Find out how to license a rally vehicle that hasn't been registered in the applicant's country of origin for use in Western Australia (WA).
Overview
Imported unlicensed rally vehicles may be registered in WA.
If the vehicle is currently licensed in its country of origin and is to be exported after the intended rally event(s), an overseas visitor's vehicle licence may be issued instead.
Step 1: Obtain import approval
Please refer to Importing and licensing a car from overseas for more details on import approvals.
Step 2: Ensure vehicle meets the relevant Australian safety standards
Road vehicles must meet Australian Design Rules (ADRs), but there are some exemptions for vehicles that have been imported as dedicated rally vehicles (restricted road use). The rally vehicle is required to meet the international Federation Internationale de I’Automobile (FIA) or local Motorsport Australia rally vehicle requirements.
For more information on left-hand drive vehicles and steering conversions see the Vehicle Technical Bulletin 106A: Imported vehicles including left hand drive - PDF, and the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communication's Vehicle Standards Bulletin - Steering conversions for left hand drive vehicles - PDF.
Step 3: Get a temporary moving permit
You'll need a temporary movement permit to move your unlicensed vehicle to the inspection location and to permit the vehicle examiner to road test the vehicle.
Step 4: Get the vehicle inspected
Overseas rally vehicles must be inspected by the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI).
Please contact DTMI's Vehicle Safety and Standards (VSS) via email tps@transport.wa.gov.au.
The initial inspection should take place at DTMI’s Kelmscott Vehicle Inspection Centre however, an Authorised Inspection Station (AIS) may inspect provided prior approval from VSS is obtained.
Note: The following documents must be presented at the time of inspection:
- import Approval/Carnet de Passage documents
- customs clearance
- vehicle logbook, and
- competition licence (FIA affiliated motorsport governing body or Motorsport Australia issued).
Please go to Get a vehicle inspected for more information on inspections.
Step 5: Complete an application
Once the rally vehicle has successfully passed its inspection, and depending on how long it will stay in WA, you'll need to complete either:
- Application to license a vehicle (Form VL17) - PDF, if the vehicle remains permanently in WA
- Application to Licence an Overseas Vehicle (E65) - PDF, if the vehicle stays for a limited period.
If the vehicle was previously licensed under another name, a declaration of the seller must be completed on Application to license a vehicle (Form VL17).
For more information, please go to Buy a vehicle (transfer licence)
Step 6: Provide proof of identity
Only 1 person can be nominated as the licence holder. Proof of Identity Nominated Owner Vehicle Licence Holder (Form VL186) - PDF is to be used where an owner is required to be nominated as the licence holder. This form must accompany the new vehicle licence application form to verify the applicant's details.
Please go to prove your identity for more information.
Step 7: Provide a customs declaration
Before you can license your overseas rally vehicle in WA, you'll need to show proof that the vehicle will be taken out of Australia.
This guarantee can take the form of 1 of the following documents:
- Carnet de passages en douane.
- Triptyque.
- Customs bond.
Definitions
- 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.
Step 8: 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:
- Certificate of inspection completed by the vehicle examiner
- a copy of the Carnet de passages en douane, Triptyque or customs bond
- other documentation as required.
Once approved, the vehicle will be licensed for either the length of its current overseas registration or until the Carnet ends – whichever is shorter – for up to 12 months.
Carnet vehicles keep their original overseas number plates (WA plates aren’t issued), and they only need to pay for insurance and admin fees – not full registration – since they’re still registered internationally.
Permanent imports, on the other hand, get WA number plates and must pay the full registration cost. The vehicle will be licensed for an initial 6-month period, and new WA plates (state or district series) will be issued.
Motor Injury Insurance (MII) will be included as part of your application fee, covering the period of the licence.
Definitions
- 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.
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.