Can you sell an unregistered car for cash in Victoria?

Selling an unregistered car in Melbourne can feel complicated, but with the right approach, you can secure a fair and competitive cash offer. The Melbourne car market considers more than just age and mileage; factors like demand, condition, and presentation all affect how much you can receive.

By properly preparing your car and choosing the right selling option, you’ll increase your chances of securing a competitive, fair offer. This guide explains what influences the value of your car, how to prepare it for sale, and the strategies that help you sell quickly and confidently.

Is it legal to sell an unregistered car in Victoria?

Yes, it is legal to sell an unregistered car in Victoria, whether privately or to a professional buyer such as car wreckers. The law doesn’t prevent you from selling a vehicle once registration has expired, but you should understand a few legal requirements before handing over the keys.

When selling an unregistered vehicle, the seller is not required to provide a roadworthy certificate. Instead, the responsibility for roadworthiness lies with the buyer if they wish to register the car again. You must provide proof that you own the vehicle, usually by supplying a receipt with the VIN, chassis number, or other identification details.

For many owners, selling privately can be complicated and slow. This is why it’s often easier to sell your unregistered car for cash through a licensed car removal service, where towing and paperwork are handled for you.

What documents do you need to sell an unregistered car?

Even though you don’t need a roadworthy certificate to sell an unregistered vehicle in Victoria, you still need to provide some basic documents to protect both you and the buyer. At a minimum, you should have:

• Proof of ownership: Usually, the most recent registration certificate, even if expired.
• Receipt or bill of sale: Listing the vehicle’s details (make, model, VIN or chassis number, sale price, and date).
• Personal ID: To confirm you are the legal owner and have the right to sell the car.

The buyer will use this information if they choose to re-register the car, or to prove purchase in case of future disputes. If you’re planning to sell your unregistered car for cash through a car removal service, we will prepare the paperwork for you, making the process hassle-free.

How to move an unregistered car with a permit or tow truck

If your car is unregistered, you cannot legally drive it on public roads in Victoria unless you obtain an Unregistered Vehicle Permit (UVP) from VicRoads. This permit allows the car to be driven for specific purposes, such as moving it to a workshop for repairs, taking it for a roadworthy inspection, or transporting it for sale. A UVP is temporary and comes with strict conditions, including nominated routes and valid insurance coverage.

For most sellers, however, it’s not worth the extra cost and effort of applying for a permit. The safer and easier alternative is to use a tow truck or book a car removal service. Professional car wreckers like Wreckerland offer free towing, meaning you can sell your unregistered car for cash without worrying about permits, fines, or logistics.

Do you need a roadworthy certificate for an unregistered vehicle?

When trying to sell an unregistered car in Victoria, one of the biggest concerns is whether they need to organise a roadworthy certificate first. The good news is that you don’t. When a car is unregistered, the seller is not required to provide a roadworthy or safety certificate, the responsibility shifts to the buyer if they want to register the car again.

This is where Wreckerland makes the process simple. Because we purchase cars for dismantling, recycling, or resale, we don’t require an RWC at all. That means you can sell your unregistered car without a roadworthy certificate and still get paid cash on the spot.

Trying to organise a certificate for an unregistered vehicle can be expensive and time-consuming, especially if the car has mechanical issues. With Wreckerland, you skip that step entirely, saving money and turning your unwanted vehicle into cash with no delays.

What happens to number plates and registration refunds?

When you sell an unregistered car, you’ll usually still have the vehicle’s number plates. In Victoria, these must be returned to VicRoads if you’re cancelling the registration completely. Doing this also allows you to apply for a pro-rata refund of any unused registration.

Here’s what the process usually involves:

• Remove the plates from the car before collection
• Return them to VicRoads in person or by mail
• Notify VicRoads that the car has been sold or scrapped
• Apply for a registration refund (if applicable)

How car wreckers calculate the value of your car

When you sell to professional car wreckers like Wreckerland, the value of your car is based on more than just whether it’s registered or not. Our team provides fair, competitive offers by assessing several key factors:

• Make and model – Some brands and vehicle types have higher resale or parts demand.
• Age and condition – Even written-off cars can be valuable for scrap metal or parts.
• Market demand – Buyers for certain engines, panels, or transmissions can increase the sale price.
• Weight and materials – Heavier cars and 4WDs often fetch higher scrap value.
• Location – Distance from Melbourne can influence towing costs.

Selling your unregistered car for cash in Melbourne

At Wreckerland, we make it simple to sell your unregistered car for cash in Melbourne. You don’t need to worry about permits, towing costs, or dealing with endless private buyer negotiations. Our team buys unregistered vehicles of all makes and models, offering competitive cash payments and free same-day car removal across the city.

While some people try to sell unregistered cars privately, it can take weeks to find an interested buyer, especially since the vehicle can’t be legally driven. With Wreckerland, the process is faster and easier: we provide an upfront cash offer, arrange a tow truck at no cost to you, and handle all the paperwork.

Instead of letting your unregistered car sit unused, turn it into instant value today with Melbourne’s trusted car wreckers. We’ll take care of everything so you can enjoy a hassle-free sale.

Contact Wreckerland to sell your unregistered car for cash

If you’re ready to sell your unregistered car for cash in Victoria, Wreckerland is here to make it quick and simple. Our team offers same-day car removal across Melbourne and competitive quotes.

You don’t need a roadworthy certificate, an unregistered vehicle permit, or even to move the car yourself; we take care of everything from towing to paperwork. Call Wreckerland today or request an online quote to turn your unregistered car into instant cash.

Frequently asked questions about selling an unregistered car

Can you sell an unregistered car in Victoria without a roadworthy certificate?

Yes, you can sell an unregistered car without a roadworthy certificate in Victoria. The seller is not required to provide one, and the buyer will need a certificate only if they want to re-register the vehicle. When you deal with Wreckerland, you can skip this step entirely because we purchase unregistered cars in any condition.

What documents do I need when selling an unregistered vehicle?

When selling an unregistered vehicle, you should prepare a receipt that lists the buyer and the person selling, along with the vehicle identification number (VIN), chassis number, and the agreed sale price. Proof of ownership, such as an expired vehicle registration record, is also recommended. Wreckerland makes this process easier by preparing the necessary paperwork for you.

Do I need an unregistered vehicle permit (UVP) to move my car?

You only need to obtain an unregistered vehicle permit if you want to drive an unregistered car on public roads. Most sellers avoid this because a UVP comes with costs and restrictions. If you use a tow truck or Wreckerland’s free car removal service, a permit isn’t required, and your vehicle can be collected directly from your property.

How much cash can I get for an unregistered car?

The amount of cash for unregistered cars depends on factors such as the make and model, condition, and demand for parts. Even a written-off car can have value thanks to recyclable metals and usable components. Wreckerland offers competitive valuations and guarantees, ensuring you receive the best possible deal.

Is it better to sell your unregistered car privately or to car wreckers?

While it is possible to sell your unregistered car privately, this path often takes longer, and you may need to register the car first to attract buyers. By contrast, working with experienced car wreckers like Wreckerland gives you a quick, reliable, and stress-free solution. We provide same-day car removal, instant payment, and a step-by-step process that makes selling an unregistered vehicle in Victoria straightforward.