If you’ve ever bought or sold a car in Melbourne, you’ll know there’s more to it than just handing over the keys and shaking hands. The paperwork is just as important as the deal itself. Whether you’re selling your old sedan to a private buyer or trading in that ute through a cash for cars service, having the right documents ready will save you a heap of time and stress.
In Victoria, VicRoads sets out exactly what you’ll need to legally transfer a vehicle from one owner to another. Let’s break it down step by step.
1. The Vehicle Transfer Form
This is the main piece of paperwork, and without it, the transfer simply can’t happen. The VicRoads vehicle transfer form records the details of both the buyer and the seller, as well as the car itself.
Both parties need to sign it, and it’s important that the details are accurate—things like your full name, licence number, and address. A small mistake here (say, writing the wrong VIN number or misspelling a name) can cause delays.
Tip from the field: We’ve seen cases where sellers filled out the form in a rush, only to realise later they’d swapped digits in the rego. That meant an extra trip back to VicRoads to fix the error. Double-check everything before signing.
2. Roadworthy Certificate (RWC)
In most situations, the seller must provide a current roadworthy certificate before the car can be transferred. This shows that the vehicle meets the minimum safety standards required for driving on Victorian roads.
The certificate must be less than 30 days old at the time of the transfer. There are exemptions—for example, if you’re transferring the car to a spouse or if the vehicle is being sold to a licensed car dealer or wrecker, an RWC may not be needed.
If you’re using a cash for cars service, in many cases the roadworthy isn’t required because the vehicle is being sold for recycling or dismantling rather than for everyday road use.
3. Proof of Identity
Both the buyer and seller need to provide proof of identity. For most people, a Victorian driver licence is enough. If you don’t have one, VicRoads will accept other forms of ID, but the key is that it must be valid and current.
Why is this important? It’s all about making sure the car transfer is legitimate and that the right people are recorded as the official owners. This protects both parties from disputes down the line.
4. Transfer Fees and Motor Vehicle Duty
Car transfers aren’t free. The buyer usually pays the transfer fee and motor vehicle duty (a tax calculated based on the market value of the vehicle).
For example, if someone buys a used hatchback valued at $8,000, they’ll need to budget for more than just the purchase price—they’ll also have to pay VicRoads for the transfer and duty. On the flip side, if the car is being scrapped or sold through a cash for cars service, the process is usually more straightforward because the buyer (often the wrecker) handles much of the admin.
Putting It All Together
Let’s imagine Sarah is selling her 2012 Toyota Corolla in Melbourne. She finds a buyer online who’s keen to purchase. Here’s how the transfer looks in real life:
- Sarah fills out the VicRoads transfer form and signs it.
- She provides the buyer with a roadworthy certificate she obtained just last week.
- Both she and the buyer show their driver licences as proof of identity.
- The buyer then submits the form to VicRoads and pays the transfer fees and motor vehicle duty.
Within a short time, the Corolla is officially under new ownership. Easy enough, provided you’ve got the right documents in place.
A Handy Note for Cash for Cars Sellers
If you’re selling to a company like ours, the process is usually even simpler. Because we’re licensed motor car traders, you don’t need to worry about organising a roadworthy certificate, and we’ll walk you through the paperwork. All you really need is your ID and the signed transfer form, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Before You Hand Over the Keys
The paperwork may not be as exciting as the moment you see the cash land in your bank account, but it’s what makes the transfer official. Having the vehicle transfer form, proof of identity, and (when required) a roadworthy certificate ensures the deal is above board and hassle-free.
Think of it like this: once the documents are sorted, you can walk away knowing the car is no longer in your name, and you’re free of any future responsibility. That peace of mind is worth every signature.
If you are in Broadmeadows, and looking for a cash for cars service, this is the best way to find us.
Northern Car Removal
1/26 Acacia St, Glenroy VIC 3046
0437 773 905
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