Paperwork Checklist: Selling a Car in the ACT

Selling a car in the Australian Capital Territory involves legal obligations that protect both buyer and seller. Getting the paperwork right ensures a smooth transaction. Here is your complete checklist.

1. Notice of Disposal (NOD)

The Notice of Disposal is submitted by the seller to Access Canberra after a vehicle is sold. It formally notifies the ACT Government that you have disposed of the vehicle.

Sellers submit their Notice of Disposal online or at an Access Canberra service centre. We provide our buyer details to make it easy for you to complete your Notice of Disposal.

2. Registration Certificate

Provide the current (or most recent) registration certificate to the buyer. The certificate confirms the vehicle's registered details — make, model, VIN, and registered owner.

3. Photo Identification

Both parties present valid photo ID at the time of sale (such as an ACT driver's licence or passport) to verify the transaction details.

4. Roadworthy Certificate (Vehicle Safety Check)

In the ACT, a Vehicle Safety Check (roadworthy) is required when transferring registration between private parties for light vehicles over six years old. However, when selling directly to a vehicle buyer like Canberra Car Buyer, you do not need to provide a roadworthy certificate.

5. Licence Plates

If selling a registered vehicle, the ACT number plates stay on the vehicle and transfer with the registration. If selling an unregistered vehicle (or cancelling registration), remove the plates and return them to Access Canberra to cancel registration and claim any applicable refund on unused rego.

6. PPSR Check

A PPSR search shows whether any active security interest or encumbrance is registered against a vehicle's VIN. Checking this gives buyers confidence regarding vehicle finance status.

Quick Reference Summary

• Submit your Notice of Disposal to Access Canberra after sale
• Provide registration certificate to buyer
• Present valid photo ID at time of transaction
• No roadworthy certificate required when selling to Canberra Car Buyer
• Surrender plates to Access Canberra if selling unregistered