License a trailer

Find out how to license a trailer in Western Australia, which includes getting it inspected for roadworthiness and submitting the application in person.

  Light vehicle licence (registration) fees (2023/2024)

Vehicle owners must also pay motor injury insurance (MII) insurance. Visit the Motor Injury Insurance (MII) page for fees and more information.

Light vehicle: Administration fee

Fee type Fee
Light vehicle standard administration recording fee - 3. 6 and 12 months renewal $10.30
Light vehicle standard administration recording fee - 1 month renewal $2.00

Light vehicle: Bulk, transfer and duplicate licence fees

Fee type Fee
Duplicate or certified copy of vehicle licence document $6.90
Vehicle Licence Administration fee (Bulk licensing fee) - Applicable to vehicle dealers only $13.30
Vehicle licence transfer fee $20.40

Light vehicle: Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) not exceeding 4,500 kg fees

Fee type Fee
Per 100 kg
Light vehicle registration: Caravan (motor propelled), per 100 kg $26.52
Light vehicle registration: Caravan (trailer type), per 100 kg $6.63
Light vehicle registration: Converter dolly, per 100 kg $13.26
Light vehicle registration: Fork lift, per 100 kg $6.63
Light vehicle registration: Goods vehicle, per 100 kg $26.52
Light vehicle registration: Mobile crane, per 100 kg $6.63
Light vehicle registration: Motor car, per 100 kg $26.52
Light vehicle registration: Omnibus, per 100 kg $26.52
Light vehicle registration: Other trailer, not being a plant trailer truck, per 100 kg $13.26
Light vehicle registration: Plant trailer, per 100 kg $6.63
Light vehicle registration: Semi-trailer, per 100 kg $13.26
Light vehicle registration: Tow motor, per 100 kg $6.63
Light vehicle registration: Tow truck, per 100 kg $26.52
Light vehicle registration: Tractor (not prime mover), per 100 kg $6.63
Light vehicle registration: Tractor plant truck, per 100 kg $6.63
Light vehicle registration: Trailer, per 100 kg $13.26
Light vehicle registration: Tractor (prime mover type) and truck $26.52
Motorcycles
Light vehicle registration: Motorcycle (not exceeding 250 cc) $66.24
Light vehicle registration: Motorcycle (power to weight ratio not exceeding 150 kW/t) $92.76
Light vehicle registration: Motorcycle (power to weight ratio exceeding 150 kW/t) $79.56
Light vehicle registration: Motorcycle (exceeding 250 cc) $79.56

Light vehicle: Example, how to calculate your vehicle licence fee

In the following example, a 12 month renewal is applied to a standard motor car (Tare weight: 1,650 kg - the weight of the unladen vehicle):

Calculate your light vehicle licence fee Fee calculation
Vehicle fee per 100 kg x Total weight (rounded up to the nearest 100 kg) / 100 $26.52  x (1,700 kg / 100) = $450.84
Plus prescribed flat fee $13.20 (12-month renewal: (discounted rate) = $6.60) $6.60
Total vehicle licence fee (rounded to the nearest five cents) $457.45

Notes:

  • Prescribed flat fee for a vehicle for a period of one year is $13.20 discounted 50%.
  • Any vehicle renewal term less than 12 months; calculation will be $13.20 divided by 12 then multiplying by the number of months in respect of which the renewal is paid.
    • 6-month renewal: ($13.20/12)*6 = $6.60.
    • 3-month renewal: ($13.20/12)*3 = $3.30.
    • 1-month renewal: ($13.20/12) = $1.10.

Key:

  • GVM = Gross vehicle Mass. kg = kilogram. cc = cubic centimetre, engine displacement.
  • kW/t = kilowatt per tonne, 1 m² / S³.

  Step 1:Get the trailer inspected

Before you can submit a trailer licence application, you will need to get the trailer inspected for roadworthiness.

  Step 2:Complete an application (Form VL17)

Once the trailer has successfully passed the inspection, you can complete an application to license a vehicle using form VL17.

If the trailer was previously licensed to another owner, a declaration of the seller must be completed on form VL17.

For more information, please go to Buy a vehicle (transfer licence).

Vehicle licence duty

Vehicle licence duty is payable on the dutiable value of the vehicle, including the value of any trade-in, unless evidence is produced that the vehicle was previously licensed in your name. More information is available in form VL17.

To find out how much duty is payable, please use our online vehicle licence duty calculator. Where vehicle licence duty is applicable, it is payable at the time of licensing.

Some persons and vehicles types may be eligible for an exemption on the payment of duty. Please refer to the Concessions page for more information.

  Step 3:Provide proof of identity

Only one person can be nominated as a vehicle licence holder. Form VL186 is to be used where the vehicle is jointly owned to nominate a licence holder. This form must accompany the trailer license application form in order to verify the applicant's particulars.

Please go to Proof of identity for more information.

  Step 4:Submit the application in person (Form VL17)

Applications for a trailer licence must be submitted in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services centre or regional agent.

You will need to provide:

  • Completed vehicle licence application form VL17 

You may also need to present a weighbridge certificate if the tare/mass weight of the trailer cannot be established from the manufacturer's specifications, previous licence documents or licensing records.

Once the trailer is licensed a new set of number plates will be issued.

  • If your vehicle has interstate plates attached, these may need to be surrendered at the time of licensing your vehicle in WA. Refer to the relevant licensing authority that the plates were issued from for further information.
  • Remove your vehicle licence plates after you arrive at the centre or agency. Remember to bring your old number plates in with you.

Note: The Department does not provide a licence plate removal service.

For information on importing a vehicle from overseas, please go to License an imported vehicle.

The number plate for a trailer must be fixed and kept in a conspicuous place on the back of the trailer in an upright position. Ensure the characters on the plate are clearly visible and legible at all times of the day and night.

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Page last updated: Fri Feb 23 2024 4:48:10 PM