Scrapping Your Car in WA: How to Cancel the Licence, Return Plates and Claim a Refund
Scrapping an old or damaged car in Perth becomes easier when you know the paperwork. A Cash for Cars service may take your car off your hands, but the car license is still in your name until you handle the state. In Western Australia that’s the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI, previously known as the Department of Transport). Here’s the licensing side of car scrapping in WA, from returning plates to claiming a refund.
Steps to Cancel Your Vehicle Licence in WA
In WA it is the owner’s responsibility to cancel a vehicle licence, not the buyer’s. Owners can voluntarily cancel by returning the number plates to DTMI. If you lose or have your plates stolen, you complete a Lost/stolen number plates notification (Form VL14) instead. If the car is registered in joint names only the nominated responsible person needs to complete it.
- Remove both plates before the car is collected.
- Return the plates to DTMI.
- Apply for any refund owing.
There’s a procedure for written-off vehicles. When a car is written off, its licence is cancelled and the plates must be returned within 28 days.
Number Plate Return in Western Australia
It’s important where you return the plates. Take it to a DTMI Service Centre or Regional Agent. Plates will not be accepted at the Joondalup Driver Assessment Centre or Perth metropolitan Australia Post outlets.
Or you can post them with a small note saying why you’re returning them. The WA Government’s address is: Driver and Vehicle Services, Returned number plates, GPO Box R1290, Perth WA 6844. Send it but check it against the DTMI vehicle licence cancellations page first.
Don't keep the old plates. “Number plates in WA are not to be retained for decorative or sentimental reasons,” the DTMI says.
Claiming a Vehicle Licence Refund
If you cancel you may apply for a pro rata refund of licence fees for the remainder of the licence period. And the refund starts from the date you turn in the plates, so don’t delay. You might also be entitled to a pro rata refund of your Motor Injury Insurance (MII).
These factors affect eligibility and the amount:
- Refunds go only to the WA licensed owner, except for deceased estates.
- If the licence was cancelled over an unresolved defect notice (yellow sticker), only the MII portion is refundable.
- A refund cannot be processed while the licence has a fine suspension or an outstanding transfer fee.
- For accident damage, an accident report or insurer letter can set the refund date to the accident date.
If you use DoTDirect, eligible credits appear in your account. Otherwise, lodge an Application for Refund (Form C2).
How WA Car Removals Helps
WA Car Removals buy unwanted, damaged, old and scrap vehicles across Perth. Our Cash for Cars team will provide quotes on the make, model, year and condition. Then, we set up Free Car Removal and pay you right there. You just need to show proof of ownership and a photo ID.
We take care of the towing and recycling. We don’t end your licence or take your money back. Take your plates off before we get there and put them back shortly after. Those steps are between you and DTMI.
Get Cash for Your Scrap Car Today
In WA scrapping a car means three jobs – selling the car, returning the plates and claiming any refund. WA Car Removals takes care of that first one. Free Car Removal and Cash for Cars anywhere in Perth. Book now by calling 0422 622 617 or get a Quote online.