How to Transfer Car Ownership in Melbourne: Step-by-Step Guide
Selling or buying a vehicle in Melbourne means more than just exchanging money and keys. The law in Victoria requires the ownership of a vehicle to be officially transferred through VicRoads. If the process is not completed properly, the previous owner may still be held responsible for fines or future problems linked to the vehicle.
This guide explains how to transfer car ownership in Melbourne in a clear, step-by-step way. It covers what both the buyer and the seller must do, what documents are needed, and how to avoid mistakes.
1. When Does Car Ownership Need to Be Transferred?
Ownership transfer is required whenever a vehicle changes hands, whether the transfer is due to a sale, gift, inheritance, or a trade-in. In Melbourne, the process must be completed through VicRoads and must follow the rules set by the Victorian government.
Some of the most common cases include:
- Selling a used car to a private buyer
- Gifting a car to a family member
- Selling or buying from a dealership
- Donating or scrapping the vehicle
2. What the Seller Must Do
Provide a Roadworthy Certificate
If the car is registered and being sold privately, the seller must give the buyer a valid Roadworthy Certificate. It must be issued by a licensed vehicle tester and be no older than 30 days at the time of sale.
Without this certificate, the buyer cannot register the vehicle in their name.
Fill Out the Transfer Form
Both the buyer and seller must complete and sign a Vehicle Transfer Form. This form is available on the VicRoads website or from a customer service centre.
The seller must fill out:
- Full name and address
- Driver licence number
- Vehicle details (registration, VIN, odometer reading)
- Date of sale
- Sale price
Keep a copy for your records. This is important in case there is a delay or dispute.
Submit a Notice of Disposal
As the seller, you must submit a Notice of Disposal to VicRoads within 14 days of the sale. This notifies the authority that you are no longer the person responsible for the vehicle.
This can be done online through your myVicRoads account. You will need:
- The buyer's licence number
- The date of sale
- The sale amount
Once submitted, this protects you from future tolls or fines related to the car.
3. What the Buyer Must Do
Submit the Vehicle Transfer Form
The buyer must submit the signed transfer form to VicRoads. This can be done:
- Online via the buyer’s myVicRoads account
- By post
- In person at a VicRoads customer service centre
Failing to do so within 14 days will lead to a late transfer fee.
Pay the Motor Vehicle Duty
When transferring ownership, the buyer must pay Motor Vehicle Duty to the Victorian government. The fee is based on the sale price or market value of the car, whichever is higher.
As of now, the rate is $8.40 per $200 (or part thereof) of the vehicle's dutiable value.
Register the Vehicle
If the car was previously unregistered, the buyer must register it before driving it on public roads. This includes:
- Paying registration fees
- Submitting a valid Roadworthy Certificate
- Showing proof of identity and address
4. Required Documents for Transfer
| Document | Required By | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roadworthy Certificate | Seller | Must be less than 30 days old |
| Vehicle Transfer Form | Both | Must be signed by buyer and seller |
| Proof of Identity | Buyer | Driver licence or other government ID |
| Proof of Purchase | Optional | Useful for both parties |
| Notice of Disposal | Seller | Must be submitted online |
5. Special Situations: Deceased Estate or Joint Owners
If the car is being transferred from a deceased estate or has joint owners, extra documents may be needed. These might include:
- Grant of Probate or Will
- Death certificate
- Letters of authority
- Statutory declarations
VicRoads has a guide for these cases. Make sure to read their official instructions or visit a service centre for help.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few problems that happen often during ownership transfers:
- No Roadworthy Certificate: The buyer will not be able to register the vehicle.
- Incorrect Details on Transfer Form: Double-check names, VIN, and licence numbers.
- Late Submission: Results in penalties and delays.
- No Proof of Sale: Always keep a written receipt or proof of transaction.
Doing things right the first time avoids these issues.
7. When Selling a Car Becomes Too Hard
In some cases, transferring ownership through the usual process is not practical. If the car is no longer running or cannot pass a roadworthy inspection, the seller may decide to use a car removal service instead. In Melbourne, Best Cash for Carz offers a way to sell vehicles without needing a roadworthy certificate or advertising. Their cash for car Melbourne service can be useful when dealing with cars that are not worth repairing or selling privately. This option simplifies the process and avoids the usual paperwork delays, especially for cars that are being scrapped.
Final Steps Before Letting Go
Once the transfer process is complete, there are a few last things to do:
- Remove all personal belongings from the car
- Cancel your insurance policy
- Remove any toll tags or permits
- Take a photo of the odometer reading for your records
- Confirm the transfer has been updated through VicRoads
Summary
Transferring car ownership in Melbourne follows a clear process, but both the buyer and seller must complete their part on time. Having the right documents, submitting forms correctly, and following VicRoads steps ensures the transfer is done legally. Whether you are selling a car that is in great shape or one that needs to be removed, understanding the transfer process helps you avoid problems and close the sale properly.