A light trailer is any caravan or trailer that weighs less than 4.5 tonne aggregate trailer mass (ATM). ATM is the weight of the trailer plus the load capacity.
All light trailers over 200 kg tare* and all boat trailers other than exempt trailers must be registered for use on the road.
*Tare is the weight of the trailer without any load
A vehicle can only be registered in a single private name or in the name of an incorporated body. The minimum age at which a person may become the registered operator will vary depending on the type of vehicle:
- light vehicle or trailer (4.5 tonnes Gross Vehicle Mass or less) - 17 years
- motorcycle - 17 years and 9 months
- heavy vehicle or trailer (Over 4.5 tonnes Gross Vehicle Mass) - 18 years
Trailers manufactured before 1989 must have an identification number stamped into the drawbar. Any identification number format is acceptable.
For trailers that do not have an identification number already stamped, VicRoads will issue an “R” number. This number must be stamped on the trailer before it can be registered.
You can have this "R" number issued to you by either calling us on 13 11 71 or attending any VicRoads Customer Service Centre.
Trailers manufactured after 1989 must have the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) stamped on a substantial part of the trailer, e.g. drawbar and a compliance plate displaying the following:
- manufacturer's name
- date of manufacture
- aggregate trailer mass (in kg)
- vehicle identification number
- tyre and rim data (i.e. rim size, tyre size, load rating and recommended tyre pressure)
- trailer model (if applicable)
- the statement "This trailer was manufactured to comply with the applicable Australian Design Standards".
A roadworthy certificate is not required, but light trailers must be in a roadworthy condition.
Trailers with an ATM of 750kg or less do not need to be inspected. You will need to obtain and complete a Light Trailer Pack before attending an office to register your trailer. A Light Trailer Pack, or information regarding the technical standards for trailers, can be obtained by either:
All trailers that weigh over 750kg ATM must be inspected. An appointment is required at all offices for an inspection.
A trailer must be registered if :
- it is used for business purposes, or
- is specifically constructed to carry a boat or is carrying a boat and
- weighs more than 200kg unladen, or
- is wider than the towing vehicle, or
- is more than three metres in length, including the draw-bar and load.
- it is not used for business purposes, and
- is not specifically constructed to carry a boat, and
- weighs less than 200kg unladen, and
- is not wider than the towing vehicle, and
- is less than three metres in length, including the draw-bar and load.
Exempt trailers must display the same registration number as the towing vehicle. You can purchase an 'Exempt Trailer Plate' by:
- calling VicRoads on 13 11 71 (Mon-Fri 8.30am - 5pm, Sat 8.30am - 2pm). You can pay by credit card (Visa or Mastercard)
- visiting a VicRoads Customer Service Centre. You can pay by cash, cheque, EFTPOS or credit card.
- pay the exempt trailer plate fee, refer to number plates fee
Exempt trailers may be registered upon request. Note: In many other states, including New South Wales and South Australia, all trailers require registration. If you intend towing your trailer interstate, it is recommended that you register it in Victoria before you travel.
Refer to the following for information on:
- evidence of ownership (a receipt or contract signed by the previous owner stating full name and address of both the new owner and previous owner and identifying the trailer by the vehicle identification number)
- original evidence of identity documents
- weighbridge ticket (if the trailer is over 750kg ATM and the weight is not listed on the compliance plate or not recorded on VicRoads computer systems)
- completed Light Trailer Pack (if the trailer is 750kg ATM or less).
On the day you register the vehicle you will 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 (e.g. birth certificate or current passport), and
- one secondary evidence document (e.g. Medicare card, credit/account card, student identity card, bank statement), and
- evidence of Victorian residence (if not indicated in the primary or secondary documents)
One of these documents must have your signature on it.
You will need to pay an appointment fee at the time of booking. You can make an appointment by:
- calling VicRoads on 13 11 71 (Mon-Fri 8.30am - 5pm, Sat 8.30am - 2pm). You can pay by credit card (Visa or Mastercard)
- visiting a VicRoads Customer Service Centre. You can pay by cash, cheque, EFTPOS or credit card
When making an appointment you will be asked for:
- the vehicle identification number (VIN) of the trailer, or
- previous registration number of the trailer if it was manufactured before 1989, and
- the Victorian driver licence number or name of the intended registered operator.
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 refunded if the inspection is cancelled) if 24 hours notice is given.