Buying and selling cars in Australia is a straightforward business affair, but how does one go about doing the same for an unregistered vehicle? Well, if you want to know the answer, you've certainly come to the right place.
Yes, you can sell an unregistered car in Australia. However, the rules are different in each state, so check with your local road authority first. No matter what, keep a paper trail of the transaction and notify the road authority of the ownership transfer if necessary. You can’t drive the car to your buyer, unless you have a permit to move an unregistered vehicle.
In the following sections, you will learn the ins and outs of selling an unregistered car in Australia. Let’s get started!
Can You Sell an Unregistered Car?
Yes, selling an unregistered car is possible in Australia. However, the tricky part is understanding the rules and regulations for doing so in your state or territory.
Like pretty much everything else to do with automotive rules and regulations, the states and territories in Australia manage their own systems independently. That means your state’s road authority will decide what the rules and regulations are.
For the most part, they’re the same. However, states will have slightly different requirements for processing the transaction. For example, some states might require you to notify the local road authority about the transfer of ownership. However, selling an unregistered car in VIC requires no such notification to VicRoads.
Moving a Registered Car After Sale
When selling an unregistered vehicle, the transfer of ownership from the seller to buyer isn’t the only bit you need to think about. The next challenge is how to give that car over to the buyer physically.
Remember: You cannot drive an unregistered vehicle on Australian roads, no matter where you are. So, the other options you have are:
- Hiring a Tow Truck - that’s probably going to cost you enough money to make the whole transaction no longer worth the price for both parties.
- Getting an Unregistered Vehicle Permit - Take for example when selling an unregistered car in QLD. In this state, you can apply online or at the Transport and Main Roads customer service centre to get such a permit. The permit has many uses, but in this case, it will allow you to move an unregistered vehicle to where it needs to be.
- Register the Vehicle - Of course, the buyer could always register the vehicle, get it insured, and only then drive it away. That might not work for all car sales, but it’s still an option.
Step-by-Step Guide for Selling an Unregistered Vehicle
If you’re looking to sell an unregistered vehicle in Australia, here are the general steps involved in that process.
1. Advertise that you’re selling an unregistered vehicle
Unless you already have an interested buyer, you’ll want to put an ad to let people know your car is for sale. Disclose that you are selling an unregistered vehicle.
Be clear about where you’re located. Remember: Moving an unregistered vehicle can be tricky, especially if you’re doing it cross-country. So, if you’re selling an unregistered car in NSW, make that clear in your car sale advert.
To get an idea about how to post an ad, you could check out our complete guide for how to advertise a car for sale.
2. Check with the local road authority
While you're advertising your car for sale, be sure to check with your local road authority about any applicable requirements and procedures involved in selling an unregistered vehicle. As mentioned before, each state will have slightly different rules and regulations.
More importantly, you’ll want to make sure that you have read the most up-to-date rules available. These things can and do change over time without any notice.
There are a few specific rules you’ll want to keep an eye out for. For example, does the vehicle need a roadworthy certificate before you can sell it? When selling an unregistered car in WA, there is no need for the vehicle to have a roadworthy certificate.
Besides that, check for rules regarding when and how a buyer can use an unregistered vehicle. In many cases, an unregistered vehicle can be used on private property without any problems. However, when selling an unregistered car in SA, the buyer needs to register the vehicle to use it.
You'll want to keep informed about these rules to protect yourself and provide useful information to interested buyers.
3. Create a paper trail of the sale of an unregistered car
When it comes time to make the transaction happen, there’s nothing more important than creating a paper trail. This is a good idea regardless of what state you’re in, as it keeps things transparent and above board.
For example, having a written agreement signed by the buyer and seller is essential. The document should also state details to ID the vehicle, like its VIN, make and model, and the date of sale.
Naturally, you’ll want to ensure that you have a copy or two and that the buyer receives one as well. That way, both parties have clear records of the sale.
4. Get an Unregistered Vehicle Permit if necessary
Earlier in the article, we saw how it could be challenging to move an unregistered vehicle. So, if necessary, you’ll need to get an unregistered car permit to move the car to where it needs to be. Who needs to apply for the permit? That depends on the stage of the transaction.
If you’re the seller, then you need to get the permit if you’re moving the car before the sale is finalised. On the other hand, if the sale is completed and the buyer needs to move the car, then the buyer should apply for a permit to do so.
How to Dispose of an Unregistered Vehicle
If you’re looking for a more straightforward way to sell your unregistered vehicle, there’s another option. In Australia, car wreckers play a crucial role in disposing of any type of vehicle.
All over the country, these services will buy old and decommissioned cars, including unregistered vehicles, from willing sellers like yourself. Most of them offer quick cash payments in exchange for those cars, and they’ll even come over with a tow truck and remove that vehicle themselves.
If you prefer not to worry about selling an unregistered car yourself and calling a local car wrecker/remover instead, find one through the Directory at Carpart.com.au. Better yet, find them from our blogs about the featured Recommended Wreckers in various states and cities across the country.
You may then narrow down the businesses in your area that will buy your unregistered vehicle and find their contact details.
By Ray Hasbollah