When selling your car privately, give the buyer a receipt for any deposit or full payment. The receipt can be handwritten or typed, and both you and the buyer should keep a copy.
A receipt provides a written record of the payment and can help prevent misunderstandings after the transaction.
What should I include on the receipt?
Include:
The buyer’s and seller’s full names and addresses
The date of the payment
The car’s year, make and model
The registration number and/or VIN (VIN is for cars newer than 1989)
The agreed sale price
The amount paid
Whether the payment is a deposit or full payment
Any remaining balance
The signatures of the buyer and seller
If the seller is a business or sole trader, additional receipt requirements may apply.
What should I include on a deposit receipt?
Before the buyer pays a deposit, both parties should agree to the terms in writing.
The receipt should include the deposit amount and any terms agreed between the buyer and seller.
This provides a record if there is later a disagreement about completing the sale or returning the deposit.
See How do I pay for a used car? for more information.
Does a receipt complete the registration transfer?
No. A receipt records the payment but does not replace your state or territory’s registration transfer or notice of disposal requirements.
Check with your state or territory road authority to find out what you and the buyer need to complete when transferring the car.
What if this car is sold or bought for a business?
If you’re selling the car as part of a business, the receipt must also include the business name and ABN or ACN. If the business is registered for GST, tax-invoice requirements may also apply. Check the ACCC and ATO websites or seek professional advice.
Any information on this page is provided as a guide only. It is not professional or expert advice and is not a substitute for such advice. The content may not be appropriate, correct or sufficient for your circumstances and should not be relied on as the only reason you do or don’t do anything.