Car registration Victoria
Your step-by-step guide to car registration in Victoria – including how to transfer registration, key costs, interstate rego and more.
Transferring car registration in Victoria when you're buying or selling a car is a must.
If you're unsure how to do it, we've put together a simple step-by-step guide on how to transfer your car registration, rego fees, motor vehicle duty costs, VicRoads transfer fees and interstate car registration in Victoria.
Car renewal registration costs in Victoria
Registration costs vary depending on the type of vehicle you own and where you live in Victoria. To give you an idea, below are the standard annual costs for car rego if you own a "light vehicle". A light vehicle would cover most sedans, station wagons, hatches or 4WDs.
Location | Registration fee (yearly) |
---|---|
Metropolitan area (high risk zone) | $864.40 |
Outer metropolitan (medium risk zone) | $808.30 |
Rural (low risk zone) | $742.30 |
Different costs apply to goods-carrying vehicles, light trailers and caravans.
How to transfer registration in Victoria if you're a buyer
When you buy or get a car in Victoria, you have 14 days to transfer the registration into your name. You can do this with a transfer form via VicRoads' website, or in person at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre.
Buying privately
If you are buying a car privately, follow these steps for vehicle transfer registration:

Get a VicRoads customer number or Victorian licence
This is so you can fill in the VicRoads transfer form. If you haven't already got this, you will need to submit identity documents (such as an Australian driver's licence and passport) to a VicRoads Customer Service Centre.

Complete a VicRoads transfer form
To be approved, you need to fill this in and get it signed by both you and the seller. You can find a VicRoads transfer form here.

Get the original Certificate of Roadworthiness (RWC)
The seller should provide you with the roadworthy certificate. Make sure it has been issued no more than 30 days before the date of sale.

Pay the transfer fee and motor vehicle duty fee
In Victoria, you'll need to pay a motor vehicle duty fee when a vehicle is registered or transferred to your name. The amount you pay depends on the type of vehicle you're registering and its market value.
Buying from a dealership
If you are simply buying your vehicle from a car dealership, it's largely the dealer's responsibility to complete the proper vehicle registration transfer steps. All you need to do is sign the vehicle transfer form and pay the transfer fee and motor vehicle duty that applies to your vehicle.
When you transfer registration in Victoria, the CTP car insurance will automatically transfer over to you. Keep in mind, though, that this only protects you from legal and medical costs arising from injuries and deaths caused by an accident you have in the car. For more comprehensive car insurance and protection, compare providers on Finder's comparison page.
How to transfer registration in Victoria if you're selling
If you are selling your car privately, it's the buyer's responsibility to sort the vehicle registration, not the seller's. However, you will still need to fill in and provide the following documentation:
- The Certificate of Roadworthiness (RWC), which should come from a licensed vehicle tester.
- The vehicle transfer form. You will need to complete the "seller details" section and sign it.
- A copy of the registration certificate/renewal notice (to prove the right to transfer) or a myVicRoads account showing that the vehicle is in your possession.
If you are selling to a car dealer, it is responsible for completing the registration transfer so that it's no longer in your name. Simply keep a copy of the vehicle transfer form to show that the transfer was initiated.
Important note: Hold on to your copy of the vehicle transfer form. That way, if the buyer doesn't submit the transfer, you have evidence that it did take place.
Want to keep your custom plates?
If you want to keep your custom plates when you sell your car, you'll need to get in touch with VicRoads and cancel the vehicle registration. However, if you want to sell the vehicle registered, you'll need to pay a fee in order for new number plates to be issued. Make sure to remove your custom plates and attach the new plates before you sell the car.
VicRoads transfer fees
Below is a table of the costs of transferring the registration of a car into your name in Victoria.*
Sold privately or by a dealer | Vehicle type | Transfer fee |
---|---|---|
Private | Motor vehicle | $42 |
Dealer | Motor vehicle | $21.40 |
Private | Motorcycle, trailer, recreation motorcycle | $6.70 |
Dealer | Motorcycle, trailer, recreation motorcycle | $6.70 |
*Costs taken from VicRoads and correct as of July 2022.
Motor vehicle duty fees
VicRoads says that the motor vehicle duty you are required to pay is based on the type of vehicle and its current market value. The following rates are an estimation of what you are likely to pay.
Vehicle price | Rate |
---|---|
Passenger vehicles up to the market value of $67,525 | $8.40 per $200 of the market value or part thereof |
Passenger vehicles over $67,525 and up to $100,000 | $10.40 per $200 of the market value or part thereof |
Passenger vehicles over $100,000 | $14.00 per $200 of the market value or part thereof |
VicRoads indicates that when you transfer a vehicle into your name, some people or circumstances may be exempt from paying the motor vehicle duty. For example, you might be exempt from the motor vehicle duty if you're transferring registration from your spouse or partner into your name. The same rules apply if your spouse or partner has passed away. If this is the case, be sure to indicate why you are exempt on the vehicle transfer form and provide evidence of your eligibility.
Interstate car registration Victoria
If you're planning on moving to Victoria and staying longer than 3 months, you need to change the vehicle's registration to a Victorian one. Here are the steps that you need to take to get your car legally registered:
Get a Certificate of Roadworthiness
You'll need an original Certificate of Roadworthiness (RWC). Make sure it's issued within 30 days of your registration appointment. You won't need an RWC if the vehicle registration has not expired by more than 3 months and is still registered in your name interstate and isn't changing.
Book an appointment with VicRoads
Book a registration appointment with VicRoads. You will need:
- Your current Victorian licence, learner permit or customer number
- The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and engine number
- The make, model and registration number of your vehicle
What to take to your VicRoads appointment
When you attend your appointment, you may need to take the following with you:
- The vehicle, if they tell you it needs to be inspected.
- Your completed vehicle registration form.
- A current and original RWC.
- Proof of identity.
- Proof that your vehicle has been registered interstate for 12 months.
- All the necessary tools to put your number plates on before you leave the appointment.
- Evidence of your address in Victoria.
- Card or cash for the registration fee payment (use this fee calculator to see how much it will cost to register your vehicle).
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Ask an Expert
Hi, if I live in NSW and have a NSW Driver licence.
I am purchasing a Victorian Registered Motorhome which is going to be garaged in Victoria.
Can I do the transfer online or do I need a customer reference number to complete this process?
Hi Chris,
Thanks for reaching out. You’ll need a nine-digit VicRoads customer number as you hold an interstate license. You can read more about the exact process to follow on VicRoads’ website.
Best,
James