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What you need to know when registering your vehicle in QLD, NSW, SA or the ACT

16 December 2020

Most drivers know they must register their vehicle in order to drive on Australia’s roads. But exactly how to do this can be confusing, especially as the process differs for each state/territory.

To try and help with any confusion, we’ve broken the process down into a few simple steps.

When you need new registration

You’ll need to apply for a new registration if you’re:

Buying a new vehicle that has never been registered

If you’ve purchased a new or used vehicle from a dealership, the dealer will usually organise the registration and Compulsory Third Party (CTP)/Motor Accident Injuries (MAI) insurance for you. It’s important to know that Qld, NSW, SA and ACT drivers have the option to choose their preferred CTP/MAI provider.

Buying a used vehicle that is unregistered

If you buy an unregistered vehicle through a private sale, the new registration must be completed through your local vehicle registration authority. You generally can’t do this online as the vehicle must be inspected before it’s registered. Refer to the table below for more information.

Moving interstate

If your vehicle is registered in another state/territory you’ll have to register it in the state/territory you will be residing in and driving the vehicle. If you don’t, you may be fined. The registration process varies depending on the state/territory you’re relocating to — refer to the table below for how to do this in Qld, NSW, SA and the ACT.

How to register your vehicle

Select your state for the relevant information:

New registration

When you buy a new or used vehicle from a motor dealer, generally they’ll arrange registration and CTP Insurance for you. If a motor dealer hasn’t arranged registration of your vehicle, or if you buy a vehicle privately, the new registration must be done at a transport and motoring customer service centre.

Step 1: Organise CTP insurance and an inspection

If your vehicle is unregistered and you need to drive on the road to register it, you can’t legally drive unless you’re carrying an unregistered vehicle permit and Class 22 CTP insurance certificate. You can apply for the permit and CTP insurance online or in person at a transport and main roads customer service centre. This will allow you to drive your vehicle to get a safety certificate or certificate of inspection and then to a transport and motoring customer service centre.

Step 2: Registration

To register a vehicle in Queensland, refer to the registration checklist and take these items with you to the transport and motoring customer service centre.

If you live in a rural area, you can visit a QGAP office, Magistrates Court or local police station that provides vehicle registration services.

Renew your registration

You’ll usually receive a renewal notice from the Department of Transport about four weeks before your registration expires, showing your vehicle’s details and cost to renew your registration.

How CTP/MAI differs from Comprehensive Car Insurance

The difference between CTP/MAI Insurance and other kinds of vehicle insurance, such as Comprehensive Car Insurance, lies in the coverage.

Where CTP/MAI Insurance covers death or injury to other people caused by you when you’re driving, it doesn't cover property damage to your car or another person’s car. If you’re looking to cover your car for damage, find out more about our Comprehensive Car Insurance.

Explore Comprehensive Car Insurance

New registration

Step 1: Inspections and certificates

If you buy a used vehicle that isn’t currently registered in NSW, the first thing you need to do is have the vehicle inspected at an Authorised Unregistered Vehicle Inspection Station. If the vehicle is modified or non-standard, you’ll also need a Compliance Certificate from a licensed certifier.

An eSafety (or pink slip) inspection report verifies your vehicle is safe and ready for the road. Most light vehicles more than five years old will require an eSafety check before they can be registered in NSW. Your registration renewal papers will state whether or not you need an inspection.

Step 2: CTP Insurance

Once your vehicle is confirmed roadworthy, you’ll need to organise CTP Green Slip Insurance over the phone prior to registering your vehicle. Once payment is made, your Green Slip will be sent to Transport for NSW (TfNSW) ready for you to register.

You may be able to find CTP Green Slip Insurance through our network of brands: AAMI, GIO, Apia and Shannons which may be suitable for you.

Step 3: Registration

Take all the required documents to a service centre to complete the registration process.

Renew your registration

You’ll receive a CTP renewal notice from your current CTP provider about 4-6 weeks before your registration expires. You’ll need to make payment on your CTP Green Slip policy first before you can pay for your registration.

A registration renewal notice will be sent by TfNSW prior to your registration expiring. The notice will show the cost to renew your registration and if you need a safety inspection.

New registration

Step 1: Organise an inspection

Roadworthy inspections are required in certain situations. Bookings can be made by contacting Access Canberra on 13 22 81, or you can arrange to have your vehicle inspected at an authorised inspection station. Keep in mind, the certificate of inspection is valid for one month from the date it was issued.

For more information on roadworthy inspections visit Access Canberra.

Step 2: Registration

Bring all the required documents to an Access Canberra centre to complete the registration process – you will be required to select a CTP insurer of your choice when completing your registration.

This information will be displayed on your registration Notification Form which will be provided by the RTA.

Find the right MAI product for you in ACT through our network of brands: AAMI, GIO and Apia.

Don’t forget proof of ownership and proof of residency i.e. documentation of your new address in ACT!

Renew your registration

Access Canberra will send you a renewal reminder before your vehicle’s registration expires. The notice will show the cost to renew your registration, along with a list of ACT MAI insurers for you to choose from. If an inspection is required prior to renewal this will also be stated on the notice.

New registration

Registering a new vehicle

To register a new light vehicle in SA you’ll need to attend Service SA with an application for registration and third party insurance and proof of purchase of the vehicle. Proof of purchase can be an invoice or other evidence of purchase from a motor vehicle dealership. You’ll also be required to select a CTP insurer when completing your registration — visit the AAMI website for more details.

Registering an unregistered vehicle

To register an unregistered vehicle, download and complete a MR1 Application for registration and third party insurance and return it to a Service SA customer service centre.

Renew your registration

You’ll be sent a vehicle registration renewal notice prior to your registration expiring. You can renew your registration online with your mySA GOV account or the mySAGov app, over the phone, by post, or in person at a Service SA customer service centre or Australia Post outlet.

Your registration renewal notice will show the cost to renew your registration and a list the CTP insurers to choose from. AAMI is one of these, so visit the website for more details.

Various products and services are provided by different entities of the Suncorp Group. The different entities of the Suncorp Group are not responsible for, or liable in respect of, products or services provided by other entities of the Suncorp Group.

Read the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance.

This advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situations or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it.

QLD

Suncorp Compulsory Third Party (CTP) Insurance is issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 AFSL 230859 (AAI) trading as Suncorp Insurance.

NSW

GIO CTP Green Slip insurance is issued by AAI trading as GIO.

AAMI CTP Green Slip insurance is issued by AAI trading as AAMI.

Australian Pensioners Insurance Agency Pty Ltd ABN 14 099 650 996 AR 239591 (Apia) is an authorised representative of AAI. Apia CTP Personal Injury Insurance is issued by AAI trading as GIO.

Shannons Pty Limited ABN 91 099 692 636 (Shannons) acts as an agent and authorised representative of GIO. Shannons CTP Green Slip’ [HD1] Insurance is issued by AAI trading as GIO.

ACT

GIO Motor Accident Injuries (MAI) Insurance is issued by AAI trading as GIO.

AAMI MAI Insurance is issued by AAI trading as AAMI.

Apia is an authorised representative of AAI. Apia MAI Insurance is issued by AAI.

CTP Insurance is underwritten by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 AFSL 230859 trading as AAMI.