The Ultimate Guide to Boat & Trailer Registration in Queensland (2025)

Registering a boat and trailer in Queensland often feels like a maze. You’ve got boat rego, trailer rego, compliance plates, safety certificates, and online transfers — and if you get even one step wrong, you risk fines, delays, or worse, a boat you legally can’t use.

This guide is designed to cut through the jargon and explain everything in plain English. You’ll see real-world examples, practical tips, and common traps to avoid. By the end, you’ll know exactly how registration works — and where AnchorPoint Boat Buyers steps in to make the process simple, smart, and secure.

1. Do I Need to Register My Boat?

In Queensland, any boat with a motor of 4hp (3kW) or more must be registered. That means if you’re running even a modest outboard, you’ll need to sort rego before heading out on the water.

Examples:

• A 3.5m aluminium tinny with a 6hp outboard → needs rego.
• A paddleboard, canoe, or kayak with no motor → no rego needed.
• A small sailing dinghy with no auxiliary motor → no rego. But add a 5hp motor, and it must be registered.

Why it matters: Even for small boats, fines apply if you’re caught without valid rego. Insurance also won’t cover an unregistered vessel. At AnchorPoint, we include rego checks in every purchase we manage so clients never get caught short.

2. How to Transfer Boat Registration

When buying or selling, both parties have 14 days to lodge the transfer. If you miss it, late fees apply, and you can’t legally use the boat until it’s in your name.

Buyer’s Steps

• Lodge the transfer within 14 days (online or at TMR).
• Pay the transfer fee (varies by boat size and type).
• Provide proof of purchase, HIN (Hull ID Number), and engine details.

Seller’s Steps

• Submit their section of the form within 14 days.
• Ensure no outstanding fees, fines, or finance on the vessel.

AnchorPoint tip: We always run a PPSR check to confirm no finance is owing. Many buyers skip this and end up with debt attached to their new boat.

3. Boat Trailer Registration

Your boat trailer is registered separately. The big threshold is 750 kg Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM). Under that, registration is straightforward. Over that, extra rules kick in.

What does 750 kg look like?

• Under 750 kg: A small tinny (3–4m) on a single-axle trailer, usually without brakes. Think of a lightweight setup you could tow with a small SUV.
• Over 750 kg: Most 5m+ fiberglass boats, dual-axle trailers, or any trailer with brakes fitted. For example, a 5.2m glass half cabin with a 90hp motor will push well past this limit.

Trailers over 4.5 tonnes ATM are considered heavy vehicles, requiring strict inspections and compliance.

AnchorPoint tip: Always check the compliance plate riveted to the trailer. Missing plate = no rego. Replacements take time and can stall a purchase.

4. Safety Certificates (Trailers)

A Safety Certificate (like a roadworthy) is required before a trailer can be sold or transferred. It checks tyres, brakes, lights, safety chains, and VIN plate.

Examples:

• Selling a 3.8m tinny trailer? Still needs a safety certificate, even if it’s unbraked.
• Dual-axle trailer with brakes? Definitely needs one, and inspectors will pay close attention to the brake system and tyres.

AnchorPoint tip: Mobile roadworthy inspectors are the easiest option. They come to the seller’s driveway and issue the cert on the spot — saving time and hassle. We line these up for clients so transfers don’t stall.

5. Online Transfers — Buyer & Seller

QLD’s TMR portal allows online transfers if both parties agree. It’s faster, avoids queues, and gives instant confirmation.

1. Seller logs in → starts the transfer process.
2. Buyer logs in → completes details, pays fees.
3. Both get confirmation emails when it’s finalised.

AnchorPoint tip: Most private buyers don’t even know this exists — they waste hours at service centres. We use online transfers whenever possible so our clients’ boats are registered the same day.

6. Tips & Tricks for Smooth Registration

• Check HIN (boat) and VIN (trailer) match paperwork before handing over cash.
• Confirm the trailer’s compliance plate is present and readable.
• Lodge paperwork within 14 days to avoid fines.
• Use PPSR to check if money is still owed.
• Buying interstate? Budget for a weighbridge certificate or extra inspection in QLD.
• Keep paper and digital copies of bills of sale and transfer forms.

AnchorPoint tip: We’ve seen deals fall through over tiny issues — like rusted safety chains or mismatched VIN numbers. We spot these early so clients don’t inherit costly problems.

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Transferring the boat but forgetting the trailer — both are separate.
• Thinking “small trailer = no paperwork” — not true, most still need rego and safety checks.
• Missing the 14-day deadline, leading to penalties.
• Assuming the seller has cleared finance — many don’t.
• Not organising a mobile roadworthy in advance, leaving the sale stalled.

8. Let AnchorPoint Do It For You

Registration is just one piece of the puzzle. At AnchorPoint Boat Buyers, we:

• Research and shortlist the right boats before you buy.
• Negotiate with sellers to save you money.
• Organise marine inspections and mobile roadworthy certificates.
• Handle both boat and trailer registration (online where possible).
• Deliver the boat to your driveway, ready to use.

Instead of chasing paperwork and worrying about compliance plates or safety certificates, we make the process simple, smart, and secure.

9. General Pricing Guide (2025)

Costs vary depending on boat size, trailer weight, and engine power. Below is a rough guide to what you can expect in Queensland:

• Boat registration transfer fee: usually $30–$60.
• Annual boat rego: from around $100 for small tinnies up to $300+ for larger vessels with higher engine capacity.
• Trailer registration: approx. $60–$100 for under 750 kg trailers, $200–$300 for larger dual-axle trailers.
• Safety certificate (trailer): generally $50–$80. Mobile inspectors may charge slightly more but save time.

AnchorPoint tip: Always budget for both boat and trailer rego separately. Many first-time buyers get caught out thinking they’re included together. At AnchorPoint Boat Buyers, we walk clients through these costs upfront so there are no surprises.

FAQs

Do all boats need rego in QLD?

Yes, if the motor is 4hp or more. Smaller paddle craft don’t need rego.

Do trailers need separate rego?

Yes. Over 750 kg ATM, a compliance plate is mandatory. Over 4.5t, heavy vehicle rules apply.

What if I don’t transfer in 14 days?

You risk fines and can’t legally use the vessel until it’s in your name.

Can both boat and trailer rego be transferred online?

Yes, if both buyer and seller have TMR accounts. It’s quicker and avoids service centre queues.

This guide is for general information only. Always check the QLD TMR site for the latest requirements.