The Ultimate Guide to Selling a Car in Tasmania (2025)

Selling a used car in Tasmania can seem like a maze of paperwork and legal questions. But with the right preparation, it can be a simple and profitable process. Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or simply need to get cash for a vehicle you no longer use, this guide will walk you through every step with expert clarity.

We’ll cover everything from the essential documents required by Service Tasmania to the pros and cons of your selling options. As Hobart’s trusted local car buyers, our goal is to give you the confidence to sell your car the right way.

Step 1: Get Your Paperwork in Order

Before you even think about creating an ad, the most critical step is to gather your documentation. Having this ready proves you are the legitimate owner and makes the entire transaction smooth and legal.

The Essential Documents:

• Proof of Ownership (Certificate of Registration): This is your most important document. It proves the vehicle is legally yours to sell.
• Proof of Identity: Your current Tasmanian driver’s licence or another form of government-issued photo ID is required.
• Notice of Disposal (NOD): This is the legal form you’ll need to complete after the sale to tell Service Tasmania you no longer own the car.
• PPSR Certificate (Highly Recommended): The Personal Property Securities Register certificate proves to a potential buyer that there is no finance owing on the vehicle. Providing one builds immense trust and can speed up a sale. You can get one easily online at ppsr.gov.au:

Step 2: Understand Your Selling Options in Tasmania

You have two main paths to take when selling your vehicle.

Option A: Selling Privately

A private sale through sites like Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace can sometimes get you a higher price, but it demands a significant amount of your time and effort. You are responsible for everything:

• Writing compelling ads and taking high-quality photos.
• Fielding calls and messages, often from “tyre kickers” and low-ballers.
• Arranging and supervising inspections and test drives.
• Handling price negotiations.
• Ensuring all legal paperwork is filled out and submitted correctly.

Option B: Selling to a Licensed Car Buyer (The Easy Way)

Selling to a professional, licensed car buyer like  Hobart Car Buyers offers a guaranteed, stress-free alternative. This is the best choice for anyone who values speed and convenience.

Key benefits include:

• An Instant, Guaranteed Offer: Get a firm cash offer in minutes without any negotiation.
• We Come to You: There’s no need to arrange inspections; we come to your location.
• Paperwork Handled: Our expert team assists with all the necessary forms, including the Notice of Disposal.
• Any Condition, No RWC Needed: We buy cars “as-is.” This brings us to a crucial question…

Step 3: The Big Question – Do I Need a Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) in TAS?

This is one of the most common points of confusion for sellers in Tasmania. The answer is simple:

No, you are not legally required to provide a Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) when selling a registered or unregistered car in Tasmania.

Unlike in many other states, the responsibility falls on the buyer to ensure the vehicle is roadworthy before they can register it in their name. This is a major advantage for sellers, as it means you do not have to spend money on potentially costly repairs before selling your car. You can legally sell it “as-is.”

Step 4: Completing the Sale & Transfer of Ownership

Once you have agreed on a price with a buyer, the final steps are critical to legally end your responsibility for the vehicle.

1. Prepare a Receipt: Always create a simple receipt for both you and the buyer. It should include the date, vehicle details (Make, Model, VIN, Rego), the final sale price, and the full names, addresses, and signatures of both parties.
2. Receive Full Payment: Never hand over the keys or signed documents until you have confirmed the full payment is in your possession (as cleared funds in your bank or as cash in hand). When we provide [Internal Link to /cash-for-cars-hobart/: instant cash for cars], this step is simple and secure.
3. Submit the Notice of Disposal (NOD): This is the final and most important step. You must lodge the NOD with Service Tasmania, either online or in person. This officially informs the government that you are no longer the registered operator. For official forms, always refer to the [Outbound Link to Service Tasmania: Service Tasmania website].

Selling your car in Tasmania is straightforward when you know the steps. If you want to skip all the hassle and get a guaranteed fair price today, contact our friendly team for a no-obligation quote