The average cost to register a car in Victoria ranges from $700 to $900 per year, depending on vehicle type, usage, and location. This includes the base registration fee, Transport Accident Charge (TAC), and insurance duty.

Understanding Car Registration Costs in Victoria

Car registration in Victoria is a legal requirement for all vehicles intended for use on public roads. The total annual cost is made up of three main components: the base registration fee, the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) charge, and insurance duty. Every car owner, whether living in Melbourne’s inner suburbs or regional Victoria, pays this fee to VicRoads to maintain legal road use status.

The total fee varies depending on:

• Vehicle type (passenger car, motorcycle, commercial vehicle)

• Owner’s residential location (metro vs regional)

• Intended use (private or commercial)

Here is a breakdown of the 2025 registration costs for a standard light vehicle (private use, metro area):

Car owners in regional or rural Victoria, such as those in Bendigo or Shepparton, benefit from a reduced TAC charge (approx. $362.70), making their annual registration around $719.36.

Why Registration Costs Vary by Region and Vehicle Type

Registration charges differ based on where the car is garaged and the nature of its use. The TAC charge, for instance, reflects the road usage risk in different areas. Metro areas like Melbourne CBD and St Kilda face higher traffic density, increasing accident risk. This results in a higher TAC fee for metro drivers.

Typical Costs by Vehicle Type (Private Use)

Motorcycles and light commercial vehicles, such as utes or vans, attract different charges due to their accident risk profiles and insurance liabilities.

Registration Discounts and Concessions Available

Eligible Victorians can access reduced registration costs through various concessions offered by VicRoads. These are available for:

• Pensioners and health care cardholders

• Veterans with DVA cards

• Seniors aged 60 and above with limited income

• Select charitable organisations

A typical concession can reduce the base registration fee by 50 percent, but the TAC charge remains unchanged. For example, an eligible pensioner in a regional area may pay just over $560 in total.

Ideal for:

• Seniors in regional towns like Wangaratta or Bairnsdale

• Low-income individuals using small, fuel-efficient cars

• Not-for-profit community vehicles

How to Register a Vehicle in Victoria – Step-by-Step

To register a vehicle in Victoria, car owners must follow a specific process that ensures safety, compliance, and proper documentation. This is particularly important for buyers of second-hand or Cash for Unregistered Cars.

Registration Process:

1. Complete a Vehicle Registration Form – downloadable from VicRoads

2. Provide proof of identity – a driver licence or valid ID

3. Present a Vehicle Inspection Certificate – for unregistered vehicles

4. Submit Proof of Ownership – receipt or sale agreement

5. Pay the required fees – in person or online via the VicRoads portal

Additional Charges to Consider:

For those registering unregistered vehicles, these add-ons can bring total costs closer to $1,200.

Trusted Support for Unregistered Cars and Car Disposal

For Victorians looking to avoid high registration costs, especially for old, unused, or damaged cars, using a trusted car buyer is a smart alternative. One such example is Melbourne Cash for Carz, a licensed and verified local provider in Victoria’s automotive industry.

They specialise in purchasing both registered and unregistered cars, with or without a Roadworthy Certificate (RWC), offering:

• Instant cash offers from $500 to $9,999

• Same-day car removal anywhere in Melbourne

• Free towing and paperwork assistance

• No requirement for rego or roadworthy

Their service is ideal for car owners with ageing vehicles not worth registering, or those needing urgent disposal without added expenses. With good communication and a friendly team, they provide reliable support across Victoria suburbs, including Frankston, Dandenong, and Werribee.

Who Should Register, and Who Should Sell Instead?

Ideal for Car Owners to Register:

• Vehicles under 10 years old with minimal wear

• Cars still under finance or regularly used for commuting

• Residents planning long-term use and insurance coverage

Ideal for Selling Instead of Registering:

• Unregistered or damaged vehicles costing over $1,000 to register

• Old cars with poor resale value or major repairs needed

• Owners moving interstate who want fast disposal

In these cases, vehicle owners often turn to car buyers and recyclers like Pick-A-Part Kilsyth, Metro Car Removal, or Melbourne Cash for Carz.

Comparison: Register vs Sell Your Car

Common Questions about Car Registration Costs in VIC

Can I register a car in Victoria without a roadworthy certificate?

Only in limited cases, such as transferring a brand-new vehicle from a dealership. Private vehicle sales and unregistered cars require a valid RWC before registration.

How long does registration last in Victoria?

You can register a car for 12 months or choose short-term options (3 or 6 months) via VicRoads, ideal for budget-conscious owners.

Is there a discount for electric vehicles (EVs)?

As of 2025, EVs do not receive a registration discount but are subject to a separate ZLEV road user charge of 2.8 cents per kilometer.

Can I pay my car registration in installments?

Yes. VicRoads allows eligible owners to pay in quarterly or six-monthly installments, making it easier for households to manage large bills.

Learn More: https://www.melbournecashforcarz.com.au/how-to-register-an-unregistered-car-in-victoria/

Final Thoughts

Registering a car in Victoria involves more than just paying a fee. It ensures that your vehicle meets legal, safety, and insurance standards based on your location and usage. By understanding what’s included in registration costs and how they compare with your car’s condition or value, you can make informed financial decisions.

For car owners with unwanted or unregistered vehicles, it is often more practical to opt for cash car buyers like Melbourne Cash for Carz, who offer same-day removal, instant payments, and free towing across Victoria. This provides a fast and stress-free solution for cars that are no longer roadworthy or cost-effective to register.