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Vehicle identification numbers (VIN)
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-character alpha-numeric identifier affixed to a motor vehicle, trailer or semi-trailer in accordance with international standards to establish a vehicle’s identity. Here, you will find information on how to get a VIN for vehicles manufactured after 1 January 1989.
Key changes affecting manufacturers under new Commonwealth law
From 1 July 2023, all vehicles, including trailers, must have a presence on the RAV, unless a non-RAV entry import applies.
A RAV entry replaces the need to fit road vehicles with an identification (compliance) plate that contains compliance and certification information.
For more information in relation to RAV entry approval pathways please visit the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (DITRDCA) website.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for a new trailer
Every vehicle, including trailers and caravans, built or provided to Australian consumers since 1 January 1989, is required to have VIN clearly stamped, embossed, or otherwise permanently marked on a substantial part of a vehicle's frame or body.
From 1 July 2023, a VIN for a new trailer will be issued in accordance with the respective RAV Entry approval pathways.
If you have inquiries regarding the RAV entry approval pathways or the status of your application, please contact the DITRDCA for more information.
Owner/builders can obtain a VIN depending on an intended volume production and a chosen RAV entry pathway as follows:
RAV entry pathways
| Approval pathway | Eligibility | Process | VIN Issuer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concession RAV entry |
|
|
DITRDCA |
|
Vehicle Type Approval (incorporated with an ACN issued by ASIC) |
|
|
Self-issued by manufacturer |
|
Vehicle Type Approval (not incorporated) |
|
|
Accredited agent |
Imported Trailers
If you are importing trailers, you will need to contact the Manufacturer in the country which the trailers are being constructed, and obtain VINs issued within the country of manufacture, and provide these VINs on your import application.
Low volume VINs issued by the Department of Transport cannot be used on import applications for trailers manufactured overseas. WA issued VINs which are used for the importation of trailers will be deleted.
Please visit the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts (DITRDCA) website for more information about importing vehicles into Australia.
| IB-127B: Marking of VIN numbers on caravans and light trailers (Information Bulletin) | Kb | |
| Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications | ||
|---|---|---|
Surrogate Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Regulation 141 of the Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations 2014 (WA), authorises the CEO to assign a VIN if a vehicle does not have one.
A surrogate VIN may be required where:
- the original vehicle identifier has been removed where the vehicle has been repaired,
- the vehicle has been stolen and recovered where the vehicle identifier has been removed or ground off,
In such cases a surrogate VIN will need to be created and issued for that vehicle so that it can be licenced.
You cannot change or replace an existing Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), with a different VIN.
The request for a surrogate VIN will be granted at the discretion of the CEO, upon inspection at Kelmscott Driver and Vehicle Services, where the vehicle identity and evidence of ownership could be positively established. This minor inspection is for the verification of vehicle details only.
Note: If the VIN details on your licence papers do not match the number on the actual vehicle, it could be an administrative error in recording the correct number. Please contact DoT using the email below to start the process of resolving the issue.
| Street address | Postal address | Telephone | Fax | |
|---|---|---|---|---|