When you buy a brand new vehicle in South Australia (including a car, caravan, motorbike or trailer), you must apply to register the vehicle in your name before you can use it on the road.
Some dealerships can register the vehicle on your behalf otherwise you'll need to attend a Service SA centre.
There is a different process if you are buying a new vehicle from interstate or overseas.
How to apply
- Step 1
What you'll need
To register a new vehicle, you must hold a SA driver's licence, proof of age card or have previously registered a vehicle in your name in SA.
You'll also need to provide proof of purchase (an invoice or other evidence of purchase from the vehicle dealership) that outlines the vehicle particulars including:
- make
- model
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- engine number (if applicable).
- Step 2
Check if an identity inspection is needed
An identity inspection will be required:
- if the vehicle or trailer has a gross vehicle mass (GVM) or aggregate trailer mass (ATM) over 4.5 tonnes. Refer to Light vehicle towing and trailer regulations to work out the GVM or ATM.
- if the vehicle dealership can't register on your behalf and you can't provide proof of purchase to take to a Service SA centre
- if the trailer is homemade or built by a manufacturer that is not recognised on the registration and licensing system with a make code.
An inspection may be required if the vehicle is to be operated as a restricted access vehicle.
- Step 3
Complete the application form
Download the form or get it from a Service SA centre.
Application for registration and compulsory third party insurance (74.6 KB PDF)
- Step 4
Submit the form and pay the fees
Take the completed application form with proof of purchase and the identity inspection certificate (if applicable) to a Service SA centre.
A third party may present on your behalf, but must produce evidence of Power of Attorney or a SACAT Administration Order.
Service SA will provide you with a Certificate of Registration and number plates.You will need to pay:
- registration fees
- stamp duty - use the calculator
- standard number plate fee - $33
A $71 fee may be payable for the identity inspection.
