Selling a used vehicle in Perth involves following certain legal steps. These rules help ensure that both the seller and the buyer complete the deal in a proper and lawful way. Many people do not realise that simply handing over the keys and taking the money is not enough. There are documents to prepare, notices to submit, and conditions to meet. This blog will explain the rules you must follow when selling a car in Perth.
Ownership Must Be Clear
The first and most important rule when selling a used car is that you must be the legal owner. The car must be registered in your name, and it should not have any outstanding finance. If there is money still owed to a lender, you cannot legally sell the car without paying that off first. This is because the finance company technically owns the car until the debt is cleared. If you try to sell car for cash perth that is under finance, you could face serious legal trouble.
Before putting the car up for sale, check with the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR). This online tool allows anyone to see if a vehicle has any finance linked to it. You can find the vehicle’s details using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This step is vital for giving confidence to the buyer and for protecting yourself from future claims.
Get the Paperwork Right
Paperwork is a major part of the selling process. In Western Australia, you must complete a “Notification of Change of Ownership” form. This form is used to inform the Department of Transport (DoT) that you have sold the vehicle. Both you and the buyer must fill out this form. It is important that the form is sent to the DoT within seven days of the sale. You can either submit it online or send it by post.
Failing to notify the DoT can lead to problems. If the new owner commits an offence, such as speeding or failing to pay registration fees, the fines might still be sent to you if you have not notified the change of ownership.
You must also give the buyer a receipt. This should include the names and addresses of both parties, the date of sale, the car’s details (make, model, year, VIN, engine number), the price, and signatures from both sides. This document is useful in case any disagreements arise later.
Licence Plates and Registration
In Perth, registration is tied to the vehicle, not the person. This means that the licence plates usually stay with the car when it is sold. However, if you want to keep the plates for personal or custom use, you must arrange that separately through the DoT. In most cases, it is easier to let the plates go with the car.
Once the car is sold, it is the buyer’s job to transfer the registration into their name. But you can help make this easier by having the necessary papers ready. Make sure the registration is valid and not about to expire. Some buyers might walk away from a deal if they see the rego is close to ending.
Roadworthiness and Inspections
Unlike some states in Australia, Western Australia does not require a roadworthy certificate when selling a used car. This means that you are not legally required to have the car inspected before sale. However, the car must still be in a safe and working condition. If it is not roadworthy and the buyer finds out later, you could be held responsible.
For this reason, many sellers in Perth choose to have a mechanic inspect the car before selling. This helps avoid future problems and gives the buyer more trust in the sale. Even though it is not required, it can make the whole process smoother.
Be Honest About the Car’s Condition
There is a rule in Perth that protects buyers from being misled. As the seller, you must be honest about the car’s condition. If the car has been in an accident, had major repairs, or has ongoing mechanical problems, you must tell the buyer. Not doing so could be seen as misleading, which is against Australian Consumer Law.
You are not expected to provide a full report, but any major facts that could affect the buyer’s decision must be shared. Hiding serious faults can result in legal action, especially if the buyer has to spend money fixing the car soon after buying it.
Remove Personal Belongings and Cancel Extras
Before handing over the keys, make sure you remove all your personal belongings. This includes documents, sunglasses, GPS units, toll tags, and anything else that does not come with the car. You should also cancel any insurance linked to the car. Forgetting to do this means you might keep paying for a car you no longer own.
If you have roadside assistance or other services linked to the car, cancel or transfer them to your new vehicle. Many people forget these extra services, which can lead to confusion later.
Be Careful With Private Sales
Selling a car privately can be risky if you are not careful. You must meet the buyer in a public and safe place. Many people in perth cash for cars choose shopping centre car parks for this reason. Avoid meeting at night or in places that feel unsafe.
Always count the money and confirm payment before handing over the keys. If possible, use a bank transfer or a verified method to avoid fake notes or scams. Be wary of buyers who try to rush the deal or avoid paperwork.
Disposal of Old Cars
Sometimes a car is too old or damaged to be sold in the usual way. In these cases, many people choose to dispose of the car instead. Old cars that no longer run or are not worth repairing can still hold some value. One way to handle this is to look for local companies that pay cash for vehicles. This can be helpful if you want to remove an unwanted car without dealing with buyers or listings. For example, if a car is no longer registered, has serious damage, or failed inspection, going through a local buyer who collects such cars might be a smarter choice. This approach can help save time and remove any legal headaches that come with a car in poor condition.
Summary of Key Points
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Make sure the car is registered in your name and is free of any finance.
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Use the PPSR to check for outstanding debts on the car.
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Complete and submit the Notification of Change of Ownership form.
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Provide a receipt with all key details of the sale.
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Licence plates usually stay with the car unless you arrange otherwise.
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No roadworthy certificate is required, but the car must be safe to drive.
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Be honest about the car’s history and condition.
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Clear out all personal items and cancel any linked services.
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Take safety steps when selling the car privately.
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Unwanted or damaged cars can still be removed with the help of local buyers.
Final Thoughts
Selling a used car in Perth is not just about finding someone who wants to buy it. You must follow legal steps, provide correct documents, and make sure the car is ready to change hands. Doing things the right way protects both you and the buyer from trouble later on. By keeping these points in mind, you can complete your sale with peace of mind, knowing that everything has been done properly.
