Register a trailer or caravan

What is the Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM)?

Also called the Gross Trailer Mass, the ATM is the total weight (tare) plus the load capacity of the trailer or caravan. The requirements for registering a trailer or caravan will vary based on its type, it’s ATM or what it’s used for.

How do I find the ATM?

Sometimes the manufacturer’s plate is on your trailer or caravan and has the ATM. If you’re unsure, contact the manufacturer of your caravan or trailer or a signatory to VicRoads Vehicle Assessment Signatory Scheme (VASS) or check the vehicle on the Register of Approved Vehicles.

You can also look at a list of public weighbridges (External link) from the National Measurement Institute for more information.

What trailer size can be registered?

Maximum dimensions

Height:

• 4.3 metres
• 4.6 metres for livestock, car carriers and some low profile semi-trailers

Length:

• 12.5 metres (including the drawbar), or
• 14.6 metres for semi-trailers

Width

• 2.5 metres including guards, awnings or permanent fixtures

If 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) for more information.

Can my trailer get an exemption from being registered?

If you’ve got a light trailer (other than a trailer specifically built to carry a boat) it will be exempt from registration  in Victoria if it:

• weighs less (tare mass) than 200kg unladen
• isn’t wider than the towing vehicle 
• is 3 metres or less in length, including the draw-bar
• isn’t used for business.

You can still choose to register your trailer if it’s exempt from registration. If it’s exempt and not registered, it needs to show the same registration number as the towing vehicle or you can buy an exempt trailer plate.

How to apply for registration

For light trailers

I have a light trailer with an ATM of 750kg

You'll need to:

• Use the Light Trailer Registration Form [PDF 644 Kb] to apply. 
• Book an appointment at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre.

My trailer has an ATM over 750kg but less than 4.5 tonnes

You'll need to:

• Provide a completed and signed Vehicle Registration Form [PDF 209 Kb]. 
• Book an inspection of your trailer at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre.
• Ensure the vehicle VIN is stamped on the trailer, and
• A trailer plate is affixed or the vehicle is recorded on the Register of Approved Vehicles.

For heavy trailers

I have a trailer with an ATM over 4.5 tonne 

You’ll need to:

• Complete a Vehicle Registration Form [PDF 209 Kb] 
• Complete a heavy trailer nomination form [PDF 219 Kb] except if you’ve got a pig trailer or semi-trailer. 
• Have an original and current Certificate of Roadworthiness
• Ensure the vehicle VIN is stamped on the trailer and a trailer plate is affixed, and
• A trailer plate is affixed or the vehicle is recorded on the Register of Approved Vehicles.
• Book an inspection of your trailer at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre

What if my trailer or caravan is imported?

You’ll need to:

• Complete a Vehicle Registration Form [PDF 209 Kb].
• Have an original and current Certificate of Roadworthiness (if required for heavy trailers).
• Book an appointment at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre.
• Ensure the vehicle VIN is stamped on the trailer, and a trailer plate is affixed, and
• A trailer plate is affixed or the vehicle is recorded on the Register of Approved Vehicles.
• Complete a heavy trailer nomination form [PDF 219 Kb] (if required).
• If import approval granted before 30 June 2021, have a Vehicle Import Approval (VIA).
• If import approval granted from 1 July 2021, the vehicle must be on the Register of Approved Vehicles.

Check registering an imported vehicle for more information.

What type of fees will I have to pay?

• vehicle appointment fee
• vehicle inspection fee (if needed)
• vehicle registration fee
• number plate fee
• motor vehicle duty for heavy trailers (unless exempt).

A card payment fee applies if you pay by VISA or Mastercard.

If you have a heavy trailer, you’ll need to get a Certificate of Roadworthiness and bring this to your appointment. You can get a certificate from a Roadworthy tester.

Before making an appointment with a VicRoads Customer Service Centre you’ll need: 

• the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or chassis number
• the make, model and previous registration number (if it’s been registered before)
• your VicRoads customer number
• payment for your appointment fee when booking.

We’ll let you know if your trailer needs an inspection at the appointment.

How do I book?

You can:

• book your appointment online
• call us on 13 11 71 (pay by VISA or Mastercard* only)
• go to a VicRoads Customer Service Centre (pay by VISA, Mastercard, cheque, EFTPOS or 
  cash**)

*A card payment fee applies if you pay by VISA or Mastercard.

**All VicRoads Customer Service Centres accept cash except for:

• [email protected] (113 Exhibition street, Melbourne) 
• [email protected] (12 Clarke street, Sunshine)

What if I need to cancel or change my appointment?

The appointment can only be changed by the holder. 

If you change or cancel you might have to: 

• pay for another appointment fee
• transfer the fee to a new time 

A refund can be given if you give us more than 24 hours' notice of cancelling your appointment. 

You can change your appointment online (External link).

What if I’m running late?

VicRoads Customer Service Centres will try their best to accommodate late arrivals but there is no guarantee. If you’re running late, you may be required to transfer your appointment to another time and pay another fee.

You’ll need:

• the trailer (if it needs to be inspected)
• for light trailers under 750kg, and for trailers between 751kg and 4500kg, you'll need either the tare weight displayed on the trailer build plate, or (where a trailer doesn't have a build plate) a weighbridge docket declaring the tare weight
• the relevant forms for your trailer:
  • Trailer ATM under 750kg - light trailer registration form [PDF 644 Kb] 
  • Trailer ATM over 750kg but less than 4.5 tonnes - vehicle registration form [PDF 209 Kb] 
  • Trailer ATM over 4.5 tonnes - vehicle registration form [PDF 209 Kb], heavy trailer nomination form [PDF 219 Kb] and an original and current Certificate of Roadworthiness
• the Vehicle Import Approval (if the trailer was granted import approval up to 30 June 2021 and never previously registered)
• the vehicle must be on the Register of Approved Vehicles (if the trailer was imported after 1 July 2021 and never previously registered)
• ensure the VIN is stamped on the trailer
• and a trailer plate is affixed or the vehicle is on the Register of Approved Vehicles
• an original and signed Authority to act as an agent form [PDF 253 Kb] (if someone else is registering on your behalf)
• tools and screws to put your number plates on before you leave VicRoads
• your evidence of identity

Evidence of your Victorian garage address

If your garage address isn’t the same as your evidence of identity, you’ll need: 

• A document as proof that links you to the Victorian garage address such as a rates or utility bill.
• an RMB (Road side mailbox) or RSD (Road side delivery) if the home or business can’t be identified by a street or road name.

Bring the items listed in step 3 as well as payment for registration (cash, VISA or Mastercard*, EFTPOS, cheque or money order).

Here’s what you pay for:

• standard registration charge
• standard number plate fee
• Motor vehicle duty fee (heavy trailers only).

*A card payment fee applies if you pay by VISA or Mastercard.

**All VicRoads Customer Service Centres accept cash except for:

• [email protected] (113 Exhibition street, Melbourne) 
• [email protected] (12 Clarke street, Sunshine)

Trailers manufactured from 1 July 1989 require a trailer plate to be permanently affixed to the trailer where it can be examined. See Vehicle Standards Bulletin 1 - Building Small Trailers (VSB1 (External link) for more information. 

The plate must show:

• manufacturer's or importer's name (whichever is responsible for the certification statement)
• date, month and year of manufacture
• 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 get a Vehicle Identification Number go to a VicRoads Customer Service Centre or the manufacturer. Trailers manufactured before 1989 need 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.

In addition, a Vehicle Identification Number must be stamped, embossed or otherwise permanently marked on a substantial part of a trailer's frame or chassis (eg. drawbar).