Introduction
When your personally imported vehicle has cleared customs, you need to drive it directly to a weighbridge (if it's a make and model not normally available in Australia), and/or a safety check station (AUVIS).
Registration is exempt on this journey, as long as you don't break the journey, or take the vehicle home (unless it's being transported on a trailer).
The AUVIS examiner will:
- ensure the vehicle complies with minimum safety standards
- complete the Personal Import Plate Order (included with your Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) documents).
A personally imported vehicle plate will be sent to you, which you must attach in accordance with the instructions supplied.
The vehicle then needs to be re-inspected at the AUVIS, before you can apply to register it.
What you need
- VIA documentation
- proof of entitlement to register the vehicle (bill of sale or overseas registration certificate, if applicable)
- proof of identity documents
- AUVIS inspection report
- Compulsory Third Party policy receipt (green slip) with the number plate section left blank (except for trailers and caravans)
- VSCCS Compliance Certificate (if applicable)
- VIIU report (if applicable)
- weighbridge ticket (if applicable)
- business or organisation details (if applicable)
- representative's authority (if being registered in the name of an organisation)
- the PDF form – 'Application for Registration'.
How to apply
- Download and complete the Application for Registration – PDF.
- Make sure you have all the required documentation.
- Visit a service centre and lodge your application.
More information
You'll need to obtain your initial inspection reports from a heavy vehicle inspection station (HVAIS) rather than an AUVIS, if your personally imported vehicle is any of the following:
- 5 tonnes tare mass or more
- fitted with power-operated brakes
- a trailer 2 tonnes GTM or more, or fitted with break-away brakes
- a bus 2.5 tonnes tare mass or over
- a prime-mover.