If you’ve got an old car sitting in the driveway without rego, you might be thinking: “Can I still sell this thing?” The short answer is yes—you can sell an unregistered car in Victoria. But before you go listing it online or handing over the keys, it’s important to understand the legal bits and avoid any fines or surprises down the track.
Let’s clear up the confusion and walk through what you need to know.
So… Is It Illegal to Sell an Unregistered Car?
Nope, it’s not illegal—but there are some conditions attached.
In Victoria, you’re legally allowed to sell a car that’s unregistered. However, you can’t sell it as a registered vehicle unless it has a current roadworthy certificate and registration. Selling it as “unregistered” is totally fine—as long as you’re upfront and honest with the buyer.
Where people run into trouble is when they misrepresent the vehicle or don’t follow the proper steps for notifying VicRoads of the sale.
What Could Get You Fined?
Here’s where things get a bit tricky. While the act of selling the car itself isn’t illegal, here are a few ways things could go wrong:
1. Driving an Unregistered Car on Public Roads
If you (or the buyer) drive the car on public roads without rego, you’re looking at a fine. In VIC, driving an unregistered vehicle can result in penalties of over $800—or more if you’re caught without CTP insurance.
2. Failing to Notify VicRoads of the Sale
When you sell a vehicle—registered or not—you must notify VicRoads. Failing to do so could leave you liable for fines or unpaid tolls, parking tickets, or speeding fines that the new owner racks up. Not fun.
3. Selling Without a Written Receipt
While not always enforceable by a fine, selling a car without a clear receipt or proof of transaction can cause legal headaches. If there’s a dispute later, it’s your word against theirs.
How to Sell an Unregistered Car the Right Way
If your car is unregistered and you’re ready to sell, follow these simple steps to stay on the safe side:
✅ Be Honest and Upfront
List the car as unregistered in any ads or conversations with potential buyers. Don’t say “just needs rego” unless you’ve done the checks—buyers can see through vague wording.
✅ Use a Sale Receipt
Write up a simple receipt with the buyer’s and seller’s names, date, car details (VIN, make, model), and a note saying it’s sold as-is and unregistered.
✅ Notify VicRoads
Both you and the buyer need to notify VicRoads of the transfer. You can do it online through the VicRoads transfer page, or the buyer can lodge the form with you as the seller signing off.
✅ Remove the Plates
Before the new owner takes the car, take off the number plates and return them to VicRoads (or destroy them if directed). Leaving them on could mean you’re still linked to the car.
A Quick Note for Buyers
If you’re the one buying an unregistered vehicle, you’ll need to tow it or use a temporary unregistered vehicle permit (UVP) from VicRoads if you want to move it legally. Driving it without one could land you with a fine.
Thinking of Selling Your Unregistered Car the Easy Way?
If the idea of listing, messaging random buyers, or organising towing sounds like a headache, there’s a much easier option—sell it to a cash-for-cars company like us.
We specialise in buying unregistered, scrap, damaged, and unwanted cars, no matter the condition. No roadworthy? No rego? No worries.
Here’s what you’ll get with us:
- Instant quotes
- Free car removal
- No paperwork stress
- Cash on the spot (up to $9999!)
No Fines, No Fuss, Just a Fair Deal
Selling an unregistered car doesn’t have to be stressful—or risky. As long as you follow the right steps and stay transparent, there’s no reason you should end up with a fine. And if you want to skip the hassle altogether? We’ve got your back.
Give us a call or request a quote online. We’ll take care of the rest—and get that unregistered car off your hands in no time.
If you are in Dandenong, Victoria 3175, and looking for a car removal service, this is the best way to visit us.
Cranbourne Car Removals
28 Station St, Cranbourne VIC 3977