VASS approval certificate

The Vehicle Assessment Signatory Scheme (VASS) is a scheme for the certification of modified, imported and individually constructed vehicles in Victoria.

VASS aims to ensure all modified, imported and individually constructed vehicles meet standards for registration. A VASS approval certificate can only be issued by an approved VASS signatory.

If you're thinking about building your own vehicle (i.e. an individually constructed vehicle) or modifying a vehicle, discuss your plan with a VASS signatory before you start.

Contact a VASS signatory for an appointment to get your vehicle inspected. 

For Light Vehicles

For Heavy Vehicles

Download the VASS Signatory Contact List - Heavy Vehicles [PDF 431 Kb]

For definitions of vehicle types go to Definitions of vehicles that may require a VASS Certificate to learn more.

What will the VASS Signatory do?

The VASS signatory will:

• inspect the vehicle
• ensure all work, including any modification, is correctly carried out
• issue a VASS Approval Certificate that certifies the vehicle complies with the standards for registration.

Certificate validity

A VASS Approval Certificate is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. VicRoads will not accept a VASS Approval certificate more than 30 days from the date of issue for a light vehicle.

If the VASS Approval Certificate is for a modified heavy vehicle, the certificate does not expire.

Certificate cost

VicRoads does not regulate or specify the cost for the services of a VASS Signatory to issue a VASS approval certificate.

The cost for the services provided by a VASS Signatory will be dependent on the amount of work involved in the inspection and testing of your vehicle and will need to be discussed and arranged between yourself and the VASS Signatory.

To ensure the VASS Signatory can provide you with an accurate quote for their services, you are encouraged to provide them with as much information as possible regarding your project during the consultation.

If you need to register your vehicle after obtaining your VASS approval certificate you will need to:

• follow steps outlined in registering your vehicle and
• bring your valid VASS approval certificate along to your registration appointment.

If your vehicle is imported, check additional requirements to register your imported vehicle.

If your vehicle is registered and the modifications require a VASS approval certificate to be issued, you must notify VicRoads of the modifications before the registered vehicle can be used on a road or road related area.

A VASS approval certificate is required for modified vehicles if the modification is structural or affecting compliance with the standards for registration.

Refer to the VSI-8 Modification Guide within Vehicle Standards Information Sheets for detailed information.

Examples of modifications for which a approval certificate will be required include:

• conversions of motor vehicles to motor homes
• engine changes where the engine is not an option offered for that model by the vehicle manufacturer
• installation of additional adult seats and seat belts
• structural modifications e.g. conversion to a limousine, truck chassis extension
• brake modifications (check VSI 8 - Modification guide for acceptable modifications not requiring an approval certificate)
• left hand to right hand steering conversions
• vehicles modified to provide wheelchair access and restraint
• modifications or additions to heavy vehicles (check VSI 8 - Modification guide for acceptable modifications not requiring an approval certificate)
• chassis replacement on a vehicle that has a separate chassis
• vehicle has been modified to a tow truck.

Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM)

The ATM of a trailer is the maximum it can weigh when fully loaded, as specified by the manufacturer.

Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM)

The GVM of a vehicle is the maximum it can weigh when fully loaded, as specified by the manufacturer.

Heavy Vehicle

Any motor vehicle with a GVM exceeding 4.5 tonnes and any trailer with an ATM exceeding 4.5 tonnes.

Imported Vehicle

A motor vehicle that has been brought into Australia in accordance with an option outlined in the National guidelines and requirements for importing a motor vehicle.

Individually Constructed Vehicle (ICV)

A vehicle that has been constructed by an individual for their own personal use, has not been adapted from or built off a production vehicle and has a GVM of 4.5 tonnes or less.

Light Vehicle

Any motor vehicle with a GVM of 4.5 tonnes or less and any trailer with an ATM of 4.5 tonnes or less.  Does not include Motor Cycles.

Motorcycle

A motor vehicle with two wheels or a two wheeled motor vehicle with a sidecar attached to it that is supported by a third wheel.

Motorhome (or Campervan) 

A motor vehicle manufactured or modified to be used as living quarters and must contain specified equipment for accommodation, sleeping, cooking and storage.

Street Rod

A motor vehicle, or a replica of a motor vehicle, that has a body and frame that were built before 1949 and has been modified or built for safe road use in accordance with the National Street Rod Guidelines (NSRG).