A light vehicle is a car, motorcycle, motor trike or a truck that weighs 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass (GVM) or less. All light vehicles must be registered for use on the road.
This information is for registering vehicles that:
- have never been registered before
- had a registration that expired more than three months ago or was cancelled.
If your registration expired less than three months ago see: Renewing registration.
If your vehicle has been written off see: Written-off vehicle registration.
The registration requirements for a light vehicle are:
- you must be over 17 years of age to register a car or truck or 17 years and 9 months of age for a motorcycle or motor trike
- you can only register a vehicle in the name of a person or incorporated body (see: Who can register a vehicle)
- you must attend an appointment at VicRoads
- you may need to attend a vehicle inspection at VicRoads (if the vehicle has previously been registered in your name and the vehicle details have not changed, you do not need to attend a vehicle inspection)
- you must pay registration and number plate fees.
To make a registration appointment:
When making an appointment you will need to tell us the:
- vehicle identification number (VIN)
- engine number
- registration plate number (if applicable)
If you want to change an appointment you will need to pay another appointment fee. The inspection fee can be transferred to a new time or cancelled with a refund if you give us 24 hours notice.
The safest way to legally drive an unregistered vehicle to your appointment is with an Unregistered Vehicle Permit (UVP).
- the vehicle (if an inspection is required)
- evidence of identity
- evidence of ownership (contract of sale/receipt showing the VIN; engine number; name, address and signature of previous owner; name and address of the new owner). A transfer of registration document is not accepted.
- a current Certificate of Roadworthiness
- if someone else is attending the appointment on your behalf, they will need a signed letter of authority from you that quotes your Victorian licence number.
Our fee calculator can estimate the total cost of registering your vehicle. If you supply evidence that the vehicle was previously registered in your name you do not need to pay motor vehicle duty.
Your new number plates must be fitted before driving. Screws are not supplied with new plates.
The previous plate numbers may be reissued if you were the last registered owner. Number plate fees will still apply. If it is more than 12 months since your registration expired, your previous plate numbers may have been given to someone else. If not, the previous plate numbers can be reissued as custom plates (at an additional charge).
NOTE: Under section 9B of the Road Safety Act 1986, the transfer of a vehicle to a new registered operator does not provide evidence of title or ownership to any motor vehicle or trailer.