Western Australia works differently from states like Victoria. In WA, there is no general rule that a private seller must hand over a roadworthy certificate when selling a currently licensed vehicle. A vehicle inspection is required in specific situations, such as licensing an unlicensed vehicle, clearing a defect notice (yellow sticker) or bringing in a vehicle from interstate. Outside those situations, checking the condition of a private-sale car is largely up to the buyer. This guide explains when WA requires an inspection, what the process looks like, and how to protect yourself when buying or selling without one.
Short answer: is a roadworthy certificate required to sell a car in WA?
Not as a general rule. WA Consumer Protection says private sellers are not required to carry out a roadworthiness check, and that it is up to the buyer to inquire about the roadworthiness of the car. A vehicle inspection is instead tied to licensing and defect-notice situations, set out below. Do not assume a “roadworthy certificate” is needed on every sale in WA, and do not assume the Victorian approach applies here. If you are comparing states, see our guides to the roadworthy certificate in Victoria and the roadworthy certificate in Queensland.
WA vs Victoria: why the answer is different
| Western Australia | Victoria | |
|---|---|---|
| Routine private sale of a currently licensed vehicle | No general seller-provided roadworthy requirement. The buyer is responsible for inquiring about condition | A different regime. See our Victoria guide for how it works |
| When an inspection is required | Specific situations: licensing, defect notices, modifications and certain vehicles at renewal | See our Victoria guide |
| Who inspects | Authorised Inspection Stations (AIS) working for the Department of Transport | See our Victoria guide |
| Protection for buyers | Buyer checks: PPSR, condition checks and an independent inspection | See our Victoria guide |
This comparison is a summary only. Confirm the current rules with the relevant state authority before you buy or sell.
When WA does require a vehicle inspection
The WA Department of Transport lists situations where a vehicle must be inspected. The main ones are:
- Licensing a vehicle in WA, including some vehicles that are unlicensed or whose licence has expired for a period. The Department says that where a licence has expired for three months or more, the vehicle must be inspected.
- Interstate vehicles. Vehicles from other states must be inspected at an Authorised Inspection Station before they can be licensed in WA.
- A defect notice (yellow sticker or work order).
- Modifications to a vehicle.
- Annual inspections or an inspection at each licence renewal for certain vehicles.
- An expired inspection certificate. An inspection certificate or reference number is valid for three months from the date you receive it.
Check the Department’s page, Get a vehicle inspected, for the current list and for your vehicle type. Heavy vehicles (4,500 kg GVM or more) use a heavy vehicle AIS.
Licensing an unlicensed vehicle
If a vehicle is unlicensed (unregistered), it generally cannot be driven on the road to an inspection without a permit. The Department says unlicensed vehicles will need a temporary movement permit to reach the AIS. Permits can be obtained online, by phone or in person through the Department. Fees are set by the Department and change over time, so check the current fee on its website rather than relying on an old figure.
Bringing a vehicle in from interstate
If you buy a car in another state and plan to licence it in WA, plan for an inspection at an AIS before it can be licensed. Our guide to buying a car interstate explains the wider steps, and how to transfer car registration covers the registration side.
Defect notices (yellow stickers)
A defect notice is issued to a vehicle found to be unroadworthy. According to the Department of Transport:
- You need to fix the defect and arrange for the vehicle to be inspected at an AIS.
- The inspection must happen within 14 days of the expiry date on the defect notice.
- The vehicle can’t be driven on WA roads after the expiry date shown on the notice, except in the limited conditions the Department sets out.
- The vehicle will be inspected for all defects, not only those on the notice.
- Non-compliance can lead to a notice to inspect or surrender plates, and possible further action.
Read the Department’s page on the yellow sticker (defect notice) for the current rules.
Authorised inspection stations and what happens if a required inspection fails
Authorised Inspection Stations are private businesses that carry out inspections on behalf of the Department of Transport. You book and pay for the inspection directly with the provider you choose. If your vehicle fails a required inspection, you can book a re-inspection with your preferred AIS using the reference number from your initial receipt. A re-inspection fee applies, and inspection fees are paid to the AIS, so confirm costs with the provider before you book.
Inspection, roadworthy, pre-purchase check and PPSR: not the same thing
| Check | What it is | Who it protects |
|---|---|---|
| Required vehicle inspection (AIS) | A Department of Transport inspection needed in specific licensing and defect situations | Road safety and licensing compliance |
| Independent pre-purchase inspection | A mechanic or inspection service you choose to check a car before you buy | You, as the buyer |
| PPSR check | A register check for money owing, and whether a vehicle has been reported stolen or written off | You, as the buyer |
| Service history and logbook | The car’s maintenance record | You, as the buyer |
None of these replaces another. A required inspection does not tell you about hidden finance, and a PPSR check does not tell you whether the brakes are worn.
Buying a car privately in WA: condition checks
WA Consumer Protection says the Australian Consumer Law does not apply to cars purchased and sold privately, and that Consumer Protection may have limited options to help if something goes wrong. That makes your own checks more important. Cars sold privately are also not covered by the statutory warranties in the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act, according to the Department of Transport. Buying from a dealer is different, so confirm what applies with WA Consumer Protection.
- Inspect the car in daylight and test drive it. Our how to inspect a used car and what to check when buying a used car guides give a full list.
- Arrange an independent pre-purchase inspection. The Department of Transport notes that professional reports and pre-purchase checks can be useful tools to assess the condition of a vehicle.
- Run a PPSR check. It is a separate protection from any inspection. See also how to check if a car is written off.
- Check the licence status. Our WA rego check explains how.
- Ask for the logbook, service records and any finance paperwork.
- Use a written sale agreement and complete the transfer of ownership with the Department of Transport.
Selling a car privately in WA: seller checklist
- You are not generally required to carry out a roadworthiness check for a routine private sale of a licensed vehicle, but you may be held liable if you are aware of a serious defect and do not tell the buyer.
- Describe the car’s condition honestly, and tell the buyer about any finance owing.
- Run a PPSR check on your own car, and settle any money owed before the sale.
- Have the logbook, service history and registration paperwork ready.
- Complete the transfer of ownership form and submit it to the Department of Transport.
See also how to sell a car privately in Australia. A buyer may still ask for an independent inspection or a recent inspection report, and agreeing to one is a seller’s choice.
Compare other states
Rules differ across Australia. See our guides for Victoria, Queensland, and the NSW pink slip and blue slip. For the wider buying process, start with our buy a car guide.
Vehicle inspection WA: FAQs
Do I need a roadworthy certificate to sell my car in WA?
Not as a general rule for a routine private sale of a currently licensed vehicle. WA Consumer Protection says private sellers are not required to carry out a roadworthiness check. Inspections apply in specific situations, such as licensing and defect notices.
When is a vehicle inspection required in WA?
The Department of Transport lists situations including licensing a vehicle, a defect notice, modifications, certain vehicles at licence renewal, interstate vehicles being licensed in WA, and an expired inspection certificate. Check its page for your vehicle.
Is a WA vehicle inspection the same as a Victorian roadworthy certificate?
No. The systems and triggers differ. In WA, inspections are tied to licensing and defect-notice situations rather than to every private sale. See our Victoria guide for how that state works.
How long is a WA inspection certificate valid?
The Department of Transport states a certificate of inspection or reference number is valid for three months from the date you receive it.
What is a yellow sticker?
It is a defect notice issued to a vehicle found to be unroadworthy. The owner must fix the defects and arrange an inspection at an Authorised Inspection Station within the time set by the Department.
What if I buy a car from interstate?
Interstate vehicles must be inspected at an Authorised Inspection Station before they can be licensed in WA.
How do I protect myself when buying a used car privately in WA?
Arrange an independent pre-purchase inspection, run a PPSR check, check the licence status, review the service history and use a written sale agreement. Private purchases are not covered by the Australian Consumer Law.
Does a PPSR check replace an inspection?
No. A PPSR check shows financial and register information, such as money owing and stolen or written-off status. It does not assess the car’s mechanical condition.
This article is general information only and is not legal advice. Rules and fees change; confirm current requirements with the WA Department of Transport and WA Consumer Protection before you buy or sell. Car Buyers Assist is not a government agency.
Written and reviewed by the team at Car Buyers Assist. Sources: WA Department of Transport, Get a vehicle inspected; Yellow sticker (defect notice); Before you buy: private vehicle buying info; WA Consumer Protection, Privately selling a vehicle. Accessed 12 October 2026.