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Should I obtain a roadworthy certificate or vehicle inspection report before selling my car?

Having the correct documentation when selling a vehicle will help ease the process and speed things up. Find out here whether or not you need to produce a valid roadworthy certificate or a vehicle inspection report when selling a used vehicle.

Selling a Car2 min read

Selling a vehicle is often a daunting process. Dealerships and salespeople are always keen to help in any which way possible when it comes to buying a car, but you're left on your own when it comes time to sell. This is why many people opt for the easy route of simply trading a car in and accepting the loss. It's just more convenient that way. AutoTrader can help you get the best value for your car and help facilitate the sale, taking care of the necessary paperwork though. All you have to do is click on this link for our Instant Offer service. It's completely free, and you're under no obligation to sell.

Related: Buying a car from a private seller - paperwork explained

While there are several important pieces of paperwork required to ensure a successful and smooth transaction, many items that you think you may need are not always necessary. To find out what paperwork is required, click here to see if you have all you need.

 

Is a roadworthy certificate required to sell a car?

You do not need to provide a valid roadworthy certificate when selling a vehicle. Roadworthy certificates are only valid for 60 days from their date of issue, and while this is most certainly a deal sweetener, it's not a legal requirement. Should you and the seller agree to a valid roadworthy certificate being produced to conclude the sale, that will be a freestanding agreement between the two parties.

 

Do you have to provide a vehicle inspection report when selling a vehicle?

Again, this is not a legal requirement of the seller of a vehicle, however, the seller is required to state any faults of known issues with the vehicle at the time of the sale. This is a Consumer Protection Act requirement and ensures that both parties are transparent with the information they are providing the other.

Having a vehicle inspection report available will help confirm the condition of the vehicle and provide additional security for the buyer. It also helps you, the seller, in the event of a comeback or complaint once the sale is concluded. 

We would recommend having a vehicle inspection report done and noting this in your advert listing. It will help weed out tyre-kickers and ensure that only interested parties come to inspect and test drive the vehicle. It will also help avoid any confusion around the state of the vehicle you're selling. The buyer will appreciate this.

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Written by Chad Lückhoff

Chad is a former motorsport commentator, technical editor, and has an unhealthy obsession with 90s Japanese sports cars. He is happiest when surrounded by drift cars and smoking tyres. As comfortable in front of the camera as he is behind it, he’ll take you behind the wheel with his video reviews, written recounts, and invoking photography. One of the first to join the AutoTrader fray, Chad has been living his passion at AutoTrader for over 11-years.Read more

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