Short answer: Yes, they do.
If you have an unregistered car sitting in your driveway or garage, you might be wondering if it’s still possible to sell it. The good news is, most cash-for-cars services will happily buy unregistered vehicles, often with free towing and instant cash on the spot.
Let’s go over how it works and what you need to know before making the sale.
Why Wreckers and Car Buyers Don’t Mind Unregistered Cars
Unlike dealerships or private buyers who usually prefer registered, roadworthy cars, cash-for-cars services aren’t buying your vehicle to drive it. They’re more interested in:
- Spare parts
- Scrap metal value
- Recyclable materials
So even if your registration expired months ago or the car has been sitting unused, you can still sell it for cash without much fuss.
What Documents Do You Need?
Even though registration isn’t required, you’ll still need to prove that you’re the legal owner of the vehicle. Most cash-for-cars companies will ask for:
- A photo ID (driver’s licence or similar)
- Proof of ownership (this could be a receipt, old rego papers, or another document showing you own the car)
If you no longer have the registration papers, don’t worry. As long as you can show ID and some form of ownership proof, you’re usually good to go.
What Condition Can the Car Be In?
This is where cash-for-cars services really stand out. They’ll take just about anything, including:
- Non-running vehicles
- Wrecked or damaged cars
- Written-off or deregistered vehicles
- Scrap or old vehicles that no longer start
Many services will arrange free towing and take care of the removal process for you, which is especially helpful if the car doesn’t move.
Will I Get Less for an Unregistered Car?
Not necessarily. Cash-for-cars companies don’t base your car’s value on its registration status. What matters more is:
- The make, model, and year
- Overall condition
- Whether parts can be salvaged
- The weight and current value of scrap metal
So, even if the car isn’t registered, you can still get a fair price depending on its condition and what’s under the bonnet.
What Should I Do with the Plates and Registration?
If the plates are still on the vehicle, be sure to remove them before it’s picked up. Then:
- Return the plates to VicRoads (or your local authority)
- Cancel the registration, if it hasn’t expired yet
- Apply for a rego refund if there’s any time left on it
Doing this keeps everything above board and could even put a bit more money back in your pocket.
Final Word: Yes, You Can Sell Your Unregistered Car
Selling an unregistered car might seem tricky, but with a trusted cash-for-cars service, it’s actually pretty simple. You don’t need to jump through hoops or deal with endless buyer questions.
Just request a quote, show your ID, and let the professionals handle the rest—from pickup to paperwork.
Have an unregistered car to sell?
We make it easy. Fast quotes, free towing, and instant cash—no rego required. Contact us today and let us take the hassle out of it.
If you are in Montrose, and looking for a cash for cars service, this is the best way to visit us.
Croydon Cash For Cars
18 Thomas Brew Lane, Croydon VIC 3136
(03) 7047 6673