Legal & Documents 4 min read

Can You Sell a Car Without a Roadworthy Certificate in NSW?

NSW doesn't require a roadworthy certificate for most private sales — but there are rules and exceptions. Here's what sellers need to know.

The NSW rules on roadworthy certificates

In NSW, a Safety Check (pink slip) is required to renew registration on vehicles over 5 years old — but it is not a mandatory requirement for a private vehicle sale unless the registration has expired.

This is different to Victoria (where a roadworthy certificate is legally required for private sales) and Queensland (which requires a Safety Certificate for vehicles registered in QLD).

If you're selling a vehicle in NSW with current registration, you can do so without providing a pink slip. The buyer takes on the responsibility of maintaining the vehicle's roadworthy condition going forward.

Selling to a licensed dealer vs private buyer

When you sell to a licensed dealer like Sold Fast, a roadworthy certificate is never required from the seller. Licensed dealers carry out their own pre-sale inspection and certification before reselling.

This means if you're selling to Sold Fast, you can proceed regardless of whether your car is fully roadworthy. Disclose any known defects in the form and we'll factor them into the offer — there's no need to spend money on repairs before selling to us.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a pink slip to sell my car in NSW?

Not for a private sale of a registered vehicle. A pink slip is required for re-registration, not for the sale itself.

What about selling an unregistered car in NSW?

You can sell an unregistered vehicle in NSW as long as it's clearly disclosed. The buyer would need to obtain a Safety Check before registering it in their name.

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