You can voluntarily cancel a vehicle registration at any time, as long as you're the registered operator.
NSW residents
You'll need to go to a motor registry and provide:
- 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 (special number plates only).
- 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.
Interstate residents
This information applies to:
- Former NSW residents who move interstate, register the vehicle in the new State and wish to claim a refund on the remaining NSW registration.
- Interstate acquirers of a NSW-registered vehicle who wish to claim a refund on the remaining NSW registration.
- The NSW registration must be transferred into your name for a fee before you are eligible to claim a refund.
- Both the transfer and refund can be processed by mail and at the same time.
Note: You do not need to go to a motor registry. You may send your request for transfer and refund of NSW registration by mail to:
Manual Refunds
Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) Customer Administration
Locked Bag 14
Grafton NSW 2460
You'll also need to provide the following:
- A completed and signed Request for refund of NSW registration form. The form must be signed by both registered operators if the registration is in joint names.
- The NSW plate number.
- The make, year and VIN/chassis number of the vehicle.
- A 'surrendered number plate' receipt from the interstate authority.
- A copy of the current interstate Certificate of Registration in your name (the Certificate must show the payment of stamp duty to the new State if the NSW registration was in a different name).
- For interstate acquirers, a copy of your Proof of Registration Entitlement which shows the date of acquisition and the vehicle's market value (eg signed transfer details on the back of the NSW Certificate of Registration, or a receipt from the seller).
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. You may also have to pay a transfer fee.