Register a brand new vehicle

When you buy a brand new vehicle in  South Australia (including a car, caravan, motorcycle or trailer), you must apply to register the vehicle in your name before you can use it on the road.

Sometimes vehicle dealerships can register the vehicle on your behalf otherwise you'll need to attend a Service SA centre.

There is a different process if you are buying a new vehicle from interstate or overseas.

How  to apply

To register a new vehicle, you must hold a SA drivers licence, proof of age card or have previously registered a vehicle in your name in SA.

Check if an identity inspection is needed

An identity inspection will be required:

• if the vehicle or trailer has a gross vehicle mass (GVM) or aggregate trailer mass (ATM) over 4.5 tonnes (to work out the GTM see Light vehicle towing and trailer regulations)
• if the vehicle dealership can't register on your behalf and you can't provide proof of purchase (an invoice or other evidence of purchase from the vehicle dealership) to take to a Service SA centre
• if the trailer is homemade or built by a manufacturer that is not recognised on the registration and licensing system with a make code.

In addition, an inspection may be required where the vehicle is to be operated as a restricted access vehicle.

Application for registration and third party insurance (74.6 KB PDF)

Attend a Service SA centre

Present the completed application form with proof of purchase and the identity inspection certificate (if applicable) to a Service SA centre and pay the fee.

The proof of purchase should outline the vehicle particulars and must include:

• make
• model
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• engine number (if applicable).

Service SA will provide you with a Certificate of Registration and number plates.

The applicant is required to attend in person.  A third party may present on behalf of the applicant but must produce evidence of Power of Attorney or a SACAT Administration Order.