It’s a question we get all the time—“Can I sell a car that’s not in my name?” Whether it was passed down by a family member, bought through a private deal that never got transferred, or simply still in an ex-partner’s name, there are plenty of reasons why a car might be registered to someone else.
But when it comes time to sell it, things can get tricky. Let’s break down what you can (and can’t) do in Victoria if you want to sell a car that’s not registered in your name.
Short Answer? Not Without Proof or Permission.
In Victoria—and throughout Australia—you generally cannot sell a car that’s registered to someone else without their consent. It’s considered illegal to sell property that isn’t legally yours.
That said, there are exceptions—mainly if you can prove ownership in another way or have the legal right to act on the registered owner’s behalf.
So, What Are Your Options?
Let’s look at the most common scenarios:
1. You Inherited the Car
If the registered owner has passed away and you’ve inherited the vehicle, you’ll need to provide the following:
- A copy of the death certificate
- Proof you’re the executor of the estate (or have legal authority)
- ID that matches the documentation
- Any relevant probate or legal paperwork
Once you’ve sorted the transfer into your name, then you can legally sell the vehicle.
2. You Bought the Car But Never Transferred It
Maybe you bought a car off a mate and forgot (or delayed) updating the rego papers. The car’s legally still in the previous owner’s name—even if you’ve paid for it.
Before selling, you’ll need to complete a transfer of ownership with VicRoads. That means:
- Getting the previous owner to sign the VicRoads transfer form
- Paying any outstanding duties or fees
- Making sure your name is officially on the registration
Without this step, most buyers (and legitimate car buyers like us) won’t touch the deal.
3. You’re Selling It on Behalf of Someone Else
Let’s say you’re helping a family member or friend sell their car. In that case, you’ll need:
- A signed letter of authorisation from the registered owner
- A copy of their ID
- Their signature on the vehicle transfer papers
It’s always safest to be upfront and make sure all parties agree to the sale. Transparency helps avoid any legal mess later on.
4. You Found a Car Abandoned on Your Property
This comes up more than you’d expect! But no—you can’t just sell it. Even if it’s been sitting there for months, an abandoned vehicle doesn’t automatically become yours.
You’ll need to report it to your local council or police. If it’s unclaimed, they might eventually authorise its disposal, but you can’t just sell it for cash yourself.
Why Most Cash-for-Cars Services Require Proof of Ownership
At our company, we always ask for proof that the vehicle is legally yours or that you have the right to sell it. This protects both parties and keeps things 100% above board.
Typically, we’ll ask for:
- Photo ID
- Registration papers
- Proof of ownership (or authority to sell)
If you can’t provide these, we won’t be able to buy the vehicle—even if it’s sitting in your driveway and hasn’t moved in months.
What If the Car Is Unregistered?
An unregistered car is a bit different. If you have proof that it belongs to you (such as a bill of sale or other documentation), you can sell it—because registration and ownership aren’t always the same thing.
Still, having a clear paper trail makes the process a lot smoother for everyone.
Bottom Line
You can’t just sell a car because it’s in your possession. If it’s registered to someone else, you’ll need their written permission or legal proof that you have the right to sell it. This helps avoid fraud, protects buyers, and keeps everything legal.
If you’re unsure whether you can sell a vehicle that isn’t in your name, feel free to reach out. Our team is happy to point you in the right direction—no pressure, just friendly advice.
No Shortcuts—Just the Right Way to Sell Your Car
Selling a car can feel overwhelming when paperwork’s involved, but don’t worry—we’ve helped thousands of people through it. If you’ve got the proper documents and need a quick sale, we’re here to make it happen, stress-free.
Ready for a free quote? Give us a shout today.
If you are in Reservoir, and looking for a cash for cars service, this is the best way to visit us.
Bundoora Cash For Cars
13 Nickson St, Bundoora VIC 3083