Selling a registered car in Victoria? You generally need to give the buyer a current roadworthy certificate (RWC), unless an exemption applies.
The certificate is a safety check at the time of inspection, not a guarantee that the car is mechanically reliable. This guide explains the selling and transfer rules, who supplies the certificate, and how to time the inspection.
For a booking, see ZPro Automotive’s roadworthy inspections in Rowville.
A licensed vehicle tester checks the vehicle against Victorian roadworthiness requirements. The inspection covers safety items including:
For the checks you can do before booking, use our roadworthy preparation checklist. A certificate does not guarantee the car’s overall condition, mechanical reliability, or that non-safety items such as the air conditioning work.
For a normal private sale of a registered car, the seller supplies a current certificate. The requirement does not depend on the car’s price, age, or where you advertise it. Check the applicable transfer and vehicle exemptions with VicRoads before relying on an exception.
To sell unregistered, cancel the registration and remove the number plates. The buyer cannot simply transfer the registration and drive away: they must meet the requirements to register the car before normal road use. Check permit requirements if the vehicle needs to be moved.
Dealer trade-ins and other transfer types have their own process. Confirm the requirements with VicRoads or the licensed trader rather than treating every disposal as the same kind of private sale.
For a private registered sale that needs an RWC, the seller supplies the certificate. Ask your licensed vehicle tester for an inspection quote before booking. Any repairs found by the inspection are a separate cost.
A side agreement saying the buyer will get the certificate later does not establish a VicRoads exemption. Follow the required registered-sale process, or arrange a clearly documented unregistered sale.
A Victorian roadworthy certificate is current for 30 days from the date it is issued, not from the date the car is sold. It can be used more than once within that period for registration or transfer.
Book with the sale timing in mind and leave room for repairs. Getting a certificate before a long advertising period may mean it expires before the transfer. Passing the test also does not guarantee the car stays roadworthy for those 30 days.
If a registered private sale requires a certificate, provide it and follow VicRoads’ transfer process. Do not assume a buyer’s promise will remove that requirement.
Tell VicRoads about the sale within 14 days by completing a notice of disposal with the buyer. Keep a copy of the sale and transfer records.
The tester provides a report identifying what needs fixing. You have 14 days to repair those items and have the car checked again. VicRoads says a reinspection by the licensed tester within that period avoids paying the full fee again; it does not promise a free recheck. Ask the tester about their fees. After 14 days, a new test is required.
For common faults, see our roadworthy failure guide.
A normal private sale of a registered car generally requires one. You can sell unregistered, or use a genuine applicable exemption. Cancel the registration and remove the plates when selling unregistered.
For a registered private sale that requires an RWC, the seller supplies it. A written agreement does not by itself create a VicRoads exemption.
Time it so the certificate remains current for the sale and transfer, while leaving room for any repairs. The certificate is current for 30 days from issue.
The tester provides a report. Repair the faults and return for reinspection within 14 days to avoid paying the full inspection fee again. Ask the tester about recheck charges; this is not a promise of a free recheck.
No. It is a safety inspection at the time of the test, not a guarantee of overall condition or mechanical reliability.
Arrange a roadworthy inspection with ZPro Automotive in Rowville and ask about availability, inspection fees and recheck charges before booking. For an electric or hybrid vehicle, see our EV and hybrid roadworthy service.
Rules checked against VicRoads’ selling guide, domestic-partner transfers and Transport Victoria’s roadworthy guidance, 13 October 2026.
