How to Sell an Unregistered Car in WA: Legal Requirements, Steps & Fast Cash Options

Is It Even Legal Selling an Unregistered Car WA?

First things first, can you sell an unregistered car? The answer is yes! You absolutely can.

There’s no rule banning the sale just because the car isn’t registered. What matters is that you, the seller, let the buyer know exactly what they’re getting into. So, they can sort out the registration or inspection themselves after buying.

There are a few legal obligations you should keep in mind:

• Once you sell the car, you must notify the Department of Transport within 7 days, and give them the buyer’s name and address. If you don’t, you’ll get a fine.
• You cannot drive an unregistered car on road while selling unless you get a temporary permit or trade plates.
• The buyer will need to register the vehicle or arrange for inspection if it’s been unlicensed for a while.
• If the vehicle is unlicensed for more than 3 months, it needs to pass a safety inspection and new owner will need to arrange that.

So, selling is perfectly legal. Just be sure to follow through on the paperwork and be honest.

Common Cases of Selling an Unregistered Vehicle

Selling a car that isn’t registered is pretty normal in WA. There are tons of reasons people end up wanting to sell a car without registration:

• It’s broken, damaged, or not worth fixing.
• Rego costs and repairing safety issues are too high.
• It’s been sitting idle and collecting dust.
• You don’t want to bother going through re-registration.

Now if you decided to sell it, let’s move on to the next important question.

Where to Sell an Unregistered Car in Perth?

Here are some realistic routes for selling a car in WA that is unlicensed.

Option	Detail
Private Sale	You can try to sell it yourself, but be clear that it’s unregistered. Expect potential buyers to negotiate hard or walk away because they’ll think about the cost of inspection or towing.
Dealerships	Some dealers will take it, but only if they think they can repair or resell for a profit. Not all will take unlicensed or non-functioning vehicles.
Scrap Yards	Take it to a scrapyard if your car is undrivable. They’ll pay for metal or parts, regardless of its running condition.
Car Removal Services	They will give cash, tow the car away for free, and also handle the transfer process for you.

For most sellers, selling it to a private buyer is more trouble than it’s worth. But a cash for scrap cars or removal company is the fastest and most cost-effective way to move on.

Which Documents Do You Need for Selling an Unregistered Car WA?

Selling an unregistered vehicle follows a simpler legal process than a registered one. But you still need to prove ownership and wrap up the transfer properly.

The documents you’ll need include:

• Proof of ownership: Your car’s VIN or chassis number with your ID.
• A selling receipt: Get a receipt for private sales (handwritten or printed) including buyer/seller names, date, and sale price.
• Transfer of ownership: Use the official form for change of ownership (called an MR9 form in WA). The seller completes their section, and the buyer completes theirs.

If plates are still attached but you don’t want to sell them with the car, you need to return them to the transport authority.

Step-by-Step: How to Sell an Unregistered Car

Follow these steps for a legal and stress-free process of selling car in WA.

1- Prepare Your Car

• Note down the VIN, make, model, and all the faults.
• Clean up the car and remove personal belongings.
• Repair the damages if going to sell privately.
• Clear any unpaid fines or other charges related to the car.
• If your car has plates, return them to DoT before selling.

2- Decide Who You’re Selling To

• Private buyer? Expect to negotiate.
• Remove with a cash for scrap cars service? Easier and quicker.

3- Get an Offer

• Put it on sales listing and wait for the buyers to respond.
• Or call a wrecker or removal company for a no-obligation offer.

4- Agree on Sale Terms

• Settle on a price and confirm who pays towing (if needed).

5- Complete Paperwork

• Fill in the MR9 transfer of ownership form. You can submit your copy within 7 days.
• Give the buyer the other copy, along with your proof-of-ownership receipt.

6- Organise the Pickup

• If you’re using a removal service, they’ll often handle towing.
• If the car is unlicensed but needs to be driven somewhere (like to inspection), a temporary movement permit will be required.
• Alternatively, a trade plate can be used, but only by licensed motor-trade businesses.

7- Finalise Payment and Handover

• Receive cash (or agreed payment) at handover.
• Give the buyer the signed paperwork, VIN details, and keys (if applicable).

8- Notify the Transport Authority

• Lodge the form with bill of sale to DoT within 7 days to notify that you’ve sold.

After completion of process, the vehicle is not your responsibility and you don’t need to worry what happens next. We still recommend to keep a copy of sale bill with you for record.

How Can You Sell a Car Without Number Plates?

Yes, in WA, plates are not strictly required for a legal sale. Only the ownership proof, not the plated. Just inform the buyer in advance about the plates. Because if the buyer wants to re-register the vehicle, they’ll need to arrange new plates.

Rest of the process of selling vehicle WA will be same as stated above.

Some Regulations to Keep in Mind for Private Sale

For selling a car in western Australia, keep the following in mind.

Regulations	Details
Buyer Checks	A serious buyer can ask for a PPSR check. It reveals if there’s any pending finance or issues on the vehicle.
Safety & Inspections	If the car is unlicensed and the buyer wants to register it, they’ll need an inspection.
Defect Notices	If the vehicle has a defect notice (e.g. a “yellow sticker”), it must be fixed before inspection, and movement will require a permit.
Temporary Permits	Applying for a temporary movement permit can take planning, you’ll need to lodge it well in advance.

Want a simpler process? You can skip the private selling and go for car removal services.

Is Cash for Cars a Smart Choice for Unregistered Vehicles?

Yes, it is simpler, quick and guaranteed, especially for cars that are unregistered, damaged, or not worth fixing. Because:

• No need to pay for rego or roadworthy, the car can be in any state.
• Sale is quicker and easier.
• You get a fast quote with no bargaining.
• Towing is always free when working with a trusted removal business.
• Expert teams will also guide you through paper work.
• You’ll easily walk away with cash in hand.

It is simply the most practical way to get rid of problematic unregistered vehicle.

Why All Car Removals Is the Smart Way to Go

Here’s how All Car Removals makes selling an unregistered vehicle in WA way easier:

• We buy cars in any condition: unregistered, written off, or dead on the driveway.
• You don’t need to fix anything. We’ll take it as it is.
• We offer instant cash and free towing anywhere in Perth, Mandurah, or Rockingham.
• We handle the paperwork and also guide you on the needed steps.
• We’ll reuse the working parts and responsibly dismantle and recycle the rest.

Ready to Turn That Unregistered Clunker into Cash?

Turn your unregistered car into fast, hassle-free cash

We know an old, unregistered car can feel like a worry if you don’t have time for that’s why we make selling it simple: free tow, instant payment, and we handle the paperwork so you don’t have to. If you want a quick, fair offer and someone to do the heavy lifting, get a quote from Cash for Car Perth and we’ll take it from there.

Sell with All Car Removals

We buy unregistered, unwanted, and junk vehicles across Perth and surrounding areas.

You don’t even have to worry about towing or paperwork. We’ll come to you, give you a fair price, pay you on the spot, and tow the car away for free. A simple, clean, and quick method, just how selling a car should be.

Get Your Free Quote Now

And avail the fastest, easiest route to sell your unregistered vehicle Perth.

FAQs

Can I legally sell an unregistered car in WA?
Yes! Selling an unregistered car in WA is completely legal. You just need to notify the Department of Transport within 7 days and provide the buyer’s details. The buyer will handle registration and inspections if required.

Do I need number plates to sell my car?
No, number plates are not required for a legal sale. You just need to provide proof of ownership and inform the buyer that they will need to arrange new plates if they plan to re-register the car.

What documents do I need to sell an unregistered car?
You’ll need proof of ownership (VIN or chassis number with your ID), a sale receipt, and the MR9 transfer of ownership form. If the plates are still attached and not included in the sale, return them to the Department of Transport.

Can I sell my unregistered car privately?
Yes, you can, but buyers may hesitate due to inspection or towing costs. Many sellers find using a car removal or cash-for-cars service faster, easier, and more convenient.

What are my responsibilities after selling?
You must submit the MR9 form to the Department of Transport within 7 days to notify them of the sale. After that, the car is no longer your responsibility.

Is using a car removal service a good option?
Absolutely. Services like All Car Removals Perth handle towing, paperwork, and payment, allowing you to get cash for your car quickly without hassle.

Can I sell a damaged or non-running unregistered car?
Yes, damaged, undrivable, or scrap cars can be sold. Car removal services often pay cash for vehicles in any condition and dispose of them responsibly.

Do I need a safety inspection for an unregistered car?
Only if the buyer plans to register the vehicle and it has been unlicensed for over 3 months. Otherwise, a cash-for-cars service can buy it as-is without inspection.