Vehicle registration and transfer
To transfer or establish new registration for a vehicle, trailer or caravan in the ACT you need to visit an Access Canberra Service Centre.
To renew registration, visit our renewing vehicle registration page.
When you need to register or transfer registration
To operate a vehicle, trailer or caravan in the ACT it needs to be registered.
You need to register or transfer registration for vehicles, trailers and caravans if:
- you’ve bought one from a dealership or private seller
- you’ve inherited one from a family member
- you've been gifted one
- you’ve moved to the ACT and the vehicle is registered interstate
- it will be used for a company or charity
- if a roadworthy inspection is required.
Check your registration
You can check a vehicle's registration status by searching for the numberplate.
Check a vehicle’s registration status
New registration
In the ACT you need to get registration as soon as possible if you purchase, acquire, or are gifted a vehicle, trailer or caravan that:
- isn't registered
- doesn't have numberplates
- has interstate numberplates.
To register a new vehicle you'll need to complete one of the forms below and bring it with you to a service centre.
- Application to establish new registration for a client form [PDF 319KB] - if you bought a new vehicle from a private seller
- Application to establish new registration from an interstate dealer form [PDF 244KB] - if you bought a new vehicle from an interstate dealer.
Check vehicle registration fees
Transferring registration
If you purchase, acquire or are gifted a vehicle, trailer or caravan that’s already registered in the ACT, you must transfer it within 14 days.
If you transfer it outside of the 14 days, a late fee may apply.
To transfer registration you'll need to complete the:
Make sure the registration forms are completed and signed by you and all other registered operators.
Check transferring vehicle registration fees
How to establish or transfer registration
You need to visit an Access Canberra Service Centre in person to register or transfer registration of a vehicle, trailer or caravan in the ACT.
What you'll need
You'll need to bring:
- your (and any other registered operators’) primary proof of identity documentation - like your ACT licence
- a debit or credit card to pay the registration and transfer fees.
Depending on the type of registration transaction you may also need to bring other documents. Use our vehicle registration and transfer guide to work out:
- what you need to do for the type, age and registration status of the vehicle
- what other paperwork you’ll need to complete
- which fees apply to your situation.
Use the vehicle registration and transfer guide
Licensed motor vehicle dealers
If you're a licensed motor vehicle dealer (LMVD) you can establish or transfer registration online.
You don't need to visit an Access Canberra Service Centre.
What you'll need
- your primary proof of identity documentation
- a debit or credit card to pay the registration and transfer fees.
Depending on the type of registration transaction you may also need to bring other documents. You can review the registration guide to find out more.
Use the vehicle registration and transfer guide
Length of registration
If your vehicle already has an ACT registration, you can register your vehicle for periods of 3 months, 6 months, or 12 months. If the vehicle already has registration when you acquire it, this period will continue.
Companies with fleets of vehicles can choose a common expiry date. This means the registrations on all vehicles in the fleet will be due for renewal at the same time.
Renew your registration online
Motor Accident Injuries Scheme
When you register your vehicle in the ACT you also select insurance under the Motor Accident Injuries (MAI) Scheme. This is part of the registration process.
This MAI Scheme insures everyone for any injuries they might receive in a motor vehicle accident.
The ACT has 4 insurers:
- AAMI
- APIA
- GIO
- NRMA.
The registration form lists the premiums for each for you to choose from.
Registration certificates
If you need to replace your registration certificate you can request a new one for a fee. It can take up to 21 days to receive your new registration certificate after you make the request.