Free South Australia Car Bill of Sale

South Australia Car Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know

Stamp Duty / Tax Details

Stamp duty on private vehicle sales in SA is $4 per $100 of market value. On a $25,000 car the duty is $1,000. Revenue SA assesses duty on the higher of the stated sale price or the market value (Redbook guide price).

Inspection / Roadworthy Requirements

SA does not require a roadworthy certificate for private car sales. No government inspection is mandated before the sale; the buyer may arrange a voluntary pre-purchase inspection at their own cost.

Registration

Registration for this vehicle type is handled by Service SA — separate from the transfer agency.

South Australia Car Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist

1. Prepare a signed bill of sale with VIN, year, make, model, odometer reading, agreed sale price, sale date, and both parties' full legal names and addresses.
2. Seller lodges the Notification of Change of Ownership with Service SA within 1 business day of the sale — this is the seller's primary liability protection.
3. Buyer completes the vehicle transfer at a Service SA centre within 14 days and pays stamp duty at $4 per $100 of the vehicle's market value.
4. Buyer provides current SA licence and proof of CTP (compulsory third-party) insurance to complete registration in their name.
5. Run a PPSR check (ppsr.gov.au) before purchase to confirm no outstanding finance on the vehicle.
6. If the car is interstate, confirm it meets SA registration standards — an inspection may be required before first registration in SA.
7. Both parties retain a signed copy of the bill of sale for at least 5 years.

Common Pitfalls

• Missing the 1-business-day seller notification: SA's 1-business-day window is one of the tightest in Australia. A seller who waits until the weekend to notify Service SA and fails to lodge online will receive speed and parking infringements incurred by the new owner.
• Stamp duty on market value: Revenue SA uses Redbook market values — if your sale price is below the guide price, duty will be charged on the guide price regardless of the agreed amount.
• Not disclosing outstanding finance: a PPSR encumbrance on the vehicle survives the sale. The buyer can seek damages from the seller if the vehicle is later repossessed by a financier.
• Relying on a verbal sale confirmation: without a signed and dated bill of sale specifying the exact sale time, disputes about the 1-business-day notification deadline are difficult to resolve.

Pro Tip

With SA's 1-business-day notification window, sellers should complete the online Notification of Change of Ownership at sa.gov.au before the keys even leave their hands. The higher $4/$100 stamp duty rate means both parties should have the exact sale figure agreed and documented before attending Service SA.

South Australia Car Bill of Sale — FAQs