Private Sale Guide · Victoria

Buying a Car Privately in Victoria

What to check, what it costs, and how it works when finance is involved. Want a checklist tailored to your exact situation instead? Try our free interactive guide.

General guide only. Laws, fees and rules change from time to time and differ between states and territories. Always confirm the current requirements with the relevant state or territory authority before you buy or sell.

Roadworthy & Safety Certificate

Required for most private vehicle sales - the SELLER must give the buyer a valid roadworthy certificate (RWC) before/at transfer.

Provided byLicensed Vehicle Tester (LVT)
Valid for30 days from issue

The sale/transfer must occur within that window.

Transferring Registration

Deadline14 daysfrom the sale date
Lodged byBuyer
MethodOnline via myVicRoads, or in person.
Late feeA late fee applies if you miss the deadline - check the current amount with Victoria's transport authority.

Stamp Duty & Fees

Stamp duty is based on: Dutiable value = the higher of the purchase price (incl. GST and luxury car tax) or market value at time of registration/transfer. It's payable by the buyer.

Use Victoria's official duty calculator for an exact figure - our stamp duty estimator gives a rough guide where one's available.

Transfer fee: the current figure on Victoria's transport authority

Possible concessionsConcessional flat rate for low/zero-emission ('green') vehicles, Concessional rate for eligible primary producer passenger cars.

Selling in Victoria? Notice of Disposal

If you're selling, you need to lodge a Notice of Disposal within 14 days, online via myVicRoads (easiest).

Lodge within14 days
Why it mattersSeller may remain liable for fines, tolls and other legal/traffic issues linked to the vehicle after the sale.

Write-Off Status

Statutory write-off

Excessive structural, fire/water, or stripping damage; cannot ever be re-registered (for vehicles written off after 1 May 2002) - parts/recycling only.

Repairable write-off

Repair cost exceeds the vehicle's worth but it can be repaired, then must pass inspection (Vehicle Identity Validation/roadworthy) before re-registration.

Your PPSR search result will show if the vehicle is on the Written-Off Vehicle Register.

Before You Buy: Universal Checks

  • Run an official PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) vehicle search on ppsr.gov.au using the VIN - it's the only source of truth for money owing, stolen or written-off status. Third-party sites charge a mark-up for the same search; use the official site.
  • Match the VIN on the vehicle itself (compliance plate/windscreen) against the VIN on the registration papers and the PPSR result - they must all match exactly.
  • Meet in person, somewhere safe and public if possible, and check the seller's ID matches the name on the registration papers.
  • Never pay a deposit or balance via PayID, gift cards, or a payment link sent by the seller - use a traceable bank transfer, and confirm the account name matches the person you've verified in person.

Official Sources

More From the Private Sale Guide

Financing a private sale in Victoria?

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Important

This page provides general information only - it is not credit, legal or tax advice, and doesn't take into account your personal circumstances. State rules, fees and duty rates change and should be confirmed directly with the relevant state or territory authority (linked above) before you act. Arron Oliver is an Authorised Credit Representative (#546869) of Quantum Business Finance Pty Ltd, Australian Credit Licence No. 395230. See our Privacy Policy.