License a repairable written-off vehicle

You are required to obtain all receipts for major parts purchased and used on the vehicle, receipts for the repair of the vehicle and photographs taken (before, during and after) throughout the repair process. 

If the vehicle has had a repair or replacement air-bag system, a report from an accredited agent/dealer is required to certify that the system is complete and operational.

Before applying the final trim, fillers, paint and finishes to the vehicle, you will need to have your vehicle inspected by an authorised written-off inspection service provider.

Note:

Fees are charged by the provider and are not regulated by the Department of Transport.

Moving an unlicensed vehicle

You will need to apply for a temporary movement permit to move your vehicle if it is unlicensed.

Once your vehicle has been passed by the authorised written-off vehicle inspection service provider, it must then undertake an identity and roadworthy inspection. This is done at an Authorised Inspection Station once the final trim, fillers, paint and finishes to your vehicle have been applied.

Moving an unlicensed vehicle

You will need to apply for a Temporary Movement Permit to move your vehicle if it is unlicensed. 

Once your vehicle has successfully passed both inspections, you can complete an application to license your vehicle using form VL17.

If your vehicle was previously licensed in another name, you will need to provide proof of vehicle ownership. Where the seller is a dealer a declaration from the dealer must also be completed on the form VL17. 

For more information, please go to Buy a vehicle (transfer licence)

Vehicle licence duty

Vehicle licence duty is payable on the dutiable value of your vehicle, including the value of any trade-in, unless evidence is produced that the vehicle was previously licensed in your name. More information is available in Form VL17.

To find out how much duty is payable, please use our vehicle licence duty calculator. Where vehicle licence duty is applicable, it is payable at the time of licensing.

Please refer to the Concessions page for more information.

Only one person can be nominated as a vehicle licence holder. The Proof of identity; nominated owner/vehicle licence holder Form VL186 is to be used where your vehicle is jointly owned to nominate a licence holder.

This form must accompany your completed Form Vl17 to verify your particulars.

Please go to Proof of identity for more information.

Applications for a new vehicle licence must be submitted in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services centre or regional agent.

You will need to provide:

• Completed vehicle licence application Form VL17
• Completed proof of vehicle ownership Form VL186 (Proof of vehicle ownership if the vehicle has not been previously licensed in your name)

If the vehicle has not been previously licensed in your name, please bring along the original copy of one of the following documents:

• A receipt showing purchase price, date of sale, vehicle details (including VIN, plate number or engine number), seller's and purchaser's name and seller's signature. Receipts and tax invoices must show 'paid in full' to be accepted as proof of vehicle ownership.
• A contract of sale/purchase with receipt attached to show the purchase has been finalised. The purchase price, date of sale, vehicle details (including VIN, plate number or engine number), seller's and purchaser's name and seller's signature must be shown on the contract and/or receipt. Receipts and tax invoices must show 'paid in full' in order to be accepted as proof of vehicle ownership.
• Where the seller is deceased, a letter from the Executor or Administrator must be provided showing purchase price, date of sale, new owner's details, vehicle details, deceased's name, the executor's, or administrator's signature, and whether the vehicle has an immobiliser fitted.
• Your copy of the Notification of change of ownership vehicle licence transfer (Form MR9 or Form MR9B), or the Application to Licence a Vehicle or Transfer a Vehicle Licence Motor Vehicle Dealers (Form VL12).

If you have no details of the last vehicle licence holder, or the seller is a company and you are unable to contact the company and obtain a seller signature, you can complete a Declaration of Vehicle Ownership (VL50) form. This will result in a delay of up to 21 days before the vehicle can be licensed.

You may also need to present a weighbridge certificate if the tare/mass weight of the vehicle cannot be established from the manufacturer's specifications, previous licence documents or licensing records.

Once the vehicle is licensed a new set of number plates will be issued.