Selling your car in Victoria? Whether you’re handing it over to a private buyer or a car removal company, one question often comes up: What happens to the rego (vehicle registration) when you sell?
It’s a great question—and knowing the answer can save you from future fines or confusion. Let’s break it down in simple terms so you know exactly what to expect when it comes to your car’s registration.
First Things First: Who’s Buying the Car?
What happens to the rego depends a lot on who you’re selling the car to:
- Private Buyer: You’ll usually transfer the registration to the new owner.
- Car Removal/Cash for Cars Company: You may cancel the rego and keep the plates, or they might do it on your behalf.
Let’s walk through both situations.
Selling to a Private Buyer? Here’s What You Do
In Victoria, when you sell your car to another person, the registration needs to be officially transferred to their name. This protects you from being responsible for any speeding fines, tolls, or issues that happen after the sale.
Here’s how it works:
- Fill out the VicRoads transfer form – both you and the buyer need to sign it.
- Provide a roadworthy certificate – required for most registered car sales.
- Keep a copy for your records.
- The buyer pays any transfer fees and stamp duty when they lodge it with VicRoads.
After that, you’re no longer responsible for the car or its registration.
Selling to a Car Removal or Cash-for-Cars Company?
Now, if you’re selling a car that’s damaged, unwanted, or unregistered to a company like ours, things are a bit different.
In most cases:
- You’ll cancel the rego yourself or request us to help with the process.
- You keep the number plates and return them to VicRoads.
- VicRoads will issue a refund for any unused registration and CTP insurance (if eligible).
Many sellers don’t realise they can get money back for unused rego time. If your car has 3+ months left on the rego, it’s worth looking into a refund—it could put a few extra dollars in your pocket.
What If the Car Is Unregistered?
If the vehicle you’re selling isn’t registered, there’s nothing to transfer or cancel. The car will be sold as-is, and the new owner (if applicable) can choose to register it later.
When we buy unregistered cars, we handle them in accordance with VicRoads requirements and follow all legal procedures. No rego? No problem.
What About the eTag or Toll Accounts?
This often gets overlooked. Don’t forget to:
- Remove your toll tag from the car
- Log in to your toll account (like Linkt) and remove the vehicle
- Check for any outstanding tolls or charges
You’d be surprised how many people sell their car and forget this step, only to get toll bills weeks later!
Wrapping It Up
Selling your vehicle means tying up all the loose ends—including registration. Whether you transfer it to a private buyer or cancel it when selling to a car removal company, it’s important to get it done properly to avoid future issues.
If you’re unsure what to do with the rego when selling your car to us, don’t worry—we’ll walk you through it. We make the process easy, fast, and stress-free.
Worth Knowing
Taking care of your rego properly when selling isn’t just a box to tick—it protects you from future hassles and might even get you a refund. If your car is no longer worth keeping, and the rego’s nearly up, give us a call. We’ll take the vehicle off your hands and help you sort out the rest.
If you are in Upwey, and looking for a cash for cars service, this is the best way to visit us.
20A Station St, Bayswater VIC 3153