Find out how to get a licence for an imported vehicle based in Western Australia (WA).
Licensing an imported vehicle
If you bring a vehicle from overseas you must apply for a WA vehicle licence immediately.
Step 1: Obtain import approval
Please refer to Importing and licensing a car from overseas for more details on import approvals.
Step 2: Ensure vehicle meets Australian safety standards
Vehicles must meet Australian Design Rules (ADRs) applicable to the year of manufacture, but there are some exemptions for vehicles that have been personally imported.
For more information on left-hand drive vehicles and steering conversions see Vehicle Technical Bulletin VTB-106A: Imported vehicles including left hand drive - PDF, and the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communication's, Vehicle Standards Bulletin 4 - Steering conversions for left hand drive vehicles.
Step 3: Get a temporary moving permit
You'll need a temporary movement permit to move your unlicensed vehicle to the Authorised Inspection Station (AIS) location and to permit the vehicle examiner to road test the vehicle.
Step 4: Get the vehicle inspected
Before applying for a licence, your vehicle must pass a roadworthiness inspection.
'Personal effect' imports can't be inspected at an Authorised Inspection Station (AIS).
Book a vehicle inspection
'Personal effect' imports must be inspected by the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI). Please contact Vehicle Operations on 1300 776 065.
You are required to provide at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment within business hours on working days (Monday to Friday only, excluding weekends).
Please arrive 15 minutes early before the due time to avoid dely.
Your vehicle will be inspected to ensure it complies with safety standards. The following is a list of some of the standard safety aspects of a vehicle. Please note this list is provided for general advice only.
- Body work.
- Brakes.
- Chassis and suspension.
- Drive line.
- Electrical. Steering.
- Tyres and rims.
- Vehicle identification.
- Vehicle modifications.
Step 5: Complete an application
Once the vehicle has successfully passed inspection, you will be issued with a Certificate of Inspection. You must complete an Application to license a Vehicle (Form VL17) - PDF, and submit it with your valid Certificate of Inspection.
Step 6: Provide proof of identity
You’ll need to provide 1 form of primary and 1 form of secondary identification. Refer to our Proof of identity requirements or refer to our Primary & Secondary Proof of Identity - PDF, factsheet to see what documents you can use.
First time licensing a vehicle in WA and don’t have a WA driver’s licence?
If you’ve never had a vehicle licensed in your name in WA and don't have a WA driver’s license, you’ll also need to fill out a Proof of Identity Nominated Owner - Vehicle Licence Holder form (Form VL186) - PDF.
Are you licensing a jointly owned vehicle?
If the vehicle is jointly owned, all owners must complete and sign the Proof of Identity Nominated Owner- Vehicle Licence Holder form (Form VL186) - PDF. Only 1 person can be listed as the license holder.
Refer to the Vehicle owner responsibilities for more information.
Step 7: Submit the application in person
Applications for a new vehicle licence must be submitted in person at a DTMI service centre or regional agent.
You'll need to provide:
- import approval documents
- a valid Certificate of Inspection
- 1 form of primary and 1 form of secondary identification
- completed Application to license a vehicle (Form VL17) - PDF
- completed Proof of identity: Nominated owner - vehicle licence holder (Form VL186) - PDF, if required
- proof of ownership documents:
- if the car is already in your name, you can show recent overseas license papers as proof
- or a receipt, bill of sale, or contract of sale that shows you bought the vehicle and paid in full. These documents should include vehicle details like VIN, plate number or engine number.
If the tare/mass weight of the vehicle can't be verified through the manufacturer's specifications, previous licence documents, or licensing records, a weighbridge certificate is also required. The Department of Industry, Science and Resources lists public weighbridges that can issue certificates.
Vehicle licence duty
You’ll also need to pay vehicle licence duty based on the vehicle’s value, including any trade-in value, unless you were the previous licence holder. If the overseas vehicle was previously licensed to you, then you'll need to produce proof the vehicle was licensed in your name (such as the vehicle licence documents).
The vehicle licence duty (stamp duty) calculator can help you calculate how much duty you owe.
Some people or organisations might qualify for an exemption from this duty. Please refer to Concessions for more information.