Last updated: October 2026
The short answer: if you sell a registered car privately in Victoria, the buyer needs a roadworthy certificate to transfer the registration, so in practice you have to get one. If you sell to a licensed motor car trader such as Victorian Car Buyers, you do not need one at all.
What a Roadworthy Certificate Is
A Certificate of Roadworthiness, usually called an RWC, confirms that a car met basic safety standards on the day it was checked. A licensed vehicle tester inspects items such as the brakes, tyres, steering, suspension, lights, windscreen, seatbelts and body condition. It is a safety check, not a full mechanical report, so it says nothing about how long the engine or gearbox will last.
When You Need One
You generally need an RWC when a registered car is sold and the registration is transferred to a new owner. According to VicRoads, the certificate is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued, so book the inspection close to the sale.
There are exceptions. You do not need one when:
- You sell to a licensed motor car trader.
- The car is transferred between spouses or domestic partners.
- The car is unregistered. In that case the buyer will need an RWC before they can register it.
What It Costs in Practice
The inspection itself is the small part. The real cost is the repairs needed to pass. On an older car, tyres, brake work, suspension bushes or a cracked windscreen can quickly add up to a few hundred dollars or well over a thousand. That money rarely comes back in a higher sale price. We break this down in the roadworthy trap.
Selling Privately Without an RWC
You can advertise a registered car without a roadworthy, but the buyer cannot transfer the registration into their name until one is provided. Most private buyers will either ask you to get it or knock the expected repair cost off the price. Either way the cost lands on you.
Selling to a Licensed Trader Instead
Licensed motor car traders can buy a car without a roadworthy certificate. When you sell to us:
- No RWC is needed and you do not repair anything first.
- We give you a price from your photos straight away.
- The price stays the same at pickup unless a major fault was not mentioned.
- We come to you with no pickup fee and handle the transfer paperwork.
- You are paid on the spot by cash, bank transfer or cheque.
Our licence number is LMCT 12395, and you can check it on the Consumer Affairs Victoria register. Read what LMCT licensing means for you for more on why that matters.
Which Option Suits Your Car
If your car is newer, in good condition and likely to pass easily, a private sale with a roadworthy can make sense. If it is older, has known faults or you simply want it sold this week, selling without an RWC usually leaves you better off once repair costs are counted. Send us a few photos for a free price on our sell my car page and compare.
Our cash for cars service across Victoria buys cars without a roadworthy, so you do not need to pay for repairs first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a roadworthy certificate to sell my car in Victoria?
For a private sale of a registered car, the buyer needs one to transfer the registration. If you sell to a licensed motor car trader such as Victorian Car Buyers, you do not need one.
How long is a roadworthy certificate valid when selling a car?
VicRoads says a roadworthy certificate is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued.
Who issues a roadworthy certificate?
A licensed vehicle tester, after checking safety items such as the brakes, tyres, steering, suspension and lights.
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About the author: Written by Steve, owner of Victorian Car Buyers, a licensed motor car trader (LMCT 12395) based in Delahey, Melbourne.