Trade plates are used by licensed vehicle dealers and repairers to test, transfer and deliver unlicensed cars, motorcycles, caravans, trailers and agricultural machinery.
Trade plates allow motor trade and agricultural machinery businesses to move roadworthy unlicensed vehicles on Western Australian (WA) roads for trade purposes. This includes:
- attending a licensing or examination centre for the purpose of a vehicle examination or vehicle licensing
- delivering a vehicle to a purchaser following a sale
- test driving by potential buyers or their employees for up to 24 hours
- driving a vehicle from a dealer's premises to a potential purchaser for the purpose of a test drive
- driving a vehicle to or from an agricultural show, agricultural field day or motor show
- testing a vehicle following a repair or completion of repair
- transporting a vehicle to or from a manufacturer, dealer, repairer or agent.
Trade plates are made of aluminium and have the following dimensions:
- Motor vehicle plate 372 mm x 134 mm
- Motorcycle plate 245 mm x 100 mm.
Eligibility: Trade plates
Under the Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations 2014, trade plates may only be used by businesses (i.e. holders of an Australian Business Number) who are:
Manufacturers of vehicles, including:
- trailer manufacturers and repairers
- boat manufacturers and repairers
- motor vehicle dealers authorised by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, including lease and hire operators with a dealer's licence or an exemption
- registered used car dealers with a dealer's licence
- transporters of motor vehicles acting as a contractor for registered used car dealers with a dealer’s licence
- motor vehicle repairers with a repairer’s certificate from the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety
- builders of vehicles bodies.
Other businesses approved by the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or delegate, such as:
- window tinters
- car detailers.
For more information, download our Trades Plates Issue and Use Guidelines.
Step 1: Prepare written application
To apply for trade plates, or to request additional trade plates if they have already been issued, you'll need to submit an Application for Trade Plates (Form E96) and provide the following information about:
- the nature of your business
- the reason trade plates are required
- how often the trade plates are likely to be used
- the number of trade plates that’ve already been issued to the applicant or organisation (if applicable)
- any other relevant information in support of the application.
Application for Trade Plates (Form E96) must be signed by a company director or sole proprietor.
Step 2: Providing supporting documents
Please include copies of any relevant certifications with your written application, where applicable:
- Certificate of Authorised Premises
- Certificate of Business Registration
- Certificate of Registration of a Business Name
- Current Motor Dealers Licence
- Motor Vehicle Repairers Licence.
Step 3: Submit the completed application
Please submit your completed Application for Trade Plates (Form E96) and copies of supporting certifications to:
Trade Plates,
Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure
GPO Box R1290
Perth WA 6844
Or by email at trade.plates@transport.wa.gov.au
Step 4: Pay the required fees
If an application is approved, DTMI will issue you with an approval letter.
Fees can be paid when collecting the trade plates at the nominated DTMI service centre or regional agent.
When you collect the trade plates, you’ll receive adhesive labels (stickers) for each plate, that show the month and year the annual trade plate fee expires. These stickers must be affixed to the trade plates and displayed in a prominent position.
Payment of fees shouldn’t be submitted with the written application.
| Fee description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Dealers: Trade plate annual fee | $46.90 |
| Motor Vehicle Dealers: Trade plate deposit | $500.00 |
| Motor Vehicle Dealers: Trade plate for Dealers (plate fee) | $28.70 |
| Motor Vehicle Dealers: Trade plate remake fee | $34.00 |
Interstate use of trade plates
WA trade plates are valid for use only within Western Australia.
While similar in purpose, each Australian State and Territory has its own specific rules for issuing and using trade plates.
If you intend to use your WA trade plates in another jurisdiction, we recommend that you contact the relevant licensing authority to confirm whether this is permitted.
Interstate trade plates may be recognised in WA if they are issued as a licence, rather than a permit. Please contact us to confirm whether your interstate trade plates can be used in WA.
Need help?
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us.