Trailer and caravan registration
Just like all other vehicles used on ACT roads, light trailers (under 4.5 tonne Gross Vehicle Mass) and caravans need to be registered to legally operate them.
Different processes apply to heavy vehicle trailers.
Read about heavy vehicle registration.
Brand-new trailers and caravans
Brand new trailers (including caravans) do not require a Vehicle Identification Check. A brand-new trailer is a trailer purchased from a dealer. This includes brand new trailers purchased interstate and returned directly to the ACT on an Unregistered Vehicle Permit to obtain registration.
If the trailer is a used trailer, it may require a Vehicle Identity Check.
Any newly constructed homebuilt trailer is to be referred to the Hume Inspection Station for its initial Identity inspection. The Inspection Station staff will then determine the Year of Manufacture and issue the appropriate VIN. This will also apply to any trailer that has been rebuilt using other trailers and is being presented as a newly constructed trailer yet using second hand parts.
Trailer enquiries and inspections
When handling a telephone or counter enquiry, first ask the necessary questions to determine if the trailer falls into the appropriate categories before advising on the inspection requirements.
If the Call Centre is booking the trailer for a Trailer Identity Inspection:
- schedule the trailer for a Trailer Identity Inspection in the ID Lane
- enter the details as follows: 'New Trailer / Homebuilt,' client name, contact number, and CSO initials.
At the time of inspection, the client must provide the following documents:
- A passed roadworthy certificate
- Receipts for all materials used to build the trailer
- A tare weight certificate
- A tyre placard
If a trailer make is not listed on Access Canberra's Registration page, the CSO should record the make as 'Low Volume' and email a copy of the inspection report to the Vehicle Safety Standards (VSS) area at VITU@act.gov.au. The VSS will verify the legitimacy of the make, and once confirmed, it will be updated on the page.
Interstate Licensed Motor Vehicle Dealers
The following Queanbeyan dealers are authorised to use the 'Application for Registration of a New Vehicle' form:
- Resort Trailers
- Jayco Caravans Canberra
- Capital Harley Davidson
Registration for brand new purchases in the ACT or interstate
To register your brand-new trailer or caravan in the ACT you need a roadworthy inspection.
Read about roadworthy inspections.
If it passes inspection, you can register it.
Read about:
Brand new home-built trailers
A home-built trailer is a trailer that:
- has never been registered
- was assembled from a kit or separate parts by, or on behalf, of the registered operator.
Compliance for home-built trailers is regulated by the Australian Government. View the Vehicle Standards Bulletin for small trailers (VSB 1).
Registration requires a Vehicle Identity Number (VIN). To get a VIN you will need to pass a roadworthy inspection, and a vehicle identity inspection at the Access Canberra Motor Vehicle Inspection Station.
Read about roadworthy inspections and vehicle identity inspections.
To obtain a Vehicle Identity Number (VIN) and pass the Vehicle Identity Check, you must provide the following for inspection:
- A passed Certificate of Inspection (Roadworthy)
- Evidence of purchase for all parts and materials used in the building process
- A statement of the building process or a work diary, including photos
Please note:
- a roadworthy inspection can be completed at any Authorised Inspection Station or at the Hume Motor Vehicle Inspection Station (HMVIS)
- the Vehicle Identity inspection can only be completed at HMVIS. If both inspections are done at HMVIS, a 30-minute gap is required between the Roadworthy and ID inspections.
If both inspections are passed, a VIN will be issued. The HMVIS Identity Unit may stamp or engrave the VIN onto the trailer body or chassis. You will receive a trailer compliance plate template with the details required for the trailer plate (ID plate). This plate must be purchased by the operator and attached to the trailer.
Once the trailer plate is fitted, you must provide a photo of the trailer and the fitted compliance plate, including a reference to your name. This can be emailed to actviu​@act.gov.au or submitted in person at HMVIS.
After completing these steps, you will need to visit an Access Canberra Service Centre or Hume MVIS to establish the trailer and be issued new number plates.
Please remember:
- all inspections at HMVIS require a booking through a Service Centre or the Access Canberra Contact Centre on 13 22 81
- inspection fees apply.
Trailer weight
If your trailer is modified or you made it yourself, you’ll need a weighbridge ticket. This must be done when the trailer is completely empty.
Find public weighbridges on the National Measurement Institute website.
Trailers drawn by motorbikes, or motorbike sidecars must weigh the same or less than the unladen motorbike.
Used trailers and caravans
Where you purchased the vehicle and its age determine what you need to do.
Registered in the ACT
If you have bought a trailer with ACT registration, you only need an inspection if:
- it is over 6 years of age based on the month and year of manufacture
- it's been unregistered for more than 12 months
- the registration was cancelled.
Read about roadworthy inspections.
If it passes inspection, you can register it.
Read about registering vehicles in the ACT.
Registered interstate
If you have a trailer that is or was most recently registered in another state or territory, you need an inspection regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Read about roadworthy inspections.
If it passes inspection, you can register it.
Read about registering vehicles in the ACT.
Registration fees
Read about vehicle registration fees for trailers and caravans in the ACT.