Introduction
You can re-register written-off vehicles in NSW in some specific situations. In these limited cases, the vehicle must have no non-repairable damage and must fit into an exempt category.
Before you can re-register your vehicle, you'll need to have an authorisation to repair from Transport for NSW (TfNSW), and a certificate of compliance from a licensed repairer. Once you have these, and all other applicable documentation, you can apply to re-register your vehicle at a service centre.
Eligibility
- The vehicle must have no non-repairable damage. 'Non-repairable damage' is damage so severe that it's unsafe to attempt repairs.
- The vehicle must be in an exempt category. The exempt categories are:
- hail damaged vehicles, where you were the registered operator for more than 28 days before the vehicle was hail damaged
- a vehicle that you inherited in a will or letters of administration
- a vehicle that you owned for at least 28 days before it was damaged.
What you need
- your driver licence number/customer number
- your personal details
- your vehicle registration details
- an approved authorisation to repair from TfNSW
- a certificate of compliance issued by a licensed repairer
- any third-party certifications (for example, air bag repairs or structural certification)
- an Authorised Unregistered Vehicle Inspection Station report (including identity and safety check)
- an Authorised Vehicle Identification Inspection Unit report
- proof of your registration entitlement
- your Compulsory Third Party insurance (commonly known as a green slip)
- payment for any registration fees
- the PDF form – 'Application for Registration'.
How to register
- Check the eligibility requirements.
- Apply to TfNSW for an authorisation to repair:
- download and complete the Application to Repair a Written-Off Vehicle – PDF
- attach your declaration of vehicle damage from your insurer
- attach your evidence of exemption status
- make sure you have all the required documents
- post your application to the address on the form.
If your application is approved, TfNSW will post you an authorisation to repair. The repairs must be completed or certified by a licensed repairer.
Once all your repairs are completed and certified:
- Get the vehicle inspected at an Authorised Unregistered Vehicle Inspection Station (including an identity and safety check).
- Get the vehicle inspected at the Vehicle Identification Inspection Unit.
- Apply for registration.
More information
- This process also applies to written-off vehicles that were classed as 'repairable write-offs' in NSW before 31 January 2011.
- Heavy Vehicles written-off after 3 December 2018 must be recorded on the Written-Off Heavy Vehicle Register.