Any vehicle being imported will require import approval to gain clearance into Australia.
To obtain import approval you need to contact the Department of Transport and Regional Services (DOTARS):
- mail - Vehicle Safety Standards GPO Box 1553 CANBERRA ACT 2601
- telephone - (02) 6274 7506
- fax - (02) 6274 6013
- website - www.dotars.gov.au
An imported vehicle will fall under one of the following categories:
- personal imports, vehicles manufactured after 1988
- vehicles imported under the Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme (RAWS), manufactured after 1988
- vehicles manufactured before 1989
Only a Registered Automotive Workshop can import a vehicle that is manufactured after 1988 and that is not a personal import.
If you wish to personally import a vehicle you must:
- be of driving age
- be an Australian citizen or a migrant holding permanent residency in Australia
- have owned and used the vehicle while overseas for a period of not less than twelve consecutive calendar months
- not have imported another vehicle into Australia in this category in the last 12 months
The vehicle must be:
- in the right hand drive configuration; and
- fitted with complying seat belts; and
- fitted with child restraint anchorages for the rear seating positions; and
- fitted with head restraints to the front outboard seating positions; and
- otherwise comply with the standards for registration set out in Schedule 8 of the Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 1999; and
- be in a roadworthy condition.
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Classification of Imported Vehicle |
Import Approval & RWC Documentation |
Vehicle Compliance Plates/Label Requirements |
Approval Certificate Requirements |
Personal Import
Being a vehicle manufactured after 1988 when imported and which was owned and used overseas by the applicant for at least 12 months prior to being imported. |
A four part document. Part 3 (registering authority's copy) is required by VicRoads.
A Certificate of Roadworthiness (RWC) is required by VicRoads. |
The Personal Import plate/label must be fitted to the vehicle (yellow colour). A VASS signatory must be contacted to obtain the Personal Import plate/label.
VIN must be stamped on the vehicle. |
A VASS (Vehicle Assessment Signatory Scheme) approval certificate is required if the vehicle has had any modifications including left to right hand drive |
| Vehicle manufactured after 1988 imported by a participant in the Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme (RAWS). |
VicRoads does not need to sight import approval documents for vehicles imported under RAWS.
RWC is required by VicRoads. |
The RAWS Used Import plate/label must be fitted to the vehicle (Magenta colour).
VIN must be stamped on the vehicle. |
Original RAWS Consumer Information Notice required
|
Imported vehicles manufactured before 1989 (after June 1975 for motorcycles).
|
A copy of the Vehicle Import Approval required by VicRoads.
A customs clearance document is acceptable if imported before September 1989.
RWC is required by VicRoads. |
No compliance plate required. |
Manufactured between 1969 (after June 1975 for motorcycles) & 1989 -
a VASS approval certificate is required.
The vehicle must be inspected to confirm that the VIN has been stamped on a substantial portion of the vehicle, such as the firewall, chassis rail or suspension rail or strut tower before the vehicle is registered.
Manufactured before 1969 (before July 1975 for motorcycles)-
A VASS approval certificate is required if the vehicle has had any modifications including left to right hand drive.
Note: All imported light vehicles less than 30 years old and all imported heavy vehicles must be in right hand drive configuration before they can be registered. |
These vehicles will be inspected to confirm that the VIN or chassis number (as applicable) has been stamped on a substantial portion of the vehicle, such as the chassis rail, suspension tower or strut tower before the vehicle is registered.
To register an imported vehicle an inspection will be required. You can make an appointment by:
- calling VicRoads on 13 11 71 (Mon-Fri 8.30am - 5.00pm, Sat 8.30am - 2.00pm). You can pay by credit card (Visa or Mastercard); or
- visiting a VicRoads Customer Service Centre. You can pay by cash, cheque, EFTPOS or credit card;
Please have details of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and engine number when making your appointment.
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If you want to change the appointment you will need to pay another appointment fee. The inspection fee can be transferred to a new time, or refunded if the appointment is cancelled, providing at least 24 hours notice is given.
You will need to pay the following fees:
- the vehicle
- evidence of identity (see below)
- evidence of ownership (a receipt or contract of sale identifying the vehicle by engine number and/or VIN showing the full name and address of the previous and new operator)
- current Certificate of Roadworthiness
- relevant import approval documents
- original VASS approval certificate or original RAWS Consumer Information Notice, if required
- if you have appointed an agent to act on your behalf, a signed letter of authority quoting your Victorian licence number
Once registered, the number plates must be affixed to the vehicle before the vehicle may be driven on the road.
On the day you register the vehicle you need to bring your current Victorian driver licence/permit. If you cannot provide this you will need to bring original evidence of identity documents. You must provide:
- one primary evidence document (eg. birth certificate or current passport)
- one secondary evidence document (eg. Medicare card, credit/account card, student identity card, bank statement)
- evidence of residence (if not indicated in the primary or secondary documents)
One of these documents must have your signature on it.
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An unregistered vehicle without a permit can be driven on the road only:
- to obtain registration, and
- by the most direct and convenient route to the nearest place that the vehicle can be registered.
Prior to registration, you will need to obtain an unregistered vehicle permit if the vehicle is to be driven for the purpose of obtaining repairs or a roadworthy certificate.