A guide to Rego Renewal in Australia and why it matters!

Rego renewal, short for registration renewal, is essential to keeping your vehicle legally allowed on the road. Just like a library book, your car registration has an expiry date. Renewing your rego ensures you have the proper documentation and insurance to operate your vehicle safely and avoid fines. This guide will help you renew your rego across Australia, keeping your adventures on the road uninterrupted.

Why should you never skip Rego Renewal?

The importance of rego renewal boils down to two main reasons: maintaining legal compliance and ensuring safe driving.

• Firstly, for legal compliance. Driving with an expired registration is illegal in Australia. Failure to renew your rego can result in hefty fines, on-the-spot penalties, and even the impounding of your vehicle. Renewing your rego ensures you operate within the law and avoids unnecessary hassles from the authorities.
• Secondly, to maintain road safety, rego fees contribute to vital road maintenance projects and Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance. CTP covers medical expenses for anyone injured in an accident you cause, regardless of fault. By keeping your rego current, you're protecting yourself financially and contributing to a safer driving environment for everyone.

What are the standard legal requirements in Australia to renew rego?

Rego renewal is a breeze once you know the ropes, but the specifics can vary slightly between states and territories.  Here's a lowdown of the general legal requirements for rego renewal in Australia:

• Renewal periods typically last 3 to 12 months before the registration expires. Most states offer online reminders, so missing the deadline is less likely.
• The exact documents required will differ by location, but some common essentials include:
• Your vehicle registration certificate
• Proof of ownership (e.g., purchase receipt)
• A valid driver's licence
• Proof of Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance

What are the consequences of an expired rego?

Travelling with an expired rego might seem like a minor oversight, but it can land you in hot water. Here are some not-so-pleasant consequences you might face if caught driving with a valid registration:

• The most common consequence is being levied with fees and fines. Depending on your state or territory, driving with an unregistered vehicle can result in hefty fines. Some states even have escalating fines the longer your rego remains expired.
• Many car insurance policies become invalid if your rego expires, and you may lose coverage. This means you'll be financially liable for any damages or injuries caused in an accident.
• Sometimes, authorities may impound your car if caught driving with an expired rego. The inconvenience of retrieving your vehicle and the towing and impound fees can be a major headache.
• An expired rego often signifies a lack of proper maintenance, which can pose a safety risk to you and other drivers.

What are the steps to renew rego in Australia?

Keeping your car on the road legally is a must, and thankfully, rego renewal in Australia is a straightforward process. But the process differs with each different state, let’s discuss:

New South Wales

To renew rego in NSW, follow the following steps:

Step 1: Check if you meet the eligibility requirements for vehicle registration renewal.

Step 2: Click on the 'Renew online' button.

Step 3: Follow the instructions on the screen to renew your vehicle registration.

Step 4: Save a copy of the receipt for your records.

The renewal fee for vehicle registration in NSW is $25.

Queensland

For Queensland (QLD) rego renewal, follow the below-mentioned steps:

Step 1: Renew your registration online by visiting the Department of Transport and Main Roads website.

Step 2: Choose one of the following options to proceed:

• Use your payment reference number.
• Use your registration number and customer reference number.

Step 3: Select "Continue" and follow the prompts to complete the payment process.

Step 4: Once payment is successful, your registration will be renewed.

The rego renewal fee for Queensland is $71.70.

Victoria

To renew rego in Victoria, follow the following steps:

Step 1: Enter your vehicle details on the renewal website.

Step 2: Provide the following required information:

• Type of vehicle &
• Registration number

Step 3: Click "Next" to proceed.

Step 4: Follow the prompts on the screen to complete the renewal process.

To calculate the fees you must pay for a rego renewal, visit Victoria’s vehicle registration fee page.

South Australia

Follow these steps to renew your vehicle registration in South Australia (SA):

Steps 1: To renew online, gather the required information:

• The payment number is from your renewal notice (paper or digital).
• Plate number and the licence or client number of the registered owner.

Step 2: Visit the online renewal portal and click "Start Now."

Step 3: Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the renewal process.

To calculate the fees you must pay for a rego renewal, visit the SA’s vehicle registration fee page.

Western Australia

Follow these steps to renew rego in South Australia:

Step 1: You can renew your vehicle licence (registration or rego) as early as three months before the expiry date.

Step 2: Choose your payment method:

• Pay by mail, in person, or online.
• For a three-month renewal, pay by calling 1300 655 322 or online.

Step 3: To renew online, follow these steps:

• Enter the account number from the bottom right-hand corner of your fine.
• Use your driver's licence or vehicle plate number if you don't have an account number.

Step 4: Follow the prompts after clicking on ‘renew your vehicle licence’ to complete the renewal process.

For information on rego renewal fees, refer to their official website.

Northern Territory

Here are the steps to renew your vehicle registration in Northern Territory:

Step 1: Ensure you have the following:

• The transaction number is from your registration renewal notice (for online renewal).
• Registration number (number plate).
• Concession card (if applicable).

Step 2: Renew and pay using any of the following methods:

For online renewal, follow the below-mentioned steps:

• Renew your registration through MVR Quickpay or the NT Rego app.
• Choose BPAY as your payment method and complete your renewal transaction.
• After completing your transaction, you'll receive your BPAY customer reference number.
• Copy the following payment details from the MVR Quickpay screen:
• Customer reference number
• BPAY biller code
• Payment amount
• Log in to your nominated bank's online banking portal.
• Navigate to the BPAY payment section and enter the copied details.
• Process your BPAY payment to complete your registration renewal.
  

For in-person renewal, follow the below steps:

• Bring your renewal notice with a Post Billpay barcode to a post office.
• If you don't have a renewal notice, visit a participating Australia Post outlet.
• Bring evidence of identity (e.g., driver's licence) and a letter of authority if you're not the registered owner and don't have a renewal notice.
• Pay for your renewal using cash, BasicsCard, EFTPOS, Visa, or MasterCard.
  

For rego renewal by mail, follow the mentioned instructions:

• Gather all the required documents, which will include your renewal notice, a letter requesting renewal, including your vehicle's registration number if you don't have a renewal notice, a copy of your evidence of identity (e.g., driver's licence), an authorisation letter if you're not the registered owner, your inspection report if it is due and has not been submitted already, and a money order for your renewal fee.
• Mail the documents to the provided address to:

Motor Vehicle Registry

GPO Box 530

Darwin NT 0801

To renew rego over the phone, call 1300 654 628. You can pay using Visa or MasterCard.

To renew rego at an MVR office:

• Visit an MVR office (Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm).
• Bring your renewal notice or evidence of identity (e.g., driver's licence).
• Provide a letter of authority if you're not the registered owner and don't have a renewal notice.
• Pay using cash, BasicsCard, EFTPOS, Visa, or MasterCard.
  

For information on the fee for rego renewal in NT, refer to their website.

Tasmania

Here are the steps to renew your vehicle registration in Tasmania:

• To renew online, click ‘here’ and follow the prompts to renew your registration online.
• To renew at a Service Centre, you’ll have to find your nearest Service Centre and visit them to renew your registration in person.
• To renew your registration by phone, call 1300 13 55 13.
• To renew your registration at Australia Post, visit an Australia Post office.
  

The renewal fees for vehicle registration is Tasmania can range from $93.31 to $1299.59.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Here are three simple ways to renew your vehicle registration in Canberra:

• If you wish to renew online, visit the online registration renewal site and fill in the required information.
• To renew by phone, call Access Canberra on 13 22 81.
• To renew in person, visit an Access Canberra Service Centre.
  

Refer to the official website of Access Canberra for more information on the fee structure of rego renewal.

Tips to avoid unregistered driving and renewal reminders

Importance of Renewal Reminders:

The demise of the humble rego sticker has caught many drivers off guard. Previously, these stickers certified road-worthiness and served as a reminder for registration renewal. With their removal, it's crucial to find alternative ways to stay informed about renewal dates to avoid hefty fines for driving unregistered vehicles.

Options for Receiving Renewal Notifications:

To ensure you don't miss your registration renewal date, you can use various methods provided by transport authorities:

• Check online: Visit the transport authority's website for your state or territory and enter your vehicle's registration number to find the expiry date.
• Do-it-yourself stickers: Purchase or create your own stickers to remind you of the renewal date.
• Smartphone/tablet calendar: Set reminders in your calendar app to receive notifications about your registration renewal.

Setting up Automatic Renewal Options:

For added convenience, consider setting up automatic renewal options where available. This ensures your registration is renewed on time without manual intervention.

Conclusion

Renewing your vehicle registration, or rego, is crucial for compliance with road laws and promoting road safety. Since registration stickers are no longer used, exploring different methods to keep track of your renewal date is essential. Timely renewal helps avoid penalties, maintain valid insurance, and support road upkeep and safety. While each Australian state and territory has its unique renewal process, the basic steps include collecting the required documents and selecting a payment mode. Opting for automatic renewal settings and utilising DIY stickers or smartphone alerts can assist in remembering your rego renewal dates effectively, guaranteeing seamless road trips.

FAQs

1. Can Queensland residents opt for a 3-month vehicle registration?

Queensland residents can select a 3-month registration term if they set up a direct debit. Direct debit options also include 1, 6, or 12-month terms. However, your registration must be current to enrol in direct debit.

2. What is the renewal timeframe for vehicle registration in Victoria?

Vehicle registration in Victoria must be renewed within 3 months of its expiry. Failure to renew within this timeframe will result in cancellation, requiring you to start a new registration in person at VicRoads with appropriate evidence.

3. What is the shortest registration period available in Queensland?

Queensland now offers a 1-month registration period, in addition to the existing 3, 6, and 12-month options. This new period allows for more manageable registration payment amounts, providing greater flexibility to vehicle owners.

4. Is there a grace period for vehicle registration in Queensland?

There is no grace period for vehicle registration in Queensland. Once the registration expires at midnight on the expiry date, additional fees may be incurred if the registration is not renewed promptly.