Can You Sell an Unregistered Car in QLD?

Got an unregistered car and wondering if you can sell it in Queensland? No worries, you're not alone. In this blog, we'll break down how to sell your unregistered vehicle in QLD and what steps you need to take to make the sale legit. It’s easier than you think, so let’s get into how to get it done without any drama!

Selling my car, no rego no RWC

More often than not, a car is sold unregistered alongside being sold without a Roadworthy Certificate (RWC). Whether it needs too much work and/or you've dropped every last dollar in to your project and can't bring yourself to spend any more.

Selling without a roadie can also make it harder to sell since many don’t want the extra hassle of getting inspections and making repairs themselves. It also puts doubt in the mind of buyers regarding how much work it actually needs to pass.

If you're curious about what a RWC involves, check out our guide on What does a RWC cover?

Do I need to cancel my rego if I sell unregistered?

Yes, removing the number plates will not automatically deregister the car. If you haven’t cancelled your QLD registration and you've sold your vehicle, the new owner cannot register it in their name until you cancel the current registration. This also applies for other states.

For example, if your Queensland registration is still active, the car cannot be registered in New South Wales until the Queensland registration has been cancelled. You’ll need to cancel the QLD rego, then provide a proof of cancellation to the NSW Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) before they will allow you to register the vehicle in NSW.

Can I sell an unregistered car to a dealer?

Yes, dealers like Sell Any Car Fast will buy unregistered cars. Dealers are generally equipped to handle unregistered vehicles, and they may offer a fair price depending on the car's condition.

When selling an unregistered vehicle, a dealer might account for the cost of re-registering the car or repairing it to meet roadworthy standards. However, always disclose the lack of registration and be aware that the dealer may offer a lower price to cover these additional costs.

Payment and risk

When selling an unregistered car, cash is usually the preferred method of payment, and it's essential to complete a written contract of sale to protect both parties, but the standard practice is supplying a carbon copy receipt including the VIN and date/time of handover.