Writing off or permanently storing your car? Here's how to cancel the registration in NSW and claim a refund on unused months.
You'd cancel your vehicle's registration in NSW when:
Note: when you sell a car, you don't cancel the registration — you notify RMS of the disposal and the registration transfers to the new owner. Cancellation is for when the vehicle leaves the road permanently.
Important: if you've sold the car but the buyer hasn't transferred registration yet, you're still the registered operator. Notify RMS immediately after the sale using MyPlates or Service NSW online.
To cancel registration in NSW:
1. Visit a Service NSW centre with the vehicle's registration papers and your photo ID. 2. Complete a Notice of Disposal or Cancellation form. 3. Surrender the number plates (in most cases).
If you've paid registration in advance (12-month or 6-month periods), you're entitled to a pro-rata refund for unused months. The refund goes to the credit card or bank account you paid from.
For CTP (Green Slip) insurance, you can claim a partial refund directly from your insurer for unused coverage.
Pro-rata registration refunds are typically processed within 2–4 weeks by Revenue NSW.
You can still cancel registration at a Service NSW centre with photo ID. They can verify vehicle details using the VIN or plate number.
Who's responsible for transferring registration when you sell a car? This guide explains the process in NSW, QLD and ACT — and why selling to Sold Fast means we handle it all for you.
In NSW, duty on a motor vehicle transfer is paid by the buyer, not the seller. Here's how it's calculated and what you need to know as a seller.
Your car's registration has lapsed — can you still sell it? Here's what you can and can't do, and the safest way to handle an unregistered vehicle sale.