Trailer and caravan registration
The reduced registration fees take effect for light trailers with a registration period commencing from 1 September 2025 until 31 August 2026. The reduced fee will be applied automatically at time of renewal. The fee reduction will reduce the registration fee for all light trailers, that is trailers with a gross vehicle mass up to 4.5 tonnes, by up to $150.
Just like all other vehicles used on ACT roads, light trailers (under 4.5 tonne Gross Vehicle Mass) and caravans need to be registered to legally operate them.
Different processes apply to heavy vehicle trailers.
Read about heavy vehicle registration.
Brand-new trailers and caravans
Brand new trailers (including caravans) do not require a Vehicle Identification Check. A brand-new trailer is a trailer purchased from a dealer. This includes brand new trailers purchased interstate and returned directly to the ACT on an Unregistered Vehicle Permit to obtain registration.
If the trailer is a used trailer, it may require a Vehicle Identity Check.
All newly constructed low ATM trailers (not exceeding 4500kg ATM) must be built to comply with applicable Australian Design Rules (ADR’s)
The construction requirements are outlined in the National Code of Practice for trailers with an aggregate trailer mass of 4.5 tonnes or less - (NCOP VSB1) Vehicle Standards Bulletin 1(VSB 1) version 6.
All newly constructed and imported low ATM trailers (not exceeding 4500kg ATM) provided to the Australian market need to have an approval issued by the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications and Arts (DITRDCA).
To apply for an approval, visit DITRDCA Road Vehicle Regulator (ROVER).
Note: Access Canberra Motor Vehicle Inspection Station no longer issues Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) to newly constructed trailers.
Once approval has been granted all trailers and caravans require entry on the Register of Approved Vehicles database (RAV) before being eligible for registration in the ACT.
To check to see if your trailer has been loaded, visit RAV Public Search.
For more information visit the Low ATM trailers page on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts website.
Interstate Licensed Motor Vehicle Dealers
The following Queanbeyan dealers are authorised to use the 'Application for Registration of a New Vehicle' form:
- Resort Trailers
- Jayco Caravans Canberra
- Capital Harley Davidson
Registration for brand new purchases in the ACT or interstate
To register your brand-new trailer or caravan in the ACT you need an ACT roadworthy inspection.
Read about roadworthy inspections.
If it passes inspection, please visit an Access Canberra Service Centre to complete registration.
What to expect when you visit a service centre - Access Canberra.
Read about:
Brand new home-built trailers
A home-built trailer is a trailer that:
- has never been registered
- was assembled from a kit or separate parts by, or on behalf, of the registered operator.
Compliance for the construction of home-built trailers is regulated by the Australian Government. View the guide Vehicle Standards Bulletin 1 (Revision 6) - Trailers with an aggregate trailer mass of 4.5 tonnes or less on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts website.
Newly constructed low ATM trailers (not exceeding 4500kg ATM) trailer registration process:
- Apply to DITRDCA (ROVER) for a concessional RAV entry approval or vehicle type approval.
- Once approval has been granted a Vehicle Identification number (VIN) will be issued.
- This VIN must be permanently marked on to the vehicle compliance plate, and it is recommended that it is also stamped into the trailer’s drawbar. Further information can be found in VSB1 Revision 6 section 13.1.
- The vehicle’s details must be loaded onto the Register of Approved Vehicles database (RAV) before being eligible for registration in the ACT.
- Take the completed trailer to an authorised weighbridge and ensure the weighbridge ticket contains the VIN and the measured tare weight. Trailers must not be loaded and must be complete with all body components fitted at the time of weighing. Find public weighbridges on the National Measurement Institute website.
- Book an appointment and present the trailer for inspection at the ACT Government Motor Vehicle Inspection Station (HMVIS) OR, at any ACT Authorised Vehicle Inspection Station (AIS).
- Once it has passed inspection, you can visit an Access Canberra Service Centre to complete registration.
Further information: registering vehicles in the ACT.
Please remember:
- all inspections at HMVIS require a booking through a Service Centre or the Access Canberra Contact Centre on 13 22 81
- inspection fees apply.
Trailer weight
If your trailer is modified or you made it yourself, you’ll need a weighbridge ticket. This must be done when the trailer is completely empty.
Find public weighbridges on the National Measurement Institute website.
Trailers drawn by motorbikes, or motorbike sidecars must weigh the same or less than the unladen motorbike.
Used trailers and caravans
Where you purchased the vehicle and its age determine what you need to do.
Registered in the ACT
If you have bought a trailer with ACT registration, you only need an inspection if:
- it is over 6 years of age based on the month and year of manufacture
- it's been unregistered for more than 12 months
- the registration was cancelled.
Read about roadworthy inspections.
If it passes inspection, you can register it.
Read about registering vehicles in the ACT.
Registered interstate
If you have a trailer that is or was most recently registered in another state or territory, you need an inspection regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Read about roadworthy inspections.
If it passes inspection, you can register it.
Read about registering vehicles in the ACT.
Registration fees
Read about vehicle registration fees for trailers and caravans in the ACT.