Free registration check
When you purchase a used car from a dealer or private seller, it can be difficult to get accurate information about its past. A simple free registration check gives you an overview of a vehicle's registration history and is a way of getting information that your seller might not provide. It's designed to give you peace of mind that you're making the right purchase.
Why should I get a free registration check?
It's important to get a free registration check before you commit to buying a second-hand car. Buying one without taking this step could get you into serious problems later down the track. Here are a few reasons why rego checks are so crucial:
- Australian vehicles need to be legally registered: Whether you own the car you're driving or not, it's your responsibility - and a legal requirement - to ensure it's registered. Driving an unregistered vehicle could result in penalties such as expensive fines, demerit points or the loss of your licence.
- You'll be covered: Without performing a registration check, you won't know if the vehicle you're buying is covered by Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance, or when the insurance expires. If you get into an accident, you won't be covered for your legal liability should you cause injury or death.
- Know what you're buying: Registration checks help you know more about the used vehicle you're purchasing. Your dealer or private seller may not tell you everything you need to know about the car's background, so a free registration check will tell you if you're making a wise decision or have had the wool pulled over your eyes!
What information does a free registration check provide?
A free registration check will provide you with the following information:
- Registration number;
- Registration status;
- Registration expiry date;
- Make, model and body shape of the vehicle; and
- Details of the CTP insurer and policy expiry date.
How can I get a free registration check?
It's simple to perform a registration check. Ensure you have your vehicle's licence plate number and/or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) handy and visit the website of the relevant transport authority in your state:
- To check the rego of a vehicle registered in New South Wales, visit the Service NSW website, or click here to find out more about NSW rego checks.
- To check the rego of a vehicle registered in Victoria, visit the VicRoads website, or click here to find out more about VIC rego checks.
- To check the rego of a vehicle registered in Queensland, visit the Department of Transport and Main Roads website, or click here to find out more about QLD rego checks.
- To check the rego of a vehicle registered in the Northern Territory, visit the Northern Territory government's website, or click here to find out more about NT rego checks.
- To check the rego of a vehicle registered in Western Australia, visit the Department of Transport website, or click here to find out more about WA rego checks.
- To check the rego of a vehicle registered in South Australia, visit the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure website, or click here to find out more about SA rego checks.
- To check the rego of a vehicle registered in Tasmania, visit the Tasmanian Government website, or click here to find out more about TAS rego checks.
- To check the rego of a vehicle registered in the Australian Capital Territory, visit the Access Canberra website, or click here to find out more about ACT rego checks.
What if I'd like more information that a free registration check doesn't provide?
A free registration check won't give you all the details you need to know about your car's history. For example, it won't tell you if you're about to buy a used vehicle that has money owing on it. Obtaining a PPSR certificate will let you know if the car is encumbered.
To obtain a PPSR certificate and other vital information, you can buy Australia's most comprehensive car history report for only $39.95. It includes the following additional details:
- PPSR (formerly REVS) certificate
- Stolen check
- Written-off check
- Finance check
- Odometer check
- Price/odometer comparison
- Vehicle valuation
- VIN check
- First sale information
All you'll need is your licence plate number (for vehicles made prior to 1989) or your VIN. You can enter these into the search box on our website and we'll send you your detailed REVSCheck report in seconds!
