Vehicle identity inspections
You may need to submit your vehicle for an identity inspection if it is in a high-risk category. High risk can include stolen, improper repairs or questionable origins.
Trailers and caravans do not need vehicle identity checks unless they have missing or damaged identifiers (e.g. a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or chassis number).
Roadworthy inspections happen first
The vehicle identity inspection is separate to a roadworthy inspections.
You need to pass a roadworthy inspection and get a Certificate of Inspection before you can attend your vehicle identity inspection.
When you take your vehicle for a roadworthy inspection, the inspector will tell you if your vehicle needs an identity inspection. The inspector will note this requirement on the certificate of inspection.
High-risk categories
If your vehicle is in one of these categories then you will need to present it for a vehicle identity inspection.
Interstate vehicle registered under a different name
The vehicle:
- is a used vehicle, bought from a private seller
- has a year of manufacture equal to or less than 10 years old
- is registered or was last registered in another state or territory
- is registered under another name than the one you wish to register it under in the ACT.
Missing or damaged vehicle identifiers
- The vehicles VIN, chassis or engine number is missing, damaged or shows signs of tampering.
- The vehicles compliance plate (if applicable) is missing, damaged, illegible or shows signs of tampering.
Exemptions
If your vehicle fits into one of the high-risk categories, but one of the following is also true, you may be exempt from completing a vehicle identity inspection.
None of these exemptions apply to repairable write-offs.
Read about repairable write-offs.
The vehicle:
- will be registered to an address in Jervis Bay. Visit the Australian Government’s website for Jervis Bay governance and administration.
- is a caravan or trailer that has a VIN or chassis number correctly displayed and where applicable, recorded on the Register of Approved Vehicles Database
- was bought or sold by a Licensed Motor Vehicle Dealer
- was bought from an auction house which holds a licence to operate as a Licensed Motor Vehicle Dealer
- is a vehicle from a deceased estate.
None of these exemptions apply to a vehicle which is a repairable write-off.
Repairable write-off
The vehicle:
- was declared ‘repairable written-off’
- was registered in the ACT when it was declared a repairable write-off.
There are no exemptions to this category.
Read about repairable write-offs.
Book a vehicle identity inspection
Vehicle identity inspections can only be done at the Access Canberra Motor Vehicle Inspection Station.
What you’ll need
To book an inspection:
- call Access Canberra on 13 22 81
- you will need to tell them your VIN (or Chassis number if the vehicle was manufactured before 1 January 1989).
If your vehicle is unregistered, you may need an unregistered vehicle permit.
On the day of your booking, please bring:
- bring a debit or credit card to pay the inspection fee. The Inspection Station does not accept cash or cheque.
- a copy of your driver licence
- a passed roadworthy certificate of inspection
- a proof of purchase receipt
- for individually constructed vehicles and trailers, you will need to provide receipts for the build and a statement of the building process and a work diary including photos
- if the inspection is for a written off vehicle, there are additional requirements.
You may be able to complete your vehicle registration following a successful inspection if you have all the necessary documents. Please ensure you have the necessary tools to remove your old number plates and secure the new plates.