Registration NSW

NSW Registration

Registration NSW works differently from other states and territories in Australia. While CTP insurance is mandatory throughout Australia, in NSW you must buy CTP separately, before you can register your vehicle. It is often called a green slip.

As well as a mandatory green slip, vehicles 5 years or older need a safety check (pink slip) each year. Vehicles being transferred from interstate or vehicles where registration has been cancelled must have a safety and identity check (blue slip) before they can be registered the first time.

If you do not renew within 3 months after the expiry date, car registration NSW will be cancelled.

You can register a car or other light vehicle in NSW for 6 or 12 months only. The table shows you what you need for car registration NSW and when.

What do I need and when?

	12 months	6 months	Pink slip	Blue slip
Rego renewals within 21 days after expiry	Choice	Choice	Yes, if vehicle over 5 years old	No
Rego not renewed within 21 days after expiry	Mandatory	No	Yes, if vehicle over 5 years old	No
Rego cancelled (not renewed within 3 months after expiry)	Mandatory	No	No	Yes
Rego transferred from interstate	Mandatory	No	No	Yes

Pink slip

A pink slip is a check of your vehicle’s roadworthiness. Your RMS registration renewal notice says whether or not your vehicle needs a vehicle safety check (pink slip). Most vehicles under 5 years old or less do not need a pink slip.

Many authorised mechanics can carry out safety checks. A pink slip takes about 30 minutes to complete and is valid for 6 months.

Blue slip

A more in-depth vehicle check is called a safety and identity check or blue slip. You need a blue slip for vehicles if registration has expired for more than 3 months or when transferring vehicles from another state or territory.

Many authorised mechanics can carry out safety and identity checks. A blue slip takes longer to complete than a pink slip and is valid for 42 days.

Period of registration

The period of car registration NSW must match the period of CTP insurance. You can register a car or other light vehicle in NSW for 6 or 12 months only. You must register your light vehicle for 12 months in these cases:

First registration of a vehicle
If registration has lapsed by more than 21 days
When transferring a vehicle from interstate.

You can get short-term (6-month) registration for most vehicles up to 4.5 gross vehicle mass (GVM) but only for renewals within 21 days of the due date. Trailers or heavy trucks can be registered for 3, 6 or 12 months.

Contacts

Roads and Maritime Services (RMS)

General enquiries: 13 22 13, 7am to 7pm, Mon-Fri

Visit: Motor Registry or Service NSW

Write: 20-44 Ennis Road, Milsons Point, NSW 2061.

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