Off-road vehicles that won’t access public roads are required to be registered and issued with off-road plates if they are used on designated off-road areas.
In Western Australia (WA), all unlicensed off-road vehicles which are used in the areas covered by the Control of Vehicles (Off-road Areas) Act 1978, other than on private land with the consent of the owner, must be registered with the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI). Off-road vehicles are prohibited from crossing or travelling along public roads unless they are conditionally licensed.
How to register an off-road vehicle
You must be aged at least 18 years old to register an off-road vehicle. All applications must be made in person at a DTMI service centre or regional agent.
Step 1: Complete an application form
Complete the application form, Off-road vehicle registration (Form VL141).
Step 2: Provide Proof of Identity
You’ll need to provide 1 form of primary and 1 form of secondary identification. Refer to our Proof of identity requirements or refer to our Primary & Secondary Proof of Identity fact sheet to see what documents you can use.
First time licensing a vehicle in WA and don’t have a WA driver’s licence?
If you’ve never had a vehicle licensed in your name in WA and don't have a WA driver’s license, you’ll also need to fill out a Proof of Identity Nominated Owner/Vehicle Licence Holder form (Form VL186).
Registering a vehicle under a company name?
If you’re registering the vehicle under a company name, you’ll need to provide 1 of the following:
- your Australian Company Number (ACN)
- a Certificate of Registration (issued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission)
- other evidence of legal entity status.
Are you licensing a jointly owned vehicle?
If the vehicle is jointly owned, all owners must complete and sign the Proof of Identity Nominated Owner/Vehicle Licence Holder form (Form VL186). Only 1 person can be listed as the license holder.
Refer to the Vehicle owner responsibilities for more information.
Step 3: Submit the application in person
Applications to register an off-road vehicle must be submitted in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services centre, DoT regional office or agent.
You will need to provide:
- 1 form of primary and 1 form of secondary identification
- completed Application to register an off-road vehicle (Form VL141)
- completed Proof of identity: Nominated owner - vehicle licence holder (Form VL186), if required
- the vehicle details including the year of manufacture, make of vehicle, engine number, and the primary and secondary colour.
The Off-road vehicle fees table outlines applicable registration costs.
Fees
The registration for all vehicles registered under the Control of Vehicles (Off-road Areas) Act 1978 expires on 30 September each year. The registration must be renewed within 15 days of the expiry date. The registration is not valid beyond the date of expiry and, unless renewed within 15 days, the number plates must be returned.
| Fee description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Off-road vehicle: New registration fee | $35.00 |
| Off-road vehicle: Number plate fee | $15.00 |
| Off-road vehicle: Renewal fee | $35.00 |
| Off-road vehicle: Transfer fee | $15.00 |
Renewal of off-road vehicle registrations
The registration for all vehicles registered under the Control of Vehicles (Off-road Areas) Act 1978 expires on 30 September each year. Renewals are required to be paid before the licence expiry.
A renewal notice will be sent out to all off road vehicle registration holders, prior to the renewal date.
They must be renewed either in person (at a DTMI service centre or regional agent by post or email contact.centre@transport.wa.gov.au with a fully completed form and statutory declaration, including best daytime contact number and someone will contact you via telephone to arrange payment.
Payment can't be made online or accepted at Australia Post.
All off-road vehicle registrations expire on 30 September each year. You have 15 days after expiration to renew the registration; otherwise, the number plates must be returned.
Transfer of ownership of off-road vehicles
To transfer the ownership of a registered off-road vehicle, the seller and purchaser must complete and sign a Transfer of Off-Road Vehicle Registration (Form VL142) and the purchaser must present the form, 1 form of primary and 1 form of secondary identification and payment at any DTMI service centre or regional agent.
Payment can't be made online or accepted at Australia Post.
Need help?
IF you have any questions, please contact us.