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.

When you need to register or transfer registration

To legally operate a vehicle, trailer or caravan in the ACT it must be registered. If your vehicle is unregistered, it is also uninsured.

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.

If road safety cameras detect you speeding, running a red light or using a mobile device, we'll check your vehicle to make sure it's registered.

Check your registration

You can check a vehicle's registration status by searching for the numberplate.

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 vehicle, complete one of the following forms and bring it with you to an Access Canberra service centre.

• If you bought a vehicle from a private seller, complete the application to establish registration on the reverse side of your vehicle inspection report.
• If you bought a vehicle from an interstate dealer, complete the Application to establish new registration from an interstate dealer [PDF 244KB].

Fees for a new registration

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.

Fees to transfer a registration

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. If you're not an ACT Licence holder, you'll need to provide full proof of identity.
• 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.

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.

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.

When you make a payment online with us, you may be asked to input a security code. The code will be sent to the mobile number you have registered with your bank. This increases the security of your payments with us.

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:

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.