A plain-English checklist of what to have ready before you sell a car for cash in Queensland, and what to do afterwards.
Paperwork is the part of selling a car that puts people off. It's simpler than it looks, and for a cash sale with removal there's less of it than for a private sale. Here's what to have ready and what to tidy up afterwards.
Before we arrive
- Proof that the car is yours. Registration papers are ideal, but a renewal notice, purchase receipt or anything else linking your name to the vehicle also helps. This still applies when the registration has lapsed.
- Photo ID. A driver licence is fine. We check it against the ownership details so everyone is protected.
- Both sets of keys, if you have them. Not essential, and a missing key won't stop the sale.
What you don't need
You do not need to repair anything, and you do not need a roadworthy or safety certificate when a car is sold unregistered or sold to be wrecked rather than driven away by a new owner. That's the situation for most of the cars we buy, so there's no point spending money on repairs first.
After the sale
- Tell Transport and Main Roads the car is gone. Lodging the disposal or transfer paperwork is what stops future tolls, fines and rego notices landing on you. Do it promptly.
- Cancel your registration if it's still current and ask about a refund on the unused portion. It's often worth more than people expect.
- Cancel or transfer the insurance, including any comprehensive policy still running on the vehicle.
- Remove your toll tag, plus anything else of yours in the glovebox or boot.
Not sure where you stand?
Requirements do change, so confirm the current rules with Queensland's Department of Transport and Main Roads for your situation. If you're stuck on a specific detail, give us a call. We handle these sales every week and we're happy to talk you through what applies to your car before you commit to anything.