Free template

Car consignment agreement template

A car consignment agreement sets out who owns the car, what you'll sell it for, what you charge, and how the owner gets paid. This template lists every term to cover so nothing is left to a handshake. It's a checklist of terms, not legal advice, and in some states you must use an approved form.

What’s in it

11 clause groups, from parties and vehicle details to return of the car
Prompts for reserve, commission (flat, percentage or tiered) and term
Finance owing, recon authority and payment timing clauses
A sign-off block and a checklist of documents to collect

1. Parties

Dealer: business name, ABN, dealer licence number, licensed place of business.
Owner (consignor): full name, address, phone, email, driver licence number.
If a company owns the car: company name, ACN, and the authority of the person signing.
Confirmation the owner is the legal owner and has the right to sell.

2. Vehicle

Make, model, series, build date, compliance date, colour.
VIN, engine number, rego number and rego expiry.
Odometer reading in words and figures, and whether the odometer or engine has been replaced.
Keys supplied (number), service books, manuals, spare wheel and accessories included.
Known faults or damage disclosed by the owner.

3. Price and reserve

Advertised asking price.
Reserve: the lowest price the owner will accept, or the owner's agreed net amount.
Price changes only on the owner's written instruction (SMS or email approval recorded).
How offers below reserve are handled: relayed to the owner to accept, counter or decline.

4. Commission

Model: flat fee $____ / ____% of sale price / tiered ____% to $____ then ____% / owner receives $____ and dealer keeps the excess.
Minimum fee, if any.
Whether amounts include GST.
Commission is calculated on the actual sale price and won't be increased after signing.

5. Term and renewal

Start date and end date (or number of days).
How renewal works, and that a renewal is a fresh written agreement.
Notice period for either party to end the agreement.

6. Marketing fees

Listing or marketing fee: $____, and whether it's charged if the car doesn't sell.
Where the car will be advertised.
Photos and description approved by the owner before listing (optional).

7. Early withdrawal

The owner can withdraw the car (state any notice required).
Early withdrawal fee: $____, or how it's calculated.
Approved recon and marketing costs already incurred are payable on withdrawal.
What happens if a buyer has paid a deposit when the owner withdraws.

8. Finance owing

Is there finance or any other security interest on the car? Yes / No.
Lender name, account reference, estimated payout.
Owner authorises the dealer to obtain a payout letter from the lender.
Lender is paid first from the sale proceeds; owner covers any shortfall before settlement.
PPSR search results attached (date and search number).

9. Recon authority

Pre-approved work and a dollar cap: up to $____ without further approval.
Anything over the cap needs the owner's written approval with a quote.
Recon costs are deducted at settlement, or payable on withdrawal.
Invoices and before and after photos available to the owner.

10. Payment timing

Sale money held in the dealer's trust account where your state requires it.
Owner is paid within ____ business days of the buyer's funds clearing (and within any deadline your state sets).
A written settlement statement: sale price, commission, fees, recon, financier payout, owner's net.
Payment method and the owner's bank details (verified by phone, not just email).

11. Return of the vehicle

If unsold at the end of the term: renew, reprice or return.
Return checklist: odometer, condition photos, keys, documents and accessories returned.
Who insures the car while the dealer holds it, and who may drive it (test drives, moving on site).
Owner signs on collection.

Sign-off and documents to collect

Signed and dated by both parties before any service is provided; owner given a copy immediately.
Owner's photo ID and proof of ownership (rego papers, purchase invoice).
Seller statement or declaration required by your state.
PPSR certificate and lender payout letter if there's finance.
A prominent note that the owner should seek independent legal advice.

Using it

This is a template of terms, not legal advice. Have your solicitor review your final agreement for your state.
Queensland: you must use the approved Form 9 for the appointment, signed before you provide any service. Use this checklist to make sure your Form 9 and any extra terms cover everything. See our Form 9 guide.
Victoria: licensed motor car traders must not sell cars on consignment for private owners. Don't use this template there for private consignments.
Other states may require specific forms, trust accounts or licence categories (WA needs Category E for consignment). See car consignment and check with your regulator.

Questions dealers ask

What should a car consignment agreement include?

The parties, the vehicle, the asking price and reserve, commission, term, marketing fees, early withdrawal, finance owing, recon authority, payment timing and what happens if the car doesn't sell.

Can I use this template in Queensland?

In Queensland the appointment must be on the approved Form 9. Use this checklist alongside Form 9, not instead of it.

Is a consignment agreement legally binding?

A signed written agreement is generally binding, but state dealer laws add their own requirements and can make a non-compliant appointment ineffective. Get legal advice for your state.

Who pays for repairs on a consigned car?

Whoever the agreement says. Most agreements let the dealer do approved recon up to a dollar cap and deduct it from the owner's proceeds at settlement.

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