VIC Vehicle Transfer: Buyer, Seller, Fees and Renewal Guide

Choose the right transaction before you begin

For a purchase of an already Victorian-registered vehicle, both buyer and seller need to notify VicRoads within 14 days. A dealer will usually handle a dealer-sale transfer. Companies and some other transfer types require an in-person process.

Renewal pays for the next registration period of an existing record. Buying an interstate vehicle requires Victorian registration rather than the ordinary private-sale transfer. Identify your branch first, then use the matching official instructions below.

VicRoads buyer's transfer process

Seller checklist: handover and notice of disposal

Collect the buyer's details and give them the required roadworthy certificate and your transfer details. In myVicRoads, open Vehicles & Registration, find the vehicle and select Transfer vehicle to submit the notice of disposal. The app also supports this process.

Have the buyer present or use the official transfer form to record the details accurately.
Keep your copy of the completed form and sale records.
Check for the disposal confirmation; handing over keys alone does not submit the notice.
If you cannot lodge online, use a VicRoads Customer Service Centre.

Seller's notice of disposal and confirmation guidance

Buyer checklist: complete your side of the transfer

Provide the seller with your Victorian driver licence or VicRoads customer number and family name, following the official form. Check your myVicRoads account after handover and complete the outstanding requirements and applicable payments.

Check the vehicle, registration record and seller's details before paying.
Obtain a receipt and the transfer paperwork, including any required roadworthy certificate.
If no transfer notification appears, use the I've bought a new vehicle option in myVicRoads to prompt a reminder to the seller.
Keep your documents and confirmations until the completed record is correct.

Documents and transfers that need a service centre

If online transfer is unavailable, complete the official transfer form with the other party and take it to a VicRoads Customer Service Centre. Bring identity evidence, the required roadworthy certificate, applicable payment and any documents for your particular transfer or exemption.

An exemption or additional-information requirement may need in-person handling. Company transfers cannot be finalised through a myVicRoads business account. Confirm the applicable checklist before travelling.

Official in-person transfer checklist and forms

Roadworthy certificates and exemptions

A Victorian roadworthy certificate remains current for 30 days from issue. The seller should provide it when required. Arrange the inspection and handover dates so the certificate meets the transfer requirements; check VicRoads' sale-date instructions when lodging in person.

Roadworthy, transfer-fee and duty exemptions are separate questions. Check the official transfer-type table rather than assuming a family transfer is exempt. Some transactions have different requirements, including eligible spouse or domestic-partner transfers and light trailers.

Estimate the transfer fee and motor vehicle duty

Most private transfers involve a transfer fee and motor vehicle duty, paid by the buyer to VicRoads when lodging the transfer. Use the current VicRoads fee table for your vehicle and transfer type.

The State Revenue Office duty calculator asks for the registration or transfer date, vehicle category and dutiable value. That value is the purchase price or market value, whichever is higher. The calculator gives an estimate and does not handle every exemption or concession. Add any separate inspection costs when planning your budget.

Renew an existing Victorian registration

Use myVicRoads, its app or the official online payment option without login. Check the renewal notice, contact details and the period offered for your vehicle before paying. Eligible registrations have shorter-term options; check the current eligibility before changing the next period.

VicRoads says processing can take 1–2 days, so retain the receipt or payment reference. The renewal cycle continues from the previous expiry date even when payment is late. If a sanction or suspension prevents renewal, follow the official instructions rather than treating a payment attempt as a completed renewal.

Renewal methods, processing and registration notices

Buying interstate or moving your own vehicle

If you buy a vehicle from another state, follow the interstate-buying and new Victorian registration instructions. Plan how you will transport it and whether a permit is needed before driving it. Do not assume the seller's existing registration completes the Victorian process.

Moving your own vehicle to Victoria has a different checklist. The same-name interstate process is in person and has conditions relating to registration, garage address and modifications. Roadworthy requirements also depend on the originating state and registration status. A change of ownership needs the appropriate new-registration process.

Official sources

Use the relevant government service to confirm current requirements and registration information.

Victorian vehicle transfer and registration renewal