Victoria's private sale process has one feature that catches people out interstate buyers never see coming: the roadworthy certificate. Here's the full checklist for both sides of the deal.
Buyer checklist: before you inspect
- Run a free rego check on the VicRoads website for status, expiry and any recorded issues.
- Run a PPSR check for finance owing, stolen status and write-off history.
- Know the market price for the exact spec — Victoria's theft surge means underpriced popular models deserve extra suspicion, not excitement.
At the inspection
- Inspect in daylight at the address on the registration papers.
- Match the VIN on the car to the papers, and the seller's licence to the registered operator.
- Check panel gaps, paint, flood signs and odometer consistency against the service books; confirm spare keys.
- Test drive, then book an independent pre-purchase inspection for a serious contender.
The roadworthy certificate (RWC)
- The seller of a registered vehicle must supply a current RWC for the transfer — issued by a licensed tester and valid for 30 days.
- As a buyer, read the RWC date carefully and remember it's a minimum-safety check, not a mechanical warranty. It won't catch a tired gearbox.
Doing the deal (buyer)
- Pay by bank transfer or PayID; get a signed receipt with names, addresses, rego, VIN, price and date.
- Insure the car from the moment you drive off.
- Complete the transfer with VicRoads within 14 days (online via your myVicRoads account) and pay the motor vehicle duty.
Seller checklist: getting ready
- Book the roadworthy before you advertise — if it needs work, you want that bill known up front, not mid-negotiation.
- Gather rego papers, service books and receipts; get a payout letter if the car has finance.
- Photograph it clean, in good light, and write an honest ad.
Meeting buyers and getting paid
- Meet at home or somewhere busy, with someone else around.
- Sight the buyer's licence before a test drive and go with them.
- Hand over keys only when funds have fully cleared — not on a screenshot.
- Sign a receipt in duplicate.
After the sale (seller)
- Lodge your part of the transfer/notice of disposal with VicRoads within 14 days — do it the same day online. Until you do, the tolls, fines and demerits are pointed at you.
- Remove your e-tag, delete paired phones, saved addresses and garage remotes.
- Cancel or transfer your insurance.
The RWC is the Victorian twist; the 14-day notification cuts both ways. Sellers who lodge same-day never get the new owner's speeding fine in the mail.