What a free rego check usually shows
You usually only need the number plate. Details vary by state, but a registration check typically shows:
- whether the registration is current, expired or cancelled
- the expiry date
- the vehicle’s make, model or type, so you can confirm the plates belong to the car
- in some states, the CTP insurer
It won’t show the owner’s name or address.
What a rego check won’t tell you
A rego check is about whether the car can legally be driven. It isn’t designed to tell you whether the car is a safe buy. It won’t show:
- Finance owing. Only a PPSR search shows loans registered against the car. How to check for finance owing.
- A full write-off history. Write-off records are searched through the PPSR. Written-off vehicle check.
- Stolen status by VIN. A stolen car can wear legitimate plates from another vehicle, so a clean rego result for the plates doesn’t prove the car itself is clean. Stolen vehicle check.
- Odometer history or past insurance claims. See the odometer check and full history report.
Use both. Do the free rego check with the number plate, then run a PPSR check with the VIN. If the make and model from both don’t match the car in front of you, stop.
Where to check rego in each state
Each road authority runs its own free check. Start from the links below and look for “check registration” or “registration enquiry”.
| State or territory | Where to check | What you’ll need |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | Service NSW | Number plate |
| VIC | VicRoads | Number plate |
| QLD | Transport and Main Roads | Number plate |
| WA | Department of Transport | Number plate |
| SA | Service SA | Number plate |
| TAS | Transport Tasmania | Number plate |
| ACT | Access Canberra | Number plate |
| NT | NT.GOV.AU | Number plate |
Websites change, so if a link has moved, search for your road authority’s name with “rego check”. For transfers, inspections and stamp duty, see buying a used car by state.
Unregistered or expired rego?
You can buy an unregistered car, but you can’t legally drive it home on the road. You’ll usually need an unregistered vehicle permit or a tow, plus an inspection before it can be registered. Factor the cost into your offer, and still run a PPSR check, because unregistered cars can have finance owing or a write-off record too.