CTP insurance: state by state guide to registering your car

Every vehicle travelling on the roads in Australia is required by law to be registered. This ensures the roadworthiness of each vehicle and also makes identification of that vehicle quick and easy. However, each Australian state and territory has subtle differences in how to register your car and how much it costs. To help you we have outlined the requirements for each state below.

In general, to register a vehicle you will need to supply proof that the vehicle belongs to you. Registration renewal documents will be required as is proof of identity and address for first time registrations or renewals in a different state. Details of any concessions applicable and certification issued will also need to be presented.

Safety inspections

All light vehicles to be registered in Australia need a safety inspection certificate. If your car is unsafe it won’t pass the test and so won’t be certified. Safety inspections can only be carried out at Authorised Inspection Stations. Some states allow privately owned garages to perform safety checks, while other states require you to take your car to a specific part of the vehicle registry. Check with traffic authority or MVR in your state or territory.

If your vehicle is currently unregistered, or was previously registered interstate, it may need to undergo a more thorough safety inspection.

Should your vehicle fails the safety inspection you must make the necessary repairs before the certificate will be issued. Registration or renewals cannot proceed until the vehicle is road-worthy.

Compulsory third party (CTP) insurance

CTP insurance is required for every registered vehicle in Australia. It protects you from claims if you have an accident that injures another person. It does not cover you for damage to other property or damage to your own vehicle – nor does it cover you if it is you who is injured in an at-fault accident.

In most states and territories there is only one approved provider of CTP insurance, however NSW and QLD offer vehicle owners a choice of insurer. Premiums are dependant upon the type of vehicle and who will be driving it.

Registration fees for light vehicles

These are calculated depending upon the unladen weight of your vehicle, type of vehicle and/or whether your vehicle is primarily for personal or business use. Registration costs for light vehicles vary enormously from state to state.

Additional fees could also be applicable, including stamp duty and number plate fee. Concessions are also available for many charges.

Fees and charges for car registration

Other fees may be applicable. Fees will vary for vehicles other than cars, such as motor cycles, trailers, imported vehicles and gas-fuelled cars. Fees quoted are subject to change and include GST.

New South Wales

Pink Slip (safety inspection for registration renewals), $30.10
Blue Slip (safety inspection for previously unregistered or interstate registered cars), $48.70
New car inspection fee, $48.70

CTP insurance charges are dependant upon the type of car, who will be driving and what the car is used for. Numerous approved insurance providers are available and a list can be obtained from the Motor Accident Authority. Premiums vary so check each insurer carefully.

Private registration fees:

Up to 975kg, $207
976kg to 1154kg, $227
1155kg to 1504kg, $255
1505kg to 2504kg, $363

Additional fees apply for cars used primarily for business purposes.

Number plate fee (standard), $34
White bordered, $68

Special and personalised plates:  

One-off order fee, $30
Annual plate fee, $60 to $500

Stamp duty:   

Three percent of market value up to $45,000 and five percent of market value over $45,000.

Victoria

Inspection fee, including appointment fee (at VicRoads office), $32.60
Inspection fee, including appointment fee (at clients own home), $49.80
Appointment fee (for rescheduling or appointment transfers), $10.60

Standard registration fee, $168.60
Transport accident charge, from $300.00 (depends upon postcode car is garaged in)
Insurance duty, from $30.00 (depends upon postcode car is garaged in)

Number plate fee (standard), $27.80
Special and personalised plates available at extra cost.

Queensland

Inspection fees for Safety Certificates are payable directly to the Approved Inspection Station. Fees vary depending upon the station chosen. For gas fuelled cars, a gas certificate issued by an authorised gas examiner will also be required.

Standard registration fee, from $159.35 (depends upon number of cylinders in vehicle engine)
Traffic improvement fee, $41.25

CTP insurance charges are dependant upon the type of car, who will be driving and what the car is used for. Numerous approved insurance providers are available and a list can be obtained from the Motor Accident Authority. Premiums vary so check each insurer carefully.

Number plate fee (standard), $20.45
Special and personalised plates available at extra cost.

South Australia

Identity inspection (for interstate or unregistered vehicles), $27.00
A roadworthy inspection may also be required if the vehicle has been changed, imported or rebuilt.

CTP insurance charges are dependant upon the type of car and where it is usually garaged. Premiums are available for 3, 6, 9 or 12 months.

Standard registration fee, from    $88.00 (depends upon number of cylinders in vehicle engine)

Number plate fee (standard), $21
Special and personalised plates, from $70

Western Australia

Inspection fee, $41.80

CTP insurance charges:

Motor car (private), $225.20
Motor car (standard), $239.05

Registration fees:     

Administration fee, $10.15
Light vehicle fee per 100kg, $14.75

Number plate fee (standard), $19
Special and personalised plates, from $100

Tasmania

Inspection fee, $46.55

CTP insurance charges: Motor car (private), $338
Registration fees, $69.65
Motor tax (depends on number of cylinders), from $91.00
Number plate fee (standard), $28.40
Special and personalised plates, from $57.00

Northern Territory

Registration fees are determined by gross vehicle mass, engine size, and the number of cylinders. For vehicles less than 4.5 tonnes, annual registration fees range from $30 to $70 for 4-cylinder cars. For cars with more cylinders, registration fees start at $90. CTP is provided through the Territory Insurance Office (TIO) and is automatically added to your registration.

CTP, $426.30
Administration fee, $8.40

First issue number plates are free of charge, however there is a replacement fee of $26.40 per plate if required. Personalised plates start at $140.

Australian Capital Territory

CTP insurance charges are dependant upon the type of car, who will be driving and what the car is used for. In the ACT the only approved provider of CTP insurance is the NRMA.

Private registration fees:

Up to 975kg, $604.60
976kg to 1154kg, $624.60
1155kg to 1504kg, $652.60
1505kg to 2504kg, $760.60

Additional fees apply for cars used primarily for business purposes. Vehicle inspection fees will also apply for cars requiring a safety inspection. For cars using LPG Gas, an additional annual inspection fee will also apply. The fees outlined above are subject to variation. Please with your local authority to see if they have recently updated their pricing.