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Register a heavy vehicle

How to register a heavy vehicle or trailer and check its GVM or ATM.

What is a heavy vehicle

A heavy vehicle is a motor vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of over 4500kg or a trailer with an Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) of over 4500kg.

You must register your heavy vehicle if you want to use it in Victoria.

If your previous registration is expired, you’ll need to renew. You can renew your registration for up to three months after your expiry date.

Steps to register a heavy vehicle

  1. 1

    Step 1: Check if the vehicle has been registered before

    If you're registering a heavy vehicle, including trailers for the first time in Australia, it needs to be entered on the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV).

    For more information about first time heavy trailer registrations, check out the High ATM trailer page on the Australian Government Department of Infrastructure website.

  2. 2

    Step 2: See if you’re eligible

    To register, you must:

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

  1. 3

    Step 3: Check your GVM or ATM

    How your vehicle will be registered will depend on your GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) or ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass). 

    You can find your vehicle’s GVM or ATM: 

    If your vehicle weighs less than or equal to 4.5 tonnes, this is a light vehicle. Learn more about registering a light vehicle.

  2. 4

    Step 4: Prepare for your paperwork

    You’ll need:

    • evidence of the tare weight:
      • for new heavy vehicles, this may be on the identification plate or RAV
      • if the tare weight is not on the identification plate or RAV, then a weighbridge docket stating the tare weight.
    • evidence of the vehicle's GVM/ATM:
      • this must be recorded on the identification plate and the RAV (where applicable)
    • complete Vehicle registration form (PDF)
    • an original and current roadworthy certificate.
    • an original and signed Authority to act as an agent form (PDF) (if someone else is registering on your behalf)
    • evidence of identity. This includes evidence of your Victorian garage address.

If you already have a NHV plate from another state, you won’t need to purchase new plates when moving to Victoria, so long as the registration is in the same operator's name.

  1. 5

    Step 5: Book your appointment

    For all heavy vehicles, you’ll need to make sure:

    • the vehicle VIN is stamped on the vehicle and identification plate is affixed
    • the VIN is recorded on the Register of Approved Vehicles. This applies to all heavy vehicles that have never been registered in Australia.

    You’ll need to pay fees when you book, including an appointment and inspection fee.

    How to book

    To book your appointment, you’ll need to:

  2. 6

    Step 6: Attend your appointment

    Make sure that you have all your relevant documentation and, if required, bring your vehicle with you (in most cases, we will need to inspect your vehicle).

    Also bring tools and screws, so you can put your number plates on before you leave VicRoads.

    You’ll need to pay some fees, depending on your vehicle. Fees may include:

    Keep in mind that if you’re late you may be rescheduled to the next available timeslot and may need to pay an additional fee.