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Overseas visitor's vehicle licence
Find out how to get an overseas visitor's vehicle licence for a vehicle that is registered and temporarily imported to Western Australia.
Please choose step from following:
Overview: overseas visitor's vehicle licence
An overseas visitor's vehicle licence (also referred to as an overseas visitor's permit) must be issued by the WA Department of Transport before an overseas visitor to Australia can drive a temporarily imported vehicle on WA roads.
The vehicle must undergo a roadworthiness inspection before the licence can be issued, and Motor Injury Insurance (MII) will also be included.
No licence fee or recording fee is payable.
Eligibility: Overseas visitor's vehicle licence
To be eligible for an overseas visitor's vehicle licence:
- The vehicle must be licensed in your name in the country where you are a permanent resident or citizen; for example. if you are a citizen of the USA, the vehicle must be licensed in the USA.
- You must not be a permanent resident or citizen of any Australian state or territory.
The licence of an overseas vehicle becomes invalid if you (who are not a permanent resident of Australia):
- Become a permanent resident of Australia.
- Transfer the vehicle licence to a permanent resident of Australia.
An overseas visitor's vehicle licence issued in Western Australia may be recognised by other states and territories. Please contact the relevant licensing body for more information.
Step 1:Get the vehicle inspected: Overseas vehicle
Before you can submit a overseas visitor's vehicle licence application, you will need to get the vehicle inspected for roadworthiness.
Please go to Get a vehicle inspected for more information on new vehicle inspections.
Step 2:Provide a copy of the overseas licence or registration: Overseas visitor's vehicle licence
The vehicle must be currently licensed in the country where you are a permanent resident or citizen.
Step 3:Provide a customs declaration: Overseas visitor's vehicle licence
Before you can licence your overseas vehicle in Western Australia, you will need to provide a copy of the guarantee to Australian Customs that the vehicle will be taken out of Australia.
This guarantee can take the form of one of the following documents:
- Carnet de passages en douane, or
- Triptyque.
Definitions
- Carnet: (pronounced kar-nay): official pass or permit, used when crossing national boundaries.
- Carnet de passages en douane: permit for passing through customs.
- Triptyque: (pronounced trip-ti-k): customs permit serving as a passport for a motor vehicle.
Step 4:Modify headlights on left-hand drive vehicles (if required)
Headlights on left-hand drive vehicles must be modified to dip to the left.
Step 5:Ensure overseas plates are not damaged
Number plates are not issued by the Department of Transport to overseas vehicles unless the existing overseas plates attached to the vehicle are badly damaged.
If the number plates of an overseas visitor's vehicle are so damaged that any part is obscured, obliterated or indistinct, you will need to purchase temporary plates from the Department.
Step 6:Submit the application in person (Form E65)
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 form.
- Evidence of overseas licence or registration.
- Copy of the carnet de passages en douane or triptyque.
- Other documentation as required.
Definitions
- Carnet: (pronounced kar-nay): official pass or permit, used when crossing national boundaries.
- Carnet de passages en douane: permit for passing through customs.
- Triptyque: (pronounced trip-ti-k): customs permit serving as a passport for a motor vehicle.
| Application to licence an overseas vehicle (Form E65) | Kb | |
Step 7:Purchase Motor Injury Insurance (MII)
Motor Injury Insurance (MII) will be included as part of your licence application. The period of insurance coverage will be one of the following:
- 12 months from the date the vehicle arrived in Australia,
- Expiry of the registration document of the country of origin, or
- Expiry of the carnet de passages en douane or triptyque, whichever comes first.
Definitions
- Carnet: (pronounced kar-nay): official pass or permit, used when crossing national boundaries.
- Carnet de passages en douane: permit for passing through customs.
- Triptyque: (pronounced trip-ti-k): customs permit serving as a passport for a motor vehicle.
Driver and Vehicle enquiries (online)
The Driver and Vehicle (licensing) enquiry form is for Western Australian driver and vehicle licensing enquiries only. You can also contact us via email at contact.centre@transport.wa.gov.au.
For all other matters please visit the feedback, compliments and complaints page.
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