Register a trailer or caravan
Find out how to register a trailer or caravan.
The steps to register a trailer or caravan are the same. If you're registering a trailer or caravan for the first time in Australia, it will need to be entered on the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV) to be eligible for registration in Victoria.
You must also ensure that trailers and caravans comply with the standards listed at the top of the Modify a light trailer or caravan page (External link) on the Transport Victoria website.
For more information about eligibility for registration, choose the relevant trailer or caravan link below:
Who can register?
A trailer or caravan can be registered in the name of an individual or company.
You'll need a VicRoads customer number to register a caravan or trailer. This is a unique number issued by VicRoads to individuals or companies.
For individuals
Your VicRoads customer number is your:
- learner permit or
- driver licence number.
If you don’t have a licence but have a vehicle registered in your name, the customer number is recorded on your registration renewal notice.
If you don’t have a Victorian licence or VicRoads customer number, you must visit a VicRoads Customer Service Centre (External link) and provide full evidence of identity documents (External link).
For companies
The VicRoads customer number of your company is:
- on your company’s myVicRoads account or
- on any registration renewal notice issued for vehicles registered in your company’s name
If your company doesn’t have a VicRoads customer number, you must visit a VicRoads Customer Service Centre and provide full evidence of identity documents (External link) for your company.
Please note: Online appointments can only be booked in a personal name. Where the vehicle is to be registered in a company name, please ensure all paperwork reflect the company as the applicant.
What age can you register?
You must be at least 16 years old to register a light trailer or caravan or at least 18 years old to register a heavy trailer or caravan in your name. If you’re underage, someone else can register a vehicle in their name for you, visit How to buy a vehicle when you are underage for more information.
What if I’m towing my trailer interstate?
If you’re towing your trailer interstate, you should register it in Victoria before you go.
What if the registration has expired?
You cannot tow your trailer while its registration is expired. You can renew your registration for up to three months after your expiry date.
Trailer types and what you need to register
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What is the aggregate trailer mass?
Also called the gross trailer mass, the aggregate trailer mass (ATM) is the total weight (tare) plus the load capacity of the trailer or caravan. The ATM is also commonly called the gross trailer mass (GTM). The requirements for registering a trailer or caravan will vary based on its type, it’s ATM and what it’s used for.
How do I find the ATM?
Usually, the ATM is on the manufacturer’s trailer identification plate which is on your trailer or caravan. If you’re unsure:
Can my trailer be exempt from registration?
If you’ve got a light trailer (other than a trailer specifically built to carry a boat) it will be
exempt from registration in Victoria if it:
- weighs less (tare mass) than 200kg unladen
- isn’t wider than the towing vehicle
- is 3 metres or less in length, including the draw-bar
- isn’t used for business.
You can still choose to register your trailer if it’s exempt from registration. If it’s exempt and not registered, it needs to show the same registration number as the towing vehicle or you can buy an exempt trailer plate.
In many other states, including NSW and South Australia, all trailers must be registered. If you're intending to tow your trailer interstate, we recommend you register it in Victoria before you travel.
How to apply for registration
For light trailers
I have a light trailer with an ATM up to 750kg
You'll need to:
My trailer has an ATM over 750kg but less than or equal to 4.5 tonnes
You'll need to:
- ensure the vehicle VIN is stamped on the trailer and a trailer identification plate is affixed.
- make sure the trailer's VIN is recorded on the Register of Approved Vehicles. This applies to all trailers that have never been registered in Australia.
- make sure the trailer complies with the applicable standards
- provide a completed and signed Vehicle Registration Form [PDF 209 Kb]
- book an inspection of your trailer at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre.
For heavy trailers
I have a trailer with an ATM over 4.5 tonne
You’ll need to:
What type of fees will I have to pay?
A card payment fee applies if you pay by VISA or Mastercard.
Step 1: Ensure the VIN is on the Register of Approved Vehicles
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This applies to all trailers that have never been registered in Australia.
To check if your trailer is on the RAV visit infrastructure.gov.auExternal link).
If your trailer has previously been registered in Australia and the VIN or chassis number stamped on the vehicle matches the last registration record, then your trailer doesn’t need to be recorded on the RAV.
If your trailer was previously registered in Australia but the VIN or chassis number is not stamped on it, you’ll need to take the trailer to a VicRoads Customer Service Centre to be inspected before you make an appointment to have it registered.
Step 3: Make an appointment at a Customer Service Centre
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You’ll need:
- the trailer (if it needs to be inspected)
- for light trailers under 750kg, and for trailers between 751kg and 4500kg, you'll need either the tare weight displayed on the trailer build plate, or (where a trailer doesn't have a build plate) a weighbridge docket declaring the tare weight
- the relevant forms for your trailer:
- the Vehicle Import Approval (if the trailer was granted import approval up to 30 June 2021 and never previously registered)
- the vehicle must be on the Register of Approved Vehicles (if the trailer was imported after 1 July 2021 and never previously registered)
- ensure the VIN is stamped on the trailer
- and a trailer plate is affixed or the vehicle is on the Register of Approved Vehicles
- an original and signed Authority to Act as an Agent form (External link) (PDF) (if someone else is registering on your behalf)
- tools and screws to put your number plates on before you leave VicRoads
- your evidence of identity
Book a Trailer registration appointment (External link)
Evidence of your Victorian garage address
If your garage address isn’t the same as your evidence of identity, you’ll need:
- A document as proof that links you to the Victorian garage address such as a rates or utility bill.
- an RMB (Road side mailbox) or RSD (Road side delivery) if the home or business can’t be identified by a street or road name.
Step 4: What to bring to your appointment
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You’ll need:
- The trailer (if it needs to be inspected).
- Evidence of the trailer's weight:
- For trailers up to 4500kg - the tare weight and ATM must be displayed on the trailer identification plate or the RAV.
- If previously registered - a weighbridge docket stating the tare weight.
- For trailers over 4500kg - the tare weight must be displayed on the trailer identification plate or the RAV.
- The relevant forms for your trailer:
- Tools and screws to put your number plate on before you leave VicRoads.
Evidence of your Victorian garage address
If your garage address isn’t the same as your residential address, you’ll need documented proof that links you to the Victorian garage address, such as a rates notice or utility bill.