Step 1: Get the trailer inspected
Before you can submit a trailer licence application, you'll need to get the trailer inspected for roadworthiness at an Authorised Inspection Station (AIS).
Step 2: Complete an application
Once the trailer has successfully passed the inspection, you can complete an application to license a vehicle using Application to license a vehicle (Form VL17).
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 (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 the Vehicle owner responsibilities for more information.
Please visit Proof of identity for more information.
Step 4: Submit the application in person
Applications for a trailer 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 trailer is already in your name, you can show recent license 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 trailer is licensed a new set of number plates will be issued.
The number plate for a trailer must be fixed and kept in a prominent place on the back of the trailer in an upright position. Ensure the characters on the plate are clearly visible and legible at all times of the day and night.
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 duty (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.
Fees
Light vehicle licence (registration) fees (2025/2026)
Vehicle owners must also pay motor injury insurance (MII) insurance. Visit Motor Injury Insurance (MII) for fees and more information.
Light vehicle licence: Administration fee
| Fee description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Light vehicle standard administration recording fee - 3. 6 and 12 months renewal | $9.50 |
| Light vehicle standard administration recording fee - 1 month renewal | $1.75 |
Light vehicle: Bulk, transfer and duplicate licence fees
| Fee description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Duplicate or certified copy of vehicle licence document - DoTDirect Download | $0.00 |
| Duplicate or certified copy of vehicle licence document - Purchase at DVS Centre or by phone | $6.90 |
| Vehicle Licence Administration fee (Bulk licensing fee) - Applicable to vehicle dealers only | $13.30 |
| Vehicle licence transfer fee | $20.50 |
Light vehicle: Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) not exceeding 4,500 kg fees
Per 100kg
| Fee description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Light vehicle registration: Caravan (motor propelled), per 100 kg | $28.64 |
| Light vehicle registration: Caravan (trailer type), per 100 kg | $7.16 |
| Light vehicle registration: Converter dolly, per 100 kg | $14.32 |
| Light vehicle registration: Fork lift, per 100 kg | $7.16 |
| Light vehicle registration: Goods vehicle, per 100 kg | $28.64 |
| Light vehicle registration: Mobile crane, per 100 kg | $7.16 |
| Light vehicle registration: Motor car, per 100 kg | $28.64 |
| Light vehicle registration: Omnibus, per 100 kg | $28.64 |
| Light vehicle registration: Other trailer, not being a plant trailer truck, per 100 kg | $14.32 |
| Light vehicle registration: Plant trailer, per 100 kg | $7.16 |
| Light vehicle registration: Semi-trailer, per 100 kg | $14.32 |
| Light vehicle registration: Tow motor, per 100 kg | $7.16 |
| Light vehicle registration: Tow truck, per 100 kg | $28.64 |
| Light vehicle registration: Tractor (not prime mover), per 100 kg | $7.16 |
| Light vehicle registration: Tractor plant truck, per 100 kg | $7.16 |
| Light vehicle registration: Trailer, per 100 kg | $14.32 |
| Light vehicle registration: Tractor (prime mover type) and truck | $28.64 |
Motorcycles
| Fee description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Light vehicle registration: Motorcycle (not exceeding 250 cc) | $70.48 |
| Light vehicle registration: Motorcycle (power to weight ratio not exceeding 150 kW/t) | $99.12 |
Light vehicle: Example, how to calculate your vehicle licence fee
In the following example, a 12 month renewal is applied to a standard motor car (Tare weight: 1,650 kg - the weight of the unladen vehicle):
| Calculate your light vehicle licence fee | Fee calculation |
|---|---|
|
Vehicle fee per 100 kg x Total weight (rounded up to the nearest 100 kg) / 100 |
$28.64 x (1,700 kg / 100) = $486.88 |
|
Plus prescribed flat fee $13.20 (12-month renewal: (discounted rate) = $6.60) |
$6.60 |
|
Total vehicle licence fee (rounded to the nearest five cents |
$493.48 |
Notes:
- Prescribed flat fee for a vehicle for a period of one year is $13.20 discounted 50%.
- Any vehicle renewal term less than 12 months; calculation will be $13.20 divided by 12 then multiplying by the number of months in respect of which the renewal is paid.
- 6-month renewal: ($13.20/12)*6 = $6.60.
- 3-month renewal: ($13.20/12)*3 = $3.30.
- 1-month renewal: ($13.20/12) = $1.10.
Key:
- GVM = Gross vehicle Mass. kg = kilogram. cc = cubic centimetre, engine displacement.
- kW/t = kilowatt per tonne, 1 m² / S³.