Last updated: October 2026
In a private sale in Victoria, the buyer normally pays the transfer fee. The seller can agree to cover it, but nothing requires them to. When you sell to a licensed dealer or a car buyer like us, the buyer handles the transfer and its costs, so you pay nothing.
What the Buyer Pays
When ownership of a registered car changes, the new owner pays two things to VicRoads:
- The transfer fee. A set fee to record the new owner.
- Motor vehicle duty. Where it applies, this is based on the car’s market value or the sale price, whichever is higher.
The buyer has 14 days from the purchase to lodge the transfer. VicRoads lists the current fees and duty rates, which change from time to time.
What the Seller Must Do
Even though the buyer pays, the seller still has jobs to do:
- Start the transfer through myVicRoads, or complete the seller section of the transfer form.
- Give the buyer a current roadworthy certificate, unless an exemption applies.
- Record the buyer’s details, the date and the sale price.
- Remove the car from your toll account and cancel or move your insurance.
Doing this on the day of the sale is what stops tolls, parking fines and camera fines for the new owner landing in your letterbox.
When the Seller Pays
Sometimes a seller agrees to cover the transfer fee to close a deal, especially on a slow selling car. If you do, write it into the receipt so there is no argument later. Most of the time a small price drop does the same job and is simpler.
Selling to a Licensed Trader
When you sell to us, we complete the transfer paperwork in front of you and the transfer costs are ours. You also do not need a roadworthy certificate, which on older cars is often the bigger saving. See do you need a roadworthy to sell a car for how that works.
If your registration is cancelled rather than transferred, you may be able to claim back unused months. Our guide to registration refunds in Victoria explains when that applies.
Want a price without the paperwork? Send us photos for a free quote on our sell my car page. We pay on the spot and there is no pickup fee.
When you sell through our cash for cars in Melbourne service, we handle the transfer paperwork for you.
Once the sale is done, lodge your notice of disposal within 14 days. Our guide on stopping fines after you sell explains how.
Planning to hold on to custom plates? See our guide on keeping your personalised plates in Victoria before you lodge the transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays the transfer fee when a car is sold privately in Victoria?
In most private sales the buyer pays the transfer fee and any motor vehicle duty. The seller can agree to cover it as part of the deal.
How long does the buyer have to transfer the registration?
VicRoads gives the buyer 14 days from the date of purchase to complete the transfer.
Do I pay a transfer fee when I sell to Victorian Car Buyers?
No. We complete the transfer paperwork and cover the transfer costs, and you do not need a roadworthy certificate.
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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.