Buying a car, and getting it on the road, rarely comes with one simple price tag.
From car insurance and vehicle registration to ongoing costs such as maintenance and the price of fuel,1 there’s a lot for budget-conscious motorists to factor in.
But there’s only one cost that depends entirely on where you live – car stamp duty.
If you’re buying a new or secondhand car in Australia, the state-based tax you pay could be hundreds or even thousands of dollars different from what your interstate neighbours have to hand over.
To help you navigate this often-forgotten fee, we’ve prepared this vehicle stamp duty guide. It includes links to car stamp duty calculators for every Australian state and territory, and runs through other car costs, including registration, compulsory third party insurance and optional car insurance.
And just in case you’re wondering how to avoid paying stamp duty on a car – legally – we also explain the stamp duty exemptions that apply in different parts of the country.
What is stamp duty on a car?
Stamp duty is a tax charged by state and territory governments on property purchases, as well as on significant items such as cars.2
For example, stamp duty is collected when you buy a new car, motorcycle or heavy trailer and register it in your name. It also applies when you purchase any of these items second hand and transfer the registration into your name.3
Essentially, stamp duty is an add-on cost. If you buy your car through a dealership at a "drive-away" price, it's typically included in the cost4 – but it's still something that should be factored into your car budget overall.
How is stamp duty calculated?
Each state has slightly different criteria for setting stamp duty rates, which we’ll break down in this article, but it’s generally calculated on the base value of the car;5 also often referred to as the “dutiable value”.6
The “dutiable value” of your vehicle is either the market value or the purchase price of the vehicle, whichever is higher.5
In different jurisdictions, car stamp duty is also known as motor vehicle duty,3 motor vehicle registration duty7 or vehicle licence duty.8
Why do states charge differently for stamp duty?
In the same way the Australian Government sets a flat 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on all new and some used cars,9 the states and territories levy stamp duty for property and vehicles.10
Each state and territory has its own laws for these taxes, administered by their own revenue office.10
Vehicle stamp duty is a major source of revenue for Australia’s states and territories, having raised more than $4.6 billion in 2023-24.11
Are there any exemptions to paying car stamp duty in Australia?
Yes. But like most things to do with car stamp duty, the exemptions – and concessions – available to motorists vary between jurisdictions.
While it’s important to check the fine print in your own state or territory, some of the more common exemptions include:
- Deceased estates12
- Transfers between spouses or domestic partners13
- Divorce settlements14
- Ex-service personnel15
- Disability16
- Charitable organisations17
- Some primary producers.17
Some states, including Victoria6 and Queensland,18 offer concessions for “green” cars such as electric, hybrid and low-emission vehicles.
Car stamp duty calculators by state
Here, we’ll run you through all the key stamp duty differences between the states and territories, with handy links to official online estimators to help you work out the rates you can expect to pay.
Car stamp duty calculator – ACT
The Australian Capital Territory is one of the jurisdictions that provides stamp duty concessions for more environmentally friendly vehicles.
It uses the Australian Government’s Green Vehicle Guide to grade cars, depending on a pollution measure called “combined tailpipe carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions”.19
The amount of stamp duty payable is based on:19
- The type of vehicle
- Its registration date
- Its carbon dioxide output per kilometre
- Its dutiable value.19
| New Vehicles19 | |||
| Combined tailpipe CO2 emissions (g/km) | Duty rate (vehicles valued under $45,000) | Duty rate (vehicles valued $45,000-$80,000) | Duty rate (vehicles valued more than $80,000) |
| 0 (Zero-emission vehicles, such as battery electric vehicles (EVs) or hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) | $2.50 for every $100 or part thereof | $1,125 plus $4 for every $100 or part thereof above $45,000 | $2,525 plus $8 for every $100 or part thereof above $80,000 |
1-65 (Common emission range for a hybrid vehicle (HEV) or plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) | $2.67 for every $100 or part thereof | $1,201.50 plus $4.41 for every $100 or part thereof above $45,000 | $2,745 plus $8 for every $100 or part thereof above $80,000 |
66-130 (Common emission range for a hybrid vehicle (HEV) or plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) | $2.84 for every $100 or part thereof | $1,278 plus $4.81 for every $100 or part thereof above $45,000 | $2,961.50 plus $8 for every $100 or part thereof above $80,000 |
| 131-175 | $3.00 for every $100 or part thereof | $1,350 plus $5.22 for every $100 or part thereof above $45,000 | $3,177 plus $8 for every $100 or part thereof above $80,000 |
| 176-220 | $3.17 for every $100 or part thereof | $1,426.50 plus $5.62 for every $100 or part thereof above $45,000 | $3,393.50 plus $8 for every $100 or part thereof above $80,000 |
| 221 or more | $4.53 for every $100 or part thereof | $2,038.50 plus $7.81 for every $100 or part thereof above $45,000 | $4,772 plus $8 for every $100 or part thereof above $80,000 |
| Not determined | $3.17 for every $100 or part thereof | $1,426.50 plus $5.62 for every $100 or part thereof above $45,000 | $3,393.50 plus $8 for every $100 or part thereof above $80,000 |
| Used passenger and light vehicles19 | |||
| Combined tailpipe C02 emissions (g/km) | Duty rate (vehicles valued under $45,000) | Duty rate (vehicles valued $45,000- $80,000) | Duty rate (vehicles valued more than $80,000) |
0 (Zero-emission vehicles, such as battery electric vehicles (EVs) or hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) | $2.50 for every $100 or part thereof | $1,125 plus $4 for every $100 or part thereof above $45,000 | $2,525 plus $8 for every $100 or part thereof above $80,000 |
| 1 or more (all other categories – see previous table) | $3.17 for every $100 or part thereof | $1,426.50 plus $5.62 for every $100 or part thereof above $45,000 | $3,393.50 plus $8 for every $100 or part thereof above $80,000 |
Calculate your motor vehicle duty using the vehicle stamp duty calculator – ACT.
Car stamp duty calculator – NSW
Stamp duty in New South Wales, called motor vehicle registration duty, is more straightforward than in most other states or territories. The only variable is the dutiable value of your vehicle.7
For new vehicles, this is the amount you paid for the vehicle, including GST, and for used vehicles, it’s the sale price or market value – whichever is higher.20
| Vehicle value | Duty rate20 |
| Up to $44,999 | $3 for every $100 |
| $45,000 or more | $1,350, plus $5 for every $100 |
Work out your motor vehicle registration duty with this vehicle stamp duty calculator – NSW.
Car stamp duty calculator – NT
In the Northern Territory, there’s a simple formula for calculating motor vehicle registration stamp duty – it’s a $3 tax for every $100 – or part thereof – of the dutiable value of your vehicle, new or used.4
If you’ve purchased in an “arm’s length” transaction – that’s a formal arrangement, such as with a licensed car dealer – the dutiable value is calculated on the full sale price of the vehicle.21
If it’s a non-arm’s length transaction – for example, a parent selling a car to their P-plater child4 – the dutiable value is the market value.21
Estimate your motor vehicle registration stamp duty with the vehicle stamp duty calculator – NT.
Car stamp duty calculator – Qld
In Queensland, vehicle registration duty factors in engine type, along with vehicle type and dutiable value.18
As in many other states, the dutiable value for a new car is the retail price, including any optional equipment. For a used car, it’s the higher value of either the purchase price or the market value.22
| Vehicle type | Duty rate18 |
Hybrid – any number of cylinders
Electric
| Up to $100,000 – $2 for each $100, or part of $100
More than $100,000 – $4 for each $100, or part of $100 |
1 to 4 cylinders 2 rotors Steam powered | Up to $100,000 – $3 for each $100, or part of $100 More than $100,000 – $5 for each $100, or part of $100 |
5 or 6 cylinders 3 rotors | Up to $100,000 – $3.50 for each $100, or part of $100 More than $100,000 – $5.50 for each $100, or part of $100 |
| 7 or more cylinders | Up to $100,000 – $4 for each $100, or part of $100 More than $100,000 – $6 for each $100, or part of $100 |
Concessions for green vehicles mean that stamp duty for 2025’s best-selling EV and hybrid vehicles – the Tesla Model Y23 and the hybrid Toyota RAV424 – is currently cheaper in Queensland than in any other state.
Check your stamp duty on the vehicle stamp duty calculator – Qld.
Vehicle stamp duty calculator – SA
In South Australia, the amount of stamp duty you need to pay varies depending on the purchase price or value of the vehicle, and whether it’s a commercial or non-commercial vehicle. Commercial vehicles include utes, panel vans, vans and heavy vehicles.25 All other vehicles are classified as non-commercial.25
The dutiable or declared value is the recommended retail price for new vehicles; for used vehicles, it’s calculated on the higher of either the purchase price or the market value.25
| Vehicle value | Duty rate (commercial)26 | Duty rate (non-commercial)26 |
| Up to $1,000 | $1 for every $100 or part of $100 with a minimum of $5 payable in all cases | $1 for every $100 or part of $100 with a minimum of $5 payable in all cases |
| $1,000-$2,000 | $10 plus $2 for every $100 or part of $100 over $1,000 | $10 plus $2 for every $100 or part of $100 over $1,000 |
More than $2,000 (commercial)
$2,000-$3,000 (non-commercial) | $30 plus $3 for every $100 or part of $100 over $2,000
| $30 plus $3 for every $100 or part of $100 over $2,000
|
Exceeds $3,000 (non-commercial) | N/A
| $60 plus $4 for every $100 or part of $100 over $3,000 |
Australia’s best-selling vehicle for 2025, the Ford Ranger ute,27 shows the difference that stamp duty classifications can make to your hip pocket.
If you bought the basic 2026 XI 2.0 model for $43,530,28 you’d pay an estimated $1,278 stamp duty in SA – that’s because it’s classified as a commercial vehicle. However, if you bought a non-commercial passenger vehicle for the same price, you’d pay $400 more in stamp duty.
To work out your fees, check out the vehicle stamp duty calculator – SA.
Car stamp duty calculator – Tasmania
As in most states, motor vehicle duty in Tasmania depends on the dutiable value of your vehicle – which is the purchase price for new cars, and the greater of the purchase price or market value for second hand cars.29
| Vehicle Value | Duty rate30 |
| $0-$600 | $20 |
| $600-$35,000 | $3 per $100, or part thereof, of dutiable value |
| $35,000-$40,000 | $1,050 plus $11 per $100, or part thereof, that the dutiable value exceeds $35,000 |
| Over $40,000 | $4 per $100, or part thereof, of dutiable value |
Check your stamp duty on the vehicle stamp duty calculator – Tasmania.
Car stamp duty calculator – Vic
In Victoria, the stamp duty charged depends on the type of vehicle – passenger or non-passenger – its dutiable value, and the date you register it.6
The dutiable value of a vehicle is the higher of:6
- Purchase price, including GST and luxury car tax
- Market value at the time of registration or transfer.6
Concessions then apply automatically for green cars, and those used on farms or in primary production.6
| Vehicle type | Definition | Duty rate |
Passenger cars3 (new, used or transfer of registration)
| Built for up to 8 adults6
| $8.40 per $200 of market value (up to $80,567) or part thereof
$10.40 per $200 of market value ($80,568-$100,000) or part thereof
$14 per $200 of market value ($100,001-$150,000) or part thereof
$18 per $200 of market value (over $150,001) or part thereof3 |
Green cars6 (new, used or transfer of registration) | Passenger cars with combined tailpipe carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of 120 grams or less per kilometre6 | $8.40 per $200 of the market value (any value) or part thereof3
|
Primary producer passenger cars6 (new, used or transfer of registration) | Passenger cars registered in the name of a primary producer, and used mainly in the primary producer business6 | $8.40 per $200 of the market value (any value) or part thereof3
|
| Non-passenger vehicles6 (new registration) | Other motor vehicles, including motorcycles and vehicles designed to carry goods (such as trucks and utes)6 | $5.40 per $200 of the market value (any value) or part thereof3
|
Non-passenger vehicles, including heavy trailers (used or transfer of registration) | Other motor vehicles, including motorcycles and vehicles designed to carry goods (such as trucks and utes); and trailers or semi-trailers with maximum rated capacity exceeding 4.5 tonnes6 | $8.40 per $200 of the market value (any value) or part thereof3
|
You can work out your own stamp duty using the vehicle stamp duty calculator – Victoria.
Car stamp duty calculator – WA
In WA the stamp duty charged depends on the type of vehicle and its dutiable value.8
For non-heavy vehicles with a gross mass of 4.5 tonnes or less:8
| Dutiable value | Value rate |
| Up to $25,000 | 2.75% of dutiable value |
| $25,000-$50,000 | A sliding rate that starts at 2.75% and increases gradually up to 6.5% |
| Over $50,000 | 6.5% of dutiable value |
For heavy vehicles over 4.5 tonnes, stamp duty is 3% of dutiable value, capped to a maximum of $12,000.8
You can work out your own stamp duty using the vehicle stamp duty calculator – WA.
What else do I need to budget for when buying a car?
Along with the many practical things you might wish to consider before buying a second hand car or a new car, there are also several financial considerations.
These include purchase costs and ongoing costs.1
Car registration
Whether you’re buying a second hand car or opting for a brand new vehicle, it must be registered with your state or territory’s licensing authority before you can drive it. Vehicle registration – often called “rego” – must be paid every year.1
- ACT registrations
- NSW registrations
- NT registrations
- QLD registrations
- SA registrations
- TAS registrations
- VIC registrations
- WA registrations
Wherever you live, you can check a car’s registration status online.
CTP
Compulsory third party (CTP) insurance, which is called a Green Slip in NSW, is mandatory in Australia.31 It’s included in the registration process, which means you don’t need to purchase a standalone CTP insurance policy.32
This type of insurance covers you if you need to pay compensation because somebody was injured or killed in an accident that you caused.31
It can cover costs such as medical treatment, loss of income, rehabilitation, and compensation for dependents and funeral expenses if somebody dies as a result of the accident.31
However, conditions and coverage vary depending on what state or territory you’re in,31 so it’s important to check the fine print.
Car insurance
While CTP can cover injuries and death, it doesn’t cover damage to the vehicles themselves or other property – that’s where optional car insurance comes in.32
In Australia, in addition to CTP, there are three broad categories of standard car insurance that provide different levels of cover, for different prices.33
“As the name suggests, Comprehensive Car Insurance is the highest level of insurance – and it typically covers accidental damage to your vehicle – not just damage to third parties – as well as storm, hail and flood damage,” explains Marni Jackson, Youi’s Head of Product – Vehicle and Lifestyle.34
“Third Party Fire & Theft policies generally include third-party property cover for damage you cause to other people’s cars or property, plus cover for your vehicle in case it’s stolen or damaged by fire. The most basic level of cover is Third Party Property Only, which covers damage you cause to someone else’s car or property in a motor accident.”35
Now that you know how to factor stamp duty into your car budget, and which other costs come into play when buying a new or used car, you might wish to consider exploring car insurance options by starting a quote with Youi.
1Source: Moneysmart – Buying and running a car, n.d.
2Source: Forbes Advisor Australia – What Is Stamp Duty? The Complete Guide, November 2024
3Source: VicRoads – Motor vehicle duty fees, n.d.
4Source: InfoChoice – Stamp Duty For Cars Explained For All States, September 2025
5Source: Service NSW – Check motor vehicle stamp duty, n.d.
6Source: State Revenue Office Vic – Understanding motor vehicle duty, January 2026
7Source: NSW Government – Motor vehicle registration duty calculator, n.d.
8Source: WA Government – Vehicle licence duty, February 2026
9Source: Drive – Do you have to pay GST on a used car?, May 2024
10Source: Australian Taxation Office – State and territory requirements, December 2018
11Source: Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics – Road-related Revenue and Expenditure – Yearbook 2025
12Source: State Revenue Office Victoria – Exemptions and concessions for motor vehicle duty, April 2026
13Source: SA Government – Exemptions & Relief, n.d.
14Source: Tas Government – Duty exemptions for vehicle registration, n.d.
15Source: NSW Government – Exemptions, n.d.
16Source: ACT Government – Motor vehicle duty, n.d.
17Source: Qld Government – Exemptions for vehicle registration duty, n.d.
18Source: Qld Government – Vehicle registration duty rates, March 2023
19Source: ACT Revenue Office – Motor vehicle duty, n.d.
20Source: NSW Government – Motor vehicle duty, October 2025
21Source: NT Government – Motor vehicle registration stamp duty calculator, n.d.
22Source: Qld Government – About vehicle registration duty, April 2026.
23Source: CarExpert – Australia’s best-selling EVs in 2025 revealed, January 2026
24Source: CarExpert – Australia’s best-selling hybrids in 2025 revealed, January 2026
25Source: SA Government – Stamp Duty on Vehicles, n.d.
26Source: SA Government – Rates, n.d.
27Source: Drive – Australia’s best-selling cars in 2025, by state and territory, January 2026
28Source: CarsGuide – 2026 Ford Ranger Xl 2.0 (4X2) 2026 Pricing & Spec Configurations, n.d.
29Source: Tas Government – Dutiable value, September 2024
30Source: Tas Government – Rates of duty, May 2026
31Source: CHOICE – What is CTP car insurance?, August 2025
32Source: Canstar – Compulsory third party (CTP) insurance: what you need to know, May 2026
33Source: Canstar – Different types of car insurance explained, March 2026
34Exclusions, limits and additional fees may apply. For full details, see the Car PDS.
35Available with all levels of car insurance except CTP. For full details, see the PDS.
