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License an imported vehicle
Find out how to get a licence for an imported vehicle based in Western Australia.
Please choose step from following:
Overview: License an imported vehicle
If you bring a vehicle from overseas you must apply for a Western Australian vehicle licence immediately.
Please refer to the Importing a car from overseas page for more information on importing a vehicle, including obtaining import approvals.
Vehicles built for use in Australia must comply with standards known as the Australian Design Rules (ADRs). The ADRs that apply vary according to the date of manufacture and the category of the vehicle in question. The Road Traffic (Vehicle Standards) Rules 2002 provides a partial exemption from most of the ADR requirements for vehicles that have been personally imported. Exemption applies for certain ADR related items.
More detailed information on licensing left hand drive vehicles can be found in the bulletin VTB 106 below.
You should also refer to the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communication's; Vehicle Standards bulletin, Steering conversions for left hand drive vehicles (VSB4). It describes various methods of steering conversion and the minimum standards of workmanship expected.
Step 1:Get a temporary moving permit
You will need a temporary movement permit to move your unlicensed vehicle on Western Australian roads to the inspection location and to permit the vehicle examiner to road test the vehicle.
Step 2:Get the vehicle inspected: Imported vehicle
Before you can submit a new vehicle licence application, you will need to get the vehicle inspected for roadworthiness.
Personal imports cannot be inspected at an Authorised Inspection Station (AIS).
If your vehicle is unlicensed (unregistered) you will need a Temporary Movement Permit to drive your vehicle to the inspection location.
Personal imports must be inspected by the Department of Transport. Please contact Vehicle Operations on 1300 776 065.
Please arrive 15 minutes before the due time to avoid delay.
You are required to give 24 hours (business/working days only) notice of a cancellation or to reschedule an appointment.
Your vehicle will be inspected to ensure it complies with safety standards. Here 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.
The following guide provides more detail regarding these safety aspects.
| Are you regularly checking your vehicle? | Kb | |
Step 3:Provide a copy of the overseas licence or registration: Imported vehicle
If the overseas vehicle was previously licensed to you, then you will need to produce proof the vehicle was licensed in your name (such as the vehicle licence documents) or vehicle duty will be charged on the value of the vehicle at the time of licensing in WA.
If the tare/mass weight of the vehicle cannot be established from the manufacturer's specifications, previous licence documents or licensing records you will need to supply a weighbridge certificate.
| Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources: Public weighbridge list | ||
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Step 4:Provide proof of being based in WA: Imported vehicle
You will be required to provide proof that the vehicle will be garaged primarily in WA. Vehicles can only be licensed in WA if they are primarily kept in this state.
Step 5:Provide proof of identity
Only one person can be nominated as the licence holder. Form VL186 is to be used where an owner is required to be nominated as the licence holder.
This form must accompany the vehicle license application form in order to verify the applicant's personal details.
Please go to Proof of identity for more information.
| Proof of identity: Nominated owner - vehicle licence holder (Form VL186) | Kb | |
Step 6:Submit the application in person (Form VL17)
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 application to licence a vehicle Form VL17.
- Certificate of inspection completed by the vehicle examiner.
- Proof of being garaged in WA.
- Completed Proof of Identity Nominated Owner/Vehicle Licence holder.
- Proof of vehicle ownership Form VL186.
- Evidence of overseas licence or registration.
- Weighbridge certificate (if required).
- Import Approval Documents.