If you're looking to buy a used car, chances are that you'll come across a few hurdles. One of them is finding a car with a different vehicle registration. For example, you could be a pensioner wanting to obtain free registration through your concession card, or you might be buying a car previously registered with a pensioner. Can you change the registration?
This guide covers everything you need to know about pensioner concessions for vehicle registration, including what concessions are available and how to transfer registration online.
Buying a Car with Pensioner Rego
Most used cars that you buy will come with some sort of vehicle registration. The exact registration fees vary between territories, and each territory calculates it differently. For example, in Western Australia, it's calculated based on gross vehicle mass, while in Queensland, it's calculated based on the number of cylinders the car has.
However, not everybody pays the same for vehicle registration, and some motorists obtain concessions. Pensioners are included in this category.
So, what happens if you want to buy a used car, but it was registered by a pensioner?
No matter what used car you buy, you will need to transfer registration and ownership so that you pay for the vehicle. Otherwise, any automatic registration renewal will be passed onto the previous owner. It also means you are not properly insured in case of an accident.
Things are a little more complicated when transferring registration from a pensioner to someone without a concession card.
How to Transfer Registration from a Pensioner's Car
Just like registering a vehicle in the first place, transferral differs from state to state. In general, you will need to fill out some transferral forms. It's similar to the initial application form in that you will need:
- The vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Information about the car (e.g. gross vehicle mass for both heavy and light vehicles, make and model)
However, when transferring from a previously registered owner, you also need to know:
- Vehicle purchase date
- Stamp duty
- Evidence of payment
- Depending on the state, you may need to know the market price of the vehicle
- Pensioner details to confirm pensioner status, if the previous owner has a concession
You also need to pay the pro-rata shortfall when transferring registration to your name. In other words, you must pay the balance of the current registration with the non-concession registration fees, before the transferral can take place.
As a result, registration fees when transferring ownership can be much higher than they would be for a regular used car purchase. Typically, the new buyer will pay off the existing balance. However, it's sometimes possible to buy the vehicle for a cheaper price to account for these costs.
You can find out if a vehicle you are buying is under concession by checking the renewal notice or getting a car history check.
What if You Also Have a Concession Card?
A pensioner concession is not the only reduced rate available for registration fees. You can have a concession card for a variety of reasons, including disability. For example, you may be eligible for concession if you have an EDA (Extreme Disablement Adjustment) or are otherwise permanently incapacitated.
Furthermore, veterans are often eligible; contact the Department of Veterans Affairs to apply for a concession card.
The process of applying for concession is quite straightforward, but it varies from state to state. Consult your local state government website for more information and to see if you are eligible.
Do Pensioners Get Concessional Registration?
Yes, pensioner concession is available in every state. In many instances, pensioners don't have to pay stamp duty or motor vehicle tax, and they may also receive a concession on the registration fee itself.
This information is also important for used car buyers who need to pay off the balance of their new vehicle.
The exact process varies by state; here's how it looks throughout Australia.
1. ACT
Seniors in the Australian Capital Territory receive concessions on their vehicle registration if they contact the state government. You must provide a valid Seniors Card and proof of identity.
Pensioners receive a 10% discount on the registration fee, but they must pay the full fee for Motor Accident Injuries insurance, road rescue fee, and road safety contribution.
However, seniors with an electric vehicle are entitled to a 28% discount.
Holders of ACT Seniors Cards are entitled to 10% discount on registration.
This means that you pay 10% less on the cost of the registration component but must pay the full fee for Motor Accident Injuries insurance, road rescue fee, road safety contribution and short term registration surcharge if applicable.
Seniors with gas or electric powered vehicles are entitled to 28% discount on registration.
2. New South Wales
New South Wales residents with a Pensioner Concession Card get free registration for one vehicle. They also get automatic registration renewal for ease. However, to be eligible for this, you must have paid your compulsory third party insurance (CTP insurance) for 6-12 months beforehand and have no restrictions on your licence.
3. Western Australia
Concessions in Western Australia are quite complicated. For light vehicles like cars not exceeding 3000kg, seniors can obtain a concession of 100% on registration fees. However, you need a letter from CentreLink verifying that you receive the maximum pension. Plus, you can only get free registration for one vehicle.
Eligible vehicles must not be licensed to a business and must not be the subject of a Fines Enforcement Sanction.
For heavy vehicles, similar restrictions apply, but the concession is only 50%.
Any registration renewal notice you receive will feature the concession stated on the notice, but you can transfer it to another vehicle at any time if you pay off registration on the previous vehicle.
4. South Australia
Those who hold a pension card from the Australian government can get a concession in South Australia.
The concession earns you a 50% reduction of the registration fee, exemption from stamp duty on CTP green slip insurance, and 50% reduction of the driver's licence fee.
5. Queensland
Pension card holders can get a concession for any light vehicle, caravan, or recreational boat. You can only get a concession for one vehicle and one boat at a time.
For concession cards issued after 1994, registration fees depend on the number of cylinders the vehicle registered has. The breakdown includes CTP green slip insurance and a traffic improvement fee, and is as follows:
- 1-3 cylinders or steam: $561.95
- 4 cylinders: $599.20
- 5-6 cylinders: $700.90
- 7-8 cylinders: $811.45
- 9-12 cylinders: $878.25
6. Northern Territory
Members of the Northern Territory Concession Scheme can get free renewal on their driver's licence and up to $154 annually for registration on eligible vehicles. Business vehicles, caravans, and trailers are not included.
Those over the age of 60 can also get a further discount with the Senior's Discount card, issued by the Council on the Ageing NT (COTA NT).
Note that if you want to renew your registration, you may need a state-mandated inspection. It will say this on your registration renewal notice.
7. Tasmania
Pensioners in Tasmania can get concessions for a light vehicle, but the process of calculating the concession rate is quite complicated. There is a full breakdown on the local government website.
8. Victoria
Through VicRoads, those with a valid concession card can get a discount on vehicle registration. This also applies to spouses/domestic partners of those with a concession card. However, it can only be used for one vehicle.
Valid concessions include a Centrelink concession or concessions from the Department of Veterans' Affairs.
Pensioners receive a 50% discount on the registration fee and a 50% discount on the TAC fee.
Final Thoughts
Most places in Australia allow pensioners to get a concession on their car rego. Usually, this involves exemption from stamp duty and CTP insurance, but it might also include a reduction of the registration fee.
If you're selling a car registered with concession or buying a used car from someone who has a concession, the existing balance must be paid off before registration can be transferred. The new owner will also have to pay stamp duty and a transfer fee to obtain ownership of the car.
Make sure you're paying all the fees you need to by reading our full guide on car rego here.
FAQs
Do Pensioners Pay to Transfer Vehicle Registration?
Typically, when transferring registration, you have to pay a transfer fee. This transfer fee (which varies between territories) still applies for pensioners. Furthermore, you usually have to pay off the balance of the previous vehicle's registration at the non-concession rate before you can transfer rego to a new vehicle.
Do Pensioners Pay Stamp Duty?
Often, pensioners are exempt from stamp duty when registering a new vehicle. You may also be exempt from CTP green slip insurance. However, it's best to check your local state government website for further information.
What Happens if I Buy a Used Car from a Pensioner?
If you purchase a used car from anyone eligible for concessions on their rego, then you will need to pay off the pro-rata balance before you can transfer registration. The same transfer fee still applies, so make sure you account for these costs.
Where Can I Apply for Pensioner Concession on Car Rego?
You can usually apply for concession online, depending on the state you live in. Some require you to call to discuss concessions. Usually, you can log into your online account and make an application by providing the relevant documents to prove your pensioner status. When the application form is approved, you will receive a discount on your vehicle rego.
