How to Transfer ACT Registration to Queensland
I inspected this Nissan Qashqai in Bulimba today for an owner who had recently moved from Canberra to Brisbane. Needed a roadworthy to register the car in Queensland. Passed without any problems.
A lot of people moving from the ACT to Queensland are public servants, defence force members, or families relocating for work. They’ve often got a lot going on with the move and want the car registration sorted quickly. Here’s the full process.
You have 14 days
Once you move to Queensland, you have 14 days to transfer your vehicle’s registration. You can legally drive the car on ACT plates during this period, but after 14 days you risk a fine for driving an unregistered vehicle in Queensland.
Book the roadworthy in your first week. Don’t wait until day 13.
Step 1 - Get a Queensland roadworthy
Your ACT registration and any inspection done in the ACT is not valid in Queensland. Different states and territories have different inspection standards. You need a Queensland safety certificate before you can register here.
A mobile roadworthy is the easiest option when you’ve just moved. I come to wherever your car is parked – your new house, your work, wherever you’re staying. The inspection takes about 20-30 minutes and the electronic safety certificate goes to your email on the spot if the car passes.
Step 2 - Visit a TMR customer service centre
With your safety certificate ready, go to a Transport and Main Roads (TMR) customer service centre. In the ACT you dealt with Access Canberra – in Queensland it’s TMR. Bring:
Your phone with the safety certificate email or a printout.
Your ACT driver’s licence.
Your ACT number plates – you’ll hand these in.
At TMR, you’ll pay the Queensland registration fee and CTP insurance, surrender your ACT plates, and receive new Queensland plates on the spot. You walk out with QLD plates in your hand and have 24 hours to fit them.
No forms to fill out beforehand. TMR handles everything and enters the roadworthy details from their system.
Step 3 - Transfer your driver's licence
While you’re at TMR, transfer your ACT licence to a Queensland licence. Bring your ACT licence and proof of your new Queensland address. You’ll receive a Queensland licence at the same visit.
Step 4 - Get a refund on your remaining ACT rego
You’ve paid for ACT registration you’re no longer using. To get a refund on the remaining portion, contact Access Canberra directly. TMR in Queensland can’t process ACT refunds. Access Canberra handles this online or by phone – you’ll need your ACT registration details and proof of the new Queensland registration.
Step 5 - Register for toll roads
Canberra doesn’t have toll roads. Brisbane does. Register with Linkt (linkt.com.au) as soon as you have your new QLD plates. Brisbane has toll roads including the Gateway Motorway, Logan Motorway, and Go Between Bridge. Without a toll account, you’ll receive fines in the mail. It takes a few minutes to set up online.
Common questions from ACT transfers
Does my ACT inspection transfer to QLD? No. ACT and Queensland inspections are separate. You need a Queensland safety certificate regardless.
Can I keep my ACT plates? No. You surrender your ACT plates at TMR and receive new Queensland plates.
What if I’m defence force and might move again? You still need to transfer the registration if Queensland is your primary residence. If you get posted elsewhere later, you’ll transfer again at that point. The roadworthy certificate you get now is for this transfer only.
What if I have more than one vehicle? Same process for each vehicle. Book both inspections for the same day and same address and I can do them in one visit.
Get the roadworthy first
The roadworthy is the first step. Without it, you can’t start the registration process at TMR. Book it as soon as you arrive in Queensland and everything else flows from there.
