Can you sell a car without registration in Queensland? The short answer is yes – absolutely. Many people assume their unregistered vehicle is worthless or unsellable, but that’s simply not true.
Whether your registration has expired, you’ve cancelled it, or the car was never registered in your name, you can still sell it for cash. This guide explains everything you need to know about selling an unregistered vehicle in QLD legally and safely.
Why Do People End Up With Unregistered Cars?
There are many legitimate reasons why a car might be unregistered:
Registration expired while the car was unused or stored
Failed roadworthy inspection and wasn’t worth repairing
Mechanical breakdown made the car undrivable
The owner passed away, and the rego lapsed
The insurance write-off cancelled the registration
Simply forgot to renew while overseas or away
Decided not to renew because the car wasn’t being used
Whatever the reason, an unregistered car is still your property, and you have every right to sell it.
📞 Have an Unregistered Car? Call 0435 955 334
Is It Legal to Sell an Unregistered Car in Queensland?
Yes, it is completely legal to sell an unregistered vehicle in Queensland. The key legal requirements are:
You Must Be the Legal Owner
You need to prove you own the vehicle. This is typically done with registration papers showing your name, even if the rego has expired. The papers prove ownership regardless of registration status.
The Vehicle Cannot Be Driven on Public Roads
An unregistered car cannot legally be driven on Queensland roads. This means you cannot deliver it to a buyer. Instead, the buyer needs to come to you, or the car needs to be towed. Cash for cars services like A2Z Car Removals handle this by coming to your location with a tow truck.
No Roadworthy Certificate Required
When selling to a licensed car buyer or wrecker, you do not need a roadworthy certificate (Safety Certificate). These businesses buy cars in any condition.
What Documents Do You Need to Sell an Unregistered Car?
Essential Documents
Photo ID (driver’s licence or passport)
Proof of ownership – this can be expired registration papers, previous transfer documents, or a receipt from when you purchased the vehicle
What If You’ve Lost the Papers?
If you don’t have registration papers, you have options:
Order a vehicle history report from Queensland Transport
Provide a statutory declaration confirming ownership
Show the original purchase receipt or transfer documents
Contact us to discuss your specific situation – we can often help find a solution
Your Options for Selling an Unregistered Car
Option 1: Cash for Cars Service (Recommended)
The easiest option. Cash for cars services like A2Z Car Removals:
Come to your location – no need to move the car
Buy cars without registration or roadworthiness
Handle all paperwork
Pay cash on the spot
Provide free towing
This is the fastest, safest, and most convenient option for most people.
Option 2: Private Sale (More Complicated)
You can sell to a private buyer, but:
The car cannot be driven to show buyers or for test drives
Buyers need to arrange their own towing
You need to complete a transfer of ownership form
Finding a buyer for an unregistered car is difficult
Most private buyers want registered, drivable vehicles
Option 3: Re-register Then Sell (Usually Not Worth It)
You could re-register the car, but this requires:
Paying registration fees
Getting a roadworthy certificate (Safety Certificate)
Making any repairs needed to pass inspection
For older or damaged cars, this often costs more than the car is worth. Selling as-is to a cash for cars service makes more financial sense.
How Much Can You Get for an Unregistered Car?
Registration status doesn’t dramatically affect what we pay. Value is based on:
Make and model (popular brands like Toyota command higher prices)
Age and kilometres
Running condition (does it start and drive?)
Completeness (all parts present?)
Body condition (rust, damage)
A2Z Car Removals pays up to $9,999 for vehicles, regardless of registration status.
What Our Customers Say
Here’s what real customers say about A2Z Car Removals:
“Very quick and reliable” – Logan T.
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“Zak came on time to pick up my car and paid me good money for it as well” – Sandy H.
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“Great service, easy and quick to work with, and fair” – Connor K.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Very quick and easy. Really nice bloke. Highly recommend” – Tamas D.
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📞 Sell Your Unregistered Car Today! Call 0435 955 334
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a car be unregistered before I can’t sell it?
There’s no time limit. Whether your registration expired last month or 10 years ago, you can still sell the car.
Do I need to notify Queensland Transport when I sell?
If the car still appears on their records as registered to you (even with expired rego), it’s good practice to notify them of the disposal. We can guide you through this process.
Can I sell if the car is in someone else’s name?
Generally, you need to be the registered owner or have proper authorisation (such as a power of attorney for a deceased estate). Contact us to discuss your specific situation.
What if my car has unpaid fines or tolls?
Unpaid fines don’t prevent the sale, but they remain your responsibility. We recommend settling outstanding debts, though we can still purchase the vehicle.
Ready to Sell Your Unregistered Car?
Don’t let an unregistered car sit around taking up space. A2Z Car Removals makes selling easy:
We buy cars without registration
No roadworthy certificate needed
Free towing to your location
Up to $9,999 cash on the spot
We handle all paperwork
Same-day service available
📞 Call Now: 0435 955 334 for your free quote!
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A2Z Car Removals – Brisbane’s trusted car removal service. Quick, easy, fair.
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