How can Foreigners purchase and register a vehicle in Australia

John or Regina,

it was quite obvious to anybody who read it that simbob was simply adding some clarification and context to his question, context that the squad has now added to the original post.

If you don't have anything of value to add, perhaps you should refrain from posting. - happy to discuss further via the modsquad email address.

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Simbob,

as requested we've tidied up the original question for you. As an aside to your question, the registration requirements can be very different in each state so you may find that a check of the various state road authority’s websites will provide some information for you.

Also, the local automobile associations’ websites would be a good source of information - RACV in Victoria, RAA in SA, RACQ in QLD, NRMA in NSW.

Good luck and enjoy the holiday when it comes about.

The squad

I guess John and Regina are the ones lacking sleep

Hi to The Squad. Nice to know someone has your back on these forums, especially when you are a new-bie. I'll follow your advice and look in the state specific websites for more info. Cheers

In WA you just need a caravan park address, proof of ownership (I.e. transfer papers signed by the registered owner or bill of sale or legitimate invoice), proof of ID (a drivers license) Compulsory Third Party (medical expenses) cover is provided automatically as part of the license fee. For comprehensive (accident damage) insurance any insurance Company would love to take your money provided you meet their criteria as an acceptable risk.

I am an AA member in in NZ so will follow that up - Thanks

as you know distances between some towns are massive so you need a top cover with Maxim towing

most services in australia offer 3 levels of cover basic for city people medium for country people and for those who travel a lot and can afford it have top cover

each state has a road service and each are different

if are covered you may also be able to get the car you purchase inspected by local road service people

it all boils down to less stress for you and a you get on and enjoy your time here in Australia .


some more research for you

Thanks for that allein m - appreciate it

Bob,

VicRoads rang me back on Friday. It is much easier if you can provide a garaging address in Australia if you intend keeping the vehicle for future holidays. If it is not possible to provide an Australian address, you will need suitable proof of actual residence in NZ, so as well as the 100 points stuff (Passport Licence etc), you would need to provide current bills or similar in your name and at that address. The Registrar will make an individual decision based on your case and the information you provide.

Finding an Aussie friend or family member is going to be the easiest way.

Cheers Mick

Hi Ron N - will probably start in either NSW or Queensland, so I'll contact them both and see how we get on.
Cheers - Simbob

Phil - Feedback from the International backpackers seems to be that they prefer W.A. registration, as it's the simplest rego process, it's been the cheapest rego and insurance, and there's no annual checks or pink slips.

Did S.A. reduce it's rego fees as well? W.A. insurance is not "no-fault" insurance, unlike most of the Eastern States - meaning its cheaper - but in the event of injury you need to prove fault in court - which can mean an expensive and persistance-sapping effort to get what you should be entitled to.

N.S.W. also appears to now have the lowest stamp duty costs, Australia-wide - quite a change from when QLD used to have far lower SD charges.
I'm looking at a new Forester for SWMBO, and I can't get over how the going rate for a "drive-away-no-more-to-pay" new Forester, is around $2000 less in NSW than it is in W.A. I think we'll be taking a NSW holiday and coming back with a new set of wheels!

Gday Ron,
Yeah the 20% reduction in 3rd party is recent - from July 1 - and is because SA has also become "no-fault". We also have no annual checks or the pink slips to line the pockets of the motor traders.
I doubt they have decreased rego charges.
On my 200series renewal for 12 mths with no ITC entitlement:
Registration charge $334.00
Admin fee $7.00
Emerg Services Levy: $24.00
S/Duty on ins policy: $60.00
CTP Ins Premium ex GST: $374.59
GST on CTP Ins Prem: $33.41
Total $833.00

Not a lot of competition with Subaru in SA - so not sure what deal you might get here. Quick search on carsales shows the base 2.5L Forester prices to be $32,990 in NSW, WA and SA!!!!!

Cheers
Phil

G'day Phil - Yes, that $32990 is the Subaru base price - but that doesn't include dealer delivery charge, rego, or stamp duty. The end result with the DANMTP price is quite different from State to State!
I'm getting numerous $32,990 drive away prices for the 2.5i auto around Western Sydney - and they're open to offers on that price.
The W.A. dealers seem to think every potential buyer works in the mines and adjusts their asking price accordingly!

Cheers - Ron.

Hi Lyn W3 - they look like what we need. Thanks - simbob

allein m - Thanks for the info...does sound confusing with each state having different rules but then again Australia is one hell of a big country.
Re NZ costs for rego - same price both island & only one authority.
I contacted travelwheels.com.au re buying and registering vehicles as this is what they do for foreigners coming to Aus and driving around - here is their reply:
No worries about registering a campervan into your name, you can simply use the address from the hotel/hostel where you are staying after your arrival (one night is sufficient!). Most of our customers are travellers from overseas who don't have a residential address and we are specialised in selling vehicles to visitors to Australia.
You only have to ask the accommodation place for an invoice which has to have your name on it as well as the name of the place, the date you stayed there as well as a signature of their staff.

Then you can take this invoice to a local RTA office together with the following documents in order to transfer the vehicle into your name:
• International Drivers Licence
• Passport
• Proof of Residence/ Hotel or Hostel Address in Australia (written document with your name, name of hotel/hostel, signature as well as receipt of time spent in hotel/hostel)
• Form 8 from Travelwheels
• Form „Transfer of Registration“ (displayed in the RTA Office)
Also in regard to an additional third party property insurance we will help you and can arrange the car insurance for you (we normally recommend AAMI but in case you have any other preferences we are happy to arrange your favorite car insurance too) and you can also use the address of your accommodation for this.
Cheers - Simbob

Whilst nothing to do with the original question, in WA putting tape in the centre of a single LED light bar does not make it legal. ADR13 states that driving lamps must be fitted in pairs, be symmetrical and number 2 or 4 therefore 1 light bar with one wiring harness can neither = 2 or 4 lamps or be a pair nor can it be mounted symmetrically hence why single light bars are not allowed in WA. A Google search reveals the tape in the middle practice is accepted in QLD.