This document summarises the current, state-by-state registration requirements for personally
imported vehicles and other imported vehicles in Australia. It is intended as a practical reference for
owners, brokers, and compliance professionals. This version corrects inaccuracies in the previously
uploaded draft and aligns content with official state and federal guidance.
National (Federal) steps that apply to all imports
Before any state or territory will register an imported vehicle it must first complete national import
steps:
- Import approval (VIA / ROVER) — Obtain vehicle import approval from the Australian
Government (DITRDCSA) using the ROVER/ROVERbased process. Approval type depends on
whether it is a personal import, approved vehicle, or specialist scheme. (e.g. personal
import, registered automotive workshop (RAW), Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme
(RAWS) arrangements).
➡ Learn more about VIA approval - DAFF (biosecurity) clearance — All imported vehicles must clear Australian Border Force /
Department of Agriculture biosecurity inspections and obtain the required documentation.
➡ Biosecurity inspection guide - Customs & taxation — Pay any Customs Duty and GST or confirm applicable exemptions.
Keep proof of payment or exemption for registration.
➡ Customs duty & GST explained - Record on the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV) — Many commonly imported models
are listed on the RAV; if the vehicle is listed it simplifies the state licensing process but does
not remove the need for inspection and evidence of compliance.
➡ About RAV entry
Only after the above federal steps are satisfied can you progress to state/territory registration
inspections and paperwork.
New South Wales (NSW)
Authority: Service NSW / Transport for NSW
Key documents/steps:
- Vehicle Import Approval (federal).
- AUVIS (formerly ‘Blue Slip’) inspection required for unregistered or personally imported
vehicles — this is an identity, roadworthiness and compliance inspection that must be
completed by an authorised inspection station. - Proof of entitlement (overseas registration or bill of sale), identity documents and CTP
(green slip) evidence.
Notes:
- The AUVIS inspection verifies identity (VIN/chassis) and that the vehicle meets safety
standards; additional compliance certification may be required for non-RAV vehicles. - NSW requires appropriate roadworthiness evidence and may request evidence of
compliance with design standards or a compliance certificate where applicable.
Victoria (VIC)
Authority: VicRoads / Department of Transport Victoria
Key documents/steps:
- Federal import approval and RAV/Record status as needed.
- VASS (Vehicle Assessment Signatory Scheme) approval certificate is commonly required for
imported, modified, or individually constructed vehicles; a VASS signatory inspects and
issues the approval certificate when required. - Roadworthy Certificate and identity/entitlement documents.
Notes:
- VASS is commonly required for personal imports and modified vehicles; it covers assessment
against vehicle standards and may include a requirement for an engineer signoff if
modifications are present.
Queensland (QLD)
Authority: Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads
Key documents/steps:
- Federal import approval/RAV evidence.
- Safety Certificate (roadworthy inspection) is required when registering an imported vehicle
in Queensland. - Documentation must match chassis/engine numbers and import paperwork.
Notes:
- Some imported or modified vehicles may require engineering certification or additional
modification plates under Queensland rules.
Western Australia (WA)
Authority: Department of Transport WA
Key documents/steps:
- Federal import approval and RAV eligibility where applicable.
- Vehicle must pass a roadworthiness inspection at an Authorised Inspection Station (AIS)
before licensing. - Temporary movement permits may be required to move unlicensed imports to an AIS for
inspection.
Notes:
- WA licensing often relies on AIS inspection reports and evidence of federal import approval.
Recent changes have aligned some requirements with the RAV to streamline licensing for
listed imports.
South Australia (SA)
Authority: Service SA
Key documents/steps:
- Federal import approval or evidence that the vehicle appears on the RAV where relevant.
- Identity inspection and roadworthy inspection (certificate) required before registration.
- Completed application for registration and proof of CTP insurance.
Notes:
- SA requires evidence that the vehicle complies with Australian Design Rules (or an
exemption/certificate) and relevant import paperwork.
Tasmania (TAS)
Authority: Transport Services Tasmania
Key documents/steps:
- Federal import approval and RAV/eligibility check.
- Inspection at an Approved Inspection Station (AIS).
- Some vehicles will require certification by an Approved Vehicle Certifier (AVC) to confirm
compliance with vehicle standards.
Notes:
- Tasmania has stricter eligibility for left-hand drive vehicles (LHD) — often requiring vehicles
to be at least 30 years old to be eligible for registration, subject to specific conditions.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Authority: Access Canberra
Key documents/steps:
- Federal import approval.
- In-person arrival at an Access Canberra Service Centre to lodge registration with required
identity, entitlement, and roadworthy inspection evidence.
Notes:
- The ACT process follows federal import rules and local roadworthy/inspection requirements;
details are handled at Access Canberra service locations.
Northern Territory (NT)
Authority: Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR NT)
Key documents/steps:
- Federal import approval and RAV evidence where applicable.
- NT roadworthy inspection and engineering certification where required (for conversions,
LHD, etc.). - Evidence of residency and entitlement documents.
Notes:
- The NT tends to be more flexible with engineering and modification approvals but still
requires appropriate certification and inspections.
Common practical points (all states)
- Always keep the original federal import approval paperwork, RAV reference (if applicable),
DAFF/biosecurity clearance paperwork, customs duty/GST receipts, and any
compliance/certification documents (VASS, AVC, engineer reports). - VIN/chassis and engine numbers on the vehicle must match the import paperwork exactly.
Discrepancies will delay registration. - Some states require special plates or modification plates when certain vehicle changes have
been made; check the local vehicle standards office for details. - Left-hand drive vehicles have additional eligibility rules in several jurisdictions — check the
local transport authority before attempting to import.
Recommendation
State registration rules change and procedures are updated. This document reflects current, high-
level requirements and should be used together with direct checks of each state/territory transport
authority and the federal import guidance (ROVER/RAV). For fast and correct lodgement we
recommend preparing the federal import approval and clearance paperwork first, and engaging an
authorized inspection body (VASS signatory, AIS or equivalent) in the destination state.
How Glam Compliance Australia Can Assist
Glam Compliance offers end-to-end support for all imported vehicle registration processes
across Australia. With extensive industry experience in federal and state compliance, we can
assist with:
- Preparing and lodging Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) applications in ROVER
- Ensuring all biosecurity, customs and GST requirements are completed correctly
- Completing RAV submissions and confirming vehicle eligibility
- Coordinating engineering, VASS, AIS, AUVIS and other state required inspections
- Preparing technical compliance reports and documentation
- Managing communication with state and federal authorities to streamline approval
- Providing tailored advice for mobility vehicles, ADR compliance, and modified
vehicles
Our team ensures a smooth, compliant, and efficient import to registration process for
individuals, importers, and workshops.