Do You Need a Roadworthy Certificate to Sell a Motorcycle in Victoria? 

Selling a motorbike in Victoria? Before you hand over the keys, you’ll need to know where you stand legally because in most cases, you’ll need a Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) to complete the sale and transfer ownership through VicRoads.

The rules are similar to selling a car, but with a few motorcycle-specific details and exceptions. Whether you’re upgrading bikes or clearing out the garage, this guide breaks down exactly what’s required — and what your buyer needs to know too.

Need one now? Book a motorcycle roadworthy inspection with JAF Autos in Hoppers Crossing for a fast, fair check that’s fully VicRoads-compliant.

When a Roadworthy Certificate Is Required

In Victoria, the seller is responsible for providing a valid RWC when selling a registered motorcycle to a private buyer. This certificate must be issued within 30 days of the sale date.

Without it, you can’t legally transfer registration to the new owner.

You’ll need an RWC if:

  • The bike is currently registered
  • You’re selling to a private individual
  • The registration is being transferred into the buyer’s name

Exceptions: When You Don’t Need an RWC

There are a few situations where a Roadworthy Certificate isn’t required for the sale:
No RWC needed if:
You’re selling an unregistered motorcycle
You’re selling to a licensed motor vehicle trader
You and the buyer agree to cancel the registration before the sale
The buyer is purchasing for parts or off-road use only
But keep in mind - without an RWC, the buyer will be unable to transfer registration unless they organise their own inspection later.

What About the Buyer?

Buyers should confirm whether the seller is supplying an RWC before finalising the sale. If not, they’ll need to arrange one themselves — and potentially fix issues that could have been negotiated earlier.

At JAF Autos, we provide independent motorcycle roadworthy checks so buyers know what they’re getting — especially with second-hand bikes or recent modifications.

What’s Checked in a Motorbike Roadworthy?

A valid RWC confirms the bike is safe to operate on public roads. Our VicRoads-accredited inspectors check:

Brakes
Tyres
Lights & indicators
Suspension
Frame and VIN
Leaks or safety defects

How Long Is a Roadworthy Certificate Valid?

In Victoria, an RWC is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. If your bike doesn’t sell in that time, you’ll need a new inspection before transferring rego.

We recommend only getting an RWC once you’re ready to list or sell the bike — to avoid expiry issues.

Book a Motorcycle RWC in Hoppers Crossing

Whether you’re selling your motorbike or preparing to buy one, JAF Autos can provide a quick, honest roadworthy inspection that meets VicRoads requirements. No upsells, no pressure — just a clear pass or fail.

Book your motorbike roadworthy certificate now and sell with confidence.

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