State-based regulations to be aware of when selling your car

Selling a car in Australia can involve different rules depending on where you live. Many sellers ask, “Do you need a roadworthy certificate to sell a car?” The answer varies across states and territories, as each has its own requirements for transferring ownership, completing paperwork and, in some cases, obtaining a roadworthy certificate.

Understanding these differences before you sell can help you avoid unexpected costs or delays. This guide outlines what you need to know about selling a car without a roadworthy certificate and the key legal obligations in each state, so you can prepare confidently before listing your vehicle.

Should I sell my car privately or through a dealer?

If you choose to sell privately, you’re responsible for ensuring that all required documents are completed and that any necessary inspection or roadworthy certificates are provided. Private sellers in some states, such as Queensland and Victoria, should check whether a roadworthy certificate is required before transferring ownership. Understanding these rules is important if you’re selling a car without a roadworthy certificate.

Selling to a licensed motor dealer or through a professional car-selling service can simplify the process. Licensed Motor Car Traders (LMCTs) are authorised to buy vehicles directly and handle much of the paperwork themselves. This often removes the need to organise a roadworthy certificate and can make the sale faster and less complicated, particularly from a legal standpoint.

Understanding the legal framework for car sales

There are a number of legal requirements that you should be aware of when selling a car in Australia. A document that transfers the registration to the new owner must be completed in each state and territory. Beyond that, there are various other documents and requirements that must be completed in each state or territory before the new owner can take delivery of your vehicle. Here is a guide that discusses what is required.

New South Wales

The rules for selling a car in New South Wales stipulate that it is the seller’s responsibility to provide a current safety inspection report or pink slip if the car is over five years old. The seller must also ensure no money is owing on the vehicle, and submit a Notice of Disposal to Transport for NSW. The buyer is liable for transferring the vehicle’s registration.

Victoria

Victorians should ensure the vehicle they are selling is transferred out of their name from the date of sale. The buyer and seller need to sign the transfer of registration form and send it to VicRoads within 14 days of the sale. A roadworthy certificate that is less than 30 days old is required when selling a registered car privately in Victoria. However, selling a car without RWC in Victoria is possible if the vehicle is unregistered or sold to a licensed motor dealer, as dealers handle the inspection and re-registration process themselves.

Queensland

People often ask if you can sell a car without a roadworthy certificate in QLD. In Queensland, a current safety certificate is required when selling a registered vehicle privately. The certificate must be less than two months old and valid for up to 2,000 kilometres. However, selling a car without a roadworthy certificate in QLD is possible when selling to a licensed motor dealer, as the dealer is responsible for the inspection and re-registration.

South Australia

In South Australia, sellers do not need to provide a roadworthy certificate when selling a car. The seller is responsible for submitting the transfer paperwork to the South Australian government within 14 days of the sale. Unlike other states, there is also no fee for transferring the ownership of a vehicle in South Australia.

Western Australia

It is the seller’s responsibility in Western Australia to fill out the Notice of Change of Ownership document and submit it to the government. A roadworthy safety check is not required in Western Australia, and there is also no fee for transferring ownership of a vehicle.

Tasmania

In Tasmania, a roadworthy safety inspection is not mandatory for privately sold vehicles. It is the seller’s responsibility to notify the Tasmanian Department of State Growth of the sale of the vehicle, using the Transfer of Vehicle Registration form available online or from a branch.

Northern Territory

The Northern Territory stipulates that the seller is responsible for ensuring the car’s roadworthiness. An inspection from an authorised party is not mandatory, but advised. The seller must also notify the Northern Territory’s Motor Vehicle Registry of the sale, using a Notice of Disposal form.

Australian Capital Territory

In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), it is the seller’s responsibility to provide a roadworthy certificate if the vehicle is over six years old at the time of the sale. The seller must also provide a Notice of Disposal to Access Canberra to inform the authorities of the transaction.

Is there anything else I need to know?

This guide covers important rules specific to selling cars in each Australian state and territory, but it may not include detailed legal frameworks. Each region may have more specific requirements and may have updated its information since this article was published.

Each Australian state and territory has its own road transport authority, which can provide further information on the legal frameworks for selling a car in their region.

For the most comprehensive and up-to-date information, it's recommended to consult directly with the relevant local authority or their official website:

New South Wales (NSW) — Transport for NSW or Service NSW
Victoria — VicRoads
Queensland — Department of Transport and Main Roads
Western Australia — Department of Transport
South Australia — Service SA
Tasmania — Department of State Growth, Transport Services
Northern Territory — Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR)
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) — Access Canberra

With AutoFlip, do you need a roadworthy certificate to sell a car?

When you sell through AutoFlip, you do not need a roadworthy certificate. Our platform connects you with licensed dealers who purchase vehicles based on verified details, photos and condition reports, rather than formal safety inspections. This allows you to sell your car quickly without arranging a separate inspection or certificate.