Everything you need to know about car registration and number plates in Australia

If you’ve been busy googling “car registration NSW” or “how to register a car” and have ended up more confused than when you started, you’re not alone. 

While car registration in Australia isn’t massively complicated, the complexity comes in the differences for every state and territory. Whether you’re dealing with a new car purchase, a secondhand buy or are moving interstate, there are a few moving parts to get your head around. 

This guide is here to break it all down – in plain English. From the exact steps on how to register a vehicle to what’s included (and what’s not), plus everything you need to know about number plates, we’ve got you covered.

• When you might need to register your vehicle
• Everything you need to know about registering your car
• A state-by-state guide to car registration
• Australian number plates explained
• Need help moving our car interstate?

When you might need to register your vehicle

Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all here. So let’s break it down.

Buying a new car

Good news: this is an easy one. If you’re buying a new car straight from a dealer, they’ll usually take care of the registration for you. We’re talking plates, paperwork, fees, the lot. 

Buying a used car

In almost every instance of buying a used vehicle, you’ll need to organise registration. And this is when things begin to vary a little between states and territories. 

If you’re buying privately, you’ll usually need to:

• Transfer the rego (registration) into your name.
• Pay a transfer fee.
• Provide proof of purchase.
• In some instances, you’ll also need to get a road safety check.

Moving interstate

Moving from one state to another? Your rego doesn’t come with you.

For example, if you’re heading from NSW to QLD, you’ll need to comply with the following:

• Register with the Queensland Department of Main Roads.
• Get a roadworthy check on your vehicle (chat to your local mechanic).
• Hand in your old plates.

Find out more about the ins and outs of interstate car transport in our complete guide.

Everything you need to know about registering your car

Documents: what you’ll need to registe your car

To register a vehicle, you’ll generally need:

• Proof of identity
• Proof you own the car
• Your car’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
• A roadworthy or safety certificate (sometimes)
• CTP insurance (if it’s not already included)

CTP insurance: what it is and what it’s not

You’ll hear the term CTP a lot when looking into car registration. It stands for Compulsory Third Party insurance, and as the name suggests, it’s not optional.

CTP covers injury or death caused to other people in a road accident. So if you’re at fault and someone is hurt, this is the insurance that steps in.

What it doesn’t cover is:

• Damage to your car
• Damage to someone else’s car
• Theft, fire, or weather damage

That’s where comprehensive insurance comes in. It’s optional, but it covers pretty much everything CTP doesn’t, including your own vehicle.

One thing that catches people out:

• In states like NSW, you need to buy CTP separately (you might know it as a Green Slip).
• In most other states, like QLD, VIC, WA, it’s already included in your rego

Understanding rego costs: they’re not the same for everyone

If you’ve been comparing rego costs with a friend and thought, ‘wait… why am I paying more?’ there’s a reason.

Registration costs aren’t fixed. They’re based on a few key things:

• Vehicle weight: Heavier cars (like SUVs or utes) usually cost more.
• Engine size: More cylinders or bigger engines = higher costs.
• Fuel type: Some states charge differently for electric or hybrid vehicles.
• Location: Metro vs regional pricing can vary.

So while you’ll see general price ranges noted online, your exact cost will always depend on your car and where you live.

Roadworthy certificates: what they are and when you need one

A roadworthy certificate is basically a safety check. It confirms your car meets the minimum standards to be driven on the road.

Different states call them different things:

• NSW: Pink Slip (or Blue Slip for interstate cars)
• QLD: Safety Certificate
• VIC: Roadworthy Certificate

Getting one is pretty straightforward:

1. You just book your car in with an authorised mechanic or inspection station
2. They’ll check things like brakes, tyres, lights, and general safety.
3. If anything doesn’t pass, you’ll need to fix it before the certificate is issued and you can register your car.

A state-by-state guide to car registration

Here’s a breakdown of the registration requirements in every state and territory, along with links to everything you need to get the job done smoothly. 

NSW

Queensland

Victoria

Western Australia

South Australia

Tasmania

ACT

Northern Territory

Australian number plates explained

Number plates are one of those things you don’t think about… until you have to.

Whether you’re registering a car for the first time, buying secondhand, or moving interstate, here’s what’s worth knowing.

How to get your number plates

When you register a car, you’ll automatically be issued a set of number plates for that state or territory.

If you’re buying a new car, the dealer will usually organise this for you. If you’re registering a car yourself, you’ll get your plates when your rego is finalised.

Simple as that.

What are the state slogans?

Take a look at the bottom of most number plates, and you’ll spot a slogan, a small nod to each state or territory.

Here’s a quick snapshot:

• NSW: The First State
• QLD: Sunshine State
• VIC: The Education State
• WA: Western Australia
• SA: South Australia
• TAS: Explore the Possibilities
• ACT: Canberra – The Nation’s Capital
• NT: Outback Australia

Need help moving your car interstate?

Sorting your car registration is just one piece of the puzzle when you’re moving interstate.

Between changing your rego, swapping number plates, updating your licence, and getting everything packed up, it can start to feel like a lot… fast.

That’s where Upmove comes in.

Upmove makes interstate car transport in Australia simple, affordable, and stress-free. Our trusted car transport teams can move your vehicle safely, giving you a service that fits your timeline, budget, and interstate move.

So while you’re ticking off things like car registration and getting settled in your new state, your car can be handled with care from pickup to delivery.