To sell an unregistered car in Victoria, you need two primary documents: proof of ownership (like an old registration certificate or sales agreement) and a receipt of sale. You do not need a Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) when selling it to a licensed car dealer or wrecker, making this the simplest and most common solution.

Having an unregistered car sitting in your Melbourne driveway is a common problem. Whether it's an old project that never got finished, a vehicle that failed its roadworthy, or a junker that's just been sitting for years, it takes up space and can be a real headache.

The biggest question people have is, "How can I legally sell it?" There is a lot of confusion around Victorian road laws, especially regarding Roadworthy Certificates (RWCs).

The great news is that selling an unregistered car is not only 100% legal, but the paperwork is far simpler than you think. This guide explains exactly what you need, what your options are, and how you can avoid the biggest hassles.

Why Is Selling an Unregistered Car So Confusing?

The confusion stems from Victoria's strict roadworthy laws, which are designed to protect private buyers of registered cars.

When you sell a registered (or recently expired) car privately, Victorian law states that you, the seller, must provide the buyer with a current Certificate of Roadworthiness (RWC).

This is where the problem starts. Your unregistered car likely has issues—perhaps it's damaged, mechanically unsound, or has just been sitting for five years. It would cost you hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars to get it to a state where it could pass an RWC. This creates a catch-22: you can't sell the car until you fix it, but you don't want to fix it because it's not worth the cost.

This is why trying to sell an unregistered car privately is often a waste of time. However, this RWC rule does not apply when you sell to a licensed motor car trader or auto wrecker.

Your 2 Options for Selling an Unregistered Car in Victoria

You have two main pathways for selling an unregistered car: selling it privately to another person or selling it to a licensed car removal business. A licensed business, like melbourne cash 4 carz, is built to handle this exact situation.

The paperwork and effort involved are vastly different for each option.

Comparison: Private Sale vs. Licensed Wrecker

visit: https://melbournecash4carz.com.au/car-wreckers/

As the table shows, one path is simple and guaranteed, while the other is complex and uncertain.

Option 1: Paperwork for Selling Privately

If you decide to sell your unregistered car privately, you are selling it as a "project" or for "parts only." The buyer cannot legally drive it away.

To do this, you need two key documents from your end.

1. Proof of Ownership

   This document proves the car is legally yours to sell. You must be able to show the buyer that your name is tied to that vehicle. The best examples include:

   • An old (expired) VicRoads registration certificate

   • The original purchase invoice or sales agreement

   • A previous bill of sale in your name

2. A Receipt of Sale (Bill of Sale)

   This is the most critical document for your protection. You must create a receipt (even a handwritten one is legal) that both you and the buyer sign. It must include:

   • Your full name and address

   • The buyer's full name and address

   • The buyer's driver's licence number

   • The full sale price

   • The date of the sale

   • The vehicle's details: Make, Model, Year, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

   • A statement that the vehicle is "sold as-is, where-is, unregistered, and without a Roadworthy Certificate."

Once the buyer pays you, they are then 100% responsible for all future costs, towing, and the entire VicRoads re-registration process. Finding a buyer willing to take on this much hassle and risk is very difficult.

Option 2: Paperwork for Selling to a Wrecker (The Easy Way)

The simplest method involves selling to a licensed car removal service like melbourne cash 4 carz. This process requires almost no paperwork from you.

As a Licensed Motor Car Trader (LMCT), we are legally authorised by VicRoads to acquire vehicles without a roadworthy certificate. This is the core of our business. We remove the entire legal and RWC burden from you.

When you sell to us, the paperwork process is completely different.

The Only Thing You Need:

1. Valid Photo ID

   That's it. We just need to see a valid Driver's Licence or Passport to verify your identity and confirm you have the authority to sell the vehicle.

What We Handle (All the Hard Parts):

• The Transfer Form: We use our LMCT licence to process the vehicle acquisition legally. You just sign our form.

• The Receipt: We provide you with a professional receipt and proof of sale, absolving you of all future liability.

• The Number Plates: We handle the collection and return of the number plates.

• The Towing: Our tow truck removes the vehicle from your property for free.

This is why 99% of people with unregistered, old, or junk cars choose this method. It turns a month-long headache into a 15-minute transaction.

What Do I Do With the Number Plates?

When a Victorian vehicle is unregistered, its number plates must be returned to a VicRoads customer service centre.

If the registration has only recently expired, you can hand in the plates yourself before you sell the car. By doing this, VicRoads may give you a refund for any remaining registration period you paid for.

However, most people with non-running cars find this an extra hassle.

When you use a service like melbourne cash 4 carz, you don't have to worry about it. You can leave the plates on the car. Our tow truck driver will remove them for you upon collection, or we will take the entire car (plates and all) and handle their return and disposal through the proper VicRoads channels.

This Process Works for All Types of Unregistered Cars

This simple paperwork process is not just for one type of vehicle. It is the standard solution for 4 common types of unregistered cars.

1. The Old or Junk Car: A vehicle that has been sitting in the backyard for years, is covered in rust, and is clearly scrap.

2. The Damaged or Wrecked Car: A car that's been in an accident and has been "written off" by an insurance company or is simply too damaged to fix.

3. The Mechanically Failed Car: A car that looks fine but has a major mechanical fault. Common examples include a blown engine, a dead transmission, or a catastrophic electrical problem.

4. The Lapsed Registration Car: A car that is otherwise in okay condition, but you stopped paying the rego. You know it won't pass an RWC without spending $2,000 you don't have, so you just want it gone.

For all these situations, selling to a cash for cars service in Melbourne is the fastest and most logical financial decision.

Your Checklist: Selling an Unregistered Car the Easy Way

Selling an unregistered car in Victoria is simple when you follow this process.

• Step 1: Get a Quote. Call a licensed business like melbourne cash 4 carz and provide your car's details (make, model, condition). You will get an instant quote over the phone.

• Step 2: Schedule a Pickup. Arrange a time for a free tow truck to collect the vehicle. This is often available on the same day.

• Step 3: Prepare Your ID. Find your Driver's Licence or Passport.

• Step 4: Get Paid. When the driver arrives, show your ID, sign the simple transfer form, and get paid your cash on the spot.

That's the entire process. No VicRoads appointments, no RWC inspections, and no online ad-posting required.

If you have an unregistered car, ute, van, or 4WD you want to sell in Melbourne, don't get caught up in the RWC trap. Contact melbourne cash 4 carz today for an instant quote and let us handle all the paperwork for you.