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When selling a car, there’s one important step many sellers forget: lodging a Notice of Disposal. Notice of Disposal NSW is an important step to explain to Transport for NSW that you are no longer responsible for the vehicle. The seller lodges the Notice of Disposal, while the buyer transfers the registration. They are different jobs, and both matter. To avoid future problems such as toll notices or parking fines, submit the notice as soon as the sale is complete.
What is a Notice of Disposal?
A Notice of Disposal lets Transport for NSW know that you’ve sold your registered vehicle and are no longer responsible for it. It includes details about the buyer and the date the vehicle changed hands, creating an official record of the sale.
Submitting the notice is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself. If the new owner receives a parking fine, speeding infringement, or toll notice after the sale, Transport for NSW can see that you were no longer the registered operator from the date you lodged the disposal.
One mistake many sellers make is thinking the Notice of Disposal and the registration transfer are the same thing. They’re not. Your job is to lodge the Notice of Disposal, while the buyer must transfer the registration into their name. Even if the buyer delays their paperwork, you’ve already done your part by notifying Transport for NSW.
You might still hear people refer to RMS, but the service is now handled by Transport for NSW. The process remains much the same, just under a different name.
When do you need to submit a Notice of Disposal?
You should submit a Notice of Disposal whenever you sell, give away or dispose of a NSW-registered vehicle. This includes cars, motorcycles, trailers and many other registered vehicles.
Common situations include selling privately, trading a vehicle to a dealer, giving a vehicle to a family member, selling to an interstate buyer, and selling to a vehicle wrecker while the registration remains active. If the registration has already been cancelled before disposal, different rules may apply.
What you need before you start
Before lodging the notice, have these details ready:
• MyServiceNSW account.
• NSW Driver Licence or Photo Card.
• Vehicle registration details.
• Buyer’s NSW licence details, or dealer licence number.
• Date of sale.
• Sale price or market value.
A useful tip is to record the buyer’s licence details before they leave. This is the detail people most often forget.
How to submit a Notice of Disposal in NSW
The quickest option to submit notice of disposal is online through your MyServiceNSW account.
1. Sign in to MyServiceNSW.
2. Select the Notice of Disposal service.
3. Enter the vehicle and buyer details.
4. Review the information carefully.
5. Submit the form and save your receipt.
Use the paper form if you do not have a NSW Driver Licence, the vehicle is conditionally registered, the buyer is an organisation, or the buyer is interstate. Complete Form 1147 and lodge it at a Service NSW Centre or post it to the address listed on the form.
Always keep a copy of your receipt. If questions arise later, it provides proof that you completed the process.
How much does a Notice of Disposal cost in NSW?
Many sellers are wondering about how much notice of disposal NSW cost? Submitting a Notice of Disposal is free. There are several related costs you need to know. First, Notice of Disposal is free. Second, registration transfers within 14 days are paid by the buyer. Then, if there is a late registration transfer, a higher transfer fee may apply. Then registration cancellation which applies to the fee.
Transport for NSW reviews fees from time to time, so always check the latest schedule before completing your transaction.
Sold your car to a wrecker or had it written off?
If your vehicle has been written off and the registration is cancelled, you usually do not need a Notice of Disposal. The same applies when you sell a vehicle to a wrecker after removing and cancelling the registration.
If you sell the vehicle to a wrecker with the registration still attached, you should lodge a Notice of Disposal. The sale value is simply the amount paid for the vehicle or its parts.
Remember to remove the number plates and return them to Service NSW. You may also be eligible for a refund on any unused vehicle tax.
If you are selling a damaged or unwanted vehicle anywhere in Sydney, Express Cash for Cars can collect it, help explain the paperwork, and offer a competitive price.
What happens if you don’t lodge one?
Ignoring this step can create unnecessary problems. If Transport for NSW does not have the buyer’s details linked to the vehicle, you may continue receiving notices for parking offences, tolls or other infringements connected to that vehicle. Submitting the notice takes only a few minutes and provides valuable peace of mind.
After you lodge
After submitting the notice, do these couple things: remove the registration number from your toll account, take out any parking permits or access passes, contact your insurer, remember that the CTP policy transfers automatically, and decide what to do with personalised plates if you own them.
If your old vehicle is no longer worth repairing, you can also explore our Cash for Cars Sydney service.
FAQs
Can I submit a Notice of Disposal online?
Yes. Most private sellers can complete it through MyServiceNSW. It’s an easy way to get NSW notice of disposal.
How long do I have to lodge it?
You should do it immediately after selling the vehicle.
Does the buyer sign it?
The online process does not usually require the buyer’s signature, but accurate buyer details are essential.
Can a buyer transfer rego without a Notice of Disposal?
The buyer has their own transfer process, but sellers should never rely on it. Lodge your notice regardless.
Do I need one for an unregistered car?
Usually no, because there is no active NSW registration to transfer.
Is it the same as an RMS Notice of Disposal?
Yes. The name remains familiar, but the service is now managed by Transport for NSW.
Final Thoughts
Selling a car does not end when the buyer drives away. Lodging a Notice of Disposal is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself from future problems. If you’re selling an unwanted, damaged or scrap vehicle, Express Cash for Cars can make the process easier with free removal, instant payment and help with the paperwork. Call 0488 388 843 for a free quote.
