Selling a car in Western Australia is easier when you have the right information ready before the vehicle changes hands. Whether you sell privately, to a dealer or to a professional car buyer, knowing what paperwork is required can help avoid delays.
For a standard sale of a WA-licensed vehicle, you should have your vehicle licence details, vehicle information, sale details and the buyer’s details ready. If the vehicle has finance owing or the transfer involves special circumstances, additional steps may apply.
This guide explains what documents you need to sell a car in WA, what forms may be required and how the vehicle transfer process works.
What Documents Do I Need to Sell My Car in WA?
The exact requirements depend on the vehicle and how it is being sold. For a normal sale of a WA-licensed vehicle, you should have:
- Current vehicle licence information
- Vehicle plate number
- Vehicle details, including the VIN where appropriate
- Date of sale
- Selling price
- Buyer’s name and address
- Finance information, if money is still owing
- Any relevant service or maintenance records
The WA Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI) states that sellers need the sale details, vehicle plate number, and buyer’s name and address when transferring a vehicle licence online.
Not every item above is a government-required document. Some, such as service records, simply make the transaction easier and give the buyer useful information about the vehicle.
Do I Need Registration Papers to Sell My Car?
Having the current vehicle licence information available is useful when selling a car in WA. For transfers completed using the paper process, the seller must give the buyer the purchaser’s copy of the transfer form and the current vehicle licence paper, along with any other applicable documentation.
If your vehicle licence papers are missing, check with DTMI about the correct process for your circumstances rather than assuming that a replacement document is required.
It is also worth noting that WA uses the term vehicle licence. The process is not the same as the vehicle-title system used in some other countries.
How to Sell a Car in WA
If you are searching for how to sell a car in WA, the process can be broken into a few practical steps.
1. Check Your Vehicle Details
Before agreeing to a sale, check your:
- Vehicle plate number
- Vehicle licence status
- VIN
- Make and model
- Current condition
You should also check whether there is outstanding finance or another issue that could affect the sale.
2. Gather Your Paperwork
Put together the documents and information you already have.
Useful records may include:
- Vehicle licence information
- Service history
- Repair invoices
- Finance information
- Warranty documents, if applicable
- Previous purchase or ownership records
Not all of these are required for every sale. They can simply make it easier to answer questions about the vehicle.
3. Agree on the Sale
Once you find a buyer, agree on the price, payment method and handover arrangements. A written receipt or sale record is useful. It can include the vehicle details, sale price, date and names of the parties.
4. Complete the WA Vehicle Transfer
When you sell, gift or dispose of a WA-licensed vehicle, you must notify DTMI within 7 days that you are no longer the owner and provide the new owner’s name and address.
For eligible transactions, the vehicle licence can be transferred online using DoTDirect. Some vehicles and ownership situations cannot be transferred online. These include certain joint ownership transfers, deceased estates, court orders, heavy vehicles, some transfers involving organisations and situations where the seller, buyer or vehicle details do not match DTMI records.
5. Keep Your Sale Records
After the sale, keep your receipt, payment confirmation and transfer information. These records can help you demonstrate when the vehicle was sold and provide a useful record of the transaction.
What Forms Do I Need to Sell a Car in WA?
For an eligible vehicle transfer, you may be able to complete the process online through DoTDirect. If the vehicle cannot be transferred online, the Notification of Change of Ownership – Vehicle Licence Transfer (MR9) form may be used.
Under the paper process, the seller completes the seller’s copy and submits it to a DTMI service centre or regional agent within 7 days. The purchaser’s copy is given to the buyer along with the current vehicle licence paper and applicable documentation.
The exact process can vary for special circumstances, so check the current DTMI requirements if the vehicle is jointly owned, part of an estate, subject to a court order or being transferred to or from an organisation.
What Paperwork Do I Need to Sell My Car Privately?
If you are selling privately, prepare the information required for the vehicle transfer and keep a written record of the sale.
A useful private-sale record can include:
- Vehicle plate number
- VIN
- Date of sale
- Agreed sale price
- Buyer’s details
- Payment confirmation
- Signed receipt or sale agreement
- Service and maintenance records, if available
The official transfer requirements depend on the vehicle and circumstances. A written receipt is useful for your own records, but it should not be confused with the government transfer process.
What If My Car Has Finance Owing?
If you still owe money on your car, contact your lender before completing the sale. Ask for the current payout or settlement figure and find out how the finance needs to be cleared.
You may need:
- Your finance account details
- Current payout figure
- Settlement instructions
- Finance release or settlement confirmation
Do not assume that a buyer can simply take over your existing loan.
The WA government also recommends that buyers and sellers consider whether there is outstanding finance when completing a private vehicle transaction.
Can I Sell a Damaged or Non-Running Car?
A damaged or non-running car can still be sold, but its condition and licence status may affect the transaction.
Before selling, check:
- Whether the vehicle is currently licensed
- Whether finance is owing
- Whether you have the available vehicle information
- Whether there are ownership issues
- How the vehicle will be transported if it cannot be driven
Be clear about the vehicle’s condition when agreeing to the sale.
If the vehicle cannot be driven, arrange suitable transport rather than assuming it can be driven away after the sale.
What If My Car Is Unlicensed?
An unlicensed vehicle is different from a currently licensed WA vehicle. DTMI states that only currently licensed vehicles can be transferred through the normal vehicle licence transfer process. If a vehicle licence has expired by more than 15 days, the vehicle is considered unlicensed and the new owner may need to have it inspected and apply for a new vehicle licence.
If your car is unlicensed, check the current requirements before completing the sale.
Do I Need a Roadworthy Certificate to Sell My Car?
A roadworthy certificate is not automatically required for every ordinary car sale in WA. The requirements can depend on the vehicle and the circumstances of the transaction. If your vehicle is unlicensed, has significant damage or falls under a special transfer situation, different requirements may apply. Check the current WA requirements for your particular vehicle rather than assuming an inspection is required.
What Documents Should I Keep After Selling My Car?
Keep important records after the vehicle has been sold.
These may include:
- Sale receipt or agreement
- Payment confirmation
- Vehicle details
- Transfer or notification confirmation
- Finance settlement records
- Relevant correspondence
- Service and repair records
Keeping these records gives you a clear record of the transaction.
Quick Checklist for Selling a Car in WA
Before selling your car, check that you have:
- Vehicle licence information
- Vehicle plate number
- VIN and vehicle details
- Buyer’s name and address
- Date of sale
- Agreed sale price
- Finance information, if applicable
- Sale receipt or written record
- Service records, if available
- Vehicle transfer or notification completed
Remember that not every item on this checklist is legally required for every sale.
Selling an Unwanted Car in Perth
If your main goal is to sell an old, damaged or unwanted vehicle, a private sale is not the only option. Cash for Cars Perth buys a range of unwanted vehicles in Perth and can arrange vehicle removal where applicable.
If you are considering selling your car, you can request a quote and discuss the vehicle before deciding whether the service is suitable for you. Before completing any vehicle sale, make sure you understand the payment, transfer and documentation requirements that apply to your circumstances.
