When buying or selling a used car in Australia, one of the most common terms you’ll come across is RWC, short for Roadworthy Certificate. Whether you’re preparing your vehicle for sale, transferring registration, or re-registering a car from another state, understanding how an RWC works can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration.
In this guide, we’ll take you through what an RWC is, who issues it, how to get one, and why it matters for both car buyers and sellers — especially in Victoria.
What Is an RWC?
An RWC (Roadworthy Certificate) is a document issued by an authorised vehicle tester or licensed mechanic, confirming that your vehicle meets the minimum safety standards to be driven on public roads.
It’s not a guarantee that the vehicle is in perfect mechanical condition — rather, it’s a safety clearance showing that major components like brakes, tyres, steering, suspension, seatbelts, and lights are all functioning correctly and safely.
Without an RWC, you generally can’t:
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Sell a registered second-hand car
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Transfer a car’s ownership
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Re-register a vehicle that has been unregistered or imported from another state
The RWC requirement helps ensure that unsafe vehicles don’t end up back on the road, reducing risks for everyone who shares it.
When Do You Need an RWC?
Most Australian states require an RWC during specific transactions involving registered vehicles. You’ll need one if you are:
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Selling a registered car — the seller must provide a valid RWC before ownership transfer.
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Re-registering an unregistered car — cars that have been off the road or deregistered must pass inspection before being used again.
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Transferring interstate registration — if you’ve recently moved or bought a vehicle from another state, it must pass your new state’s roadworthy inspection.
Some drivers also need an RWC after their vehicle has been defected by police or if they’re repairing a write-off that’s eligible for re-registration.
What’s Included in an RWC Inspection?
A certified RWC inspection covers safety-related systems and visible mechanical conditions, focusing on roadworthiness rather than cosmetic wear or performance tuning.
Typically, an authorised inspector will check:
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Wheels and tyres: tread depth, damage, and correct sizing.
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Steering, suspension, and braking systems: ensuring the car handles and stops safely.
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Seats and seatbelts: condition, proper installation, and functionality.
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Lamps and indicators: all lights must operate properly, including brake lights and turn signals.
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Windows and windscreen: free of cracks or obstructions that affect visibility.
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Body and chassis: checking for rust, cracks, or structural damage that could compromise safety.
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Engine or drivetrain leaks: any fluid leakage posing a hazard must be repaired before approval.
While some inspections may include additional checks (like emissions or underbody rust), an RWC is not a mechanical guarantee — meaning the car could still have engine or transmission issues unrelated to road safety.
How Long Does It Take to Get an RWC?
The process is usually straightforward. Once you book your inspection with an authorised tester, the entire check often takes a few hours. If no major issues are found, you can get your certificate the same day.
If your vehicle fails the inspection, you’ll receive a report listing the repairs required to pass. Most states give you a short window — typically 14 days — to fix the issues and return for a re-inspection without paying the full fee again.
How Long Is an RWC Valid For?
Validity periods vary slightly between states:
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In Victoria, an RWC is valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
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In New South Wales, a Safety Check (pink slip) is valid for 42 days.
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Other states have similar time limits, so be sure to check your local requirements before finalising a sale.
If your RWC expires before the sale or registration process is complete, you’ll need a new one.
RWC Requirements by State
Each Australian state and territory has its own regulations for obtaining and issuing a roadworthy certificate.
Victoria
In Victoria, an RWC can only be issued by a licensed vehicle tester accredited by VicRoads. You can search for approved inspection stations directly on the👉 VicRoads Roadworthy Certificate page.
Inspection fees typically range from $150 to $250, depending on the workshop and the vehicle’s condition.
Once issued, the certificate remains valid for 30 days, and if your vehicle fails inspection, you have 14 days to complete repairs before paying for a re-inspection.
Inspections are carried out according to VicRoads standards, and results are stored digitally, ensuring transparent record-keeping for buyers and sellers alike.
New South Wales
In NSW, the process is slightly different — here, the certificate is called a Safety Check, commonly known as a pink slip.
An eSafety inspection confirms that your vehicle is safe for registration renewal or transfer. Once passed, the result is sent electronically to Service NSW, streamlining the process for both private owners and car dealers.
You can learn more about the process on the official👉 NSW Government Roadworthiness page.
If your vehicle fails the safety check, you’ll be given a list of defects and a 14-day repair period to fix them before a re-inspection is required.
RWC and Vehicle Selling: Why It Matters
When you sell your car to a private buyer or dealership, a valid RWC speeds up the process dramatically.
Buyers see it as a sign of transparency — it shows that the car is safe, legal, and ready for transfer.
If you sell to professional buyers like WeBuyYourCars.com.au, having an RWC can increase your offer value and shorten inspection time. Our team handles the rest, from ownership transfer to paperwork, giving you a seamless selling experience.
For sellers, the RWC acts as proof of due diligence — it protects you from liability for undisclosed safety defects once the vehicle changes hands.
Final Thoughts
An RWC is more than just a piece of paper — it’s a sign that your vehicle is safe, road-ready, and compliant with Australian regulations. Whether you’re selling privately, trading in, or re-registering an unregistered vehicle, getting your roadworthy certificate sorted early can make the entire process smoother.
At WeBuyYourCars, we make selling your car simple — and that includes helping you understand everything you need to know about your RWC. If you’re planning to sell your car today, get a free online valuation and book your inspection. We’ll handle the rest.