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What Paperwork Do You Need to Sell Your Car in Victoria?

Selling your car in Melbourne can be a great way to put some extra cash in your pocket. But while finding a buyer might be the exciting part, navigating the paperwork can feel a bit overwhelming. Getting it wrong can lead to headaches down the track, like being responsible for the new owner's tolls or fines.
Don't worry, it's more straightforward than it looks. This guide will walk you through exactly what you need, so you can sell your car confidently and correctly.
The Two Most Important Documents
When you sell a registered vehicle privately in Victoria, the process revolves around two key pieces of paperwork. Think of them as the non-negotiables for a smooth handover.
1. A Certificate of Roadworthiness (RWC)
An RWC is a certificate that confirms your car is safe enough to be on the road. It's a mandatory requirement from VicRoads for most private car sales.
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What is it? It's a check-up performed by a licensed vehicle tester that covers essential safety components like brakes, steering, lights, tyres, and windscreen.
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How long is it valid? An RWC is only valid for 30 days from the date it's issued. This means you need to time the inspection close to when you plan to sell.
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Why is it important? It gives the buyer confidence that the car meets Victoria's minimum safety standards. You must provide the original, signed certificate to the buyer.
Getting an RWC can sometimes uncover unexpected issues that require costly repairs. This is often where the convenience of a service like melbourne cash 4 carz comes in, as we can often buy cars "as-is" without you needing to worry about getting a roadworthy certificate.
2. The Vehicle Transfer Form
This is the official document that legally transfers the car from your name to the buyer's. It's the most critical piece of paperwork in the entire process.
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Where do you get it? You can download it directly from the VicRoads website or pick one up from a customer service centre.
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What needs to be filled out? The form has sections for both the seller (that's you!) and the buyer. You'll need to fill in:
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Vehicle details (VIN, registration number, make, model).
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Your details (name, address, license number).
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The buyer's details.
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The date and price of the sale.
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Crucially, you and the buyer must sign it. Make sure you see the buyer's driver's license to verify their identity and ensure the details on the form are correct.
Your Final, Critical Step: Lodging the Transfer
Once the form is signed and you've been paid, your job isn't quite done. You are responsible for telling VicRoads that you no longer own the car. This is done by submitting your part of the transfer.
This is the step that protects you! By lodging the transfer, you ensure you're no longer liable for any parking fines, speeding tickets, or toll road fees incurred by the new owner.
You have 14 days to do this. You can lodge the notice of disposal online via your myVicRoads account or in person. The buyer is then responsible for completing their part of the transfer and paying the applicable fees and duties.
Common Questions and Special Cases
What if I'm selling my car without an RWC?
You can legally sell a car without an RWC, but it means you are selling it unregistered. When you do this:
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You must remove the number plates before the buyer takes the car.
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You need to return the plates to a VicRoads Customer Service Centre.
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The buyer cannot legally drive the car away and must arrange for it to be towed or transported on a trailer.
This is a common situation for older, damaged, or scrap cars. Selling to a car removal service like melbourne cash 4 carz is perfect for this scenario, as we specialise in buying unregistered vehicles and provide free towing.
Do I need proof of ownership?
While the registration certificate has your name on it, the signed Vehicle Transfer Form acts as the primary document to prove the transaction. It's always a good idea to have your original registration papers handy, but the transfer form is the legal instrument for the sale.
The Stress-Free Alternative: Selling to Melbourne Cash 4 Carz
Feeling like the paperwork and process are a bit of a hassle? You're not alone. Arranging inspections, dealing with potential buyers, and ensuring every form is filled out perfectly takes time and energy.
That's where we come in.
At melbourne cash 4 carz, we simplify everything. When you sell your car to us:
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We handle all the paperwork. Our team takes care of the transfer forms and all the official requirements.
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No RWC needed. We buy cars in any condition—registered, unregistered, damaged, or old. You don't have to spend a cent on repairs or inspections.
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Instant payment. We pay you cash on the spot, up to $9,999.
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Free car removal. We'll come to you anywhere in Melbourne and tow your car away for free.
If you want to skip the paperwork and sell your car the easy way, get in touch with melbourne cash 4 carz today for a quick, no-obligation quote. We make it simple, fast, and profitable for you.