"Roadworthy, safety certificates and rego transfer: the state-by-state cheat sheet"

# Roadworthy, safety certificates and rego transfer: the state-by-state cheat sheet Selling your car means more than handing over the keys. Depending on where you live, you may need a safety certificate or roadworthy inspection before the registration can transfer — and each state and territory runs its own system. This guide is a general overview only, not legal advice. Rules and fees change, so always confirm current details with your state or territory transport authority or revenue office. ## New South Wales In NSW, a safety check is generally required before a vehicle can be registered or its registration transferred to a new owner. NSW uses two inspection types: - **Pink slip** — the standard safety check for vehicles under five years old, required each year for registration renewal. - **Blue slip** — a more thorough inspection used for vehicles over five years old being transferred to a new owner, unregistered vehicles, and vehicles imported from interstate. Safety inspections must be carried out by an authorised inspection station. After the sale, the seller must notify the transfer of ownership — this can be lodged online via Service NSW or in person at a service centre. The buyer must also apply to transfer the registration into their name within a set window (generally 14 days). ## Victoria In Victoria, a current **Roadworthy Certificate (RWC)** is required when selling a registered vehicle privately. The certificate must be obtained by the seller before or at the time of transfer, and it's only valid for 30 days from the date of issue — so don't get the inspection too early. Inspections must be performed by a Licensed Vehicle Tester. Roadworthy checks cover brakes, tyres, steering, suspension, lights, body condition and more. After the sale, the seller lodges a notice of disposal and the buyer applies to transfer the registration with VicRoads (now operating as VicRoads registration and licensing services). ## Queensland In Queensland, the seller must provide a current **Safety Certificate** (also known as a roadworthy) when selling a registered vehicle privately. The certificate must be displayed before the sale — on the vehicle if it's advertised publicly — and it's valid for two months or 2,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. Only an Approved Inspection Station can issue a safety certificate. Once sold, the transfer of registration is lodged with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), either online or at a customer service centre. Both the seller and buyer have transfer notification responsibilities. ## South Australia South Australia does **not** require a roadworthy certificate for most private vehicle transfers — but there's a catch. The buyer must ensure the vehicle is roadworthy, and vehicles can be subject to identity and safety inspections in certain cases (for example, vehicles from interstate or those that have been out of registration). The transfer of registration is lodged with Service SA. The seller completes the transfer section of the registration certificate, and both parties should complete their paperwork promptly so the seller isn't liable for any offences committed by the new owner. ## Western Australia In WA, private sellers are not required to provide a roadworthy certificate for most vehicle transfers. However, the vehicle must be roadworthy at the time of transfer, and a **vehicle examination** can be required in some cases — for example, if the vehicle is unregistered, imported, or flagged. Transfers are lodged with the Department of Transport. The seller should complete the transfer form and return the seller's section promptly; the buyer has a set period to complete the transfer into their name. Both parties should keep copies of everything. ## Tasmania Tasmania requires a **roadworthy inspection** for most vehicle transfers. The seller generally obtains the inspection certificate from an Approved Inspection Station before the sale, and the certificate is valid for a limited period. Registration transfers are lodged with Service Tasmania. As with other states, the seller notifies the authority of the disposal, and the buyer applies for the transfer — acting quickly protects both sides. ## Australian Capital Territory In the ACT, a **roadworthy inspection** is required when registering a vehicle, and transfers have specific requirements set by Access Canberra. Vehicles coming from interstate or that are being newly registered typically need an inspection from an authorised inspection station. The seller should lodge a notice of disposal with Access Canberra, and the buyer must transfer the registration into their name within the required window. ## Northern Territory The NT requires a **roadworthy inspection** for vehicle transfers in most cases. Inspections are carried out by approved inspectors, and the certificate must be current at the time of transfer. Transfers are lodged with the Motor Vehicle Registry. The seller submits a notice of disposal, and the buyer completes the transfer application — both within the required timeframes. ## Quick-reference checklist - **Before listing:** check whether your state requires a safety certificate or roadworthy from the seller, and get it done at the right time (certificates expire — check the validity window). - **Before sale:** gather your rego papers, service history and any inspection certificates. - **At sale:** both parties sign and date the transfer paperwork; note the odometer reading in kilometres. - **After sale:** the seller lodges a notice of disposal promptly, and the buyer transfers the registration within the required window. - **Number plates:** in most states the plates stay with the vehicle on transfer; check your state's rules if in doubt. ## Selling to a dealer? It gets simpler. When you sell to a licensed dealer — including through Sell2Dealers AU — the dealer handles the transfer paperwork and knows exactly what their state requires. No need to second-guess inspection windows or lodge forms yourself. **Ready to sell?** List your car on Sell2Dealers AU and receive offers from verified licensed Australian dealers — no tyre-kickers, no strangers at your door, and none of the transfer-admin headache.

Ready to sell your car?