21 Nov 2024
How to Sell Your Car in WA: A Guide to Transferring Ownership

Nadia Scurria
Marketing

When selling your car in Western Australia, it’s crucial to follow the correct process for transferring ownership to the buyer. It’s not just about handing over the keys; proper paperwork and legal obligations ensure that the sale is finalised and you’re no longer responsible for the vehicle. But what exactly does that process look like, and how can you make it easier? This is where 1Wheel comes in, offering a streamlined, hassle-free experience for sellers by taking care of the entire process for you.
So, what’s involved when you transfer your car in WA?
Step-by-Step Car Transfer in WA
1. Notify the Department of Transport (DoT)
When you sell a car in WA, both you and the buyer need to notify the Department of Transport within 7 days. You can do this online using the DoT’s Transfer a Vehicle service, or by completing a hard copy of the transfer paperwork and posting this to the DoT.. This step is crucial for officially updating the records to reflect the new owner and protects you from any liability, such as parking fines or accidents, after the sale.
2. Provide the Buyer with Transfer Paperwork
As the seller, you’re responsible for filling out the Notification of Change of Ownership (MR9) form. This document ensures that the change of ownership is properly recorded. You'll need to complete your section and hand it over to the buyer, who will then submit it to the DoT.
3. Record the Odometer Reading
At the time of sale, it’s essential to note the car's odometer reading and include it on the transfer form. This serves as a transparency check for both parties, ensuring there’s no dispute about the car’s condition or mileage after the sale.
4. Transfer Fees and Stamp Duty
While the seller doesn’t need to worry about paying any transfer fees or stamp duty, it’s important to inform the buyer that they will be responsible for these costs. The stamp duty is calculated based on the car’s value, and the buyer will need to pay this amount when they register the vehicle under their name.
5. Proof of Sale and Cancel Insurance
After the sale is completed, it’s a good idea to keep a copy of the transfer form or the online confirmation as proof that the vehicle is no longer yours. This protects you in case any fines or infringements are tied to the vehicle in the future. Don’t forget to cancel your insurance or transfer it to your new vehicle as well.
How 1Wheel Simplifies the Car Sale Process
Now, you might be thinking, "That’s a lot of paperwork and running around." And you’d be right! But with 1Wheel, you don’t have to worry about managing all these details yourself. One of the key benefits of selling your car through 1Wheel is that they handle the entire process for you, making it as easy and stress-free as possible.
From preparing the necessary paperwork to ensuring the DoT is notified and the transfer is completed, 1Wheel takes care of it all. This means you don’t have to spend time filling out forms, calculating stamp duty, or tracking down buyers to ensure they’ve submitted everything on time. 1Wheel ensures that everything is handled correctly, so you can focus on what really matters: getting a fair price for your car and moving on to your next vehicle.
Not only do they help with the legal aspects, but 1Wheel also offers secure payment options, so you don’t need to worry about dodgy deals or unsafe transactions. They make sure the buyer is legitimate, and that you’re protected every step of the way.
Selling your car privately can be daunting, especially when it comes to handling the transfer process. But with 1Wheel, you get all the benefits of selling privately—like a better sale price—without the headache of managing the paperwork yourself. It’s truly the best of both worlds, making the car selling experience easier and more profitable for you.
If you’re ready to sell your car in WA, let 1Wheel take the wheel, and enjoy a seamless, hassle-free process.

Written by Nadia Scurria
Nadia is a motorsport and automotive enthusiast with a passion for storytelling and a career built around media, events, and marketing.
She’s worked behind the scenes of global motorsport events like MotoGP and Formula 1, bringing her creativity and communication expertise to every project while sharing her love for all things automotive.
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