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.
Vehicles imported before 1989
Right hand drive
If you have an imported vehicle that is pre-1989 and that is right-hand drive read the following.
Requirements for imported passenger vehicles manufactured prior to January 1989.
Left hand drive and 30 years or older
If you have an imported vehicle that is left-hand drive and is 30 years and older read the following.
Left hand drive single trip exemption
Left-hand drive and less than 30 years
Left-hand drive vehicles that are younger than 30 years old will only be eligible for registration in South Australia once the vehicle has been converted to right hand drive and subsequently had a roadworthiness inspection.
For more information on converting your vehicle to right hand drive lodge an Application to modify a light motor vehicle with the Vehicle Standards section of the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT).
Personally imported vehicles
If you have been granted personal import approval papers from the Australian Government Department for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts complete an online application for the exemption from the fitting of a compliance plate .
Register an imported vehicle
A vehicle previously registered overseas must satisfy the following requirements for registration in South Australia:
- an Import Approval Letter provided by the Australian Government Department for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts
- an identity inspection is required to ensure the vehicle is not stolen
- a roadworthy inspection and paperwork are required to ensure the vehicle complies with Australian Design Rules.
After the vehicle has been inspected you can apply to register the vehicle at a Service SA centre by providing:
- a completed application for registration and third party insurance (74.6 KB PDF)
- the Import Approval Letter
- the inspection certificates
- evidence of identity will be required if you have not previously been issued a licence or registered a vehicle in South Australia
- Use the calculate registration fee tool.
