Boat and vessel trade plates

You may need vessel trade plates (or special identification plate) if you’re a dealer or manufacturer of vessels. You can use these on unregistered vessels while carrying out repairs, testing, delivering or selling the boat or vessel.

You can apply for trade plates for a boat or vessel that you design, commission, construct, manufacture, supply, maintain, repair or modify.

It’s easy to apply for a vessel trade plate - all you need to do is:

• complete the Vessel trade plate form (PDF) 
• pay the appropriate fees
• post the completed form and fee payment to VicRoads, GPO Box 1644, Melbourne, VIC 3001.

You can apply for up to three plates on one vessel trade plate form.

Once you have your plates, you must:

• display the vessel trade plates at all times.
• not use, or allow the vessel to be used, for any purposes other than:
  • operating the vessel from place to place while the vessel is in the process of manufacture or repair
  • moving the vessel from the place of manufacture to the place where it will be offered for sale
  • testing the vessel
  • demonstrating the operation of the vessel to a buyer or prospective buyer
  • delivering the vessel for or after sale
  • carrying out repairs to the vessel
  • returning the vessel to its owner after it has been repaired.
• not allow the vessel to be operated by a person other than:
  • you
  • your employee
  • a person under your supervision or the supervision of your employee.
• attach the trade plate to the vessel in a spot that’s easy to see.
• keep the plates at your office or place of business. You must also keep a record that identifies everyone who operates the vessel.