How Much Is Stamp Duty on a Car in WA?

WA vehicle stamp duty on a car is 2.75% of the car's dutiable value up to $25,000. Above that it rises on a sliding scale, and it reaches 6.5% for cars over $50,000. Those are the WA Government's published rates for vehicles of 4.5 tonnes or less, checked on 7 October 2026.

The official name is vehicle licence duty, and it's charged when a vehicle licence is granted or transferred. The amount depends on the car's dutiable value, which isn't always the price you paid, so it's worth knowing how that value is set and whether your quote already includes the duty.

What is vehicle stamp duty in WA?

It's a state duty charged when a vehicle licence is granted or transferred. In other words, it applies when a car is licensed in your name for the first time or when an existing licence moves from the seller to you. The Department of Transport collects it under the Duties Act 2008.

"Stamp duty" is the everyday name. "Vehicle licence duty" is the official one, and it's the term you'll see on government pages and forms. They're the same charge, so if a quote or a notice uses one name and you were expecting the other, nothing has been added.

How much is stamp duty on a car in WA?

The rate rises with the value of the car. These are the current vehicle licence duty rates published by the WA Government.

The first three rows apply to vehicles with a gross mass of 4.5 tonnes or less. A car with a dutiable value of exactly $25,000 sits in the first band, and the middle band covers values over $25,000 and up to $50,000. Within that middle band the rate climbs steadily from 2.75% towards 6.5% as the value increases. For an exact figure on a particular car, use the official vehicle licence duty calculator.

How is the dutiable value worked out?

Duty is charged on the "dutiable value", and that isn't always the price you paid. It's worked out differently for new and used cars.

New cars

For a new car, the dutiable value is the retail selling price in WA set by the manufacturer. That includes manufacturer options such as the type of transmission or the engine size. Features that aren't set out by the manufacturer, such as window tinting or paint protection, aren't included. One detail on demonstrators: a demonstrator has to be used for more than two months before it's treated as a used vehicle.

Used cars

For a used car, the dutiable value is the amount the vehicle might reasonably be sold for in the open market. As the buyer, you give your estimate of that value and the purchase price when you apply for the transfer. Be accurate, because penalty tax can apply if the value is under-declared. If you're shopping second-hand, our used car buying tips are worth a read first.

Who pays the duty, and what does the buyer have to do?

The buyer pays. On a transfer you pay vehicle licence duty and a vehicle licence transfer fee. If you buy from a dealer, it's the dealer's responsibility to complete the steps to transfer the licence into your name.

A private sale puts more on you. The buyer must notify the Department of Transport within 14 days of purchasing the vehicle, and the seller within 7 days, and a penalty applies to a buyer who doesn't notify in time. Keep in mind what that 14 days is: it's the deadline for telling the department about the purchase, not the deadline for paying the duty. For payment, go by the due date the department gives you.

Do you pay stamp duty on a used car in WA?

Generally, yes. Duty applies when a used car's licence is transferred to you, based on its dutiable value, unless an exemption or concession applies.

Are any vehicles exempt?

Some are. Caravans that aren't motor propelled, and camper trailers, are exempt from vehicle licence duty when they're permanently fitted for human habitation in the course of a journey. A transfer fee still applies to them.

There's also an exemption tied to vehicle licence concessions. It may be available if you hold certain pensioner or concession cards, or certain veteran certification, but it only applies when a 100% concession is granted on the vehicle licence fees. Holding a card isn't enough by itself. Separately, nominal duty of $20 may apply in specific circumstances, and the WA Government page linked above sets out the conditions for each.

How do you budget for stamp duty when you're financing a car?

Start by finding out which government charges are already in the price you've been quoted, and ask the seller for a breakdown. If duty is listed, check the figure against the official calculator. If it isn't, work it out and add it. Either way you avoid counting the same cost twice, or missing it altogether.

Once you know the full cost, you can settle on a deposit and a loan amount that fit. Our loan calculator lets you try a few combinations, and our guide to comparing car loan offers explains what to look for in a quote.

Key Takeaways

• Stamp duty and vehicle licence duty are the same charge under two names.
• For vehicles of 4.5 tonnes or less the rate is 2.75% up to and including $25,000, a sliding rate over $25,000 and up to $50,000, and 6.5% over $50,000.
• Duty is based on the dutiable value, which is set differently for new and used cars.
• A private buyer has 14 days to notify the Department of Transport of the purchase.
• Check what your quote already includes. Rates were checked on 7 October 2026, and the official calculator gives the exact amount.

Loans123 compares 30+ lenders from our Perth office. Working out the full cost of your next car? Call 1800 079 147, or visit our car finance page to start an enquiry and speak to a broker about your options.

This article provides general information only. It does not constitute financial advice. Please consider your personal circumstances before making any financial decisions. Loans123 holds Australian Credit Licence 512846.