Caravan Registration Australia [State Costs & Requirements]

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Before hitching up your new caravan to the back of the car and taking it for a spin, it must be registered to your home state. As with all things motor related in this country, each and every state comes with a different set of requirements for caravan registration.

To make sure your caravan is registration-ready, it must be in a roadworthy condition. These 15+ Tips for Caravan Maintenance will ensure that you’re ticking all of the boxes.

It’s also a good idea, as part of your road trip essentials checklist, to leave your rego papers in the glove box, just in case you need them while travelling.

Here’s everything you need to know about caravan registration Australia (state-by-state).

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Caravan Registration State-by-state

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

In the Australian Capital Territory you will need the usual forms of identification to register your caravan. Compulsory Third Party isn’t required as that will always be covered with your tow vehicle’s insurance policy.

If you are an owner builder or need to register a home-built caravan, there are few boxes to tick in order to get issued an all-important VIN number for the trailer. You will need to have a roadworthy inspection, plus provide evidence for all of the parts and materials that have gone into the build (receipts). A statement of the building process with a diary and photos will also be required, as well a weighbridge ticket for the caravan’s tare (empty) weight.

A roadworthy certificate may be required depending on if your caravan is brand new or being transferred into your name (see table below). Luckily, there is no stamp duty to be paid on caravans in the ACT.

New South Wales (NSW)

For caravan registration in New South Wales, make sure you take your purchase receipt and/ or the previous registration certificate with you to the registration office.

A blue slip (Authorised Unregistered Vehicle Inspection Station report), which has been issued no more than 42 days prior, will be needed for caravans that are under 2 tonne.

For caravans over 2 tonne, you will need a Heavy Vehicle Authorised Inspection Scheme report. A Vehicle Safety Compliance Certificate is only necessary if the caravan has been significantly modified.

There are a few circumstances where a weighbridge ticket is required and that’s if the tare can’t be confirmed (on the VIN plate), the caravan has been imported or major changes have been made to the caravan.

NSW Registration Fees

Northern Territory (NT)

In the Northern Territory you only need to get a compliance check for your caravan’s first registration or if the information for the caravan has changed and won’t match the pre-existing data in the system.

A roadworthy is generally required for caravans at 5 years old, 10 years old and beyond. Check the table below to see if you caravan will be required to get a roadworthy certificate for registration.

There is an NT stamp duty calculator on the website for you to check how much you will need to pay, based on the purchase price of your caravan.

Queensland (QLD)

Remember to take your proof of identity and proof of where the caravan will be ‘garaged’ when you head to the QLD Department of Transport office. A recent bill with your name and address on it should do the trick.

A Safety Certificate will be needed for caravans over 750 kg ATM, unless the caravan is brand new. In addition, a Gas Inspection Certificate will need to be done by a certified person no less than 3 months before the caravan is registered (unless it’s a brand new van with manufacturer-installed gas fittings).

If you caravan has been modified in any way or had a GVM upgrade, made sure you’ve got a mod plate for the van. All caravan’s must also have a fire extinguisher fitted by law.

There is no stamp duty to pay in Queensland for caravans, nor do you need to worry about Compulsory Third Party Insurance as it will be covered with your tow vehicle’s insurance.

South Australia (SA)

When living in South Australia, be sure to transfer your caravan’s registration within 14 days of the purchase, otherwise you’ll be hit with a late transfer fee of $92!

Along with proof of identity and ownership of the caravan, you’ll need to fill out a registration form and a Compulsory Third Party form. Although the CTP is included in the cost of your rego (as a flat rate), you do have to choose which insurer you wish to go with.

If the caravan has been purchased from interstate, you’ll need to show the registration certificate from the previous state if possible.

An Identity Inspection Certificate will need to be obtained if the caravan registration has lapsed for longer than 3 months or to simply change the registered ownership details.

For the SA stamp duty calculator, head to the website and input your purchase price into the Non-commercial Vehicle Calculator to find out how much you’ll need to pay.

SA Registration Fees

SA Caravan Rego Fees
Caravan Tare Weight	Transfer Fee	Annual Fee
Any	$35	$95
More info & pricing at SA Government →

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Tasmania (TAS)

Registering a caravan in Tasmania is pretty straight forward. You’ll need proof of identity and proof of ownership of the caravan. An Approved Inspection Station report will need to be gathered, but luckily there is no stamp duty to be paid.

Victoria (VIC)

To register a caravan in Victoria, you will need to have a VicRoads customer number, which is either a learner’s permit or driver’s licence number. Along with that, you must have proof of identity, proof of garaged address and a roadworthy certificate.

Victoria is a bit unique in that they require a trailer inspection to be undertaken by themselves at the VicRoads Customer Service Centre for caravans with an ATM from 750 kg to 4,500 kg. You will need to make a booking with them and pay a fee for the pleasure. At least the annual registration fee is very low compared to the other states, which helps to absorb the inspection cost.

Unfortunately, Victorian caravan buyers will need to pay stamp duty to the tune of $5.40 per $200 for new caravans and $8.40 per $200 for used caravans.

Western Australia (WA)

All caravans registered in Western Australia must pass an inspection for roadworthiness. Besides that, it’s all pretty straight forward with an application form and proof of identity, submitted in person at the registration office.

No stamp duty needs to be paid for caravans purchased in WA.

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