A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-character alpha-numeric identifier affixed to a motor vehicle, trailer or semi-trailer in accordance with international standards to establish a vehicle’s identity. Here, you will find information on how to get a VIN for vehicles manufactured after 1 January 1989.
Key changes affecting manufacturers under new Commonwealth law
From 1 July 2023, all vehicles, including trailers, must have a presence on the RAV, unless a non-RAV entry import applies.
A RAV entry replaces the need to fit road vehicles with an identification (compliance) plate that contains compliance and certification information.
For more information in relation to RAV entry approval pathways please visit the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (DITRDCA) website.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for a new trailer
Every vehicle, including trailers and caravans, built or provided to Australian consumers since 1 January 1989, is required to have VIN clearly stamped, embossed, or otherwise permanently marked on a substantial part of a vehicle's frame or body.
From 1 July 2023, a VIN for a new trailer will be issued in accordance with the respective RAV Entry approval pathways. If you have inquiries regarding the RAV entry approval pathways or the status of your application, please contact the DITRDCA for more information.
Owner/builders can obtain a VIN depending on an intended volume production and a chosen RAV entry pathway as follows:
RAV entry pathways
| Approval pathway | Eligibility | Process | VIN Issuer |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Concession RAV entry
|
|
|
DITRDCA
|
|
Vehicle Type Approval (incorporated with an ACN issued by ASIC) |
Note: A manufacturer must have an ACN issued by ASIC to be eligible to apply for an Australian world manufacturer identifier (WMI) to become an accredited VIN submitter with National Exchange of Vehicle and Driver Information System (NEVDIS). |
|
Self-issued by manufacturer
|
|
Vehicle Type Approval (not incorporated) |
|
|
Accredited agent
|
Imported Trailers
If you are importing trailers, you will need to contact the Manufacturer in the country which the trailers are being constructed, and obtain VINs issued within the country of manufacture, and provide these VINs on your import application.
Low volume VINs issued by the Department of Transport cannot be used on import applications for trailers manufactured overseas. WA issued VINs which are used for the importation of trailers will be deleted.
Please visit the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts (DITRDCA) website for more information about importing vehicles into Australia.
Surrogate Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
A vehicle licence cannot be granted if a VIN has been or appears to have been altered, defaced, destroyed or removed from the vehicle.
A surrogate VIN may be created and issued to the vehicle if:
- the original VIN has been removed where the vehicle has been repaired
- the vehicle has been stolen and recovered where the VIN has been partially removed or ground off.
Surrogate VINs may be granted on a case-by-case basis by the Department of Transport’s CEO and only where the vehicle identity and evidence of ownership can be positively established.
A surrogate VIN will not be granted if the vehicle identity and evidence of ownership cannot be identified.
How to apply
To apply for a surrogate VIN, you will need to contact the Kelmscott Driver and Vehicle Services on 1300 776 065 to book an inspection to verify the vehicle details.
An inspection fee will apply.
Note: If the VIN details on your licence papers do not match the number on the actual vehicle, it could be an administrative error in recording the correct number. Please contact NEVDIS@transport.wa.gov.au to resolve the issue.