Importing and registering a vehicle from overseas

If you are importing a vehicle from overseas make sure you have the necessary approval before registering the vehicle.

Apply for a vehicle import approval

A vehicle import approval must be obtained before importing a vehicle into Australia.

Importing a road vehicle into Australia - Australian Government Department for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.

What you'll need

Left-hand drive and 25 years or older

If you have an imported light vehicle that is left-hand drive and is 25 years and older read the following:

• Left hand drive vehicles
• Left hand drive single trip exemption

Left-hand drive and less than 25 years

If you have an imported light vehicle that is left-hand drive and is less than 25 years old, you can register the vehicle if:

• the vehicle is recorded on the Register of Approved Vehicles, and
• it was imported as a Rarity or Personal Effects vehicle.

If the vehicle is not recorded on the Register of Approved Vehicles, then the vehicle must be at least 25 years or older or converted to right-hand drive.

More about left-hand drive vehicles

How to register an imported vehicle

You will need to present the following to a Service SA centre:

• your Import Approval Letter if imported prior to 1 July 2021. If imported after 1 July, the vehicle must be recorded on the Record of Approved Vehicles
• your identity inspection certificate
• your roadworthy inspection certificate and paperwork to confirm the vehicle complies with Australian Design Rules
• your certificate of exemption (if applicable)
• a completed application for registration and third party insurance (74.6 KB PDF)
• your SA driver's licence or full evidence of identity

Cost

You will need to pay:

• vehicle registration fees
• vehicle inspection fee
• a new number plate fee.

Stamp duty will also be payable on the market value, unless you have previously paid it in an Australian jurisdiction.