VASS approval certificate

You will need a VASS Approval Certificate from a signatory of the Vehicle Assessment Signatory Scheme (VASS) if your vehicle has been modified, imported or is an individually constructed vehicle.  

Vehicle modifications, such as those aimed at improving performance or appearance, may have an adverse effect on the vehicle’s safety or emissions performance. Government regulations require that all vehicle modifications must:

  • be carried out in accordance with guidelines issued by VicRoads, or
  • have VicRoads' specific approval. This applies to a vehicle that is already registered or when an application for registration is being made.

Vehicle standards information VSI8 - Guide to modifications for motor vehicles [PDF 280 Kb] provides guidelines covering many common modifications. Modifications carried out within the guidelines of VSI8 do not require specific approval, i.e. modifications are owner certified.

A vehicle modification beyond the guidelines in VSI8, require a VASS Approval Certificate. See below for examples of vehicle modifications that will require an 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 Certificates 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.

Check the list of VASS signatories by location [DOC 1.1 Mb] and the vehicle category within their expertise.

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 validity period can be extended beyond 30 days provided the vehicle has not travelled more than 1000 km since the date of issue of the certificate.

Certificate cost

Cost will vary depending on the nature of the work. Contact a VASS signatories by location [DOC 1.1 Mb] to ask about cost.

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 required 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);
  • replacement frame for a motorcycle
  • chassis replacement on a vehicle that has a separate chassis
  • vehicle has been modified to a tow truck

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