the driver's handbook

What to do When Buying a Car
Before buying a car, telephone 13 10 84 to check if the
vehicle is recorded as stolen, written-off or financially
encumbered (money is owed on it).
Ask the following questions:
• Is the vehicle recorded as stolen?
• Has the vehicle been recorded as written-off?
• Is the vehicle recorded as defected?
• Does the vehicle have any financial interests recorded
against it?
For complete protection against possible repossession of
the vehicle you will need to purchase a Certificate of
Registered Interests.
At the time of purchase, complete and sign the Application
for Transfer of Registration and Disposal Notice on the
reverse side of the current Certificate of Registration. The
registered owner/operator also needs to sign the application
in order to transfer the remaining registration into your name.
If the person from whom you are buying the vehicle does not
have the current Certificate of Registration, he or she will need
to purchase a replacement from a Customer Service Centre.
Send the completed form or apply in person to your nearest
Customer Service Centre with the required fee.
An application for Transfer of Registration must be
lodged within 14 days from the date of purchase. Failure
to do so may incur an additional fee.
Transfer of the registration is different from transfer of
ownership; it is in your best interest to obtain a receipt from the
person you are purchasing the vehicle from.
If you are purchasing a South Australian vehicle that is
not registered and you wish to drive the vehicle, you must
complete an Application for Registration and Third Party
Insurance and lodge or mail it to your nearest Customer
Service Centre. After you pay the fee, a Certificate of
Registration and label will be issued to you.
The Driver’s Handbook 147