The Answer
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Stamp duty, rego transfer, CTP insurance, and the real cost of buying a car in Australian Capital Territory.
On-Road Costs — ACT
| Cost | ACT Detail |
|---|---|
| Vehicle stamp duty | Based on CO2 emissions (from 2024). Zero stamp duty on EVs. |
| Registration transfer fee | ~$27–$45 |
| CTP insurance | Competitive — separate MAI insurance purchase required |
| Roadworthy/safety inspection | $100–$200 (if required) |
Budget an extra 8–15% on top of the purchase price for on-road costs. A $20,000 car in ACT may cost $22,000–$23,000 once stamp duty, rego transfer, and CTP are added.
Buying Checklist
- Check the car's history — use a PPSR check ($2 at ppsr.gov.au) to confirm it's not stolen, written off, or has money owing
- Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($150–$300)
- Check the rego status and expiry date with your state transport authority
- Negotiate the price — use recent sales data from carsales.com.au or redbook.com.au
- Complete the transfer of registration at your state transport office
- Arrange CTP insurance: Competitive — separate MAI insurance purchase required
- Get car insurance — comprehensive, third party property, or third party fire & theft
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is stamp duty on a car in ACT?
Based on CO2 emissions (from 2024). Zero stamp duty on EVs.
Do I need a roadworthy to buy a car?
For used cars, most states require a roadworthy/safety certificate before transferring registration. New cars from dealers don't need one.
What's a PPSR check?
A Personal Property Securities Register check ($2) tells you if the car is stolen, written off, or has finance owing. Always do this before buying a used car.
What Changed
Apr 2026
Verified for Australian Capital Territory