So, you’ve sold your car—great! But before you kick back and forget about it, there’s one last important step to tick off: cancelling your car registration. If you’re in Victoria, the good news is that it’s pretty simple to do online. And it’s worth doing, because if you leave it, you could still be liable for things like registration fees or even fines if something goes wrong.
Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you cancel your rego quickly and without stress.
Why Cancel Your Car Registration?
First off, let’s talk about why you should cancel the rego. After selling your car, the registration no longer belongs to you—but if you don’t officially cancel it, VicRoads still considers you the registered owner. That means:
- You might miss out on a refund for any remaining rego.
- You could still be linked to the car if it’s used illegally or in a toll violation.
- It can lead to unnecessary paperwork or fees later down the line.
Moral of the story? Tie up the loose ends now—it’s not worth the hassle later.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
To cancel your car’s registration online with VicRoads, make sure you have:
- A myVicRoads account (you can create one in minutes if you don’t already have it)
- Your car’s registration details
- Proof that the car has been sold (like a copy of the transfer confirmation or sale receipt)
- Your bank details (for any refund you might be eligible for)
- The number plates removed and ready to be handed in
Step-by-Step: How to Cancel Rego Online in VIC
- Log in to your myVicRoads account
Go to vicroads.vic.gov.au and log in. If you’ve never used it before, you’ll need to sign up using your license details. - Go to ‘Vehicle Registration’ section
Find the vehicle you’ve sold under your registered vehicles list. - Click ‘Cancel Registration’
Follow the on-screen instructions and fill in the required details. You’ll need to confirm the sale and the reason for cancelling. - Remove the number plates
Once the rego is cancelled, take the plates off the vehicle. You can’t legally sell or dispose of the car with the plates still attached. - Return the plates to VicRoads
Drop them off at a VicRoads customer service centre or post them back. Make sure you keep the receipt—they may ask for proof of return if there’s a refund involved. - Wait for your refund (if applicable)
If there’s unused registration time left, VicRoads will send you a partial refund. This usually goes back into your nominated bank account within a few weeks.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget the CTP (Compulsory Third Party) Insurance
In some cases, especially if you’ve paid CTP separately, you might be eligible for a partial refund from your insurance provider too. It’s worth giving them a call just to check.
Just Before You Hit the Couch…
Cancelling your car’s rego after selling it is quick, simple, and protects you from potential headaches down the line. Do it sooner rather than later—especially if you want that little bonus refund for the unused rego period.
And remember: remove those number plates before the car leaves your hands. That part’s not just a suggestion—it’s the law.
If you are in Springvale, and looking for a cash for cars service, this is the best way to visit us.
Brighton Car Removals
100 Church St, Brighton VIC 3186
www.brightoncarremovals.com.au