The vehicle identification number (VIN) is composed of 17 characters (digits and capital letters) that act as a unique identifier for the vehicle. A VIN displays the car's unique features, specifications and manufacturer.
The VIN can be found in a couple of places including on the car's registration label (1), on the compliance plate in the engine bay (2) or on the passenger side windshield (3), or on one of the door posts (where the door latches when it is closed) (4). See the image below:
A vehicle registration check, also known as a rego check, is a check run to confirm the details of a car’s registration history. At CarHistory we can check rego on any car in Australia to pull its registration history, no matter what state or territory. Having this information will give you peace of mind if you intend to buy a used vehicle.
A vehicle registration check can be done on the vehicle’s registration (licence) plates or the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) if it was manufactured or imported into Australia after 1989. Typically, you can conduct rego checks online via the relevant state transport department where you’re running the search, but information from state-based checks may be limited.
All cars on Australian roads must be registered, and the consequences of driving an unregistered vehicle can result in large fines and penalties. In the case of an accident, it also means that the car may not be covered by Australia’s Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance, which can result in large out-of-pocket expenses for you if a third party sustains an injury or even death.
Typically, the car will be registered in the state or territory the owner lives in. If you’re moving across borders, it’s advisable to transfer your vehicle registration to the state where you intend to reside.
If you’re buying a car in another state or territory, a full history check can provide you with a vehicle registration check as well as other relevant details of the car’s history. This will give you a clearer picture of the vehicle’s journey and how it will serve you in the future. It will also offer insight into the price you’re considering paying for it and whether the price matches the car’s true condition.
You should make sure that any car you drive is registered with the relevant Australian state authorities, even if it is not your own.
When purchasing a used vehicle, it's important to check the registration information. No matter where you buy a vehicle, information can be inaccurate, and it’s always worth running your own check. It’s a simple check that can save you a lot of money and headache down the track.
By using an online registration check, you can avoid getting fined and demerit points if your vehicle isn't registered. A complete car history check can help you avoid any nasty surprises.
Once you’ve submitted the details required for a vehicle registration check, namely the plate number or VIN, you should receive the results within minutes.
You’ll receive some basic registration information immediately. Then, you can select whether you’d like to pay to access the PPSR certificate for the vehicle or a complete CarHistory Report for the vehicle.