A Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) is an agreement between 2 countries that allows 1 country to station military forces in the hosting country.
Under a SOFA, serving members of a foreign military stationed in Australia can import their personal vehicles. These vehicles do not need to comply with the Australian Design Rules (ADRs) or vehicle standards under South Australian legislation.
To register a vehicle imported under a SOFA, you’ll need to meet the following requirements.
What you'll need
To register a SOFA vehicle, a serving member of a foreign military must be stationed in South Australia.
- Step 1
Vehicle identity inspection
The SOFA vehicle must pass an identity inspection to confirm the vehicle’s details. This inspection must be completed by an inspector from the Department of Infrastructure and Transport.
When presenting for the inspection, you will need to bring a letter from your base Commanding Officer. This letter must:
- identity you as a SOFA member
- state where you are based
- state the duration of your duty in Australia
- if the vehicle is from the USA, the relevant Gazette notice (78.1 KB PDF) must be carried in the vehicle.
If the vehicle is not being trailered to the inspection, you will need an unregistered vehicle permit.
Bookings are not required.
- Step 2
Roadworthy inspection
The SOFA vehicles must also pass a roadworthy inspection.
This is to ensure the vehicle complies with the conditions of the gazette notice and is safe to use on South Australian roads.
You must book a roadworthy inspection. To book an inspection, contact Service SA on 13 10 84. Payments can be made over the phone by MasterCard or Visa (debit or credit cards).
When presenting for the inspection, you will need to bring a letter from your base Commanding Officer. This letter must:
- identity you as a SOFA member
- state where you are based
- state the duration of your duty in Australia
- if the vehicle is from the USA, the relevant Gazette notice (78.1 KB PDF) must be carried in the vehicle.
- Step 3
Apply for registration
After the vehicle has passed both inspections, you can apply to register the vehicle at Service SA with the following:
- Application for registration and third party insurance.
- Claim for exemption from stamp duty.
- Passed identity inspection certificate.
- Passed roadworthy inspection certificate.
- Proof of identity as a foreign military member.
- A letter from your base Commanding Officer that identifies you as a SOFA member, states where you are based and the duration of your duty in Australia.
- Proof of vehicle ownership such as an overseas vehicle registration certificate or receipt of purchase. The receipt must have details of the vehicle (Vehicle Identification Number, engine number, make, model etc) and you named as the registered operator or buyer.
- If the vehicle has been modified, a modification certificate or a photo of the modification plate fitted to the vehicle.
- If the vehicle is a utility vehicle, a photo of the vehicle’s compliance plate (or overseas equivalent), which shows the vehicle’s tare weight and gross vehicle mass. The gross combination mass is needed if the tare weight is more than 2,900kg.
- If the weights are not on the vehicle, evidence in another form of the vehicle’s tare weight, gross vehicle mass and, if the tare weight is more than 2,900kg, evidence of the vehicle’s gross combination mass.
- Full evidence of identity.
You will have to pay applicable registration fees.
Conditions of registration
SOFA vehicles registered in South Australia are subject to the following conditions:
- The registration cannot be transferred to another person. The only exception is to a person who is also a serving member in Australia under a SOFA.
- The gazette notice is always carried in the vehicle whilst driven if the vehicle is from the USA.
If the vehicle is from the USA, you must always keep a copy of the relevant Gazette notice (78.1 KB PDF) in the vehicle when driving on roads in SA.
This gazette notice provides exemption from certain vehicle standards (such as having to be right hand drive) and must be presented to police upon request.
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.
