Find out how to get an overseas visitor's vehicle licence for a vehicle that is registered and temporarily imported to Western Australia (WA).
To help you better understand the information on this page, we’ve provided definitions for some of the key terms used throughout this content.
- Carnet (pronounced kar-nay): official pass or permit, used when crossing national boundaries.
- Carnet de passages en douane: permit for passing through customs.
- Triptyque (pronounced trip-ti-k): customs permit serving as a passport for a motor vehicle.
Overview
An overseas visitor's vehicle licence (also referred to as an overseas visitor's permit) must be issued by the WA Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI) before an overseas visitor to Australia can drive a temporarily imported vehicle on WA roads.
The vehicle must undergo a roadworthiness inspection before the licence can be issued, and Motor Injury Insurance (MII) will also be included.
No licence fee or recording fee is payable.
Eligibility
To be eligible for an overseas visitor's vehicle licence:
- the vehicle must be licensed in your name in the country where you’re a permanent resident or citizen; for example, if you’re a citizen of the USA, the vehicle must be licensed in the USA
- you mustn’t be a permanent resident or citizen of any state or territory in Australia.
The licence of an overseas vehicle becomes invalid if you (who are not a permanent resident of Australia):
- become a permanent resident of Australia
- transfer the vehicle licence to a permanent resident of Australia.
An overseas visitor's vehicle licence issued in WA may be recognised by other states and territories. Please contact the relevant licensing body for more information.
Step 1: Get the vehicle inspected
Before you can submit an overseas visitor's vehicle licence application, you'll need to get the vehicle inspected for roadworthiness.
Please go to Get a vehicle inspected for more information on new vehicle inspections.
Step 2: Provide a copy of the overseas licence or registration
The vehicle must be currently licensed in the country where you are a permanent resident or citizen.
Step 3: Provide a customs declaration
Before you can licence your overseas vehicle in WA you'll need to provide a copy of the guarantee to Australian Customs that the vehicle will be taken out of Australia.
This guarantee can take the form of one of the following documents:
- Carnet de passages en douane, or
- Triptyque.
Step 4: Modify headlights on left-hand drive vehicles (if required)
Headlights on left-hand drive vehicles must be modified to dip to the left.
Step 5: Ensure overseas plates aren't damaged
DTMI will only issue number plates to overseas vehicles if existing attached overseas plates are badly damaged.
If an overseas visitor's vehicle has plates that are damaged to the point where any part is obscured, obliterated or indistinct, the vehicle’s owner will need to purchase temporary plates from DTMI.
Step 6: Submit the application in person
Applications for a new vehicle licence must be submitted in person at a DTMI service centre or regional agent.
You'll need to provide:
- a completed Application to licence an overseas vehicle (Form E65) - PDF.
- evidence of overseas licence or registration
- a copy of the carnet de passages en douane or triptyque
- other documentation as required.
Step 7: Purchase Motor Injury Insurance (MII)
Motor Injury Insurance (MII) will be included as part of your licence application. The period of insurance coverage will be one of the following.
- 12 months from the date the vehicle arrived in Australia.
- Expiry of the registration document of the country of origin.
- Expiry of the carnet de passages en douane or triptyque, whichever comes first.
Extending an overseas licence
To extend an overseas licence, please refer to Steps 2, 3, 6, and 7 of the process.
Selling a vehicle that is subject to a Carnet
You can’t sell or transfer an overseas vehicle unless the vehicle has an import approval granted by the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts.
Selling or transferring an imported rally vehicle
You can’t sell or transfer a whilst it's subject to a:
- Carnet
- Carnet de passages en douane, or
- Triptyque.
Need help?
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us.