Register a vehicle

Follow the steps on how to register a light or heavy vehicle

Check the rules around driving your vehicle while it is unregistered

To legally drive an unregistered vehicle while preparing it for registration, you need to get an unregistered vehicle permit.

Unregistered vehicle permits

Who can register?

A vehicle can be registered in the name of an individual or company. You don't need a licence to register, however you will need Evidence of Identity.

What vehicles need to be registered?

  • A light vehicle: has a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of 4.5 tonnes or less.
    • This could be: a car, small truck or tractor.
  • A heavy vehicle: has a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of greater than 4.5 tonnes.
    • This could be: a large bus, truck or a truck towing a trailer.

See more examples of vehicles here.

To find out how to register other vehicles such as trailers or caravans, go to 'Other vehicles' in 'Step 4: Go to your appointment' at the bottom of this page to learn more.

What age can you register?

You must be at least 17 years old to register a light vehicle or at least 18 years old to register a heavy vehicle in your name. If you’re underage, someone else can register a vehicle in their name for you. 

Companies and corporations

A company with an Australian Company Number (ACN) or incorporated association can have a vehicle registered in its name.

Incorporated associations will not have an ACN but may be incorporated in other ways e.g. through an Act of Parliament or by Royal Charter. They may include organisations such as hospitals, municipal councils or trade unions.

If the vehicle is owned by an unincorporated body, multiple people or an emergency response organisation (e.g. SES, CFA or municipality vehicles), an individual may be nominated as the registered operator.

Who can’t register?

Vehicles can’t be registered in: 

  • a business name
  • a trading name or 
  • the name of an unincorporated group. 

What if my rego has expired?

You can still renew your vehicle’s rego if it’s expired by less than 3 months.

Get a Certificate of Roadworthiness for your registration appointment.

What if my vehicle is brand new?

A brand new vehicle means: 

  • It’s never been registered in Australia 
  • Any kilometres on the speedometer are from the sale and delivery to the owner before registering.

If you’ve got a new vehicle you won’t need to get a roadworthy certificate unless you’re registering a taxi (External link). 

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

  • the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or chassis number
  • your vehicle’s engine number 
  • the make, model and previous registration number (if it’s been registered before)
  • your current licence number.

Will I need an inspection?

Your vehicle needs to get inspected if there’s been a change of ownership. You won’t need an inspection if the vehicle is registered in the same name and has the same details. 

Is there a booking fee?

Yes, when booking, you’ll need to pay an appointment fee. Please note: concessions can’t be used.

How do I make an appointment?

You can:

*A credit card fee applies

** All VicRoads Customer Service Centre's accept cash except for:

What if I need to cancel or change my appointment?

Changing or cancelling means: 

  • paying for another appointment fee
  • the appointment only be changed by the appointment holder
  • transferring the fee to a new time or getting a refund (if it’s more than 24 hours beforehand).

You can change your appointment online (External link).

What if I’m running late?

If you're late, you might need to transfer your appointment to the next available time slot and pay a fee.

You’ll need:

What if someone else is registering the vehicle on my behalf? 

If someone else registers on your behalf they’ll need to bring an original and signed authority to act as an agent form [PDF 253 Kb]

Evidence of your Victorian garage address

You’ll need to bring evidence of one of the following:

  • A Victorian home or business address
  • 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

If you have an interstate or overseas home or business address

You’ll need to bring separate evidence of a Victorian garage address such as a rates or utility bill.

What about modified or written off vehicles?

You’ll need additional documents to register if your vehicle has been modified or written off.

See vehicle modifications & defects

 

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

*A credit card fee applies

How much does it cost?

Use our fee calculator (on the right-hand side) to find out how much it costs to register your vehicle.

Here’s what you pay for:

  • standard registration charge
  • number plate fee
  • Transport Accident Commission charge
  • motor vehicle duty fee 

You don’t have to pay motor vehicle duty if you’ve got evidence that your vehicle’s already been registered in your name in Australia.

 

Can I use previous number plates?
Using general issue plates

You can re-use general plates on the same vehicle when registering but you’ll need to pay a fee that gives you the rights to the plates (as long as they’re not already owned by another person or company).

Using custom plates

Let us know at the appointment if you want to put custom plates on. If the plates have been on another vehicle before, you’ll need to pay a plate assignment fee.

 

Other vehicles

Find out what you need to do to register other vehicles such as: 

My vehicle is from a dealership

If your vehicle is from a dealership, they’ll register it on your behalf when you buy it.

My registration is from interstate

If you’re transferring your registration from interstate, follow the steps to register your interstate vehicle in Victoria.

My vehicle is unregistered

You’ll need to get an unregistered vehicle permit (UVP) and follow the rules to legally drive when preparing for registration.

An unregistered vehicle permit (UVP) means you’ll have full TAC compulsory insurance cover for the trip. Learn more about the TAC charge.

You’ll need a UVP when taking your vehicle to VicRoads for registration.

Need more help?

If you need more help with registering your vehicle, call 13 11 71 and speak to one of our friendly staff who can help. 

 

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