If you’re preparing to sell your caravan in New South Wales, you’re probably wondering what the legal requirements are — and whether a roadworthy certificate is one of them.
For anyone browsing caravans in Heatherbrae, understanding what paperwork is needed when buying or selling is critical. And while NSW doesn’t always demand a roadworthy, it depends heavily on the age of the van, its registration status, and how the transfer is handled.
Let’s walk through the real-world facts — minus the fluff.
What Is a Roadworthy Certificate?
A roadworthy certificate, often referred to as a pink slip, is an inspection report issued by an authorised mechanic or inspection station. It confirms that the caravan is in a safe, legal condition for registration or continued use on public roads.
In NSW, roadworthy inspections:
- Are required for light vehicles 5 years or older
- Must be issued within 42 days of rego renewal or transfer
- Cover key components like brakes, lights, tyres, chassis condition, and towing gear
Unlike a full mechanical assessment, a pink slip focuses on safety and compliance, not long-term reliability.
Do You Need a Roadworthy to Sell a Caravan in NSW?
The short answer?
Only sometimes.
If the caravan is:
- More than 5 years old
- Currently registered in NSW
- And the buyer wants to keep it registered
→ Then yes, a roadworthy (pink slip) is required before the transfer can be processed.
However, if:
- The van is unregistered,
- Or being sold for off-road/private use,
- Or to someone who will re-register it later
→ Then a roadworthy is not legally required at the point of sale.
It’s still a good idea to provide one — it adds confidence and can help the sale go through faster.
Selling a Registered Caravan (Over 5 Years Old)
In this case, the seller must:
- Book a pink slip inspection
- Pass all required checks
- Lodge the result electronically with Service NSW
This certificate is valid for 42 days from the date of issue. After that, it expires and you’ll need a new one.
If the van fails inspection, you’ll receive a repairs report and need to fix the issues before re-inspection. Until that’s done, the transfer can’t proceed.
Selling an Unregistered Caravan
If your caravan’s registration has lapsed or you’re selling it unregistered:
- You do not need a roadworthy to sell
- You should clearly state the unregistered status in any ad or listing
- Provide the buyer with proof of ownership, such as a receipt or declaration
The buyer will be responsible for:
- Organising a blue slip (identity and safety inspection)
- Paying stamp duty and registration fees
- Getting a new number plate issued (if applicable)
Private Sale vs. Dealer Trade-In
If you’re selling privately:
- You’re responsible for arranging a pink slip if it applies
- You must lodge the Notice of Disposal online via Service NSW
- Provide a signed copy of the transfer form to the buyer
If trading in to a dealer:
- The dealer handles the inspection, paperwork, and transfer
- You won’t need to provide a pink slip
Either way, honesty is key. Disclose the condition of the van and registration status clearly to avoid disputes.
What If You’re Selling Interstate?
NSW roadworthy laws don’t apply outside the state. If the buyer is from Victoria or Queensland, for example:
- You’re not required to supply a pink slip
- But it’s still smart to get one, especially if the van is over 5 years old
- The buyer will need to comply with their state’s inspection and registration laws
A pink slip won’t transfer across borders — but it can show the van is in good shape, which boosts buyer confidence.
Can You Sell Without a Rego?
Yes — but it’s a bit more paperwork-heavy.
Steps:
- Provide a signed bill of sale
- Include a chassis number or VIN for ID
- Make clear in writing that the caravan is sold unregistered and without a pink slip
- Recommend the buyer arranges a blue slip if they intend to re-register
You won’t need to submit anything to Service NSW — but keeping records is always a smart move.
What to Include in the Sale Paperwork
When selling any caravan in NSW, make sure you provide:
- Proof of ownership (rego papers or receipt)
- Transfer of Registration form (if selling with rego)
- Notice of Disposal lodged online
- Pink slip (if required)
- Payment receipt and signature from buyer
If you’re advertising online, include details like:
- Age of van
- Rego expiry
- Condition summary
- Whether pink slip is included
Transparency prevents post-sale issues.
FAQs
1) Do All Caravans Need a Roadworthy in NSW?
No — not all. A pink slip (safety inspection) is only required if the caravan is over 5 years old and being sold with registration. If it’s under 5 years or unregistered, no inspection is legally required. However, if you’re unsure of the van’s condition, a voluntary roadworthy can give both parties peace of mind. For example, if you’re selling to a buyer who isn’t mechanically savvy, presenting a clean inspection record helps establish trust. If your van fails a roadworthy, you’ll receive a list of required repairs. These must be completed and re-inspected before the transfer can go ahead. So while not all caravans need a pink slip, most that are actively on the road and being sold with rego do.
2) Can I Sell My Caravan Without a Pink Slip?
Yes — if the caravan is unregistered or less than 5 years old. In those cases, you can sell it privately without a pink slip. That said, many buyers will still ask for one, especially if they’re planning to register and use the van right away. Even though it’s not mandatory in every case, offering a current pink slip as part of the sale is a good practice — it removes uncertainty and shows that you’re a responsible seller. For registered caravans older than five years, you must get a pink slip before transferring rego. If you try to sell without it, the buyer may run into issues completing the paperwork, and the sale could fall through.
3) What’s the Difference Between a Pink Slip and a Blue Slip?
A pink slip is a safety inspection used for renewing or transferring registration within NSW — for vehicles already in the system. A blue slip is required for:
- Unregistered vehicles
- Vehicles being registered from out-of-state
- Caravans that have had major modifications
- Or ones that haven’t been registered in over 3 months
The blue slip is more detailed — it includes identity checks, compliance verification, and sometimes even weighbridge certificates. So if you’re selling a caravan that’s not currently registered, the buyer will likely need a blue slip, not a pink slip. As a seller, your job is simply to be clear about the current status of the van — the buyer handles the rest.
4) How Do I Lodge a Notice of Disposal?
Go to the Service NSW website and log in using your MyServiceNSW account. From there, navigate to “Vehicle or Registration”, then select “Notice of Disposal”. Enter the van’s rego number, buyer details, and date of sale. This legally ends your responsibility for the van — you’re no longer liable for fines, insurance, or registration fees after that point. Always submit this within 14 days of sale to avoid complications. A common mistake is forgetting this step — then copping toll notices or rego renewal emails months later. Lodging the notice online takes 5 minutes and protects both buyer and seller.
5) Should I Get the Roadworthy Before or After Listing the Caravan for Sale?
It’s usually better to get it before. Here’s why:
- It proves the van is ready for transfer
- You can advertise it as “ready to go”
- It gives buyers peace of mind
If you delay the inspection, you risk the van failing and needing repairs that delay or derail the sale. Getting a pink slip early in the process shows buyers you’re serious — and helps justify your asking price. That said, make sure you time it so the certificate doesn’t expire before the sale goes through (they’re only valid for 42 days). If your van hasn’t been driven in a while, consider a basic service or pre-inspection check before booking the roadworthy.
Selling or Buying a Caravan? Get Clear, Local Advice
Selling a caravan in NSW isn’t complicated — but it does require a little prep. If your van is over five years old and still registered, getting a pink slip is a must. For unregistered sales or newer vans, things are a bit more flexible.
If you’re on the buying side and browsing caravans in Heatherbrae, it pays to know what paperwork to expect — and what rights you have during the sale process.
Start your journey with confidence — visit 7th Street Caravans or give our team a call on 02 4012 6009 for friendly, local advice.