Vehicle Assessment Signatory Scheme approval certificate

Learn about and obtain a Vehicle Assessment Signatory Scheme (VASS) approval certificate.

You will need a VASS approval certificate from a Signatory in the Vehicle Assessment Signatory Scheme if your vehicle has been modified, imported or is an individually constructed vehicle.

Vehicle modifications, such as those aimed at improving performance or appearance, may have an adverse effect on the vehicle’s safety or emissions performance. Government regulations require that all vehicle modifications must:

  • be carried out in accordance with guidelines issued by VicRoads, or
  • have VicRoads' specific approval. This applies to a vehicle that is already registered or when an application for registration is being made

The Vehicle Assessment Signatory Scheme (VASS) is a scheme for the certification of modified, individually constructed vehicles and certain types of imported vehicles in Victoria.

An individual authorised by VicRoads to inspect, test and certify these vehicles is known as a VASS Signatory (referred to as an authorised vehicle inspector in the Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 2021) and is responsible to ensure all modified, individually constructed and certain imported vehicles meet standards for registration.

Once a VASS Signatory certifies a vehicle they will issue a VASS approval certificate and a blue modification plate that is attached to the vehicle.

VASS Approval Certificate

A VASS Approval Certificate is required for:

If you're thinking about modifying, importing or building a vehicle, we recommend you discuss your plan with a VASS Signatory before you start.

A VASS Approval Certificate issued to a light vehicle is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. If the VASS Approval Certificate is for a modified heavy vehicle, the certificate does not expire.

Once submitted at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre, you should retain a copy of the certificate in the vehicle for future reference.

Examples of modifications for which a VASS approval certificate is required include:

VASS Modification Plate

A VASS Modification Plate is a blue label or plate that must be affixed to modified, individually constructed and certain imported vehicles which have been issued with a VASS Approval Certificate by a VASS Signatory.

The VASS Modification Plate must contain details of the vehicle, and the VASS approval certificate number and details of the modification, shown as a code eg. LA2. It must not be removed from the vehicle.

If you wish to learn more about a specific modification code, please refer to:

VASS Approval Letter

A VASS Approval Letter is required for: 

  • modifications to light trailers (4.5 tonne GTM or less) which result in a change to the Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) or Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) ratings. For information on modifying light trailers, see Modify a light trailer or caravan.
  • Replacement of a heavy vehicle engine that is identical to the engine originally fitted by the manufacturer.

A blue modification plate will not be fitted to the vehicle when the work is approved with a VASS Approval Letter. 

A VASS Approval Letter issued  for a light vehicle is valid for 30 days from the date of issue.  If the VASS Approval Letter is for a heavy vehicle, the letter does not expire. Once submitted at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre, you should retain a copy of the letter for future reference.

Cost of a VASS Approval Certificate and Approval Letter

VicRoads does not regulate or specify the cost for the services performed by a VASS Signatory to inspect, test or issue a VASS approval certificate or letter to a vehicle.

The cost for the services provided by a VASS Signatory will be dependent on the amount of work involved in the inspection and testing of your vehicle and will need to be discussed and arranged between yourself and the VASS Signatory.

To ensure the VASS Signatory can provide you with an estimate or quote for the cost of their services, you are encouraged to do your research and provide them with as much information as possible regarding your project during the consultation.

It is important to remember that a VASS Signatory may not be able to provide you with a cost during your first contact with them. They may require time to review the information you have given them so they may identify what type of work they need to do for your vehicle.

Step 1. Research

Before you decide to modify, import or build a vehicle, you must understand the rules and requirements specific to your vehicle type. Refer to these pages for more information:

Step 2. Contact a VASS Signatory

You are encouraged to consult a VASS Signatory to properly plan your modifications before starting any work on your vehicle to avoid a situation where your vehicle does not meet the standards for registration and a VASS Approval Certificate cannot be issued after the work is complete.

The more research you do before consulting a VASS Signatory will make it easier for them to provide you with specific advice.

To contact a VASS Signatory and arrange for a consultation to discuss your project or to make an appointment to get your vehicle inspected please refer to the contact lists below.

For Light Vehicles
For Heavy Vehicles

Once you have engaged with a VASS Signatory to support you with your project, it is important you keep them informed of any changes that you might make to or be planning for the vehicle since your last consultation with them.

Step 3. Modify your vehicle

Modify your vehicle based upon the information listed on the VicRoads website, as well as the guidance provided by the VASS Signatory.

Particularly complex modifications or vehicle builds may require regular touchpoints with the VASS Signatory as the project progresses.

Step 4. Present the completed vehicle to a VASS signatory for final approval and certification

Once you have completed the modifications you are required to present the vehicle to the VASS signatory for a final inspection. Particularly complex modifications may require further testing and analysis of the vehicle to ensure it's safe and compliant.

Once the VASS signatory is satisfied that the modifications have been carried out in accordance with the applicable standards, they will issue you a VASS Approval Certificate and apply a modification plate to the vehicle.

Step 5. Present the vehicle and VASS Approval Certificate to VicRoads for processing

If your vehicle is registered you must notify VicRoads of the modification within 14 days of being issued a VASS approval certificate. To do this you need to:

If your vehicle is not registered

  • follow the steps outlined in registering your vehicle and
  • bring your VASS Approval Certificate to your registration appointment

If your vehicle is imported, check additional requirements to register an imported vehicle.

VASS Approval Certificates and Letters issued to light vehicles are valid for 30 days from the date of issue. If the VASS Approval Certificate is for a modified heavy vehicle, the certificate does not expire.

Further modification of this vehicle after the VASS approval document was issued to you and before its inspection at VicRoads may result in the VASS approval document not being accepted by VicRoads.

Step 6. Keep a copy of the VASS Approval Certificate and store it in a safe place

Once the VASS Approval Certificate has been processed by VicRoads, it's highly recommended you keep a copy of the certificate and store it in a safe place. This will assist if there are any future complications regarding the modifications or if questioned by VicRoads, Victoria Police or a Licensed Vehicle Tester.

To contact a VASS Signatory and arrange for a consultation to discuss your project or to make an appointment to get your vehicle inspected please refer to the contact lists below.

For light vehicles (GVM 4.5T or less), imports, street rods and motorcycles:

For heavy vehicles (GVM over 4.5T):

A VASS Signatory is a person referred to as an authorised vehicle inspector in the Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 2021 (External link) who can issue VASS Approval Certificates to modified, individually constructed and certain imported vehicles as evidence they meet the standards for registration.

Are you eligible for authorisation as a VASS Signatory?

Before you proceed applying for authorisation as a VASS Signatory, you need to consider the following:

  • Applicants must have the required qualifications and experience to be considered eligible for authorisation as a VASS Signatory.
  • A criminal record may affect your ability to be authorised as a VASS Signatory. Applicants will be required to present a valid original National Police Check (External link) if they are invited to an interview during the application process.
  • Interstate residents are not eligible for authorisation as a VASS Signatory in Victoria.
  • VASS Signatories must hold the required insurance policies as a condition of their authorisation.

Required qualifications and experience

To be considered eligible for authorisation as a VASS Signatory, all applicants must:

  • hold a four-year bachelor’s degree or higher in mechanical or automotive engineering or other relevant discipline from an accredited Australian Institution or an equivalent qualification that has been assessed as satisfying the requirements for recognition as a Professional Engineer in Australia; and
  • have a minimum of five years post graduate experience, within the last seven years, working as an engineer in the automotive or an automotive related industry.

Professional insurance

Applicants must be aware that VASS Signatories are required to hold:

  • A valid Professional Indemnity insurance policy for an amount of $5m, with the cover to be maintained for a runoff period of six years upon leaving or being removed from the Vehicle Assessment Signatory Scheme (VASS).
  • A valid Public Liability insurance policy for an amount of $10m.

What does recognised as a Professional Engineer mean?

Applicants wishing to apply for authorisation as a VASS Signatory must be eligible for registration as a Professional or Chartered Engineer in Victoria under the Professional Engineers Registration Act 2019 (PER Act).

Application information and application form

For more information and to apply to become a VASS Signatory refer to the VASS Application Information form:

  • VASS Application Information form

Should you require support or advice on the VASS Signatory application process please contact the team on 1300 309 571 during normal business hours, or via email to [email protected]

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