How to Sell a Car in Victoria

Last updated: October 2026. Written by Steve, Victorian Car Buyers, LMCT 12395.

This is a plain guide to how to sell a car in Victoria. It covers the documents, the paperwork with VicRoads and how to get paid safely. It applies whether you sell privately, to a dealer or to a licensed buyer like us.

What Do You Need When Selling a Vehicle in Victoria?

When selling a vehicle in Victoria you need proof of ownership, the registration details and photo ID. For a private sale of a registered car, the buyer also needs a roadworthy certificate. After the sale, the seller lodges a notice of disposal with VicRoads and the buyer transfers the registration within 14 days.

Step 1: Get Your Documents Ready

Gather the paperwork before you advertise or ask for offers. Buyers move faster when everything is on hand, and missing documents are the most common reason a sale stalls.

• Your driver licence or other photo identification
• The registration certificate or registration details
• Service books and receipts, if you have them
• All keys, including spares
• A payout letter from your lender if the car has finance owing

Step 2: Work Out What Your Car Is Worth

Look at what similar cars are listed for, then be realistic about condition. Make, model, year, kilometres, service history, registration and current demand all move the price. Listed prices are asking prices, so expect the selling price to be lower.

To see what a buyer looks at during an inspection, read how we value a car.

Step 3: Choose How to Sell

You have four main options: a private sale, a dealer trade in, an online instant offer or a direct sale to a licensed car buyer. A private sale can bring the most money but takes the most time. The other three are quicker and involve less risk.

We compare them in four ways to sell a car in Melbourne. If a quick sale suits you, see sell my car.

Step 4: Complete the Transfer and Notice of Disposal

When the car changes hands, VicRoads has to be told. The seller and the buyer both have a part to play, and VicRoads sets time limits, so do it on the day of the sale.

• Fill in the transfer details with the buyer and keep a copy.
• Lodge your notice of disposal with VicRoads so fines and tolls after the sale do not come to you.
• Write a receipt showing the date, the price, the registration or VIN and both names, and keep a copy.
• Remove your e tag and personal items from the car.

The current forms and rules are on the VicRoads website. Related guides: who pays the transfer fee and registration refunds.

Step 5: Get Paid Safely

Do not hand over the keys or the signed paperwork until the money is confirmed in your hands or your account. Cash counted in front of you, a bank transfer that has cleared or a bank cheque are the usual safe methods. Be wary of overpayments, payment screenshots and buyers who will not meet in person.

More detail: the safest way to get paid for your car and car selling scams and how to avoid them.

Do I Need a Roadworthy?

For a private sale of a registered car you usually do. You do not need one when you sell to a licensed motor car trader. The full answer is in do you need a roadworthy to sell a car in Melbourne.

The Simple Option: Sell to Victorian Car Buyers

If you would rather skip the advertising, the roadworthy and the strangers at your door, we can buy the car directly. Victorian Car Buyers is a licensed motor car trader (LMCT 12395) based in Delahey that buys cars for cash across Melbourne and Victoria. We come to you, handle the paperwork and pay on the spot by cash, bank transfer or bank cheque.

Call Steve on 0455 776 443 or go to sell my car to see how it works.

Selling a Car in Victoria: Questions

What documents do I need to sell my car in Victoria?

Your photo identification, the registration details, the keys and, if the car is financed, a payout letter from the lender. Service books help the price but are not required.

Do I have to tell VicRoads when I sell my car?

Yes. The seller lodges a notice of disposal so the car is no longer recorded in their name. Do it straight away, because fines and tolls follow the registered operator.

Can I sell a car that is not registered?

Yes. An unregistered car can be sold, but it cannot be driven on the road. Our guide covers selling an unregistered car in Victoria.

How long does it take to sell a car?

A private sale often takes weeks. A direct sale to a licensed buyer can often be done the same day. See how long it takes to sell a car in Melbourne.