Free Western Australia As-Is Bill of Sale

Western Australia As-Is Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know

Stamp Duty / Tax Details

Stamp duty on private vehicle sales in WA is $2.75 per $100 of dutiable value for vehicles up to $25,000 (e.g. a $25,000 car = $687.50). Graduated rates apply above $25,000. Duty is assessed on market value if the stated price is below market.

Inspection / Roadworthy Requirements

WA does not require a pre-sale roadworthy certificate for private vehicle transfers. The buyer may arrange a voluntary inspection at their own expense before purchase. Safety inspections are required when a vehicle is first registered in WA after coming from another state.

Western Australia As-Is Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist

1. Prepare a signed bill of sale recording the VIN, year, make, model, odometer reading, agreed sale price, date of sale, and full legal names and addresses of both parties.
2. Both parties complete the Transfer of Vehicle Licence form available at any DoT WA licensing centre or via MyLicence online.
3. Seller lodges the Duty to Notify (DNT) with DoT WA within 5 business days — this extinguishes the seller's liability for traffic infringements after the sale date.
4. Buyer pays WA stamp duty at $2.75 per $100 on the sale price (or market value if higher) before or at transfer.
5. Buyer presents the transfer form, bill of sale, identity documents, and duty payment to DoT WA within 5 business days.
6. If there is outstanding finance on the vehicle, the seller obtains a written letter of clearance from the financier before settlement.
7. Both parties retain a signed copy of the bill of sale for at least 5 years.
8. Add "SOLD AS-IS, NO WARRANTIES" prominently on the bill of sale — both parties should initial this clause.
9. List all known defects on the bill of sale to further evidence that the buyer was informed.
10. Buyer should arrange a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic before signing.

Common Pitfalls

• Missing the 5-business-day transfer deadline: DoT WA will issue an infringement to the buyer, and the seller may remain listed as the registered owner — attracting parking fines, speed camera notices, and toll debts from the vehicle's ongoing use.
• Forgetting the Duty to Notify: many WA sellers assume the buyer's transfer filing covers them — it does not. The DNT is a separate seller obligation lodged regardless of whether the buyer has completed their side.
• Stamp duty on undervalued transfers: DoT WA checks the stated price against the Redbook/market value guide. If your sale price looks artificially low, the duty will be recalculated on market value and a shortfall notice issued to the buyer.
• Selling a vehicle with outstanding finance without disclosing it: a financier's security interest registered on the PPSR survives a sale. The buyer should run a PPSR check (ppsr.gov.au, ~$2 AUD) before purchase.
• An as-is clause does not override Australian Consumer Law protections for major failures in vehicles sold by dealers — this applies to private sales only.
• Deliberately concealing a known defect (e.g. flood damage) can void the as-is protection and expose the seller to fraud claims.
• Verbal agreements about condition are unenforceable — always document the as-is status in writing on the bill of sale.

Pro Tip

The 5-business-day deadlines in WA are strictly enforced — don't wait until the weekend is over to file. Sellers should lodge the DNT the same day as settlement if possible, and buyers should attend a DoT WA centre or complete the online transfer before the fifth business day to avoid fines and duty penalties.

Western Australia As-Is Bill of Sale — FAQs