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 registration check gives you an overview of your vehicle's registration history and is a way of getting information your seller might not provide. It's designed to give you peace of mind you're making the right purchase.

How can I get a registration check?

It's simple to perform a registration check. Ensure you have your vehicle's licence plate number handy (or its VIN number if it's a model manufactured after 1989) 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's the difference between a rego check and a car history report?

A registration check will provide you with the following information:

  • Registration number.
  • Registration status.
  • Registration expiry date.
  • Make, model and body shape of the vehicle.
  • Details of the CTP insurer and policy expiry date.

What a registration check won't tell you are some of the really important details you need to know about a 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 car history report, however, will. Inside, you'll find:

  • Registration number.
  • Registration status.
  • Registration expiry.
  • Make, model and body shape.
  • PPSR Certificate.
  • Written off check.
  • Stolen check.
  • Odometer check.
  • Price/odometer comparison.
  • Finance check.
  • First sale information.
  • Vehicle valuation.
  • VIN check.

To get a car history report, all you'll need is your licence plate number or your VIN. Enter these into the search box on our website and we'll send you your car history report in seconds!

Why should I get a registration check?

It's important to get a 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: Rego 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 registration check will tell you if you're making a wise decision or have had the wool pulled over your eyes.