What documents do I need to sell my car?
The complete paperwork checklist for selling a car in Australia — proof of ownership, transfer forms, sale receipts, and the state-by-state rules for QLD, NSW and VIC.
Selling a car in Australia needs surprisingly little paperwork — but missing one document can stall the sale or leave you liable for the buyer's tolls and fines. Here's the complete checklist, plus what changes state by state.
The essential checklist (every state)
- Proof of identity — driver licence (or passport plus a secondary ID).
- Registration certificate / rego papers — proves you're the registered operator. Lost it? You can retrieve your details via your state's transport site.
- Transfer of registration form — signed by buyer and seller. In most states this is now done online (see the state notes below).
- Proof of sale / receipt — a simple signed document with the date, sale price, both parties' names and addresses, the car's rego, VIN and odometer reading. Both parties keep a copy.
- Payout letter (only if finance is owing) — from your lender, showing the exact amount to clear the loan. See our guide to selling a car with finance owing.
- Service history and spare keys — not legally required, but they add real money to your sale price.
Car sale receipt: what to include
There's no official national form — a one-page receipt is fine as long as it records: seller and buyer full names and addresses; date of sale; sale price and payment method; make, model, year, registration number and VIN; odometer reading; "sold as is, where is" (for private sales); and both signatures. Keep your copy until the transfer is confirmed, so you're covered for any tolls or fines after handover.
State-by-state differences
Queensland (QLD)
Private sellers must supply a safety certificate before advertising a registered car. Transfer happens via Queensland Transport within 14 days. Selling to a licensed dealer? The safety certificate is the dealer's problem, not yours.
New South Wales (NSW)
No mandatory roadworthy for private sales, but you must lodge a Notice of Disposal with Service NSW as soon as you sell — it protects you from the buyer's tolls and fines. Dealers lodge it for you.
Victoria (VIC)
Private sales need a roadworthy certificate (RWC) and transfer via VicRoads within 14 days. Licensed motor car traders handle the RWC themselves after purchase.
Other states
SA, WA, TAS, ACT and NT each have online transfer processes; roadworthy requirements vary. Check your state transport authority — or sell to a dealer and let them handle it.
The shortcut: sell to a dealer and skip most of this
When you sell through Motor Merchants, the winning licensed dealer prepares the transfer paperwork, lodges the notice of disposal, and deals with roadworthy or safety certificate requirements. You bring your ID and rego papers, sign, and get paid by bank transfer. Get dealer offers for your car
FAQs
Can I sell a car without the rego papers?
Yes — you can usually retrieve your registration details online, and dealers can verify the vehicle from the rego or VIN. Unregistered cars can be sold too; the buyer arranges new registration. No rego at all? You can list with your VIN on Motor Merchants.
Do I need a roadworthy certificate to sell?
Only for private sales in some states (QLD safety certificate, VIC RWC). Selling to a licensed dealer avoids the requirement — see our roadworthy guide.
Who pays stamp duty when a car is sold?
The buyer pays transfer or stamp duty in every state — not the seller.