Selling an Unregistered Car in Queensland — Process & Plates

When selling an unregistered car in Queensland, follow these steps to ensure clean legal compliance:

1. Remove Number Plates: Check the registration cancellation and plate requirements before collection.
2. Surrender Plates to TMR: Where required, surrender plates with the cancellation application. Personalised and missing plates have separate instructions.
3. Claim Unused Registration & CTP Refund: TMR will process a refund for any remaining unused registration and CTP insurance balance.
4. Provide Proof of Ownership: Present your driver's licence and registration paperwork to the buyer as proof of ownership.

Because unregistered cars cannot legally touch public Queensland roads, transporting the vehicle requires proper equipment:

• Tilt-Tray Towing: The vehicle is loaded entirely onto a flatbed tow truck. This is the safest and standard method for direct car buyers.
• Unregistered Vehicle Permit: If attempting to drive an unregistered vehicle yourself, you must purchase a short-term permit from TMR and arrange CTP cover prior to driving.

An unregistered sale and a registered transfer are different processes. If cancellation is needed, check who is recorded as operator and follow TMR instructions. Standard plates, personalised plates and missing plates can require different handling; do not apply one blanket instruction to every case.

For an unregistered sale, keep a written record identifying the vehicle and parties. TMR says an unregistered vehicle can be sold without a safety certificate. Movement on public roads is a separate question: towing or a suitable permit and conditions may apply. Do not assume an unregistered car can be driven because it is being sold.

Check the Queensland Government guidance for your circumstances: safety certificates, selling an unregistered vehicle, and registration cancellation and plates.

For a practical handover checklist, read how the sale and collection process works. An offer does not itself transfer registration or settle an insurance or finance obligation.