For the definition of a tow truck, refer to the Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations 2014.
Note: A vehicle used for towing must be a licensed tow truck as defined by Regulation 4 of the Towing Services Regulations 2025.
Step 1: Get the vehicle inspected
Before a tow truck can be granted a WA licence, the vehicle must be inspected for roadworthiness and compliance with the new technical standards as per the Requirements for Tow Trucks in WA.
All tow trucks licensed in WA for the first time must be inspected at the Kelmscott Vehicle Inspection Centre unless an exemption is provided (in the case of regional tow trucks).
To book an inspection call 1300 776 065. Inspection fees apply.
If you need to move your vehicle before the licence is issued, you will be required to apply for a temporary movement permit.
Step 2: Complete an application
Once the vehicle has successfully passed inspection, you will be issued with a Certificate of Inspection. You must complete an Application to License a Vehicle (Form VL17) and submit it with your valid Certificate of Inspection.
Step 3: Provide proof of identity
You’ll need to provide 1 form of primary and 1 form of secondary identification. Refer to our Proof of identity requirements or refer to our Primary & Secondary Proof of Identity fact sheet to see what documents you can use.
First time licensing a vehicle in WA and don’t have a WA driver’s licence?
If you’ve never had a vehicle licensed in your name in WA and don't have a WA driver’s license, you’ll also need to fill out a Proof of Identity Nominated Owner/Vehicle Licence Holder form (Form VL186).
Registering a vehicle under a company name?
If you’re registering the vehicle under a company name, you’ll need to provide 1 of the following:
- your Australian Company Number (ACN)
- A 'Certificate of Registration of a Company' (issued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission)
- other evidence of legal entity status.
Are you licensing a jointly owned vehicle?
If the vehicle is jointly owned, all owners must complete and sign the Proof of Identity Nominated Owner/Vehicle Licence Holder form (Form VL186). Only 1 person can be listed as the license holder.
Refer to Vehicle owner responsibilities for more information.
Step 4: 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:
- a valid Certificate of Inspection
- 1 form of primary and 1 form of secondary identification
- completed Application to license a vehicle (Form VL17)
- completed Proof of identity: Nominated owner - vehicle licence holder (Form VL186), if required
- proof of ownership documents:
- if the car is already in your name, you can show recent licence papers as proof
- Notification of change of ownership vehicle licence transfer (Form MR9 or Form MR9B) or
- Application to Licence a Vehicle or Transfer a Vehicle Licence Motor Vehicle Dealers (Form VL12).
- or a receipt, bill of sale, or contract of sale that shows you bought the vehicle and paid in full. These documents should include vehicle details like VIN, plate number or engine number.
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.
Once the vehicle is licensed, a set of number plates will be issued.
Fees
For applicable tow truck licence (registration) fees visit License a vehicle in Western Australia.
Vehicle license duty
You’ll also need to pay vehicle license duty based on the vehicle’s value, including any trade-in value, unless you were the previous license holder. The vehicle licence (stamp duty) calculator can help you calculate how much duty you owe.
Some people or organisations might qualify for an exemption from this duty. Please refer to Concessions for more information.
Annual inspections
Tow truck owners are required to have their vehicle inspected every year to maintain its licence.
You'll be sent a notification letter informing you of this annual requirement. You'll need to get the vehicle inspected at an Authorised Inspection Station (AIS) or Kelmscott Vehicle Inspection Centre, before the renewal can be paid.