transfer.

Funds released to the seller

Once the buyer confirms receipt and transfer, payment is released (see How It Works).

Trust & security

Why we use Escrow.com

It’s the safest way to buy and sell plates. Escrow.com protects both sides — your funds are held securely, and transfers are only finalised when everyone is satisfied.

Need help?

Quick links and common questions about payments and transfers.

Contact support

Need a hand with a payment or transfer? We’re here to help.

Payments & Transfers — FAQs

Do I have to use escrow?

We facilitate secure, third-party–held payments as part of our process. For details and examples, see How It Works.

When does the seller get paid?

After the buyer confirms they’ve received the plates and the transfer paperwork is complete. Learn more on How It Works.

What if my state requires specific transfer forms?

Each state has its own process. Start with our state transfer guides and follow the authority’s steps to avoid delays.

Payments Banner Background

Payments & Transfers

Learn how we protect every transaction — from ID checks to secure fund holding with Escrow.com.

Support Hours: Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm AEST · Avg. response in 24 hours

How Payments Work

7 simple steps to keep buyers and sellers safe

1

Identity Verification

Seller identity is verified and ownership records are checked.

2

Offer Made & Accepted

Buyer submits an offer. Seller accepts and agrees to the terms.

3

Escrow Account Established

Both parties set up accounts with Escrow.com before payment is made.

4

Secure Payment Held in Escrow

Buyer pays via Escrow.com. Funds are held safely while the plate transfer occurs.

5

Plates Shipped or Handed Over

Seller delivers the plates using tracked shipping or arranged pickup.

6

Transfer Paperwork Completed

Both parties complete and exchange the required paperwork to finalise the transfer.

7

Funds Released to Seller

Once the buyer confirms receipt and transfer, payment is released via Escrow.com.

Why We Use Escrow.com

It’s the safest way to buy and sell plates. Escrow.com ensures neither party is at risk — your funds are protected, and transfers are only finalised when everyone is satisfied.

Still need help?

Our support team is here for you. Whether you're buying, selling, or just curious — we’ve got your back.

Contact Us

Payments & Transfers – FAQs

Do I have to use Escrow.com?
Yes, all payments are processed through Escrow.com for buyer and seller protection.
When does the seller get paid?
Payment is released by Escrow.com once the buyer confirms the plate has been received and transferred.