How to Transfer South Australian Registration to Queensland
I inspected this Hyundai Kona in Camp Hill today for an owner who had recently moved to Queensland from South Australia. She needed a roadworthy to register the car here. Passed without any issues and she had her QLD plates by the end of the day.
Here’s the full process for transferring SA registration to Queensland.
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 SA plates during this period, but after 14 days you risk a fine for driving an unregistered vehicle in Queensland.
Don’t leave it until the last minute. Book the roadworthy in your first week so you have time to deal with any issues if the car doesn’t pass first time.
Step 1 - Get a Queensland roadworthy
Your South Australian registration and any inspection done in SA is not valid in Queensland. Different states 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, a temporary rental, 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 SA you dealt with Service SA – in Queensland it’s TMR. Bring:
Your phone with the safety certificate email or a printout.
Your SA driver’s licence.
Your SA number plates – you’ll hand these in.
At TMR, you’ll pay the Queensland registration fee and CTP insurance, surrender your SA 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 SA licence to a Queensland licence. Bring your SA 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 SA rego
You’ve paid for SA registration you’re no longer using. To get a refund on the remaining portion, contact Service SA directly. TMR in Queensland can’t process SA refunds. Service SA handles this online or by phone – you’ll need your SA registration details and proof of the new Queensland registration.
Step 5 - Register for toll roads
Adelaide 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 SA transfers
Does my SA inspection transfer to QLD? No. SA and Queensland inspections are separate. You need a Queensland safety certificate regardless of any inspection done in South Australia.
Can I keep my SA plates? No. You surrender your SA plates at TMR and receive new Queensland plates.
Is Queensland registration more expensive than SA? It depends on the vehicle. CTP insurance is structured differently in each state. TMR will quote you the total cost when you attend.
What if I have more than one vehicle? The same process applies to each vehicle. If you’ve moved with two cars, both need separate roadworthy inspections. Book them for the same day and same address and I can inspect both in one visit – saves time for both of us.
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.
