How to Deregister and Dispose of Your Old Car in WA — 2026 Complete Guide

Got an old car sitting in the driveway that hasn't moved in months? Whether it's failed its last inspection, been written off, or simply isn't worth repairing anymore, you'll need to deregister it with the WA Department of Transport (DoT) and figure out the best way to dispose of it. This 2026 guide walks you through the entire process — step by step.

Why You Should Deregister Your Car

In Western Australia, you're legally required to maintain registration (and therefore insurance) on any vehicle driven on public roads. But if your car is no longer roadworthy or you've decided to scrap it, keeping the rego active means you're paying for nothing.

By deregistering, you:

• Stop paying registration and compulsory third-party insurance fees
• May be eligible for a pro-rata refund on unused registration
• Avoid liability if someone else uses the vehicle illegally

Step-by-Step: How to Deregister a Vehicle in WA (2026)

1 Gather Your Documents

You'll need:

• Your vehicle licence (rego papers)
• Valid photo ID (driver's licence or passport)
• Number plates (must be returned)

2 Remove Your Number Plates

Before heading to DoT, remove the plates from the vehicle. You'll hand these in as part of the deregistration process. If the plates are personalised, you can apply to retain them for future use.

3 Visit a DoT Licensing Centre or Apply Online

As of 2026, you can deregister a vehicle in person at any DoT licensing centre across Perth (including Midland, Joondalup, Cannington, and Rockingham) or through the DoT online services portal at www.transport.wa.gov.au.

Processing is usually same-day, and any eligible refund will be calculated automatically.

4 Cancel Your Insurance

Don't forget to contact your comprehensive or third-party insurer separately. Deregistering with DoT cancels compulsory third-party insurance (CTP), but not your private policy.

Your Car Disposal Options in Perth

Once your car is deregistered, you have several choices:

Option 1 — Sell to a Licensed Car Wrecker (Recommended)

This is the fastest and most hassle-free option. A licensed wrecker like Midland Wreckers will:

• Give you an instant cash quote over the phone or online
• Pick up your vehicle with free towing — even if it doesn't run
• Handle all the heavy lifting so you don't have to worry about a thing
• Recycle your vehicle responsibly, draining hazardous fluids and salvaging usable parts

We pay top cash for all makes and models — cars, utes, 4WDs, and trucks — in any condition.

Option 2 — Private Sale

If the car is still in reasonable condition, you could try selling it privately. However, this means dealing with tyre-kickers, negotiating, and handling the paperwork yourself. For older or damaged vehicles, this is rarely worth the effort.

Option 3 — Donate the Vehicle

Some charities accept vehicle donations. Keep in mind you'll still need to handle the transfer of ownership paperwork.

Environmental Responsibilities

Dumping a car illegally in WA can result in hefty fines. End-of-life vehicles contain hazardous materials that must be disposed of properly:

• Engine oil and coolant — must be drained and recycled at approved facilities
• Batteries — contain lead-acid and must be recycled separately
• Tyres — cannot go to landfill in WA; must be processed by licensed recyclers
• Airbags and mercury switches — require professional removal

When you choose Midland Wreckers, we handle all of this for you. Our team follows strict environmental protocols to ensure every vehicle is recycled responsibly.

How Much Cash Can You Get in 2026?

The amount you'll receive depends on several factors:

• Make and model — popular brands like Toyota, Ford, and Holden often fetch more due to parts demand
• Condition — running vehicles are worth more, but we buy non-runners too
• Weight — scrap metal prices fluctuate; heavier vehicles generally earn more
• Completeness — vehicles with all parts intact are valued higher

At Midland Wreckers, we offer competitive, fair quotes with no hidden fees. Same-day pickup is available across the Perth metro area.

Ready to Get Rid of Your Old Car?

Don't let an old vehicle waste space and money. Contact Midland Wreckers today for an instant, no-obligation quote. We serve all of Perth — from Joondalup to Mandurah, Midland to Fremantle — with fast, free car removal and top cash paid on the spot.