Learn how to obtain a seasonal vehicle license for an eligible heavy vehicle that is used for work part of the year. If your vehicle is not in use during the rest of the year, you won’t need to pay for a full license.
What is a seasonal vehicle licence?
A seasonal vehicle licence allows owners of heavy vehicles to pay for the licence for those specific times of the year when the vehicles are in use.
With a seasonal vehicle licence, you can let the licence lapse during the off-season and renew it when you need to use the vehicle for the next season.
Vehicles with a gross mass of more than 4,500 kg - that are primarily used for seasonal work - are eligible to apply for a seasonal licence. Examples of seasonal work include:
- seeding
- harvesting
- crayfishing.
Please note that caravans, plant machinery and vehicles operated by interstate heavy vehicle operators aren't eligible to apply for a seasonal licence.
Additionally, concession rates don’t apply to seasonal licences, so if your vehicle currently has a licence concession, you should consider whether a seasonal licence is the best option for you.
Step 1: Is the vehicle currently licensed?
If your vehicle has a current licence, you can apply for a seasonal licence at any time. However, if you decide to apply before your existing licence expires, you won't receive a refund on the remainder of your current vehicle licence.
Step 2: Get the vehicle inspected
If your vehicle is new or doesn't have a current vehicle licence, you'll need to get the vehicle inspected for roadworthiness before you can apply for a seasonal licence.
Visit Get my vehicle inspected or moved for more information on new vehicle inspections.
Step 3: Complete an application
Once the vehicle has successfully passed the inspection, you can complete a Seasonal licence application (Form VL194).
Note: You'll be able to nominate the dates you require the licence periods to be applied for on the form.
Vehicle licence duty
Vehicle licence duty is payable on the dutiable value of the vehicle, including the value of any trade-in, unless evidence is produced that the vehicle was previously licensed in your name. More information is available on the application form.
To find out how much duty is payable, visit our vehicle licence duty (stamp duty) calculator. Where vehicle licence duty is applicable, it is payable at the time of licensing.
Some individuals and vehicle types may be eligible to receive an exemption on the payment of the duty.
Please refer to Concessions for more information.
Step 4: Provide proof of identity
Only 1 person can be nominated as the licence holder. If the vehicle is jointly owned you’ll need to complete the Proof of identity nominated owner/vehicle license holder (Form VL186).
Visit Proof of identity for more information.
Step 5: 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:
- completed Seasonal licence application (Form VL194)
- completed Proof of identity: Nominated owner - vehicle licence holder (Form VL186), if required.
Weighbridge certificates
If the tare/mass weight of the trailer 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.
If your application is approved, you will receive a set of colour-coded seasonal plates. If you have an existing licence on the vehicle, you will need to surrender the existing number plates before receiving the seasonal plates.
Renew or extend your seasonal vehicle licence
There’s no need to renew a seasonal vehicle licence the moment it expires, as long as you aren’t using the vehicle. You can leave the special seasonal number plates attached and renew the licence when you start using the vehicle again.
Note:You must leave a gap of 2 months between seasonal licence periods.
DTMI will send you a renewal notice 6 weeks before the date you nominate the licence to expire. This will be sent by post, or you can elect to receive your notice electronically.
When you choose to renew a seasonal vehicle licence, you can do so for a minimum of 3 months.