Can you sell an unregistered car in Hobart?

If you’ve got a car sitting in the driveway with expired rego, you might be wondering: can I sell an unregistered car in Hobart, and is it even legal? The short answer is yes, but there are rules you’ll need to follow. In Tasmania, selling an unregistered vehicle is possible as long as you can prove ownership, handle the required paperwork, and transfer responsibility properly.

Why cars go unregistered in Hobart

Not every vehicle in Tasmania makes it back onto the road once its rego expires. There are plenty of reasons cars end up unregistered:

• Repairs are too costly – Fixing mechanical or crash damage may cost more than the car is worth.
• The car isn’t being used – Second vehicles, inherited cars, or project cars often sit idle until the rego lapses.
• Owners forget or delay renewal – Sometimes rego simply expires and isn’t renewed.
• Upgrading to a new car – Old cars can be left behind once a replacement is purchased.

Whatever the reason, having an unregistered car doesn’t mean it’s worthless. With the right buyer, you can get cash for cars in Hobart legally and with minimal hassle.

Is it legal to sell an unregistered car in Hobart?

Yes, it is legal to sell an unregistered car in Hobart and across Tasmania. What matters is that you can prove ownership and follow the state’s transfer requirements. A few important points to keep in mind:

• Have ID and the vehicle’s registration papers or proof of purchase.
• Sellers must lodge a disposal notice with Transport Tasmania within 7 days of the sale.
• Unregistered vehicles cannot be driven on public roads unless you obtain an Unregistered Vehicle Permit (UVP) for transport or testing purposes.
• If the vehicle still has plates, remove and return them to Service Tasmania when the car is sold or scrapped.

What to do before selling your unregistered vehicle in Hobart

If you plan to sell an unregistered car in Hobart, it helps to get your paperwork in order before speaking with buyers. Proof of identity, such as your driver’s licence, is essential to confirm you’re the legal owner.

Ideally, you should also have the vehicle’s registration papers or proof of purchase, even if the car’s rego has expired. If there’s still finance owing, this will need to be cleared before the sale can go ahead.

Buyers will also want accurate details about the car’s condition, including whether it runs and if any major components are missing.

Finally, remember that number plates cannot stay with the vehicle. They must be removed and returned to Service Tasmania once the car is sold or scrapped. Having these details ready not only reassures the buyer but also ensures the sale is processed smoothly and legally.

What happens to the plates and rego status?

When selling an unregistered car in Hobart, the number plates are one of the first things to deal with. Plates cannot stay with the vehicle; they remain tied to the previous registration, not the car itself. As the seller, you’ll need to remove them before handing over the vehicle and return them to a Service Tasmania centre.

If the car has already been unregistered for some time, the plates may have been surrendered earlier. In either case, completing a disposal notice is still required. This confirms that you are no longer responsible for the car and protects you from future fines or liabilities.

Once the disposal notice is lodged and the plates are returned, the rego status is officially closed, and the buyer can take ownership without complications.

Tips for selling an unregistered car in Hobart

Selling an unregistered vehicle in Hobart doesn’t have to be complicated. These practical tips can help you save time and avoid mistakes.

Be upfront about the car’s status

Always disclose that the car is unregistered when speaking with buyers. Transparency builds trust and avoids disputes later.

Don’t drive without rego

It’s illegal to drive an unregistered vehicle on Tasmanian roads without a permit. Instead of risking fines, arrange for towing or collection.

Compare different offers

Not all buyers value unregistered cars the same way. Wreckers may only pay scrap prices, while licensed car buyers in Hobart often include free towing and secure, instant payments.

Keep proof of disposal

Once the sale is complete, lodge a disposal notice with Transport Tasmania and keep a copy for your records. This ensures you’re no longer responsible for the car.

The easiest way to sell your unregistered car in Hobart

Selling an unregistered car doesn’t have to feel like a headache. With 1800 Salvage, the process is fast, simple, and completely above board. Forget about chasing buyers, worrying over paperwork, or paying extra for towing. We take care of it all for you.

Our Hobart team is fully licensed, which means every sale is handled legally and securely. You’ll get an instant quote, free collection from anywhere in the city, and money transferred straight into your account, usually on the same day.

Frequently asked questions

What happens to the plates when I sell?

Number plates don’t stay with the car; they stay with the registration. If the plates are still attached, remove them before the sale and return them to Service Tasmania. Once that’s done and your disposal notice is lodged, the car is officially out of your name.

Do I need an unregistered vehicle permit to sell my car in Hobart?

Not if you’re arranging towing or collection. A permit is only needed if the car has to be driven for testing or transport. If you’re selling to a licensed buyer, they’ll handle pickup, and you won’t need to worry about permits at all.

Will my car’s value be lower if it’s unregistered?

Not necessarily. While registration adds convenience, buyers are more interested in the vehicle’s condition, weight, and parts value. Licensed buyers in Hobart often pay the same whether your car is registered or not, especially if it has high-demand parts intact.

Is it worth registering my car before selling it in Hobart?

In most cases, no. Registering a car in Tasmania means paying rego fees, insurance, and possibly arranging a roadworthy inspection. If the car is old, damaged, or you’re planning to sell it quickly, these costs often outweigh the extra money you might get. For many sellers, it makes more sense to sell the vehicle unregistered, especially to a licensed buyer who doesn’t require rego.