If you've moved to SA from interstate or have purchased a vehicle from interstate, you'll need to register your vehicle (such as a car, caravan, motorcycle or trailer) in SA within 3 months.
A vehicle with interstate registration can be driven in SA for up to 90 days, this includes visitors.
There is a different process if you've sold your SA registered vehicle to an interstate buyer.
Relocating the vehicle to SA from interstate
You can drive a vehicle to SA from interstate providing the vehicle is currently registered and displaying number plates.
If the vehicle is unregistered or is not displaying number plates, you'll need to apply for an unregistered vehicle permit from the interstate authority where the vehicle is being relocated from.
How to apply for registration
Moved to SA
If you have moved to SA and own a vehicle registered in another state or territory, you must apply for SA registration within 3 months.
What you'll need
Take the following to a Service SA centre:
- your SA driver’s licence (if you've transferred your interstate driver's licence) or full evidence of identity
- completed application for registration and compulsory third party insurance (67.1KB PDF)
- completed application for exemption from stamp duty (82.0 KB PDF)
- your current (or expired by less than 3 months) interstate registration certificate (the name on the certificate must match the name on the application for registration - this means if the vehicle is in a joint ownership, both owners must have a SA driver's licence or produce full evidence of identity)
- identity inspection certificate (if required).
Identity inspection
An identity inspection is required if:
- the registration has been expired for more than 3 months
- there is a change to the registered ownership details.
Cost
You will need to pay:
- vehicle registration fees
- vehicle inspection fee (if applicable)
- a new number plate fee.
Stamp duty will also be payable if there are any changes to the ownership details or if you do not have an interstate registration certificate.
Do you have an interstate licence you need to transfer too?
Purchased a vehicle from interstate
If you are from SA and purchased a vehicle registered interstate, you should apply for SA registration as soon as practicable.
While interstate registration is recognised in SA for up to 3 months, the seller from interstate may choose to cancel the registration at any point. It's important that you speak with the seller to determine how long you'll need to meet the below requirements and register the vehicle in your name in SA. You may also choose to regularly check with the interstate authority online if the registration is still current before driving the vehicle.
What you'll need
Take these documents to a Service SA centre:
- your South Australian driver’s licence or full evidence of identity
- completed application for registration and compulsory third party insurance (67.1KB PDF)
- identity inspection certificate.
Cost
You will need to pay:
- vehicle registration fees
- stamp duty, which can be calculated using Revenue SA's stamp duty calculator.
- vehicle inspection fee
- a new number plate fee.
What happens next
When you pay the registration you will be issued a set of number plates. You must affix them to your vehicle on the day you receive them. You can drive the vehicle home without number plates providing you keep the receipt with you.
Surrender the interstate number plates at any Service SA centre.
Refund of interstate registration
If the interstate registration was in your name, you can apply to the interstate authority for a refund on any unexpired portion of registration once the plates have been surrendered.
Need help?
Contact Service SA
Online
Only send general enquiries online. Service SA will respond within 3 working days.
If the matter is urgent or is specifically about your current licence or registration, phone or visit a Service SA centre instead.
Phone
Call Service SA between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays:
- 13 10 84
- +61 8 8226 0206 (overseas callers).
In person
Service SA centre locations and opening hours.
