VicRoads introduces online vehicle registration transfer

The process of privately buying or selling a used car in Victoria just became a whole lot easier.


Victoria's official car registration body, VicRoads, has introduced online transfer capabilities, allowing people buying or selling a used car to easily transfer their registration with a few clicks of a mouse.

In 2019, roughly 800,000 registration transfers were conducted through VicRoads, all of which can now be conducted entirely online via VicRoads' new transfer service.

Those looking to use the service will simply need a myVicRoads account – it only takes a few minutes to register – and a handful of key details in order to be able to kickstart the process without needing to visit a service centre in person.

The new process allows freedom and flexibility for those buying or selling a used car privately, but it also offers peace of mind and protection for sellers who want to avoid being liable for any fines or offences that occur once the vehicle has left their care.

The registration transfer is available not only for cars, but for caravans, trailers, trucks and motorcycles too.

Here's what you need to do...


Seller checklist

1. Register for a myVicRoads account: Before commencing the sale process, you should sign up for a myVicRoads account and add your vehicle's registration to your name. To do so, head to this link and fill out the form. You'll need your licence and registration details handy.

2. Get a roadworthy certificate:  While you don't need a roadworthy certificate when you transfer your vehicle online, your buyer will need it to complete the transfer.

Roadworthy certificates are available from accredited mechanics and are valid for 30 days. In certain instances, buyers are exempt from having to provide a roadworthy. You can see if you're exempt here.

3. Pay off any finance/transfer your custom plates: Before you can sell your car, ensure you've paid off any remaining finance on the vehicle and if you have custom plates, you'll need to visit a VicRoads service centre to have them switched to general-issue plates.

4. Sell your car: Good luck!

5. Fill out the vehicle transfer form with your buyer: Both of you will need to fill out separate sections on the form – it's a good idea to keep a copy each and to take down each other's driver's licence details as well, just in case anything doesn't add up. You can download a copy of the vehicle transfer form here.

6. Commence the registration transfer online: To give VicRoads notice of the disposal, log into your myVicRoads account and select the vehicle you wish to transfer – hit 'transfer vehicle' then follow the prompts – you will need your buyer's Victorian licence number or VicRoads customer number.

No payment is required, but you must do this so the buyer can complete the process. The vehicle is typically transferred out of your name within two business days.

7. Wait for the seller to complete the transfer: The buyer has 14 days to complete the transfer from the date of sale. They simply upload an image of the roadworthy certificate and the completed vehicle transfer form and pay a transfer fee and vehicle duty based on the sale price of the vehicle. To learn more about the fees, head here.

Buyer checklist

1. Register for a myVicRoads account: Before commencing the purchase process, you should sign up for a myVicRoads account so you can add your new vehicle's registration to your name.

To do so, head to this link and fill out the form. You'll need your licence and registration details handy.

2. Ask the buyer for a roadworthy certificate: This will be necessary to complete the transfer of registration, so make sure you can access a copy before you make the sale.

3. Print, fill out and keep a copy of the vehicle transfer form: Both you and the seller will each need to complete sections on this form, but you will be the one who submits it online. Ensure you take down the seller's licence details in case you need to cross-check them later.

4. Wait for the buyer to initiate the notice of disposal: You have 14 days from the point of sale to complete the transfer, but will need the seller to kickstart the process online. Once they have, you'll be notified and can commence your side of proceedings.

5. Complete the transfer online: You can do this all online via your myVicRoads account, once you've been notified that seller has commenced the notice of disposal process. Log in to your account and your new vehicle acquisition should appear there, highlighted in pink – click 'complete transfer' and then fill out the remaining steps.

You'll need to supply the roadworthy certificate and completed vehicle transfer form, as well as pay a vehicle duty based on the sale price and a transfer fee.

Susannah Guthrie

Susannah Guthrie has been a journalist for over a decade, covering everything from world news to fashion, entertainment, health and now cars. Having previously worked across titles like The New Daily, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, People Magazine and Cosmopolitan, Susannah now relishes testing family cars with the help of her husband and two-year-old son.

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