Register a trailer or caravan

If your trailer has never been registered or the registration was cancelled, you’ll need to take these steps to register your trailer.

The registration requirements of a trailer or caravan vary depending on the purpose, the total weight (tare) plus the load capacity of the trailer or caravan. This is referred to as the aggregate trailer mass* (ATM) or the Gross Trailer Mass.

If required, here’s a list of public weighbridges (External link) from the National Measurement Institute.

*In some cases, a manufacturer’s plate is fitted to the trailer and includes the ATM. To determine your trailer’s ATM, contact its manufacturer or a signatory to VicRoads Vehicle Assessment Signatory Scheme (VASS).

Trailer and exempt registration

A light trailer (other than a trailer specifically built to carry a boat) does not need to be registered to be allowed on public roads in Victoria if it:

  • weighs less (tare mass) than 200kg unladen
  • is not wider than the towing vehicle as produced by the manufacturer
  • is 3 metres or less in length, including the draw-bar
  • is not used for business purposes.

Exempt trailers must display the same registration number as the towing vehicle, or you can purchase an exempt trailer plate.

You can still choose to register your trailer even if it is exempt. In many other state, including NSW and South Australia, all trailers must be registered. If you intend to tow your trailer interstate, it is recommended that you register it in Victoria before you travel.

Light trailer ATM under 750kgs

If your trailer has an ATM of 750kg or less and is not exempt from registration, you can use the Light Trailer Registration Form [PDF 644 Kb] to apply for registration.

You’ll need to book an appointment to attend a VicRoads Customer Service Centre.

Light trailer ATM over 750kgs but less than 4.5 tonnes

If your trailer has an ATM of more than 750kg but less the 4.5 tonnes, you’ll need to provide a completed and signed Vehicle Registration Form [PDF 209 Kb]

You’ll need to book an inspection to take the trailer to a VicRoads Customer Service Centre. 

Heavy trailer registration

If your trailer has an ATM over 4.5 tonne, your trailer is considered a heavy trailer.

You'll need to complete a Vehicle Registration Form [PDF 209 Kb]. 

You will also need to provide a completed and signed heavy trailer nomination form [PDF 219 Kb] except if your trailer is a pig trailer or semi trailer. 

An original and current Certificate of Roadworthiness is required too. 

You’ll need to book an inspection to take the trailer to a VicRoads Customer Service Centre.

Imported trailers or caravans

In addition to the above information, if you are looking to import a trailer or caravan from overseas, you will need Vehicle Import Approval (VIA). Check registering an imported vehicle for more information.

If you have a heavy trailer (an ATM of 4.5 tonne or greater), you’ll need to get a Certificate of Roadworthiness for your trailer to bring along to your appointment. You can get a Certificate of Roadworthiness from a Roadworthy tester location.

Before you contact us to make an appointment, make sure you have the following information ready:

  • the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or chassis number of your trailer
  • the make, model and previous registration number of your trailer (if previously registered)
  • your current licence number.

You'll need to pay an appointment fee when booking your appointment.

Make an appointment by:

* A card payment fee applies

Your trailer may need to be inspected during the appointment. 

There are no concessions available for appointments.

Changing or cancelling your appointment

Once the appointment is booked, it can only be changed by the appointment holder.

If you need to change your appointment, you'll have to pay another appointment fee.

Failure to provide at least 24 hours notice will result in you forfeiting all your fees. No refund will be provided.

Change your appointment online.

You will need to bring along the following to your appointment:

Bring the documentation/items to your appointment, including your evidence of your identity. 

You will need to pay a fee to register your trailer (cash, credit card, EFTPOS, cheque or money order).

The fees that are applicable are:

Before you use the trailer, the new number plates must be fitted to your trailer.

Note: If you are more than 5 minutes late for your appointment, you may be required to transfer your appointment to the next available timeslot and pay another appointment fee.

 

Maximum dimensions for light trailers

Maximum dimensions for light trailer registrations are

  • height 4.0 metres, or
    • 4.3 metres on specified highways
    • 4.6 metres for livestock, car carriers and some low profile semi trailers
  • length 12.5 metres (including the drawbar), or
    • (13.7 metres for semi trailers)
  • width 2.5 metres including guards, awnings or permanent fixtures
  • when the trailer has one axle group or single axle near the middle of its load carrying surface and connects to the vehicle towing it by a drawbar, the maximum rear overhang is the lesser of:
    • the length of the load carrying area, or body, ahead of the rear overhang line and
    • 3.7 metres. 

See Vehicle Standards Bulletin 1 - Building Small Trailers (VSB1 (External link))


Light trailer measurements

If your trailer or caravan exceeds these measurements, it cannot be registered.

Trailer compliance plate & VIN

Trailers manufactured from 1 July 1989 require a trailer plate to be permanently affixed to the trailer in a position where it may be readily examined. See Vehicle Standards Bulletin 1 – Building Small Trailers (VSB1) for more information. The plate must show at least the following details:

  • manufacturer's or importer's name (whichever party takes the responsibility for the certification statement)
  • date of manufacture (month/year)
  • trailer model
  • Aggregate Trailer Mass (kg)
  • Vehicle Identification Number (which is also required to be stamped, embossed or otherwise permanently marked on a substantial part of the trailer’s frame or chassis). To obtain a Vehicle Identification Number visit a VicRoads Customer Service Centre or the manufacturer. Trailers manufactured prior to 1989 require a chassis number. Contact VicRoads to have a chassis number allocated, if you are unable to locate this number on your trailer.
  • tyre details (tyre and rim size, load rating and recommended tyre pressure) (optional, if already included on a tyre placard) and
  • certification statement (exactly as specified below):
    • for new trailers:
      This trailer was manufactured to comply with the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989.
    • for imported used trailers:
      This trailer is an imported used trailer. It has been modified and assessed as complying with the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989. 
Light trailers manufactured prior to July 1991

Light trailers that were manufactured before July 1991 must comply with Vehicle Standards Information Sheet 9.

If your trailer or caravan’s registration has expired by less than 3 months, you can still renew your vehicle’s registration

Who can register a trailer or caravan

It can be registered in the name of an individual or a corporation (company or incorporated association).

To be the registered operator of a:

  • light trailer or caravan you must be at least 17 years old.
  • heavy trailer or caravan you must be at least 18 years old.

If you are a minor, your trailer can be registered in someone else’s name (e.g. a parent, guardian or sibling) until you reach the minimum age.

Fees

The following fees apply when registering a trailer or caravan:

• vehicle appointment fee

• vehicle inspection fee (if an inspection is required)

• vehicle registration fee

• number plate fee

* A card payment fee applies when using VISA or MasterCard.

Make sure you check the size of your trailer before registering it. You may need apply for a permit if your trailers too big.

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