Register a trailer or caravan

The steps for registering a trailer or caravan are the same.

From 1 July 2021 the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 replaced the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989.  The requirements to build light trailers (less than 4.5 tonnes aggregate trailer mass, ATM) changed. If you are a trailer manufacturer, please see Changes that will affect trailer manufacturers.

If you are a manufacturer or importer of trailers, further information can be found on the DITRDC website (External link). 

Who can register?

A trailer or caravan can be registered in the name of an individual or company.

You'll need a VicRoads customer number to register a caravan or trailer. This is a unique number issued by VicRoads to individuals or companies.

For individuals

Your VicRoads customer number is your:

  • learner permit or 
  • driver licence number

If you don’t have a licence but have a vehicle registered in your name, the customer number is recorded on your registration renewal notice.

If you don’t have a Victorian licence or VicRoads customer number, you must visit a VicRoads Customer Service Centre (External link) and provide full evidence of identity documents (External link). 

For companies

The VicRoads customer number of your company is:

  • on your company’s myVicRoads account or
  • on any registration renewal notice issued for vehicles registered in your company’s name

If your company doesn’t have a VicRoads customer number, you must visit a VicRoads Customer Service Centre and provide full evidence of identity documents (External link) for your company.

What age can you register?

You must be at least 16 years old to register a light trailer or caravan or at least 18 years old to register a heavy trailer or caravan in your name. If you’re underage, someone else can register a vehicle in their name for you.

What if I’m towing my trailer interstate?

If you’re towing your trailer interstate, you should register it in Victoria before you go.

What if the registration has expired?

You cannot tow your trailer while its registration is expired. You can renew your registration for up to three months after your expiry date.

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.

Light trailer measurements

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:

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

You'll need to:

For heavy trailers
I have a trailer with an ATM over 4.5 tonne 

You’ll need to:

What if my trailer or caravan is imported?

You’ll need to:

Check registering an imported vehicle for more information.

What type of fees will I have to pay?

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: 

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

How do I book?

You can:

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

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

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: 

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:

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:

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

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

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).

Was this page helpful?

 

Please tell us why (but don't leave your personal details here - message us if you need help or have questions).