Buying or selling a car in Australia often involves additional costs, with car stamp duty being one of the most common. There are also state-based regulations to be aware of when selling your car and rules vary by state and territory. Understanding these requirements early can help avoid surprises during registration or transfer.
What is stamp duty on a car?
Vehicle stamp duty is a government charge applied when ownership of a car is transferred. It applies to most new and used vehicles, with the amount depending on the state or territory, vehicle value, type and, in some cases, emissions.
Who pays the stamp duty?
Stamp duty is paid by the buyer. Any person or business registering or transferring a vehicle is responsible for paying this cost.
How much stamp duty is for a car in each state
Vehicle type |
Stamp duty rate |
Most vehicles |
$3 per $100 or part thereof of vehicle value |
Passenger vehicles over $45,000 (up to 9 seats) |
$1,350 + $5 per $100 over $45,000 |
Vehicle type |
Value |
Stamp duty rate |
Green passenger cars (≤120g CO₂/km CO₂ emissions, incl. EVs) |
All values |
$8.40 per $200 or part thereof |
Primary producer passenger cars |
All values |
$8.40 per $200 or part thereof |
New non-passenger vehicles (not previously registered) |
All values |
$5.40 per $200 or part thereof |
Non-passenger vehicles (previously registered) |
All values |
$8.40 per $200 or part thereof |
Used non-passenger vehicles |
All values |
$8.40 per $200 or part thereof |
Other passenger cars |
$0–$80,567 |
$8.40 per $200 or part thereof |
$80,567.01–$100,000 |
$10.40 per $200 or part thereof |
|
$100,000.01–$150,000 |
$14.00 per $200 or part thereof |
|
More than $150,000 |
$18.00 per $200 or part thereof |
In Queensland, stamp duty rates can vary depending on the type and weight of the vehicle. The rates below apply to vehicles under 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass, as vehicles over 4.5 tonnes are subject to different stamp duty rates.
Engine type |
Vehicle value |
Stamp duty rate |
Electric or hybrid |
Up to $100,000 |
$2 per $100 |
Electric or hybrid |
Over $100,000 |
$4 per $100 |
Petrol (1–4 cylinders) |
Up to $100,000 |
$3 per $100 |
Petrol (1–4 cylinders) |
Over $100,000 |
$5 per $100 |
Petrol (5–6 cylinders) |
Up to $100,000 |
$3.50 per $100 |
Petrol (5–6 cylinders) |
Over $100,000 |
$5.50 per $100 |
Petrol (7+ cylinders) |
Up to $100,000 |
$4 per $100 |
Petrol (7+ cylinders) |
Over $100,000 |
$6 per $100 |
Non-commercial vehicles
Vehicle value |
Stamp duty payable |
Up to $1,000 |
$1 per $100 (minimum $5) |
$1,001–$2,000 |
$10 + $2 per $100 over $1,000 |
$2,001–$3,000 |
$30 + $3 per $100 over $2,000 |
Over $3,000 |
$60 + $4 per $100 over $3,000 |
Non-heavy vehicles (gross vehicle mass of 4.5 tonnes or less):
Dutiable value |
Stamp duty rate |
Up to $25,000 |
2.75% of dutiable value |
$25,000–$50,000 |
Variable rate (calculated using WA’s sliding scale formula) |
Over $50,000 |
6.5% of dutiable value |
Heavy vehicles (over 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass):
Dutiable value |
Stamp duty rate |
All values |
3% of dutiable value (capped at a maximum of $12,000) |
Dutiable vehicle value |
Stamp duty payable |
$0–$600 |
$20 |
$600–$35,000 |
$3 per $100 or part thereof |
$35,000–$40,000 |
$1,050 + $11 per $100 over $35,000 |
Over $40,000 |
$4 per $100 or part thereof |
In the Northern Territory, car stamp duty is calculated at 3% of the vehicle’s purchase price.
Zero-emissions vehicles
Vehicle value |
Stamp duty payable |
Under $45,000 |
$2.50 per $100 |
$45,000–$80,000 |
$1,125 + $4 per $100 over $45,000 |
Over $80,000 |
$2,525 + $8 per $100 over $80,000 |
All other vehicles
Vehicle value |
Stamp duty payable |
Under $45,000 |
$3.17 per $100 |
$45,000–$80,000 |
$1,426.50 + $5.62 per $100 over $45,000 |
Over $80,000 |
$3,393.50 + $8 per $100 over $80,000 |
Take the stress out of selling your car with AutoFlip
While stamp duty is unavoidable for buyers, selling your car doesn’t need to be complicated. AutoFlip connects you with licensed buyers who understand the full costs involved, helping make the process smoother, whether you are in NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, the ACT or the NT.
We also help ensure our sellers comply with the rules and requirements for legally selling their cars in their state or territory.
If you are planning to sell your car, list it with AutoFlip today!
