Vehicles registered interstate
To legally operate a vehicle in the ACT, it must be registered unless exempt. In the ACT, if your vehicle is unregistered, it is also uninsured.
If you:
- have an ACT driver licence and are buying a vehicle with interstate registration: you should register it in the ACT as soon as possible, ideally within one month of purchase
- move to the ACT: you have 3 months from taking up permanent residence in the ACT to register your interstate registered vehicle.
You will need to pay establishment fees and may need to pay motor vehicle duty.
Read about motor vehicle duty.
Some concessions apply to vehicle registration fees.
Read about concessions for registration fees.
Registering the vehicle in the ACT
Before processing this transaction, Access Canberra must confirm your identity.
If you can’t provide an ACT driver licence, you will need to provide full proof of identity
Read about acceptable proof of identity.
You’ll need to get one or more vehicle inspections before you can register the vehicle in the ACT.
Vehicle registration and transfer guide
Use the Vehicle registration and transfer guide to work out:
- what you need to do
- what paperwork you’ll need to complete
- which fees apply to your situation.
Refunds for unused vehicle registration
If the vehicle has unused registration from the state or territory it was registered in, you can contact the relevant authority to see if you are eligible for a refund.
If you surrender the interstate numberplates at an Access Canberra Service Centre, you’ll get a receipt of surrender.
Provide this to the interstate authority for a refund.
For more information, contact the relevant transport authority: