Fees
For applicable tow truck licence (registration) fees visit License a vehicle in Western Australia.
Step 1: Get the vehicle inspected
Before a tow truck vehicle licence can be granted, the vehicle must be inspected for roadworthiness and compliance with the new technical standards.
The technical standards for tow trucks are available on the Department’s website. Vehicle owners should familiarise themselves with the standards prior to presenting a tow truck for inspection.
All new or unlicensed tow trucks must be inspected at the Kelmscott Vehicle Examination Centre (VEC).
To book an inspection call 1300 776 065. Inspection fees apply.
Step 2: Complete an application (Form VL17)
Once the vehicle has successfully passed inspection, you must complete an Application to License a Vehicle (Form VL17) and it must be submitted along with your valid Certificate of Inspection.
Step 3: Provide proof of identity
You will be required to provide one primary and one secondary identification document, one of which must show your WA residential address. Please see the below fact sheet 'Primary & Secondary Proof of Identity' for acceptable primary and secondary identification documents.
If you have not had a vehicle licensed in your name in WA before and do not have a WA driver's licence, you will also need to complete a Proof of Identity Nominated Owner/Vehicle Licence Holder (Form VL186).
If you are licensing the vehicle in the name of a company or incorporated body you will need to provide:
- Your Australian Company Number (ACN); or
- A 'Certificate of Registration of a Company' issued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, or any other certificate of incorporation; or
- Other evidence of legal entity status.
If your vehicle is jointly owned, only one owner can be nominated as the vehicle licence holder. This owner is to be nominated by completing the Proof of Identity Nominated Owner/Vehicle Licence Holder (Form VL186). Each joint owner must declare their details and sign this form.
Please 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 Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) centre, regional DoT office or agent .
You will need to provide:
- Completed vehicle licence application form VL17
- Completed proof of vehicle ownership form VL186
You may also need to present a weighbridge certificate if the tare/mass weight of the vehicle cannot be established from the manufacturer's specifications, previous licence documents or licensing records.
Once the vehicle is licensed, a set of number plates will be issued.
Step 5: Annual inspections
From 7 November 2023 you will be required to get your tow truck vehicle inspected every year to maintain its licence.
Please go to Get a vehicle inspected for more information on locations.
Metropolitan based tow trucks must be inspected at the Kelmscott Vehicle Examination Centre i.e., vehicles with a garaging address within a 100km radius of Perth CBD. Inspection bookings can be made by calling 1300 776 065. Inspection fees apply.
Regionally based tow trucks must book their inspection at the nearest suitable Authorised Inspection Station to their vehicles garaging address.