Which documents do you need to sell your car in Australia?

You can sell your car within a few hours in Australia if you have the necessary documents and certificates. These documents not only serve as an aid to transfer a car’s ownership but also as a legal compliance, which helps in building trust of buyer. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the essential documents needed to ensure a smooth and successful car sale in Australia.

Common Documents Required in All States

Regardless of where you live, here are some of the essential documents taht every private seller must prepare. These help in proving you are legally allowed to sell the car and provide the buyer with basic details for cross-checking or due diligence on their part.

Proof of Identity (POI)

The basic, you need to prove that this car belongs to you. The buyer needs to know who is authorised to sell the car.

• Primary Document: A current Australian driver’s licence.
• Secondary Document: If you don’t have a licence, you can show a passport along with a utility bill with your current address. 
• Selling on Behalf: If the owner is deceased and you are selling their car, then you will need Power of Attorney or Grant of Probate documents. Without these, your transfer can be rejected by the state.

Vehicle Registration Certificate (REGO)

The REGO papers prove your car is legal and safe for roads.

• What it Proves: It shows the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), Engine Number, Plate Number and when registration expires.
• Digital or Paper: In 2026, you can download REGO online from the state portal and print it if needed.
• Tip: Cross-check information like chassis number to be sure there is no error or discrepancy. 

The Bill of Sale 

Although it’s not mandated by some states but the Bill of Sale is a legal shield in a private sale. You should never leave without a signed receipt. This will include:

• Buyers and Seller Details: Full names, addresses and licence numbers.
• Vehicle Details: Make, model, year, color and odometer reading at that time.
• Finances: The total sale price, loan due or loan cleared and final amount paid.
• The “Time of Sale”: To avoid immediate fines, you need to put down the exact time. This proves you were not in control/owner of the car.

Read more: How to Transfer Car Ownership after Selling in Australia

State-Specific Documents Required for Selling a Car

Australia’s federated system means that transport laws are governed by states, not the federal government. Each state has different document requirements. Here is a detailed listed and what is preferred:

Victoria (VIC)- Managed by VicRoads

If you are selling in Victoria, you will need the following documents in addition to the common documents mentioned above.

• Certificate of Roadworthiness (RWC): In Victoria, most buyers will ask about RWC. This certificate must be issued by a licenced vehicle tester and is only valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
• Transfer of Registration Form: You can complete the paper based or through the myVicRoads portal online.
• Exemption: You will be allowed to skip the RWC if selling to a spouse, a licenced motor vehicle trader or you are selling car as unregistered.

New South Wales (NSW)- Managed by Service NSW

If you are selling in NSW, you will need the following documents in addition to the common necessary documents mentioned above:

• Notice of Disposal (NOD): This is the most important document for the seller. You can lodge this online via the Service NSW app. This is like an official document stating that you are no longer responsible for the car.
• The “Pink Slip” (eSafety Check): If your car is more than five years old and the registration is about to expire or already expired, you must provide a Pink Slip. This is an electronic report sent directly to Service NSW by an authorised mechanic.
• Transfer of Registration Form: This is found on the back of your registration renewal notice. The seller and the buyer sign this. 

Queensland (QLD)- Managed by Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR)

If you plan to sell your car in Queensland, in addition to the above-mentioned common documents, you will need to have the following documents:

• Safety Certificate: You must get this certificate before you even list the car for sale. Without a valid safety certificate, you can’t sell your car online or offline. If you do so, you will be fined on the spot. 
• Gas Certificate: If your car runs on LPG, you need a separate gas inspection certificate that is less than 3 months old.
• Transfer Application (Form F3520): This is the official document that both parties sign to signify the change of ownership.

Western Australia (WA)- Managed by Department of Transport (DoT)

WA is a seller-friendly state. Along with the above-mentioned compulsory documents, you will need the following documents:

• Notification of Change of Ownership (Form MR9): There are two parts to this form- one for the buyer and one for the seller. Both must be sent to the DoT within 7 days of the sale.
• Proof of Acquisition: The buyer will need a receipt or Bill of Sale to prove they purchased the vehicle.

South Australia (SA)- Managed by Service SA

While selling your car in SA, you will need the following documents and the above-mentioned mandatory documents:

• Application for Transfer Registration: This is typically located on the reverse side of your registration certificate.
• Disposal Notice: You can lodge this online via your my SAGOV account. In SA, you have 14 days to notify the department, but you should do it as early as possible.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)- Managed by Access Canberra

To sell your car in the Australian Capital Territory, you will need common documents and the following state-specific documents:

• Roadworthy Certificate: Only required if the vehicle is more than 6 years old.
• Notice of Disposal: This must be lodged by the seller to ensure they are not liable for any mishap or fine on the car.

Read more: How to Change Car Ownership in Australia

Selling a car with special circumstances

Sometimes, selling a car isn’t just a simple cash for keys scenario. You may need some more documentation for these specific conditions.

Selling a car with existing finance

If you have a car loan, the bank technically owns a stake in the vehicle. You cannot legally transfer the car to the next buyer. 

• Payout letter: Request a formal letter from your lender stating the exact payout amount, which is valid for the day of sale.
• Direct Payment: Most buyers prefer to pay the bank directly to ensure the loan is cleared, with the clearance message going to you. For this, you will need to provide the buyer with the bank’s BSB and account number for the loan.

Read more: Things to know before buying a car with finance owing

Read more: How to sell a financed car in Australia: A comprehensive guide

Selling an unregistered car

If you are selling a car that has been sitting in your garage for a long time, you are selling it as-is, where-is. You will need:

• Plate Return Receipt: In most states, you must remove the number plate and return it to the transport office. They will give you a receipt, which is proof that the vehicle is no longer on the road.
• Proof of Entitlement: You will need to show the buyer the old registration papers or a bill of sale from when you bought it to prove it isn’t stolen.

Read more: How to Check Car Registration for Buyers and Sellers

Read more: How to Do a Vehicle Registration Check

Selling as a scrap or to a wrecker

If you are planning to sell a car as scrap, then not a heap, but the bare minimum documentation is required:

• Proof of Ownership: They will check if you are the legal owner of the car and has right to scrap it.
• Cancellation of Registration: Ensure you cancel the registration yourself, so that you can claim a refund on the remaining parts, like REGO and CTP insurance.

The Mechanical Paperwork 

Post legal documents, here are some of the documents that will help you get the best price for your car. If you have the following documents, complete and signed, you can see a 10-15% increase in value.

What to prepare:

• The Logbook: Ensure it is stamped by mechanics who repair and maintain your car.
• Invoices and Receipts: Keep all the receipts and related documents of every major repair (timing belts, new tyres, transmission flushes). This will show that the car is well-maintained.
• Warranty Documents: If the car is still under 7 year manufacturer’s warranty, you should have paperwork to show the warranty. This will help the buyer to be more sure.
•  Car History: The car history check report will show you complete information about the car- stolen, financial encumbrance, PPSR check, odometer comparison, registration check and much more. Get it from a trustworthy and reliable dealer like Cars24, which covers all relevant parameters, and there is no need to buy any other report if you have our Check Vehicle History Report.

Get a car history check report

Car Seller Document Checklist

For a smooth selling experience, you can trust Cars24. We have a free online valuation calculator, video call inspection and doorstep pickup, so sell your car without even leaving your home. If you want to sell on your own, here is a document checklist:

1. Current registration certificate
2. State-specific safety certificate (RWC/Pink Slip/Safety Cert)
3. Photo ID (Driver’s licence)
4. Service History and completed Logbook
5. Two copies of a Bill of Sale, one for you and one for them
6. PPSR/Car history check 
7. Spare keys
8. Owner’s manual
9. Warranty papers (if any)
10. Current CTP

Post-Sale Obligation

The most common mistake made by Australian car sellers is considering their role is limited to getting money in bank, but it will not be over until you lodge the Notice of Disposal (NOD).

If you don’t lodge NOD, you will have to pay for:

• Fines: Speeding or parking tickets will be mailed to your house, not the new buyer.
• Tolls: If the buyer drives through a toll point without a tag, the bill goes to you.
• Legal Liability: If a car is involved in a crime or an accident, you are the first person the police will call/visit.

How to lodge NOD 

In 2026, every state has a portal like Service NSW for the NSW region, myVicRoads for the Victoria area, mySAGOV for the SA region and respective other portals. Log in to your account, enter the relevant information like the buyer’s driver’s licence number, date/time of sale and price. This formal announcement to the government that this car has a new owner. This takes only a few minutes to fill in and saves you from fines and other issues.

Why Choose Cars24 to Sell Your Car?

Selling a car as an individual is taking consuming and complex process, which is why it is always suggested to choose a transparent and reliable dealer to make this process easy and quick. Cars24 is one of the leading car dealers; we buy, sell and trade-in. Our process is online and quick; you can sell your car within a few hours with us. Even if your car has a financial encumbrance- we will buy it or no RWC- we will buy it.

You can simply start by checking the current value of your car with our free car valuation calculator. If you are satisfied with approx valuation, you can opt for a video call inspection as per your availability and get a final quote from us. Accept our offer, and that’s it, we will arrange doorstep pick-up, you can opt for payment or trade-in, and our team will manage documentation and transfer. 

You can also choose to trade in; the current market value of your car will be used as a deduction in your next purchase from us. All Cars24 certified cars come with a 7-day return policy, 3-month warranty, 300-point inspection, PPSR report, test drive option and roadside assistance. Get the best offers on both buying and selling your car with Cars24.

Conclusion

Selling a car is an unsolved puzzle if you don’t know what documents to carry while selling your car. There are some common documents, and some of them are state-specific. By having your Proof of ID, registration, safety certificates, car history check report and Bill of sale, you can win the trust of a buyer and get a good price. The role isn’t just limited to getting money in the bank; if you are selling as an individual, you also have to legally fill out documentation stating the car has a new owner.

FAQs

1. What is the most crucial document required when selling a car, and why is it so important?

Ans: The most crucial document when selling a car is the vehicle title or certificate of ownership. It proves legal ownership and facilitates the transfer of ownership to the buyer, preventing future disputes.

2. How do you transfer the title or certificate of ownership when selling a car, and what information is needed for this process?

Ans: To transfer the title, complete the seller’s information on the title, including odometer details, date, and price. The buyer needs to do the same. Additionally, submit a Notice of Disposal online.

3. What is the purpose of a bill of sale when selling a vehicle, and what information should it include?

Ans: A bill of sale serves as a legal record of the transaction, detailing the sale’s terms, including price, vehicle description, and seller and buyer information. It provides protection and clarity for both parties.

4. Why is it important to maintain and provide maintenance and service records to potential buyers?

Ans: Maintenance and service records offer transparency and assurance to buyers about the car’s history, maintenance, and condition. They can increase a buyer’s confidence in the vehicle’s reliability and fetch you a better price.

6. What is a vehicle history report, and how can it benefit both the seller and the buyer?

Ans: A vehicle history report compiles essential information about a car’s past, including accidents, title history, and maintenance records. It helps buyers make informed decisions and sellers establish trust. Get a reliable car history report within minutes from Cars24.

6. Can I sell a car on behalf of a deceased family member?

Ans: Yes, with proper documents, you can sell the car on behalf of a deceased family member.