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.

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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.