License a repairable written-off vehicle

Step 1: Keep good records

When preparing to license a repairable written-off vehicle you are required to obtain, keep and provide:

• all receipts for major parts purchased and used on the vehicle
• receipts for the repair of the vehicle, and
• photographs taken throughout the repair process (before, during and after).

If the vehicle has had its air-bag system repaired or replaced, a report from an accredited agent/dealer is required to certify that the system is complete and operational.

Step 2: Primary inspection - Written-Off Vehicle (WOV) business for inspection

Before applying the final trim, fillers, paint and finishes to the vehicle, you’ll need to have your vehicle inspected by an authorised WOV business for inspection.

Moving an unlicensed vehicle

You’ll need to apply for a temporary movement permit to move your vehicle if it’s unlicensed.

Authorised written-off vehicle inspection service providers

Search for metropolitan or regional written-off inspection service providers.

Step 3: Secondary inspection - Authorised Inspection Station (AIS)

Once your vehicle has been passed by the authorised written-off vehicle inspection service provider, it must then undertake an identity and roadworthy inspection. This is done at an Authorised Inspection Station (AIS) once the final trim, fillers, paint and finishes to your vehicle have been applied.

Moving an unlicensed vehicle

You’ll need to apply for a temporary movement permit to move your vehicle if it’s unlicensed.

Step 4: Complete an application

Once your vehicle has successfully passed both inspections, you can complete an Application to License a Vehicle (Form VL17) - PDF.

If your vehicle was previously licensed under another name, you’ll need to provide proof of vehicle ownership.

For more information, visit License a vehicle in Western Australia.

Vehicle licence duty

Vehicle licence duty is payable on the dutiable value of the vehicle at the time of licensing, including the value of any trade-in, unless evidence is produced that the vehicle was previously licensed in your name. For more information, visit Vehicle licence duty.

To find out how much duty is payable, use the vehicle licence duty calculator. Where vehicle licence duty is applicable, it’s payable at the time of licensing.

Step 5: Provide proof of identity

Only 1 person can be nominated as a vehicle licence holder. The Proof of identity: nominated owner - vehicle licence holder (Form VL186) - PDF is to be used where your vehicle is jointly owned to nominate a licence holder.

This form must accompany your completed Form VL17 if you have never had a vehicle licensed in your name in WA, or if it is to be jointly owned.

Please go to Proof of identity for more information.

Step 6: 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 Application to License a Vehicle (Form VL17) – PDF
• copies of the WOVR business inspection and AIS inspection certificates 
• proof of identity
• completed Proof of identity: Nominated owner - vehicle licence holder (Form VL186) - PDF if required

If the vehicle hasn’t been previously licensed in your name, please bring along the original copy of one of the following documents.

• A receipt showing purchase price, date of sale, vehicle details (including VIN, plate number or engine number), seller's and purchaser's name and seller's signature. Receipts and tax invoices must show 'paid in full' to be accepted as proof of vehicle ownership. 
• A contract of sale/purchase with receipt attached to show the purchase has been finalised. The purchase price, date of sale, vehicle details (including VIN, plate number or engine number), seller's and purchaser's name and seller's signature must be shown on the contract and/or receipt. Receipts and tax invoices must show 'paid in full' to be accepted as proof of vehicle ownership. 
• If the seller is deceased, a completed Declaration of Deceased Estate (Form E172) - PDF 
• Your copy of the Notification of change of ownership vehicle licence transfer (Form MR9 or Form MR9B), or the Application to Licence a Vehicle or Transfer a Vehicle Licence Motor Vehicle Dealers (Form VL12) - PDF.

If you can’t provide these documents, or the documents you’ve provided are incomplete, you might have to submit a Declaration of Vehicle Ownership (Form VL50) - PDF to DTMI for consideration. Please note, this may cause a delay of up to 21 days before your vehicle can be licensed. 

Note: Once the vehicle is re licensed, the repairable written off status is updated to inspected. However, the written off notification will remain on record. Although the vehicle has passed all required inspections and is considered roadworthy, the repairable written off history will continue to be recorded against the vehicle’s registration and will still be visible on the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR).

Once the vehicle is licensed a new set of number plates will be issued.

Need help?

If you have any questions, or need assistance, make an online enquiry. For other enquiries, please contact us.