PPSR checks are common when buying and selling cars — but are they legally required? Here's what you need to know as a seller.
There is no legal requirement in Australia for a seller to obtain or provide a PPSR certificate before selling a vehicle. The PPSR check is a buyer protection measure — it benefits the buyer by revealing encumbrances, write-off history, and stolen status.
As a seller, you are not legally obligated to provide one. However, not providing one can create friction in a private sale, as informed buyers will conduct their own check before handing over money.
Even if you're not legally required to provide a PPSR check, there are practical reasons to do one before listing:
For sales to Sold Fast, we conduct our own PPSR check as standard — you don't need to provide one.
If there's an active finance security interest on your car and you sell without disclosing it, the buyer may have rights to seek a remedy. Always disclose known finance encumbrances.
Contact your lender and request a 'discharge of security interest'. They are legally required to release it within 5 business days of full payout.
Have money owing on your car? You can still sell. This guide explains exactly how the finance payout process works, what to expect, and how Sold Fast handles it for you.
A PPSR check reveals whether a car is subject to money owing, has been reported written off, or is listed as stolen. Here's what sellers need to know about PPSR before they list or sell.
A PPSR check costs $2.20 and takes 60 seconds — but who should pay for it, and is it worth doing before you list or sell?