If you've moved to SA from interstate or have purchased a vehicle — such as a car, trailer, caravan or motorbike — from interstate, you'll need to register the vehicle in SA within 3 months.
A vehicle with interstate registration can be driven in SA for up to 90 days, this includes visitors.
Relocating the vehicle to SA
You can drive the vehicle from interstate to SA providing the vehicle is currently registered and displaying number plates.
If it's not registered or displaying number plates, you'll need to apply for an unregistered vehicle permit from the interstate transport authority where you're relocating from.
How to apply for registration
If you've moved to SA
If you have moved to SA and own a vehicle registered interstate, you must apply for SA registration within 3 months.
What you'll need
You'll need:
- your:
- SA driver's licence (if you're already transferred your interstate driver's licence)
- or full evidence of your identity — find out what identity documents are accepted
- 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.
- an identity inspection (see below if required).
Identity inspection
An identity inspection in South Australia is required if:
- the registration has been expired for more than 3 months
- there is a change to the registered ownership details.
Find identity inspection locations
Complete the forms
Download and print the forms, or get them from a Service SA centre.
Application for registration and compulsory third party insurance (67.1KB PDF)
Application for exemption from stamp duty (82.0 KB PDF)
Submit the forms and pay the fees
You will need to pay:
- vehicle registration fees — use the fees calculator
- $73 for the identity inspection (if applicable)
- $34 for a standard set of number plates.
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.
You can submit the forms:
In person
Submit the forms, interstate registration certificate and identity inspection certificate (if required) in person at a Service SA centre and pay the fees.
You can also transfer your interstate driver's licence at Service SAIf you've purchased a vehicle from interstate
If you are from SA and have purchased a vehicle that is registered interstate, you should apply for SA registration as soon as possible.
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
- regularly check online with the interstate authority if the registration is still current before driving the vehicle.
What you'll need
- your:
- SA driver's licence
- or full evidence of your identity - find out what identity documents are accepted
- an identity inspection.
Identity inspection
An identity inspection in South Australia is required if you've purchased a vehicle from interstate.
Find identity inspection locations
Complete the form
Download and print the form, or get it from a Service SA centre.
Application for registration and compulsory third party insurance (67.1KB PDF)
Submit the form and pay the fees
You will need to pay:
- vehicle registration fees — use the fees calculator
- stamp duty — to work out how much it will be or if there may be an exemption, see check stamp duty when buying a vehicle
- $73 for the identity inspection
- $34 for a standard set of number plates.
You can submit the form:
In person
Submit the form and identity inspection certificate in person to a Service SA centre and pay the fees.
What happens next
When you pay the registration, you will be issued a set of standard 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.
You can surrender the interstate number plates at any Service SA centre.
Getting a refund on your interstate registration
If the interstate registration was in your name, you can apply to the interstate transport authority for a refund on any unexpired portion of registration once the plates have been surrendered.
If you've sold a vehicle interstate
If you've sold your SA registered vehicle to an interstate buyer, see how to notify Service SA you've sold a vehicle.
