How to cancel registration of a vehicle

If you want to cancel your rego

You can voluntarily cancel a vehicle registration at any time, as long as you're the registered operator.

You'll need to go to a motor registry and provide:

• Proof of your identity.
• The Certificate of Registration for the vehicle (if available).
• A completed and signed Number Plates form. The form must be signed by both registered operators if the registration is in joint names (one person may authorise the other to attend on their behalf).
• The number plate(s) if you have access to them. You can place them in hold at a motor registry if required.
• If the vehicle was written-off, a letter from the insurer showing the date of incident.
• If the vehicle was stolen, a Police Event Number. You'll be given this number when you report the incident to the NSW Police Assistance Line or your local Police.

Fees and refunds

You will have to pay a cancellation fee, and you may be entitled to a refund for the unused portion of the motor vehicle tax.

Refunding registration when NSW number plates are surrendered in another State

This information applies to:

• Former NSW residents who move interstate, transfer the registration of a vehicle to the new State and wish to claim a refund on the remaining portion of the NSW registration.
• Interstate purchasers of a NSW-registered vehicle who wish to claim a refund on the remaining NSW registration.

Note: Only the registered operator of a vehicle is entitled to a refund of the registration. Interstate purchasers of a NSW-registered vehicle must therefore transfer the NSW registration into their name, then cancel the NSW registration and register the vehicle in another State in order to claim a refund.

What you need to provide:

• The NSW plate number.
• The make and model, engine number and VIN/chassis number of the vehicle.
• A 'surrendered number plate' receipt from the interstate authority.
• Evidence of the current Certificate of Registration from the State that the vehicle is now registered in. The Certificate must be in your name and show the payment of stamp duties to the relevant State (if ownership of the vehicle is transferred).
• A copy of your proof of identity (the proof of identity must match the name of the person who is now the registered operator of the vehicle).
• For interstate purchasers, proof of acquisition which includes the date of sale and the purchase price (eg signed transfer details on the back of the registration form, or a receipt from the seller).

Send your application for a refund to:

Manual Refunds Officer
RTA Driver Administration Section
Locked Bag 14
Grafton NSW 2460

If your rego is cancelled

The RTA can cancel your vehicle registration if:

• The registration has not been renewed three months after expiry.
• A 'Notice of intention to cancel' has been issued and the matter has not been resolved.
• The State Debt Recovery Office requests the cancellation due to an outstanding fine.

Remember, it is illegal to drive an unregistered vehicle.

Fees and refunds

You will have to pay a cancellation fee, and you may also be entitled to a refund for the unused portion of the motor vehicle tax.