Welcome to Queensland
Queensland is Australia's second-largest state by area and one of the fastest-growing by population. Whether you're moving from interstate or arriving from overseas as a new permanent resident, there are several important administrative steps to take care of when you settle in Queensland. This guide outlines the key things to action and the government agencies to contact.
Transferring Your Driver's Licence to Queensland
If you have an Australian driver's licence from another state or territory, you must transfer it to a Queensland licence within three months of becoming a Queensland resident. You can do this at a Queensland Transport and Main Roads (TMR) customer service centre.
What to bring:
- Your current interstate or overseas licence
- Proof of Queensland address (e.g., lease agreement, utility bill)
- Identity documents (passport, birth certificate)
If you hold an overseas licence, the transfer process depends on your country of origin. Some countries have agreements with Queensland that allow a direct transfer, while others require you to undertake testing. Check the TMR website for your specific situation.
Registering Your Vehicle in Queensland
Vehicles must be registered in Queensland if they are primarily kept in the state. You have three months from establishing residency to transfer interstate registration. Queensland vehicle registration is managed by the Department of Transport and Main Roads. You'll need a roadworthy certificate (safety certificate) before registering a used vehicle.
Vehicle registration can be renewed online, at Australia Post outlets, or at a TMR service centre.
Enrolling to Vote
Voting is compulsory in Queensland for state elections. If you're already enrolled federally, your details may carry over, but it's worth checking with the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) to ensure your enrolment is current. Enrolment is free and can be completed online at ecq.qld.gov.au.
Key Queensland Government Services
| Service | Agency | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Driver licensing & vehicle registration | Transport and Main Roads | tmr.qld.gov.au |
| Birth, death & marriage certificates | Queensland Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages | bdm.qld.gov.au |
| Land titles & property | Queensland Titles Registry | titles.qld.gov.au |
| Business licences & fair trading | Office of Fair Trading | qld.gov.au/law/fair-trading |
| Public schools enrolment | Department of Education | education.qld.gov.au |
| Emergency management | Queensland Fire and Emergency Services | qfes.qld.gov.au |
Healthcare in Queensland
Queensland Health operates the state's public hospital and health services network. Major hospital and health services include Metro North, Metro South, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Services, among others. To access public hospital care, you need a valid Medicare card.
For non-emergency health concerns, you can also call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84), Queensland's free 24/7 health advice line staffed by registered nurses.
Cost of Living Considerations
Queensland offers a range of regional living options beyond Brisbane, from the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast to Townsville and Cairns in the far north. Cost of living varies significantly between Brisbane and regional areas, so researching your specific destination is worthwhile. The Queensland Government's qld.gov.au portal provides localised information for different regions.
Useful Contacts for New Queenslanders
- Queensland Government main portal: qld.gov.au
- Transport and Main Roads: 13 23 80
- Electoral Commission Queensland: 1300 881 665
- Queensland Health advice line: 13 43 25 84
- Office of Fair Trading: 13 74 68