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You can check if a vehicle or boat is registered in South Australia. It's a free service you can do online through Service SA.
Registration is valid until midnight of the expiry date. For example, if registration is due on 26 June, you can drive your vehicle until midnight (11:59 pm) on 26 June.
Check registration status – free
For a car, caravan, motorbike or trailer you'll need the vehicle's plate number.
For a boat you'll need the boat's registration number.
What the free check will show you
- the registration expiry date
- the make
- body or hull type
- colour
- compulsory third party (CTP) insurer – for vehicles only
- heavy vehicle details – gross vehicle, combination, trailer mass
- last 4 digits of the vehicle identification number (VIN).
If the vehicle is currently suspended, stolen, defected or written off, a generic message will display to let you know this. It won't state specific details.
Other checks before you buy a second hand vehicle
If you plan to buy a second hand vehicle from a private seller, there are other checks you can do. Some of these charge a small fee.
If it's stolen, written-off or defected
You can do an online car search through the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) website.
You can also call Service SA on 13 10 84 to get the following details for free:
- registration details – this will be the same as in the free online check
- write-off status – yes or no
- stolen status – yes or no
- defect notice status – yes or no.
If you have information on a stolen vehicle, phone the crime stoppers anonymous hotline - 1800 333 000.
If finance is owing
Check financial interest
If you borrowed money to buy a vehicle, you can't dispose of it without permission from the lender.
If the vehicle is under finance and the finance is not paid out, the lender may want to repossess it.
You can check if there is any financial interest registered against a vehicle using the PPSR online car search.
Register financial interest
Security interest holders will register their financial interests over vehicles directly with the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR).
Vehicle dealers or purchasers of second-hand vehicles can purchase a certificate of encumbrance status on the PPSR website.
Ultra high powered vehicles
Before buying a second hand vehicle, check online if it's an ultra high powered vehicle (UHPV) as they require an additional licence class.
Your cooling off rights
The cooling-off provision applies to second-hand vehicles bought from a dealer and includes demo vehicles.
Check your cooling off rights when buying a second hand vehicle.
Check what vehicles are in your name
In your mySAGOV account, you can:
- view all vehicles registered in your name
- see full details like VIN and engine number
- get a copy of your:
- current registration certificate
- registration receipts.
To check, follow these steps:
- Log in to mySAGOV using a browser – not the mobile app
- Select View and manage my vehicles in the Vehicles section
- Select Details next to the plate number.
Request more information about a vehicle
If you need proof you've sold a vehicle or want to request other information about a vehicle, see request vehicle information or confirmation of sale.
