Lost the Paperwork? Selling a Car Without Licence Papers in WA

Lost your car's licence papers during a move, a shed clean-out or in the depths of the glovebox? You’re not alone, and it doesn’t have to derail a sale.

In WA you can often sell a car without papers, but first you have to work out what you are missing: either the licence papers or your proof that you own the car. Here’s what WA car owners need to know before selling or booking a removal. 

Can You Sell a Car Without Licence Papers in WA?

In WA most of what people call “rego papers” are called vehicle licence papers. If you lose them you don't have to stop selling, because you can usually replace them.

It's good to know that ownership and licence papers are not the same thing. The Department of Transport (DoT) says a vehicle licence document is not necessarily a proof of ownership. The legal owner and licence holder can be different people.

Requirements also depend on type of sale. Selling a car privately that is currently licensed involves a formal licence transfer, whereby the seller informs DoT within 7 days and passes the licence papers to the buyer. When you’re selling an unwanted or unlicensed car for removal it generally comes down to proving you own it and can sell it. 

What to Do If You Have Lost Your Vehicle Licence Papers

Replacing lost vehicle licence papers in WA is fairly simple if your car is currently licensed. A copy can be obtained from DoT:

• Online via your DoTDirect account
• In person at a Driver and Vehicle Services centre or regional agent, with suitable identification

A copy does not renew or extend your license. DoT also doesn’t provide copies of expired vehicle licence documents, so if your car’s licence has expired, you’ll have to rely on other proof of ownership instead. 

What Documents May Help Prove Vehicle Ownership?

The whole point of WA’s vehicle ownership proof is to prove your clear connection to the car. Useful items include:

• your photo ID, such as a WA driver’s licence
• the number plate, the VIN (vehicle identification number) and the engine number.
• a receipt or tax invoice marked paid in full, or a contract of sale with receipt your copy of the transfer form (MR9) when you bought the car

The DoT has a Declaration of Vehicle Ownership (VL50) form which it considers on a case by case basis where documents are missing.

Contact DoT on 13 11 56 if ownership is unclear or disputed. Ownership disputes are civil matters, and you may need legal advice. 

Can You Arrange Car Removal Without Registration Papers?

Yes, normally, but it is contingent upon the situation of your vehicle and the verification process of the removal company. It's one thing to sell a car without the registration papers, and another to sell a car you can't prove belongs to you.

Call WA Car Removals before you book and let us know what is missing. The team usually asks for proof of ownership and valid photo ID so talk it through and they can tell you what will work for you.

You must own the vehicle or otherwise have the legal right to sell or dispose of it, whatever papers you have. Reputable car removal services in Perth will check this before they collect. 

Contact WA Car Removals for Help

WA Car Removals is a local team providing free car removals in metropolitan Perth for cars of all makes and conditions from old runabouts to damaged and unwanted cars.

Want to dump a car you don’t want in WA but can’t find the paperwork? Before booking your car removal Perth, contact us. Call us on 0422 622 617 or get a quote online, tell us about your car and what documents you do have and we’ll walk you through your options.