The Federal election was called on 28 March 2025. As this website is hosted by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, the site will only be updated with material in line with the Caretaker Conventions. Please note that the content of this site relates to the Australian Government’s existing policy.

8 steps to importing a vehicle

This page gives a step-by-step overview of the process for importing a road vehicle into Australia. The process involves multiple government agencies. You should familiarise yourself with each agency’s requirements before importing a vehicle into Australia.

If you are unsure whether your vehicle is a road vehicle or not, visit the not a road vehicle page.

1. Conduct research

Temporary Licence Applications and Variations

Received

May 2020

Eligibility assessment

How are you using the vehicle?

Eligibility assessment

You may be eligible to apply to import the vehicle under the Australian Plated Vehicles Option.

The information provided on this page should be used as guidance material only for importing a vehicle into Australia. Please familiarise yourself with the relevant legislation prior to lodging an application.

Eligibility assessment

Does it have an Australian identification plate?

The information provided on this page should be used as guidance material only for importing a vehicle into Australia. Please familiarise yourself with the relevant legislation prior to lodging an application.

Eligibility assessment

Is the trailer new or used?

The information provided on this page should be used as guidance material only for importing a vehicle into Australia. Please familiarise yourself with the relevant legislation prior to lodging an application.

Eligibility assessment

The vehicle will be treated the same as a motorcycle/moped. Is it new or used?

The information provided on this page should be used as guidance material only for importing a vehicle into Australia. Please familiarise yourself with the relevant legislation prior to lodging an application.

Eligibility assessment

This motorised wheelchair is considered a road vehicle under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989. You should consider whether another import option is appropriate or consider discretion

Eligibility assessment

Is the power output 200 watts or less?

The information provided on this page should be used as guidance material only for importing a vehicle into Australia. Please familiarise yourself with the relevant legislation prior to lodging an application.

Eligibility assessment

Race/rally car or motorbike

You may be eligible to apply to import the vehicle under the Race and Rally and Support Vehicles Option (see rally requirements)

The information provided on this page should be used as guidance material only for importing a vehicle into Australia. Please familiarise yourself with the relevant legislation prior to lodging an application.

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