How to transfer a vehicle registration in Victoria?

When buying a used car or selling your car for cash, one step you cannot skip is transferring the vehicle registration. In Victoria, every change of ownership, especially for second-hand cars, requires a vehicle registration transfer. Doing it correctly protects both buyers and sellers from fines, toll disputes, and legal complications.

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you handle vehicle registration transfer in Victoria easily.

Read more: What car papers are required to transfer a car in Australia?

Why should you Transfer Vehicle Registration?

When a vehicle changes hands, the law in Victoria requires:

• The seller to notify VicRoads that the vehicle has been sold
• The buyer to complete the transfer vehicle registration within 14 days

Doing this promptly avoids late fees, prevents confusion over fines or tolls, and ensures the legal owner is correctly recorded.

Read more: How to transfer a vehicle registration in NSW?

How to transfer Vehicle Registration in Victoria?

Online Transfer via myVicRoads

To transfer vehicle registration in Vic online, you’ll need:

• The seller initiates the transfer in their myVicRoads account.
• You, the buyer, receive a notification once the seller has submitted their part.
• Complete your side by confirming the transfer and paying the transfer fee and motor vehicle duty, if applicable.

Tip: If you’re planning to sell your car online, having your myVicRoads account ready helps speed up the process.

In-Person Transfer at VicRoads

To transfer vehicle registration in Vic in person, you’ll need to go to a VicRoads Customer Service Centre. The process is usually offline if:

• The seller hasn’t submitted the online transfer
• You’re buying for a business or organisation
• The vehicle comes from another state and requires re-registration
• The vehicle is unregistered and needs a temporary permit
• Special or personalised plates are included
• The vehicle is non-compliant

In these situations, an in-person transfer a vehicle registration is required.

Read more: How to transfer a vehicle registration in QLD.

What do you need to complete Vehicle Registration Transfer? 

To transfer vehicle registration online

To transfer vehicle registration in Victoria online, make sure you have:

• Your myVicRoads account with your licence or VicRoads customer number
• Confirmation from the seller
• Payment for transfer fees and motor vehicle duty

To transfer vehicle registration in-person

Bring the following to VicRoads:

• Completed Transfer Vehicle Form (PDF)
• Proof of identity
• Roadworthy certificate from the seller (if required)
• Payment for all applicable fees

Following this checklist is important whether you’re buying used cars, the best second-hand cars, or selling your car online.

Extra tips to smoothly transfer a vehicle registration

• Make sure the roadworthy certificate is current if required.
• For unregistered vehicles, get an unregistered vehicle permit before driving.
• Keep copies of forms and receipts as proof of ownership.
• If the car has personalised plates, you’ll be responsible for ongoing fees.

These small steps make the process seamless for anyone selling a car or buying a used car.

Final advice

Both the buyer and seller share responsibility in a vehicle registration transfer. The seller should notify VicRoads immediately, and the buyer should complete the transfer within 14 days to avoid extra charges.

By understanding how to transfer a vehicle registration, you can make buying or selling a second-hand car stress-free and legal.

FAQs

1. How do I transfer vehicle registration? 

To transfer a vehicle registration, the seller must provide proof of sale, and the buyer must complete and submit the necessary forms to the transport authority. You’ll usually be required to show proof of identity, provide the vehicle’s registration papers, and pay any applicable transfer fees or taxes. The exact steps can differ depending on the state or territory.

2. Can I transfer vehicle registration online?

Yes, in most Australian states and territories, vehicle registration transfer can be done online if both the buyer and seller meet the eligibility criteria set by the relevant transport authority.

3. Can I transfer registration from one vehicle to another?

No. Each vehicle has its own registration. Special plates can sometimes be transferred separately according to VicRoads rules.

4. How do I transfer vehicle registration via VicRoads?

To transfer vehicle registration via VicRoads, the seller must notify VicRoads of the sale, and the buyer completes the transfer either online through myVicRoads or in person at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre, providing proof of identity, the vehicle’s registration details, and paying the applicable transfer fees and motor vehicle duty.

5. How do I transfer vehicle registration from VIC to NSW?

To transfer vehicle registration from Victoria to NSW, you’ll first need a blue slip (for unregistered vehicle inspection) and a green slip (CTP insurance). Next, take the completed application form, your proof of identity, the blue and green slips, and your Victorian number plates to a Service NSW centre to register the vehicle in NSW.