When a Victorian registered car, motor cycle, truck or trailer has been sold, given as a gift or otherwise disposed of, and will be garaged in Victoria, VicRoads must be informed. The buyer must submit a vehicle registration transfer form to VicRoads within 14 days of taking possession of the vehicle.
If the vehicle has interstate registration refer to interstate vehicle registration.
A vehicle can only be transferred into the name of one person or an incorporated company.
To transfer a registered vehicle, a current Victorian Certificate of Roadworthiness (RWC) is generally required however some exemptions are available.
You do not need to provide a RWC or submit a transfer form to VicRoads. The registered operator can request to cancel the registration by contacting VicRoads on 13 11 71. A receipt of sale should be kept by the seller and the buyer that identifies the vehicle and the details of both parties.
If you intend driving an unregistered vehicle on a road you will need to obtain an Unregistered Vehicle Permit.
provide the buyer with a RWC issued not more than 30 days before the date of sale
- complete the vehicle registration transfer form with the seller
- submit to VicRoads within 14 days of the sale the completed transfer form, RWC and fees
Before purchasing a vehicle, buyers are advised to contact VicRoads Vehicle Securities Register on 13 11 71 to check the vehicle's registration details, if there is any finance recorded against the vehicle and that the vehicle is not reported as stolen. To perform this check you must supply the registration number, engine number and vehicle identification (chassis) number. It is advised that these details be obtained directly from the vehicle.
Buyers should also consider purchasing a Vehicle Information Package (VIP) prior to purchase. A VIP is a package of information issued by VicRoads that provides vehicle buyers with a detailed record about any Victorian registered vehicle (excluding private information), giving potential buyers peace of mind and enabling them to make an informed purchase decision. A VIP can be purchased over the phone on 13 11 71 or at a VicRoads office for $24.30.
When a vehicle is purchased from or sold to a dealer, the dealer will forward all requirements onto VicRoads.
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Please refer to transfer and motor vehicle fees for information on fees. The amount you will need to pay will depend on the type of vehicle, there are three categories:
- motor vehicle (cars and truck)
- motor cycles
- trailers
Motor vehicle duty is the tax payable when a vehicle is registered or transferred to another registered operator. The amount payable is based on the purchase price or the price which could be obtained in the open market (whichever is greater).
Motor vehicle duty payable is $8 for every $200 (or part thereof) of the market value.
Transfers may be exempt from particular requirements. Some common exemptions are:
- trailers under 4.5 tonnes GVM are exempt from a Certificate of Roadworthiness and motor vehicle duty
- transfer between domestic partners can be exempt from Certificate of Roadworthiness and motor vehicle duty
- recreational motor cycles are exempt from Certificate of Roadworthiness
- beneficiaries of deceased estates with will or without will may be exempt from transfer fees and/or Certificate of Roadworthiness and/or motor vehicle duty
You can download the vehicle registration transfer form or if you have difficulty doing so, you can also:
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Only a fully completed transfer application form will be accepted. You can lodge transfer documents by:
- posting all the required documents and appropriate fees (cheque or money order) to VicRoads, GPO Box 1644, Melbourne 3001, or
- visiting a VicRoads Customer Service Centre. Fees can be paid by cash, cheque, EFTPOS or credit card (Visa, Mastercard or Bankcard).
NOTE: Under section 9B of the Road Safety Act 1986, the transfer of a vehicle to a new registered operator does not provide evidence of title or ownership to any motor vehicle or trailer.