When can I apply for a cancellation and refund?
You might need to cancel your registration if:
- you want to sell an unregistered vehicle
- your vehicle has been damaged or stolen
- you've registered your vehicle interstate
- your vehicle is no longer safe to drive
When does the registration get cancelled?
The registration is cancelled from the date we receive your request or for a written-off vehicle, the date of the accident. Your vehicle registration is automatically cancelled if payment is not made within 3 months after the registration expiry date.
When and where will I get the refund?
We'll send you a refund cheque to the address that's on our records within four weeks. An address within Australia must be provided.
If you cancel your registration online via your myVicRoads account (External link) we'll transfer the refund to your nominated bank account within 10 working days after your application is processed.
How soon will the EFT refund be available in my bank account?
EFT refunds can take up to 10 working days. In most cases customers will receive their refunds well within this time frame.
The EFT is usually initiated by VicRoads within 48 hours of the request confirmation, but VicRoads has no control over how the different banks manage their end of the EFT transaction.
What happens if I don't see the EFT refund in my bank account?
In some circumstances when you cancel your registration online, VicRoads has to issue the refund as a cheque. This happens for some refund types, and also if the EFT payment fails and is returned to VicRoads.
If this happens we will email you to let you know. We'll send you a refund cheque to the address that's on our records within four weeks. An address within Australia must be provided.
What happens if I don't see the refund in my bank account and VicRoads has not yet contacted me within 10 working days?
Please call us on 1300 555 165 with your application number for further information.
What happens if I provide the wrong bank account details?
Please call us on 1300 555 165 with your application number for further information.
Can I go in person to a Customer Service Centre or call VicRoads to apply for an EFT refund?
If you choose to attend a Customer Service Centre or call the VicRoads Contact Centre to cancel your registration, any refund will be issued by cheque and posted to you in the mail.
Can VicRoads store my banking details on file for future transactions?
No, you are required to enter your banking information each time you request a cancellation and refund.
Can I choose the type of refund method?
If you apply for a registration cancellation and refund online through your myVicRoads account, you will be paid by EFT.
Cheques are not an option for online registration cancellation refunds, however there may be circumstances where VicRoads needs to issue a refund by cheque and this would be posted out to you in mail.
How are refunds calculated?
Registration refunds are calculated on a pro-rata basis, meaning you'll only get a refund for the unused period of your registration. An administration fee of $19.20 will be applied to your registration refund and the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) component of the refund is subject to a 10% fee.
If your refund amount is less than the administration fee, you will not receive a refund.
What if my vehicle is written off?
If your vehicle has been in an accident, your insurance company may claim this refund on your behalf and include it in your insurance payout. Follow up with your
insurance company to confirm.
I've lost my number plates, what do I do?
Follow the steps in the online cancellation application (see ‘How to' instructions at the top of the page).
My number plates have been stolen, what do I do?
You'll need to report it to your local police and provide us with a copy of the police report. Go to Replace lost, damaged, destroyed or stolen plates for more.
What if I've registered my vehicle interstate?
If you're registering your vehicle interstate, you should hand the plates to an interstate authority. They will provide you with a receipt for you to submit to VicRoads along with your refund request if you have any unused period on your Victorian registration.
What if I'm selling or have already sold my vehicle to an interstate buyer?
Visit the Interstate transfers page to find information on options for selling your vehicle interstate. You can't cancel your registration after you have already sold your vehicle, you must be in possession of the vehicle and number plates.
Can I cancel a registration for someone else?
Yes, you can cancel a registration on behalf of someone else. Simply follow the steps above and also provide a completed Authority to act as an agent form [PDF 254 Kb] when you apply for registration cancellation and refund (if eligible).
What if the registered operator is an incorporated body?
You can send us a request in writing on the company letterhead, that's signed by an authorised person on behalf of the company (eg, company director).