So, you’ve finally decided to part ways with your old car. Maybe it’s been sitting in the driveway collecting dust, or perhaps it just failed one too many times at the mechanic. Whatever the reason, you’re ready to sell—and maybe even score some instant cash from a car removal service like ours. But then you wonder… Should I remove the number plates before selling the car?
It’s a good question. One we get asked all the time. And the answer? Yes—in most cases, you definitely should. But there are a few things to consider first. Let’s break it down.
Why Removing Number Plates Matters
When you’re selling your car, the number plates are more than just random bits of metal. They’re tied to you—your registration, your name, your history with that vehicle. Leaving them on after handing over the car can lead to some unexpected issues.
Here’s a quick story to make it real.
A customer of ours in Melbourne forgot to remove their plates before selling their car to a private buyer. A few weeks later, they started receiving fines in the mail—parking tickets and even a toll charge. Turns out, the buyer hadn’t transferred the car’s ownership, and the plates were still registered in the seller’s name. That situation got messy fast.
If they’d removed the plates before the sale and handed them back to VicRoads, they could’ve avoided the entire headache.
What Happens to the Plates?
In most Australian states, number plates stay with the owner, not the vehicle. So when you remove them, you have a couple of options:
- Return them to your local roads authority (like VicRoads in Victoria) if you’re cancelling the registration.
- Transfer them to a new vehicle if you’re planning on getting another car soon.
- Keep them as memorabilia—yes, some people do this, especially for personalised or custom plates!
Returning the plates usually involves handing them over in person and filling out a quick form. It’s painless, and it protects you from any future legal or financial troubles tied to that old car.
What If You’re Selling to a Wrecker or Cash-for-Cars Company?
Here’s where things get even easier.
If you’re selling to a reputable car removal service like ours, we’ll remind you to take the plates off before we tow the car away. That’s because in most cases, the car will be deregistered and scrapped—so those plates aren’t needed.
We’ve had customers who forgot, and while we were happy to help them retrieve the plates later, it’s always smoother if it’s done on the spot. No one likes having to dig through a pile of old car parts at the wrecking yard!
Tip: Keep a screwdriver handy on pickup day. Number plates are usually held on with just a few screws, and it takes under five minutes to remove them.
What About Personalised Plates?
If you have personalised plates—especially ones with sentimental or high resale value—you definitely want to keep them.
We once had a customer who had “CHEEKY1” on their car. They sold the vehicle but forgot about the plates until it was too late. Unfortunately, once the car went to scrap, those plates were lost for good. Personalised plates can often be transferred to a new car, or even sold separately if they’re in demand.
So if your plates have meaning or value to you, make sure you remove and retain them before the sale.
Final Steps After Removing the Plates
Once you’ve taken the plates off, don’t forget to:
- Cancel your registration (if the car is being scrapped)
- Let your insurer know the car has been sold
- Notify your local roads authority (in Victoria, that’s VicRoads) that you’ve sold or disposed of the vehicle
These steps are quick but important—they close the loop and officially take the car off your hands.
TL;DR – Yes, Remove the Plates
If you’re still wondering whether or not to remove the number plates before selling your car, here’s the short answer:
✅ Yes, remove them.
✅ Return them or transfer them.
✅ Avoid the drama later.
And if you’re working with a car removal company like ours, we’re always happy to walk you through the process. We want to make it as easy, quick, and stress-free as possible—no paperwork confusion, no loose ends.
Need help with your car sale or not sure what to do next? Give us a call. We’ve helped thousands of people just like you, and we’re here to make the whole thing smooth and simple.
Got more questions? Drop them in the comments or contact our friendly team. Whether you’re selling a rust bucket, a broken-down truck, or a car that just won’t go anymore, we’re here to help.
If you are in Yarraville, Victoria 3013, and looking for a cash for cars service, this is the best way to visit us.
Melbourne City Cash For Cars
201-207 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000